Holiday Eats: Fish and chips on the coast

After moving to the region 10 years ago, I am finally starting to feel like a real Canberran. I purchased my first puffer jacket this winter and in January I am joining the leagues of locals and heading to the ‘coast’ for the first time (subject to health restrictions).

For my first proper vacation at the bay, I plan to fulfil all my seafood cravings.

I will be looking for a daily dose of fresh local crispy fish and chips, and plump juicy oysters wrapped in paper and eaten al fresco overlooking the water.

To find out exactly where to eat while I am away, I got advice from those in the know, locals in the Region Media team. Based on their advice. I will be making a beeline for:

Tuross Boatshed & Cafe

For a no-fuss lunch with a view, Tuross Boatshed & Cafe is the epitome of relaxed rustic vibes. Tucked up in a wind-protected bay, seating is all outdoors at wooden picnic tables right on the pier. As a bonus, you can hire a boat from there or pull up on your own to pick up a takeaway. Locals and visitors alike flock here for classic fish and chips or an egg and bacon roll.

Tuross Boatshed & Café is located at 93 Trafalgar Rd, Tuross Head, and from Boxing Day will be open seven days a week from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Kiah Seafood Cafe

On the main shopping strip in Moruya, duck into the old school Kiah Seafood Cafe to pick up a takeaway. Serving up a dose of nostalgia with their simple menu, location, and ambience, their specialty is pan-cooked Blue Grenadier fresh from Eden served with chips and salad.

Kiah Seafood Cafe is located at 4/73 Vulcan St, Moruya and is open seven days a week from noon.

Innes’ Boatshed

Tuck into fresh seafood at this casual eatery while you sit outside on the deck watching the pelicans and stingrays gliding through the water. Located in the heart of Batemans Bay, order the lightly battered fish and chips with an entrée of oysters for a taste of the best local produce available in the area.

Innes’ Boatshed is located at 1 Clyde St, Batemans Bay and is open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Berny’s at Batehaven

Find fresh local oysters here from Berny’s own oyster leases. Pair with their specialty hand-cut, homemade chips, and potato scallops for an indulgent holiday takeaway.

Berny’s at Batehaven is located at 246 Beach Rd, Batehaven, and is open seven days a week from 10:00 am.

Pelican Rocks Cafe

Voted 2020’s best fish and chips in the region by local Shoalhaven radio station Power FM, Pelican Rocks Cafe is located in Greenwell Point just a short drive from Nowra. Being a fully licensed cafe, you can pair your plate of award-winning fish and chips with a cocktail.

Pelican Rocks Café is located at 115 Greenwell Point Road, Greenwell, and is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.