The Student Guide: 8 Best Places For Fish and Chips In Canterbury

Name a better duo than fish and chips? Go on, have a go! Because honestly, we can’t think of anything better than unwrapping a deliciously battered fish, topped with chips that’s smothered in salt and vinegar…is your mouth watering? Cos ours is.

It’s a classic and, if we’re being honest, totally underappreciated! Especially being a student, do you really want to cook for yourself when you could hop out to your local chippy and nab yourself a bargain? Exactly.

In Canterbury, there is an array of chippy options to choose from, which are all basically on the doorstep of our student accommodation! That’s why we’ve collated the best (and only the best) places to get fish and chips in Canterbury. 

Don’t even try to argue with us on this one, just make sure to thank us when you enjoy the best takeout of your life.

1. Chapman’s Seafood Bar & Brasserie

89-90 St. Dunstans St, Canterbury CT2 8AD

fish and chips in canterbury

Chapman’s Seafood Bar & Brasserie is one of Canterbury’s finest, however not your conventional fish and chips. Don’t expect your fish and chips delivery in a takeout box, wrapped in newspaper, because this restaurant is a dine-in experience like no other!

The best part? It’s located in a beautiful Tudor style building, with solid oak beams running throughout. It’s honestly adorable and great for a trip out with your flatmates!

But like, if you’re really not feeling up to your classic fish and chips (we’re not sure if that’s ever going to be the case…) you can opt for some seafood specials. From the BBQ Rye Sea Bass to the Seafood Burger, this luxurious menu is bound to make you want to come back for more!

2. Marino’s Fish Bar

fish chips with salad in canterbury for students

70 St. Dunstans St, Canterbury CT2 8BN

Hugely popular with locals and tourists, Marino’s Fish Bar is honestly just the cutest place ever. It’s what people would literally call tiny because it’s so small and only has space to offer takeout food.

Their motto, which is followed throughout the business, is to be “responsibly sourced, sustainably fished and passionately cooked”…what more could you want? Even just reading that you already know that your chippy dinner will be of high quality, super tasty and worth every single penny.

A word of warning, this popular eatery is usually extremely busy (shock!) with hungry customers like you and I, therefore we suggest that you plan accordingly with your flatmates to guarantee you’re eating at the perfect time for you.

3. Ossies Fish and Chip Shop

7 Borough, Canterbury CT1 2DR

chippy tea for students

One of the most traditional chippys in Canterbury has to be Ossies Fish and Chip Shop. It’s exactly as you’d expect, small but extremely mighty!

It’s nestled in a quaint area, just a short, four-minute walk from the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. A picturesque view whilst devouring a chippy takeaway…doesn’t that sound divine?

Everything offered here is made fresh to order and you’re destined to fall in love with both the food and service quality!

4. Westgate Fish Bar Canterbury

5 St. Dunstans St, Canterbury CT2 8AF

Fish and chips van in canterbury for students

Westgate Fish Bar does fish and chips the traditional way, piping hot and drenched in salt and vinegar…mmmmmm!

It’s located on the corner of St Dunstans Street and is actually renowned for its generous portion sizes and exceptional service. Like, we’ll say it again…what more could you want?

It’s a fab pit stop for students looking to grab a bite to eat after a busy day of lectures and seminars. ‘Cos let’s be real, we all know that a fish and chip combo after uni would sort out any unnecessary stress!

5. City Fish Bar

30 St Margaret’s St, Canterbury CT1 2TG

chips with salted cod and tomato ketchup

The City Fish Bar is a must if you’re a student in Canterbury, as it’s one of the most popular fish and chips cafes in the whole of Kent!

Now, this fish bar gives off serious seaside vibes and we’re living for it! Especially with its iconic blue and white striped cover that hangs from the front of the shop.

Also, as an added bonus, it has a huge variety of good quality, gluten-free options for those who need it. We love to see businesses starting to adapt to people’s needs!

6. Oscar and Bentleys

10 Guildhall St, Canterbury CT1 2JQ

chippy from canterbury with drinks

A pioneer in fish and chips, Oscar and Bentleys is an award-winning bistro, designed slightly different to your traditional chippy tea. 

Without even stepping foot into this restaurant, you’ll drool over the exterior of the building it lives in. Honestly, it’s hard to describe, but let’s just say it’s historically charming in the best way possible. 

What’s funny is, that the restaurant is juxtaposed with the modern, chain stores that surround it, looking oddly out of place. However, this ends up making it even more charming and admirable! Who’s booking a table then?

7. The Old Buttermarket

39 Burgate, Canterbury CT1 2HW

image of outside a fish and chips store

We couldn’t do a list of the best fish and chips in Canterbury and not throw in a conventional pub now, could we? 

Tucked away down the cobblestone streets of this stunning town, The Old Buttermarket is a staple for students looking for fish and chips in Canterbury. You’d love their big portions and crispy, battered Cod!

Its cosy outdoor dining area makes this a popular pub amongst all, as many customers love watching the world pass by on the surrounding streets. You’ll definitely be seeing a few friendly faces here on a Friday or Saturday night!

8. Papa’s The Deep Blue

33 Wincheap, Wincheap Industrial Estate, Canterbury CT1 3RX

fish chips in Canterbury wrapped in newspaper

If you’re looking for a relaxed ambience in a simple setting, then why haven’t you popped over to Papa’s The Deep Blue yet?

This brilliant eatery offers only the highest quality of fish, straight from the docks! You’re guaranteed a delicious meal here, with whatever you decide to choose off the menu.

Their opening times vary day by day so we suggest if you’re popping here with your flatmates, make sure to check up online before to ensure you’re not missing out!

 

Wow, did you get through that without your taste buds watering?…because we certainly didn’t! Canterbury is full to the brim of fish and chip shops for you to devour whilst here for uni and we hope you enjoyed our selection of the best 8 to choose from! To make your night even more perfect, why not take a look at our list of the best board games for your student house? These can be played in conjunction with your chippy tea and will guarantee a fantastic night!