The arrival of beach weather brings the perfect excuse to indulge your cravings and enjoy some fish and chips on the beach – or in the garden.
So I thought I’d share my take on the top places to get your fix of fish and chips in Portsmouth this summer. But this shortlist also comes with a twist. Thanks to increasing interest from our followers in gluten free options, and as Lou’s son and I both eat gluten free, I’ve focused on places that can cater for people who avoid gluten.
No dietary requirements? No problem! All of these restaurants have been tried and tested by gluten-eating family and friends who love the food as much as I do. And as I always say, you can be confident that an establishment that caters well for dietary requirements is on top of its food sourcing and ingredients!
Best for: top local chippy!
The Crispy Cod has a loyal local following and it’s not hard to see why. The fish is juicy, crispy and grease-free, while the chips are some of the best proper chippy chips in town (and the portions are generous too!)
On the first Tuesday of the month they offer gluten free options and it’s worth waiting for – in fact, I reckon this is the best chippy takeaway in town. Head home with your catch or eat it overlooking nearby Langstone Harbour.
Price guide: haddock is £9.25 and a very adequate small chips is £2.50. They are also currently running a £6 meal deal (and the battered halloumi and battered sausage deals are available on gluten free nights!)
Best for: wide range of gluten free options!
It’s one of Southsea’s best-known fish restaurants, but did you know that almost everything at Fisherman’s Kitchen is also gluten free? Many of the options – including the fish batter – are dairy free too.
The fish is light and the batter crispy, and I love that I can safely eat most things on the menu from curry sauce to battered sausages and loaded halloumi. Take away and enjoy on the beach nearby, or eat in if you prefer.
Price guide: A standard cod costs £8.55 and regular chips £3.50. They are also currently running a Sunday offer when you can grab two classic meals for £20.
The Still & West, Old Portsmouth
Best for: harbour views!
If you want your fish and chips served up with some of the best views in Portsmouth, then head to this legendary harbourside pub. I’ve always found the team very helpful and accommodating of dietary requirements, and Lou and I really enjoyed a recent lunch here together.
The chef is very happy to offer the fish and chips gluten free by making up a batter from cider instead of beer and it’s delicious – and the crushed minted peas are great too! Whether you decide to eat inside or outside, you’re guaranteed stunning views of the boats passing close by.
Price guide: a main course of battered haddock and chips costs £18.50. There’s also usually a couple of other great pan-fried fish options and a changing specials board.
Best for: beachside eating!
You certainly can’t find a restaurant closer to the beach than SBC, but did you know that their fish and chips is gluten free?
It’s one of my favourites in town, thanks to high quality fish and the fact that it’s served up with a portion of those delicious and difficult-to-describe SBC chips (they come in a kind of scallop shape and are simply amazing!)
Price guide: Battered fish and chips costs £18, and the menu in general is very GF-friendly, with several seafood and other options.
Best for: good value pub dining!
Did you know that Portsmouth’s oldest pub has recently had a refurb and a new menu? If you haven’t been down to check it out yet, you should give it a try.
The battered monkfish bites are perfect as a starter or small plate, and they’re so good that my dad and I have had them twice already. Their homemade fish pie and beer battered fish and chips also make tasty and reasonably-priced main course options. Dining is indoors here.
Price guide: monkfish bites are priced at £8, fish pie £15, and battered fish and chips £16.50. There are usually one or two nice GF pudding options here too!
Bear in mind that menus, staff and ingredients do change and approaches to managing cross-contamination risk do vary. So please treat this article as a guide, and always ask any questions you need to ensure your requirements can be met!
Photo by the Fishermans Kitchen
