Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to California

Tartar sauce for fish and chips

You know that fish and chips are only as good as the tartar sauce served alongside them. A dry piece of fish is a compromise you are not willing to make.

Based on 899 Opinions
+896
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
England Fish & Chips image 1
England Fish & Chips image 2
England Fish & Chips image 3
View all
Fish & chips restaurant

Small space with minimal seating creates a quiet, intimate atmosphere. Food stands out with authentic English fish and chips, fresh, crispy fried fish, and affordable prices. Cash-only policy and limited seating shape a straightforward, no-frills experience.

Homemade tartar sauce stands out with its freshness and amazing flavor. It pairs well with fish and coleslaw, making it a key part of the meal.

Crispy, moist fish with generous portions and authentic British flavor come at an affordable price. The fish and chips stay fresh, not fishy, and offer excellent quality for the cost.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips to be the best I've ever had."

"The portions here are huge and the prices are affordable."

"I found their homemade tartar sauce to be amazingly delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments, so bring cash or find an ATM nearby.

2

In-house seating is minimal with only three tables available.

3

Parking is difficult and the lot is often packed.

02
West Coast Fish N' Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant with blue trimming and an old sit-down dinner feel creates a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere. Quiet and comfortable space offers affordable seafood with grilled and fried options. Known for excellent fish and chips and a bay area vibe.

Homemade sauces include tartar sauce and ranch. The tartar sauce is exceptional and often considered the world's best by many.

Outstanding fish and chips rival those found on the West Coast and in the UK. The menu includes shrimp and various seafood options served at a great cost comparable to coastal spots.

People are saying

"I thought the fish here was the best I had ever tasted."

"I loved their tartar sauce; it was exceptional."

"I thought the fish and chips here were the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive before the lunch hour.

2

They do not accept checks for payment.

3

You must pay first when ordering at the counter.

03
Tugboat Fish and Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Small, simple fish and chips spot with limited indoor and outdoor seating creates a cozy, charming atmosphere reminiscent of seaside eateries. The place fills up quickly by early evening, drawing a steady crowd. Known for fresh, crispy fish and reasonable prices, it offers a neighborhood hole-in-the-wall vibe.

Creamy tartar sauce with a hint of dill stands out here. It pairs well with crispy, not dry fish and chips and is a highlight of the meal.

Fresh and hot fish and chips come with a unique tartar sauce that stands out. Service is fast and friendly, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips here to be super tasty."

"You have to try their creamy, dill-infused Tartar Sauce."

"The clam chowder had more potatoes than clams."

Good to know

1

They have daily specials that change regularly.

2

Expect long lines on Friday nights, especially after 5pm.

3

Limited indoor and outdoor seating is available, so arrive early.

04
Mel's Fish & Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall fish and chips spot with outdoor seating overlooking rolling hills creates a laid-back neighborhood vibe. The space is cozy and small inside, focusing on generous portions of crispy, well-fried seafood. Regular oil changes keep the food fresh, enhancing the casual, authentic experience.

Sauce stands out as house-made and pairs well with fish and coleslaw. It offers a creamy texture that complements the vinegar dip.

Fish and chips come hot and crispy with a generous portion on each plate. The tartar sauce pairs well, and the food holds up well for a short drive home.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips here to be hot and crispy."

"The fish and chips here are divine and generously portioned."

"I found the tartar sauce here absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer a $3 fish taco special on certain days.

2

Seating is outdoors only at Mel's Fish & Chips.

3

The outdoor seating is on the east side, reducing direct sunlight in the late afternoon.

05
Chef John's Fish & Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Small, clean fish and chips spot with an outdated interior that adds charming, retro vibes. Atmosphere is quiet with nostalgic soft rock music playing. Food is freshly prepared with consistent quality, though wait times can be long.

Sauce stands out with its rich flavor and delicious taste. Portions tend to be small.

Freshness and quality stand out in the fish and chips here. The fish is consistently excellent, often described as the best in the county, with a friendly family operation behind it.

People are saying

"I thought the fish and chips were the best I've ever had."

"The American food here is delicious, fresh, and perfectly fried."

"I thought the tartar sauce was delicious and great."

Good to know

1

The wait times can be long because the food is prepared fresh.

2

I advise to order ahead if I was in a hurry.

3

The prices are close to double compared to other places.

06
Union Jack Fish & Chips image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood spot with traditional British decor and modest seating offers an authentic fish and chips experience. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, with the smell of frying fish filling the air. Shelves stocked with hard-to-find English groceries add a unique touch to the space.

Tartar sauce here is delicious and pairs well with the big, perfectly seasoned fish. It stands out as spectacular and satisfies cravings for a good tartar sauce.

Fish and chips come with generous pieces of fish and a mountain of chips for under $20. The fish is nicely cooked, fresh, and not greasy, matching the style of traditional chippy food.

People are saying

"I felt like I was back in the UK with their authentic Fish and Chips."

"I thought the tartar sauce was thick and flavorful."

"I thought their onion rings were the best I could remember."

Good to know

1

Most plates cost under $10, making it budget-friendly.

2

During busy times, order to-go due to limited seating.

3

Ample parking makes getting in and out easy.

07
H Salt Fish & Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Small, old school fish and chips spot with a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Offers crispy fried fish, delicious tartar sauce, and a large menu focused on classic seafood. Limited seating and parking make it a simple, no-frills experience.

The tartar sauce here is especially delicious and has an addicting flavor that stands out.

Fish and chips come deliciously crispy and oily, matching the classic style from London. The battered fish holds up well for reheating and offers an old school atmosphere that feels authentic.

People are saying

"I thought the food was great, very fresh and tasty."

"I thought the fish and chips were the best I ever had."

"I found the tartar sauce to be especially delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to find a spot.

2

The restaurant has very limited seating inside.

3

Dinner costs around $12.25 plus tax.

08
Alaskan Fish & Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Cozy dining room with New England style and handwritten specials creates a quaint atmosphere. Freshly prepared fish and chips draw a steady line, reflecting authentic British-style cooking. Small space with friendly staff offers affordable meals in a simple, unpretentious setting.

Cashiers offer tartar sauce and vinegar without asking. The sauce pairs well with the light, super crispy batter. The tartar sauce tastes good and complements the food.

Fish and chips come out freshly prepared with a crispy, juicy texture and authentic British style. The classic version is done excellently with no frills, served hot and worth the wait.

People are saying

"The food here is perfectly fried and delicious."

"I found the best fish and chips in Southern California."

"I loved their tartar sauce; it paired perfectly with the crispy batter."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

2

Expect a wait during busy times as food is made to order.

3

Prices are affordable, with meals around $10.

09
H. Salt Esq. Fish & Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Small, hole-in-the-wall fish and chips spot with a nostalgic, gritty atmosphere and old-fashioned decor. The place offers crispy, tender fish and chips with a recipe unchanged for decades. Seating is limited, and the vibe feels down-to-earth and unpolished.

Sauce comes with meals and stands out as good quality and well balanced. It pairs well with fish and chips, often served in generous portions.

Fish and chips come out piping hot with an extremely crispy exterior and a tender, moist inside. This spot remains one of the few places around serving classic fish and chips with consistent quality.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so crispy and perfect."

"I found the food here to be always fresh and delicious."

"I loved their tartar sauce; it was on point."

Good to know

1

The meal costs under $20, making it a great deal.

2

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

Lemon wedges cost an extra 50 cents.

10
London Chippy image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Small fish and chips spot inside a lively food court offers crispy beer-battered fish and seasoned steak fries with generous portions. The atmosphere is casual and energetic, especially on weekend evenings. Despite limited space, it stands out for authentic British-style fish and chips in the area.

Homemade tartar sauce stands out with its lots of dill and pairs well with chicken sliders and seafood. It tastes great on its own, even when the batter on fish and shrimp doesn't need it.

Classic fish and chips come with crispy batter and tender fish that many find very tasty. The dish often includes prawns and delivers a flavor that reminds some of authentic UK fish and chips.

People are saying

"I thought the fish and chips were the best I've ever tasted."

"The American Food here, especially the shrimp po' boy, is amazing."

"I've never had tartar sauce quite like this; it's phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a challenge due to the busy strip mall area.

2

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

Prices are considered phenomenal for the quality and quantity of food.

11
ocean house fish grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with clean, cafeteria-style seating that feels quiet and cozy despite bare benches. The vibe suits laid-back lunches or intimate dates, with fresh fish dishes standing out as the main attraction.

House-made tartar sauce comes standard but requires asking for malt vinegar to avoid being stuck with just tartar and ketchup. Mixing tartar sauce with chili paste, malt vinegar, and lemon creates a flavorful dip for fish.

Fish and chips come out crispy and crunchy with seasoned fries on the side. The dish stays consistently delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips here to be huge and satisfying."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection."

"I always come back for their perfectly battered and fried fish."

Good to know

1

The meal cost $16 and includes a choice of sides.

2

Parking is convenient and available near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly and has a laid-back atmosphere.

12
Surfside Fish House image 1

Casual restaurant with clean, bright decor and a cool San Diego mural creates a welcoming, chill atmosphere. Seating includes outdoor patio and bar options, with a lively vibe that can get noisy when busy. Offers affordable, fresh seafood with a serious focus on quality and variety.

Small sides of tartar sauce come with some orders and taste delicious. Sometimes it appears alongside cocktail sauce, but ketchup and utensils for slaw are not always included.

Crispy, fresh fish comes in a beer batter with good fries. The fish and chips stand out as very good and pair well with chowder.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the happy hour with $2 tacos and $6 wine."

"The fish and chips here are crispy and fresh."

"The tartar sauce here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6 pm with $2 fish tacos and $1.5 oysters.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for the price, especially the kids' shrimp basket.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes at very reasonable prices.

13
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers clean, modern interior with both indoor and shaded outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels upscale casual and family-friendly, though music volume can be high indoors. Menu features fresh fish dishes like grilled salmon and fish tacos with good flavor and generous portions.

Deep-fried fish comes with creamy tartar sauce that stands out for its flavor. The sauce adds a rich, tangy touch that complements the fish well.

Fish and chips here come out excellent and delicious, hitting the spot for a solid, satisfying meal. They deliver a decent version that matches expectations well.

People are saying

"The fish tacos here are crunchy, delicious, and fresh."

"The fish and chips here are crispy and taste great."

"The tartar sauce here is really good, especially with the fried fish."

Good to know

1

They offer Taco Tuesday deals with discounted prices on tacos.

2

The parking lot can be hazardous due to nearby businesses, so drive carefully.

3

Ordering is done via kiosk, and no cash is accepted.

14
101 Fish & Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Small mom-and-pop English-style fish and chips spot with a British theme and takeout-focused setup. Atmosphere is casual with a sectioned-off dining area that appears unused. Known for addictive tartar sauce and classic fish and chips served fresh with malt vinegar.

Addicting tartar sauce pairs well with deep-fried prawns and fish and chips. It has a great balance with vinegar and is worth asking for extra.

Crispy fish with a flavorful, light batter comes in 2 or 3 piece servings. The fish and chips stay fresh without getting soggy, and they pair well with tartar sauce.

People are saying

"The seafood here is crispy, flaky, and perfectly cooked."

"The fish and chips here are crispy and cooked properly."

"I found the tartar sauce especially good with the prawns."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is only open Thursday through Sunday.

2

There is no dine-in option available; it's better set up for takeout.

3

The portion size is decent for the price, good for sharing.

15
Harbor Fish & Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Casual fish and chips spot sits right on the harbor with outdoor seating and picturesque water views. Atmosphere feels like a blast from the past with a strong local vibe and visible history on the walls. Self-serve condiment bar and heaters make outdoor dining comfortable even when it's cool.

Made in-house, the tartar sauce has a smooth flavor without bitterness or sweetness. It pairs well with lemon and vinegar and complements the fish and fish tacos nicely.

Offers crispy, fresh fish with perfectly cooked chips in a traditional style. Known for authentic flavor and consistent quality that keeps people coming back.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips to be some of the best I've ever eaten."

"You can sit outside and watch the boats and birds."

"I always come for the fish and chips, and the tartar sauce is delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult on busy Saturdays.

2

You can sit outside to enjoy marina views.

3

They offer a 10% discount for WorldMark members.

16
Simon's Fish & Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Small, cozy space with dated decor and quiet atmosphere. Food is made fresh to order, featuring crispy, flavorful fish and high-quality seafood. Prices are noticeably high, and the place tends to be very slow and empty.

Sauce has a good balance and complements the fish well. It is perfectly made but not meant to be the star of the meal.

Fish and chips come out fresh and crunchy with a light batter that is never greasy or overcooked. The flavor stays consistent and tasty, making it a reliable classic for fried seafood lovers.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and made to order."

"I found the fish and chips here to be the best I ever had."

"The tartar sauce here is dank and complements the fish well."

Good to know

1

The food at Simon's Fish & Chips is made to order fresh, with about a 10-15 minute wait.

2

I paid $21 for three pieces of fish and a small handful of fries.

3

The prices were high, and portion sizes were small.

17
Andria's Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with harbor views and outdoor patio seating creates a casual, local atmosphere. Self-service setup resembles a factory canteen but offers a dog-friendly patio. The vibe feels timeless and special, enhanced by sights of sea gulls and the ocean.

Homemade tartar sauce stands out for its excellent taste and is often described as particularly memorable alongside the coleslaw.

Fish and chips come in large portions with tempura battered fish fried perfectly. The choices are fresh and plentiful, making it a standout for this dish.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips to be really good and delicious."

"The ocean view from the outdoor seating is spectacular."

"I found the tartar sauce to be amazing and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, and charges may start soon.

2

The restroom is located across the parking lot.

3

Expect long wait times during busy weekend hours.

18
London Fish And Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Classic hole-in-the-wall setup with dark interior and generous portions defines the space. Atmosphere feels run-down with dirty trash cans nearby and a half-broken TV adding to the low energy. Busy on Fridays, it draws those seeking authentic English-style fish and chips despite the modest surroundings.

Tartar sauce stands out as the only dipping sauce besides ketchup for mozzarella sticks. It pairs well with fish and chips, often described as fantastic and pretty dang good.

Fish comes fresh with a crispy beer batter that stays crunchy. Portions are huge, often as long as a forearm, and the taste leans close to authentic English style.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are perfectly crispy and tender."

"I thought the fish and chips were the best I had."

"I thought the tartar sauce was pretty dang good."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on Fridays, especially during Lent.

2

Prices for fish have increased significantly, now around $8.95 per piece.

3

The portions are generous, often enough for sharing.

19
The Chippy image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers large portions of fish and chips with crispy batter and tasty tartar sauce. Atmosphere feels fun and festive with live music and free parking nearby. Food hall setting includes many options, making it a lively spot among other eateries.

Fish comes with a tasty tartar sauce that tastes like mayonnaise. Staff may hesitate to add lemon malt vinegar and tartar sauce without asking.

Three large fillets come hot and crispy with a moist flaky texture and a crispy crust. Portions are generous and authentic British style, served quickly with options like onion rings.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here have huge, crispy portions."

"The fish and chips here have huge, moist, flaky portions."

"The tartar sauce here is so delicious."

Good to know

1

The portion sizes at The Chippy are quite large.

2

The bathrooms are located on the bottom floor.

3

Prices at The Chippy may be higher than other nearby options.

20
Michael's Kitchen image 1

Hole-in-the-wall restaurant with cozy, homey vibe and just two tables inside. Food is made to order, featuring crispy, flavorful fish and chips at very reasonable prices. Service is friendly, and the place maintains a clean, family-owned atmosphere.

Homemade tartar sauce comes with fish and chips but costs an extra $1.79. The owner charges separately for sauces, including tartar sauce and shrimp sauce.

Fish and chips come with homemade tartar sauce and taste fresh and high quality. Prices stay low, with a 2-piece meal around $7, making it a solid value.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are delicious and a great price."

"The fish and chips here are a great value for the price."

"I tried the fish and chips with their homemade tartar sauce."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available in front, on the side, or around the building.

2

A 2-piece fish & chips meal costs $7, with three pieces for $7.

3

They charge $1.79 for a can of soda and tartar sauce.

Discover more

California

Area guide
Loading Map...