Is there anything better than popping into your favourite fish and chip shop and getting an incredible meal? 

Whether it's by the sea, in a small hidden gem chippy in your town or village, or even in the middle of the city, it's that time of year again when you can warm yourself up with some fish, chips, peas, and gravy/curry sauce. 

As part of the best fish and chip shops, we have pieced together the best fish and chip shops in County Durham, Teesside and North Yorkshire, according to TripAdvisor. 

While there are many more out there that we're sure will be exceptional, these names were picked out as the finest in each region. 

Here are TripAdvisor's picks:

Bells Fish Restaurant, Durham

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Some of the reviews read: "Excellent Haddock & Chips... crispy and tasty, good fish and tasty chips with a straight forward salad" and "absolutely delicious, the cod practically melted in the mouth".

Offering gluten-free products and has takeout, seating, highchairs available, wheelchair accessible and serves alcohol.

It gets 4.5 out of 1,213 reviews.

Hadley’s Fish and Chips, Bridge Street, Whitby

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Also picking itself up a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, this fish and chip shop also offers the more traditional fish and chips, whether you want to takeaway or eat in.

With over 1000 excellent reviews on its TripAdvisor page, it's hard to disagree with people as making Hadley's one of the most popular in the Whitby area. 

One person said it was their “favourite chip shop in Whitby.”

They added: "Takeaway cod & chips were amazing, not too greasy, only ordered small but there was loads to eat & plenty of salt & vinegar!"

While another chimed in with: "Read reviews in advance, pleased to say: It is that good. Had the medium-sized Cod special with bread an Tea plus a portion of curry sauce. Excellent, small fish might have been easier on the waistline. Recommended. Very friendly and pleasant staff."

The Almighty Cod, Hartlepool 

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Known for its beautiful fish and chips - The Almighty Cod in Hartlepool scores highly - with a 4.5/5 score on TripAdvisor from 1000 customers. 

One customer praised it highly by saying: "Another visit and the same excellent quality food. Decent size portions cooked to perfection. Staff pleasant. Can’t fault and it’s one place we keep returning to. The queue outside speaks for itself."

The Golden Fish Inn, Delves Lane 

The Northern Echo: Picture: TRIPADVISORPicture: TRIPADVISOR

Mixed reviews here. One who was impressed said: "Stopped here for some quick grub and I was blown away! Lush food, highly recommend. Will defo be visiting again! 5*"

It gets 4.5 out of 85 reviews.

Magpie Café, Pier Road, Whitby

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When you think of Whitby fish and chips, the Magpie springs to mind - and with almost 10,000 reviews, it's plain to see others think the same. 

One reviewer said: "Fabulous as always. Everything went perfectly the staff really knew what they were doing and it all ran like clockwork. Food fab. Freshest oysters ever. Lovely cold white wine all at very reasonable prices."

Meanwhile, another person said: "Christmas Eve family meal and as usual, Excellent. Staff, Food, and premises all spot on. Very Highly Recommended To All. Regarded as a Whitby Institution and rightly so."

Fish Face, Seaton Carew

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Another fish and chip store and another 4.5.5 star rating - Fish Face is an amazing and traditional fish and chip offering. 

One impressed customer said: "There's only one place to go if you want the best fish and chips. The fish was nice and thick and cooked to perfection, the chips were of a good size too and also cooked to perfection Fantastic batter on the fish. I can't recommend this restaurant enough and finally, the staff were brilliant and really friendly. 5 stars + from me."

Cross Keys Inn, Esh

Where is it?: Front Street, Esh, County Durham.

Satisfied diners at the Cross Keys Inn hotel and restaurant have remarked upon the "surprising" size of the fish when it was served, as well as the "excellent" quality of the homemade chips.

Eskdale Fisheries, Coach Road Sleights, Whitby

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Offering more of a 'remote' location fish and chips because this venue isn't actually in Whitby itself - but it is definitely worth the drive, according to reviews.

Eskdale Fisheries has also snagged itself a TripAdvisor 2021 Travellers’ Choice award.

One person said: “Called here as we were passing as all the fish shops in Whitby were full. I am so glad we did, our food was excellent as was the service."

The Three Horse Shoes

Where is it?: Running Waters, County Durham.

Visitors to the Three Horse Shoes have remarked upon the fish and chips present on the "traditional menu", and rated their stay at the pub hotel as five stars. 

Trenchers, New Quay Road, Whitby

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Trenchers is a very popular choice with over 5,000 reviews altogether.

The business has picked up a TripAdvisor 2021 Travellers Choice Award and offers another more fine-dining experience with fish and chips.

Trenchers have received 3,793 five-star reviews and 1,045 four-star reviews out of a total of 5,144 reviews altogether.


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One person said: “Great service, speedy lovely and clean. The staff were friendly and attentive, but not 'in your face'.....and the BEST fish pie I've ever had!!”

Meanwhile, another impressed diner said: "Excellent food and vibe. Always great service but Michelle excelled, so friendly and encouraging us to have a pudding."

Travellers Rest

Where is it?: Front Street, Witton Gilbert, County Durham.

"Fish Friday at the Travs" is a special occasion for one reviewer who has recommended the restaurant for its "beautifully cooked" white fish.

Quayside, Pier Road, Whitby

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Quayside is another more up-market fish and chip option with prices set at around £27.

However, with over 1800 excellent reviews, it shows that a higher price is worth paying if it's an exceptional meal. 

One impressed diner said: "This is the 4th time we have visited this restaurant and it never let's us down. Came in and was instantly seated at a table. Food was amazing and the member of our group that wanted gluten free was also well catered for."