Home / Miscellaneous / Fish and Chips in Guelph: Where to Find Them

Fish and Chips in Guelph: Where to Find Them

Written by Caleb Harrison • Published August 26, 2026 • Last verified August 26, 2026

Guelph's fish and chips scene is small but steady. You'll find a mix of British-style pubs, family restaurants, and takeout counters. Most places serve the classic combo: battered fish, fries, and tartar sauce. Some add mushy peas, coleslaw, or a slice of lemon. Prices vary, but a single-piece meal typically runs between $12 and $18, depending on the fish and the sides.

For a sit-down meal, the Woolwich Arrow Pub and the Shakespeare Arms are two downtown spots that serve fish and chips. Both are pubs with a British leaning, and both offer a full menu beyond fish. The Woolwich Arrow sits near the corner of Woolwich and Macdonell, while the Shakespeare Arms is a short walk from the Sleeman Centre. If you want a quieter setting, the Van Gogh's Ear on Grange Road is a family-run restaurant that has fish and chips on its menu. It's a bit off the main drag, but locals know it for its generous portions.

If you're after takeout, head to the south end. There, you'll find a few independent fish and chip shops that have been around for years. One is the Golden Fish and Chips on Stone Road West, near the university. Another is the Highland Fish and Chips on Scottsdale Drive, close to the mall. Both are no-frills counters where you order at the window and wait for your food. They use fresh potatoes for their fries, and the batter is crisp.

A note on the chains: you won't find a national fish and chip chain in Guelph. The closest you'll get is a grocery store deli counter, like the one at Zehrs or Metro, where you can buy pre-battered fish to fry at home. But for the real thing, you're better off at one of the independents.

How do you decide? Start with what you want from the meal. If you're looking for a pint with your fish, a pub is the obvious choice. If you want a quick lunch or dinner to eat at home, a takeout counter saves you time and money. Also consider the fish. Most places use haddock or cod, but some offer halibut or pickerel at a higher price. Ask what's fresh that day.

One thing to check before you go: whether the place is open. Many of these spots close early on weekdays, and some shut down for a few weeks in the summer for holidays. The Woolwich Arrow and Shakespeare Arms keep pub hours, which are longer, but the takeout counters may close by 8 or 9 p.m. It's worth calling ahead, especially on a Sunday or Monday.

Another factor is how busy the place is. On Friday nights, fish and chips is a tradition for many families, so expect a wait at the takeout counters. If you want to avoid the rush, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday, or call your order in ahead. Most counters will have your food ready in 10 to 15 minutes.

If you're new to Guelph and miss British-style fish and chips, the pubs are your best bet. The Woolwich Arrow and Shakespeare Arms both serve a traditional version with beer-battered fish and thick-cut chips. The Van Gogh's Ear does a lighter batter, which some prefer. The takeout counters, on the other hand, tend to use a thicker, crunchier coating.

For those who want to make it at home, the grocery stores in Guelph sell fresh and frozen fish. A few grocery stores in Guelph have seafood counters that will cut fish to order. You can also find pre-battered fish in the frozen aisle at any major grocery store. But the oil and batter matter, and getting it right takes practice.

A final note on the word "chips." In Guelph, you'll hear both "fries" and "chips" used interchangeably. The takeout counters usually call them fries, while the pubs stick with chips. Either way, you're getting the same thing: deep-fried potatoes.

If you're on a budget, the takeout counters are the better deal. A single-piece meal at Golden Fish and Chips runs about $12, while a pub meal will cost you $16 or more. But the pub experience includes table service and a comfortable seat, which may be worth the extra money.

One last tip: check the health inspection scores. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health posts inspection results online, and you can look up any restaurant before you go. It's a quick way to see if a place has had any recent violations.

So, whether you're a long-time resident or a newcomer, there's a fish and chips spot in Guelph that fits your taste and budget. Start with the pubs downtown, or head south for a quick takeout meal. And remember to call ahead to confirm hours, especially on weekends.

Sources

• Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health inspection results
• Visit Guelph restaurants directory

Related Reading

• Osmow's in Guelph: What to Know Before You Order
• Summer Jobs in Guelph: Where to Look and How to Apply

Spot a mistake? Suggest a correction; we fix errors in the open.