JFC Paihia

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192 reviews

#2 of 39 Restaurants in Paihia₱₱ - ₱₱₱, Seafood, New Zealand

+64 9-402 5113+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

12:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Tue

4:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Wed

4:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Thu

4:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Fri

4:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Sat

12:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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What is Travelers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

192 reviews

#2 of 39 Restaurants in Paihia

Travelers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Seafood, New Zealand

“The best fish and chips in Paihia, no contest!!”

“Great salmon”

“Go to for fish n chips”

“Wife thought the Salmon and Dill terrine was great as was my fish and chips (...”

Location and contact

40 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200 New Zealand

+64 9-402 5113

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Does this restaurant offer free wifi?

Yes

Unsure

Details

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About

Located on the Paihia waterfront, JFC is a licensed, indoor/outdoor restaurant offering the freshest of fish and the best chips you will ever find. Enjoy your fish battered, crumbed or pan fried. But we are much more than that! Complemented with delights like our mussel fritters, kokoda, prawn cocktail a la the 70s and 80s and the best seafood chowder you’ll ever taste, anchovies on toast. We have a stunning fish burger (with a vegan option), tacos, grilled garlic butterfly prawns, fresh local oysters, juicy scallops, salmon steaks and a seafood platter to die for. We only purchase fresh fish - usually three varieties available - Gluten Free options. Enjoy this with a full selection of wines, beers and spirits or maybe a cocktail. Our closing time varies, especially in the winter - best to check.

PRICE RANGE

₱844.00 – ₱1,688.00

CUISINES

Seafood, New Zealand

Meals

Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Waterfront, Dog Friendly, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

192 reviews

Excellent

155

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

jobalf

7 contributions

Great atmosphere and delicious food!

Mar 2020 • couples

We had heard great things about JFC from our Airbnb owner and we weren’t disappointed, delicious fresh fish and homemade chips, a little more expensive than your average fish and chips but so worth it! The spot was quite busy but wait times were quick and it was lovely sitting outside with a drink while we waited. There were lawn games if we wanted to play aswell. We were hoping to try a couple of different types of fish but there was only 2 on offer on our night but other than that it was great!

Written March 2, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ChesterJFC

Hi Jobalf - Thanks for taking the time to post a review and a special thanks for the 5 Star Review and we're pleased you enjoyed the food and the surroundings - hopefully we'll see you again soon. Cheers Chester and Louise

Written March 4, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maryann B

Basel348 contributions

If you just want fish and chips come here!

Feb 2020 • couples

We enjoyed our freshly cooked fish and chips and liked having the option of different types of fish cooked in different ways served the old-fashioned way in paper. Homemade tartare sauce was lovely if a tad expensive. However, tomato ketchup was also available and free. Nice garden setting setback from main road. We sat inside on trestle table which was also fine. Very friendly staff. Beer was nice but would have liked a couple more choices on draft eg. An IPA

Written February 1, 2020

Trip52853651166

Hi Maryann - thanks for your feedback. We appreciate the nice comments you make about JFC and what we do. Hope to see you again some time. Cheers Chester

Written February 2, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Anna Armstrong

2 contributions

Loved it, gourmet fish and chips

Mar 2020 • family

Fantastic setting, we have 2 young kids so we had our dinner as a picnic on the lawn why the kids ran around. A simple concept done fantasticly, owner was lovely and had a chat with us, food was presented and tasted good. I liked the big social tables, location is by the beach so had the feeling of fish and chips on the beach, without getting sand in the food.

Written March 11, 2020

Trip52853651166

Hi Anna - Thanks for taking the time to post a review and thanks for the 5 Stars!! Hope to see you and the family again soon. Cheers Chester and Louise

Written March 12, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

njsscuba

162 contributions

Average

Jan 2020 • couples

I have visited BOI many times and we were wanting some good ole fish n chips. Having tried all the other places over the past visits I had seen the reviews and hype about this place and decided to try it. For the price you pay and being an upmarket type of fish and chips one would expect to recieve the best in town and something special. Unfortunately it dosnt live upto whats its worth or what you pay. The chips at $4.50 a scoop/per person, were not crispy just soft nothing special. The snapper was nice and fresh and cooked nicely but for $12 and what you got was dissapointing. You can get the same and more for your money down the road with a wide range of other options aswell. This place can be amazing however they need to work on a few things to be able to justify the price you pay as these prices are more than what you pay in Auckland and also to be known only for their fish and chips it has to be spot on.

Written January 1, 2020

Trip52853651166

Hi njsscuba - thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback. We're not creating any hype - just trying to put out great fresh fish and crispy chips (that we make ourselves) among other supporting dishes. If we don't meet your expectations it would be nice to know when you're in front of us so we can see for ourselves what the problem is. We're not a takeaway bar - fresh, high quality fish is expensive to buy. But I hear you and will work harder...Cheers Chester

Written January 2, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

kmacwatt

Aberdeen53 contributions

Definitely worth a visit

Jan 2020 • couples

Best fish and chips we’ve had in NZ by far! The menu is simple but we liked that - choose your fish and choose how you want it cooked! Battered, breadcrumbed or lightly pan fried. The chips were phenomenal, hand cut and really tasty - proper chip shop chips. So many fish & chip shops here use the same cheap, frozen chips. The staff were also really helpful and attentive, and the restaurant itself is lovely! Lots of nice outdoor seating and overlooking the beautiful bay. Full bar too so could enjoy a drink with our meal. Definitely worth a visit!

Written January 31, 2020

Trip52853651166

Hi kmcwatt - Thanks for taking the time to send in your lovely comments and thanks for the 5 stars - much appreciated - I hope you can come again - cheers Chester

Written February 1, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Adele M

Wells-next-the-Sea19 contributions

Simply the best

Feb 2020 • family

My Dad and I visited this fabulous restaurant one Saturday evening and have to say it was all excellent, the friendly, welcoming staff, the no fuss menu. We had a prawn cocktail for starter, then the two fish of the day and had them cooked in a crumb, the chips were amazing. We absolutely loved the ice cream for dessert, hokey pokey flavour, that's in a little tub, we picked out is the freezer. Everything is done for convenience and no spills, wooden cutlery, fish and chips served in paper and recyclable trays for the fish. Casual restaurant that hit the maek for Dad and I. No booking allowed, just turn up. Lovely music, not loud either. Would hope to return if I can one day.

Written February 28, 2020

ChesterJFC

Hi Adele M - What a nice review and thanks for the 5 Stars - you cover it all and we're pleased you enjoyed yourselves - Cheers Chester and Louise

Written February 29, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Carraig-Airt

Singapore22 contributions

The best fish and chips in New Zealand - even rivals Whitby!

Feb 2020 • none

During our three days in the Bay of Islands we ate there twice, enjoying the Snapper and Blue Nose and a huge portion of well cooked chips, their own perfect tar tartare sauce and a splendid green salad. The staff were all helpful and friendly and there was plenty of seating inside and out. Service was rapid and the bar well stocked and separate from the food ordering. The fish is ingeniously served in thin wooden containers and the chips wrapped in paper! Just the thing to end a hectic day in the Bay of Islands! Thank you Just Fish and Chips. Best wishes, Sir Michael P.

Written February 14, 2020

ChesterJFC

Hi Sir Michael - it was a pleasure indeed to have you at JFC and thank you very much for the 5 Stars and your kind comments. Hopefully we will see you again down this way in the future. Cheers Chester and Louise

Written February 19, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Denver142 contributions

Dinner at JFC

Feb 2020 • none

We had a very good dinner here on Feb. 15. I particularly liked that you could choose beer batter, tempura, or "crumbed" for your fish. I chose crumbed blue nose, which was delicious. We also had the seafood chowder, which was very good but more like a "New England" style than some of the other chowders we've had while in NZ. This restaurant is definitely more on the "casual" side as the fish comes in a paper tray rather than on a plate but still very nice overall.

Written February 25, 2020

ChesterJFC

Hi BColorado - Thanks for your review and we're pleased you had a great time - Cheers Chester and Louise

Written February 29, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

BigV_Melbourne

Melbourne155 contributions

Just Perfect JFC

Feb 2020 • friends

If you are a person who enjoys the cute coastal towns and great casual dining do not miss out on JFC . They pride themselves on fresh fish, home made chips and quality service. Number one the fish was 11/10 , chips just perfect and then you add Kurt , the ever smiling and most welcoming barman one could ever meet and you get a good idea to the quality of this establishment. Then Chester and his lovely wife come to the party in making you want to come back at the next chance . We will be !! Thanks again for looking after some Aussies who appreciate a good welcome , great staff and super food all set in a gorgeous styled building.

Written February 23, 2020

ChesterJFC

BigV_Melbourne - Thanks for your 5 Star Review - much appreciated and thanks for making a comment on Kurt - yes he's a good man and we're proud to have him working for us - as well as the rest of the team - together they make the experience at JFC what it is. Thanks and hope we see you again soon - Cheers Chester and Louise

Written February 29, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lisa_on_tour

Torquay66 contributions

The Best!

Dec 2019 • couples

wow we had amazing fish & chips when we stayed in December. The fish was so fresh and the chips and home made tartar sauce were divine! Staff were friendly and chatty. wish we had time to go again during our stay!

Written January 19, 2020

Trip52853651166

Hi Lisa - thanks for your great feedback and we're pleased you had a great time - hopefully we'll see you again. Cheers Chester

Written January 21, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ceara M

2 contributions

Best fish and chips in town!

Jan 2021 • couples

What a hidden gem! We stumbled across JFC on our road trip from Auckland before a concert and this place deserves the praise! Delicious fish and chips, authentically served wrapped in paper and a great range of alcoholic beverages to pair. Fantastic location with picnic tables spread throughout so you can lounge around and soak up the sun or play some outdoor games on the lawn (provided) Service from the owners was warm, friendly and genuine which made our experience memorable. Thankyou. Ceara & Scott

Written January 16, 2021

Chester Rendell

Hi Ceara and Scott - Thanks for taking the time to post a review and we're delighted you enjoyed yourselves - a special thanks for the 5 Stars - hopefully we'll see you again soon. Cheers Chester and Louise

Written January 25, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sightsee288018

1 contribution

Perception

Jun 2020 • friends

Walked into a great atmosphere, friendly greeting and beautifully clean. The four of us ordered the prawn cocktail and were very happy. What a great start. Unfortunately three of us ordered the Fish Taco for our main. On presentation it did not resemble the photo on the menu, but that did not deter us. Unfortunately the immediate taste was ‘strong fish flavour’ and we all agreed it was not palatable. The salsa verde was strong and over powering. We talked to the lady owner, Louise, who insisted our perception of the dish blurred our experience of what we tasted. We are all good cooks and enjoy food, but this dish left us very disappointed. I just wish Louise had ordered the dish herself on the night and maybe could have been a bit better informed.

Written June 27, 2020

ChesterJFC

HI Sightsee288018 - Thanks for your feedback - we take all feedback seriously. It's a pity you didn't talk to us after that first immediate taste and then we would have had an opportunity to rectify your concerns. We're pleased everything else was OK. Cheers Chester and Louise.

Written June 29, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Peter & Lisa's Adventures

Leamington11 contributions

This is what Fish and chips are all about

Jul 2020 • none

!st night in Paihia and we where looking for a quick bite to eat for dinner , The motel recommended JFC as it was right next door , ok lets try that Well what a place lovely staff with live music playing . Yes just as it says it is Just Fish and Chips only Will that made it a bit awarded for Lisa as she dose not eat seafood - just chip for you babe lol .... I had the Gem Fish which was fantastic , What was rather cool was the chips wrapped up in paper as you will see by the photo awesome place Thank you

Written July 13, 2020

ChesterJFC

Hi Peter and Lisa - thanks for your great review and especially the 5 Stars - the team here appreciate the feedback - Cheers Chester and Louise

Written August 11, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Foodie4food

Auckland242 contributions

Friendly and simple food

Jan 2021 • couples

Primarily an upmarket chippy this is an excellent choice for a casual sunny day lunch as they have pétanque out front and large umbrellas to kick back under , could see the day just slipping past here . You can’t book but there are lovely large wooden tables both inside and out together with some cosy 2 seater bar leaner stool options too . We shared a fish and chips and enjoyed the garlic bread and recommended prawn cocktail ! Owner wandered through and chatted with guests on the night we were there and we enjoyed the chat and friendly approach a really good family or group option with fish and chips being the staple and so easy to share . Nice wine list and full bar .

Written January 12, 2021

Chester Rendell

Hi Michelle - Thanks for your full review of JFC and we're pleased you enjoyed yourselves. Come and join us again soon - Cheers Chester and Louise

Written January 25, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bettsy_85

2 contributions

Great food with a view

Nov 2020 • none

What a fantastic way to end a long weekend. After being recommended by a local to try the local fish and chip restaurant we took a beach towel and a ball to enjoy our last evening with the tastiest fish and fresh chips. Would recommend for sure and will be returning in the summer.

Written November 9, 2020

ChesterJFC

Hi Bettsy - Thanks for your 5 Star Review of JFC - we're pleased you had a great time and enjoyed everything - we look forward to seeing you again soon - Cheers Chester and Louise

Written November 17, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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