Catch and Crisps — Local services in Waitematā

Visited Auckland on the weekend with a friend, we had plans to enjoy Asian cuisine for dinner so we wanted something more local for lunch. Initially thought about grabbing burgers, but while walking along the pier we opted for some fish and chips instead.

Catch and Crisps came up as the top option on multiple sources, so we decided to head there despite it being a 15 minute walk from where we were (which was honestly absolutely the best decision we made cos I can confidently say that Catch and Crisps served up the best fish and chips I have eaten over my lifetime.)

The batter was absolutely fantastic - airy, light, perfectly crispy, with a clean taste and even subtle hints of flavour, which I’d never experienced in fish and chips before. It was my first time eating local NZ fish and it was nothing less than superb - such a fresh, delicate fish which literally melted in my mouth. The seasoning on the chips, the taste of the homemade tartare sauce - everything had a unique flavoured which brought all the components together harmoniously.

When I usually eat fish and chips it tastes great for the first few bites but then it leaves a very unpleasant layer of oil in my mouth that puts me off for a while before I get another craving - but this fish and chips, is something I could eat all day everyday.

As someone who loves food, cooking and understanding technique, I couldn't resist a quick chat with the chef. I was blown away by his passion while he explained what makes his fish and chips stand out from the rest — his reasoning, his techniques, his attention to detail, why he makes the batter fresh to order — it all made sense. Such a high level of finesse where quality triumphs quantity every second of the day.

If you’re ever around Auckland CBD, I can’t recommend Catch and Crisps enough. It’s a small shop and everything is made to order, so give yourself a decent amount of time to be able to enjoy the whole experience. A few spots to eat inside but better to be ready to take away and eat...

I stumbled upon this charming little place while on the hunt for a great fish and chips spot, and I’m so glad I did. With a solid 5-star rating from over 360 reviews, my expectations were high, and I was truly impressed.

Catch and Crisps has that cozy, ‘hole in the wall’ vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. During our visit, there was just one table outside and one person dining in, which gave it an intimate atmosphere. As a group of three, we decided to try both the fried fish and chips and the grilled fish and chips. To our delight, the grilled option was surprisingly flavorful. Honestly, the fish and chips here were among the best I’ve ever tasted, anywhere in the world. The fish was juicy and encased in a perfectly crispy beer batter, which paired wonderfully with the tartar sauce. And the thick-cut fries? They were crisp on the outside and wonderfully satisfying. I also tried mushy peas for the first time and found them delightful.

The staff, which I assume included the chef/owner and cashier were exceptionally welcoming. They greeted us with warm smiles that made our experience even more enjoyable. Even asked us to provide feedbacks for improvement.

Because of the wonderful food and remarkable service, I’m more than happy to give this place a heartfelt 5-star review. A great fish n chips spot in the city of...

I am in Auckland for travel and walked past Catch and Crisps near the hotel. Originally, I was looking for a fish burger. However, I landed with the Fish Bowl. It was my first time having Tarikihi, and it was perfectly cooked with crispy skin. The soy sauce was aromatic (felt like it had ginger). I could see and taste the passion that went into making this dish.

Since I missed out on the fish burger (and wings), I decided to come back to try these before leaving NZ. The lady was super nice and helped me with my order, letting me downsize the wings and change sauces for the fish burger.

I ordered a Snapper Fish Burger with Tartar sauce. The fish and bun were crispy, which took me by surprise on my first bite. The snapper was well cooked, firm, and had that delicate sweetness. The chips were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, really enjoyed dipping these in their Kaffir Aioli sauce. The chicken wings had that crispy batter that shatters when you bite into it. These had an Asian twist (maybe five spice?).

Super pleased with the food and service, I recommend giving Catch and Crisp a go! It's leagues ahead of what you find nearby at Auckland Fishmarkets. I'm looking forward to coming back to have this when I am...