Nickos Fish Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Melton

Nestled in the bustling centre of Melton Mowbray, Nikos Fish Bar & Restaurant is a local gem that has earned its reputation as the best fish and chip shop in town — and for good reason. Whether you choose to eat in and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere or grab a takeaway to savour at home, Nikos consistently delivers a high-quality experience that blends tradition, freshness, and generous portions with friendly, down-to-earth service.

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🏠 First Impressions & Atmosphere

From the moment you step inside Nikos, there’s an unmistakable sense of pride and warmth. The staff greet you with genuine smiles and the kind of attentiveness that feels rare these days. The interior is clean, bright, and traditional, with a modern touch that makes it comfortable for families, couples, or solo diners alike.

For those dining in, the seating area offers a relaxed café-style layout — immaculately tidy, softly lit, and filled with the mouth-watering aroma of freshly fried fish. For takeaway customers, service is swift and efficient, even during the busy evening rush. The team clearly knows how to handle a crowd without compromising on quality or friendliness.

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🐟 Food Quality – Freshness That Speaks for Itself

Nikos doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality. The fish — whether cod, haddock, or plaice — is always thick, flaky, and perfectly cooked inside a light, golden batter that strikes the perfect balance between crisp and delicate. Each bite reveals freshness and skill, showing why so many locals call it “the best in Leicestershire.”

The chips are just as impressive: fluffy inside, crisp outside, and never greasy. You can tell they’re cooked in fresh oil at the right temperature — a simple thing that too many places get wrong. Portion sizes are generous, easily enough for even the hungriest appetites, yet still excellent value for money.

The mushy peas, curry sauce, and homemade tartare sauce are must-haves. Each side complements the main beautifully, adding extra depth and flavour.

🧾 Eat-In vs Takeaway Experience

Eat in Dining inside gives you the full Nikos experience — the fish arrives straight from the fryer, still sizzling, with that unmistakable aroma that fills Takeaway orders are handled quickly and carefully. Each meal is packed to stay hot and crisp, and even after a short drive home, the batter remains crunchy and the chips hold their texture. Nikos also offers online ordering and delivery options, making it easy to enjoy from the comfort of home. The packaging is sturdy and neat, ensuring no leaks or soggy chips.

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⭐ Service & Value

The staff at Nikos truly make the experience special. They are attentive, polite, and always willing to go the extra mile — whether it’s helping you decide between haddock or cod, adding an extra pot of sauce, or ensuring your food stays piping hot for takeaway.

Prices are very fair given the high quality and portion sizes. For around the same cost as a supermarket meal deal, you get a proper freshly-cooked meal that’s both satisfying and comforting. Many diners note that the value for money is unmatched in Melton Mowbray.

💬 Local Reputation

Locals often describe Nikos as “a Melton institution.” It’s a place where families return week after week, where you can see regulars greeted by name, and where both visitors and locals alike leave feeling they’ve had something special. It’s not just about fish and chips — it’s about tradition, pride, and community.

Final Verdict

Nikos Fish Bar & Restaurant is, without question, the beating heart of Melton Mowbray’s food scene when it comes to fish and chips. Between the exceptional freshness, generous portions, friendly staff, and warm atmosphere, it sets the standard for what a proper British chippy should be.

Whether you’re popping in for a quick takeaway or sitting down for a relaxed meal, Nikos delivers every time. A place that blends classic charm with quality cooking — truly the best fish and chip shop in...

Went in and wow...the mini fish was huge! If we knew how big it was we would have ordered 1 for each of us instead of two mini and two large. Good service, very accommodating. A bit of confusion which door is in and which is out when the doors are open, most people were coming in through the exit and I got a few funny looks as I came in through the entrance and we met in the middle, but this is more people not reading the signs. Hand sanitisation station is central, would perhaps say have it a bit closer to the entrance to avoid a milling of people, but it didn't really impact at the time I visited. Overall I was highly impressed that the service was top quality despite the restrictions that had to be adhered to. You have a wonderful staff here and...

Serving the best fish and chips in Melton Mowbray. I've visited a few different chippy's in Melton and Nickos is by far the best.

Recently went in and ordered a fish, chips and peas meal. Firstly the fish was humongous - way bigger than my dinner plate (though I'm not complaining) but aside from size, the batter was beautifully crisp, the fish was fresh, meaty and firm - I throughly enjoyed my meal (even if it was too big to finish).

My daughter ordered a small kebab which again really exceeded expectations.

Second order from Nickos was via their website - delivery was quoted as an hour but arrived within 15mins! Super speedy and the food was piping hot!

All in all really impressed with the food...