McCowan Fish & Chips image

McCowan Fish & Chips

Restaurant β€’ Seafood restaurant β€’ Fish and chips restaurant

πŸ‘πŸ‘ My go-to fish & chips spot! The batter on the fish is so light and delicious. They use the same batter on their onion rings - which are even better than the chips, in my opinion. Portion sizes are huge and prices are extremely reasonable. Family-owned spot, the lady working there is so sweet! Cash a... People often mention fish, chips, good, fries, portions, batter, Scarborough, halibut, spot, delicious,


Address

623 McCowan Rd, Scarborough, ON M1J 1K2, Canada

Contact

+1 416-431-9155

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (550 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 12 to 7β€―pm
  • Monday: (Family Day Canada), 11β€―am to 8β€―pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 11β€―am to 8β€―pm
  • Wednesday: 11β€―am to 8β€―pm
  • Thursday: 11β€―am to 8β€―pm
  • Friday: 11β€―am to 8:30β€―pm
  • Saturday: 11β€―am to 8β€―pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: fish (62) chips (54) good (25) fries (19) portions (15) batter (13) Scarborough (13) halibut (13) spot (12) delicious (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Julia L. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 14 reviews
    My go-to fish & chips spot! The batter on the fish is so light and delicious. They use the same batter on their onion rings - which are even better than the chips, in my opinion. Portion sizes are huge and prices are extremely reasonable. Family-owned spot, the lady working there is so sweet! Cash and debit only at this place.
    7 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 Abby L. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 243 reviews
    No frills, fish, and chips stop with a small dine in area. Their prices have increased every 6 to 9 months. This is my first time getting take out, and half my cheese from my poutine was stuck to the packaging.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Alice H. 11 months ago on Google β€’ 31 reviews
    The most amazing fish and chips you can possibly get in Scarborough! No doubt. Also friendliest family owned service. While we ate an old lady expressed how her and her late husband used to frequent their restaurant. After her late husband’s passing she still came to relive the good memories they had at this restaurant! We only got to try the cod and haddock, I preferred the cod since it was a fish that was smoother and more moist. Yet the batter was still super crispy!
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Tri N. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a hidden gem, local spot in Scarborough! I was waiting for my wife's check-up at Scarborough General Hospital, searched for a take-out place, and this place came up! Looking like a family-run business, menu is simple and the haddock came out super crispy and light! Hand-cut fries as well! If you're in the area, please stop by and support this well-run business.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Leo M. 3 years ago on Google
    Well done fish and chips. Fish is battered and fried per order. They shake the fish to extract any extra grease which delivers a crispy and flavourful fried fish. The chips are good, homemade and rustic style. The price is awesome. Really affordable. The portion is huge. We always order one fish and chips, and one fish for two people. It is more than enough. We ordered a family pack plus calamari when some friends came over and the final price per person was less than 10 dollars and the food was amazing. Our friends want to visit us again to have the fish and chips not because of us...LOL.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 CriticCal 8 months ago on Google β€’ 137 reviews
    Aug 16/23 Felt like having fish and chips for dinner. So my son and I decided to come here and eat in. Ordered the family package halibut- comes with 4 pieces of fish French fries for 2 and gravy. It was delicious as usual. My son was impressed since he has not had it from here before. Wish I was around the area more- LOL! Apr/23 Had a craving for fish & chips today. We drop by for some halibut and chips with their gravy. The batter was light and fish moist but I think next time I will go in a bit after they open. When their fryers are heated up properly it will produce a better finished product. Chips tasted great as usual but could have been a bit more crispy. I certainly will be back. Prices have increased from 6 months ago but it is expected.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Fay C. 3 years ago on Google
    We have been visiting this gem the past few years, and found the fish and chips one of the best. We especially enjoy the haddock, halibut, shrimps, scallops and poutine. The restaurant is family owned, very friendly, and always hospitable. One of our favourite places to visit when we are in the area.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Olex P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great fish and chip place. Loved the moistness of the haddock. Generous portions. When I came today the owner with gloves was washing the doorknobs and windows. After I used the debit machine she cleaned it. I enjoyed Eating my meal and felt assured to be protected from any virus.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Charlotte J. 3 years ago on Google
    Deliciously perfectly breaded fish and fresh cut fries. Generous portions and good value. Ordered through Skip the Dishes and it came well packaged so that it was hot and crunchy. Will definitely be our new go to spot.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 David L. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 200 reviews
    Cute hidden spot owned by a couple (?) The woman was super nice to us and the food was very satisfying - fish was very light, tartar sauce was hitting, and fries were potato-y. Just wish there was more. Will be back for more of that fried saucy goodness

  • 5/5 Bernard S. 3 years ago on Google
    The best fish(cod) and chips i have had since leaving Newfoundland.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mitchell S. 3 years ago on Google
    Wanted to have good fish and chips. This place exceeded my expectations. πŸ‘! This is my first visit and it WON’T be my last. We had halibut and chips. The fish is lightly battered and crispyπŸ‘ŒπŸΌ NOT GREASY. The box was overloaded with hand cut fries. The price is worth for the quantity and quality. I must say, their calamari is the best πŸ‘ I’ve ever had. I told the lady we will be eating in car, she gave me all items required to eat in car. Their cole slaw is good. Service was heartwarming. I found my go to place for calamari; fish and chips πŸ˜‹
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Alison E. R. 3 years ago on Google
    My family's favourite local fish and chips place. The halibut is nice and flaky while the chips (thick-cut fries) are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. The portions a decent size and neatly packaged; leftover fries will keep well for toasting later. And very polite, friendly staff!
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 George 3 years ago on Google
    Good halibut and haddock. Clean oil, fries we're not dark and greasy. Nice people AND open on Sundays and Mondays, which is awsone! I recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Fone S. 1 year ago on Google
    Ordered two pieces of halibut with chips. It was made fresh and arrived within 5 minutes. Fish and chips wasn't really salty which may be a good thing for some. The chinese lady was super friendly and courteous. She came out of the counter to meet our newborn which was extremely nice of her. Place was nice and tidy. Definitely, recommend it.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ivan S. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 118 reviews New
    Great no frills fish & chips in Scarborough with not much oil in the batter and a healthy serving of fish. After Highland Fish & Chips got run down to the ground by the most recent owners, we were searching for another spot to get our fish & chips fix. Glad we could find this one, which just so happens has a shared history with Highland as the original owner owned both the McCowan and Highland Creek locations!

  • 5/5 Julia 3 months ago on Google β€’ 34 reviews New
    The best and most delicious fish & chips in the GTA!! The service is always so friendly and they are very generous with their portions. I always look forward to eating here :) The lady at the front is also very welcoming and the chef in the back is very good!!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jo R. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 22 reviews
    25 years of life and this place has never done me wrong. When you come here you're truly like family. You can tell how well the place has held up as they have customers of every background, including lots of old folks. Old folks don't go out of their way just to eat anywhere, this place is a certified Scarborough institution. Prices have gone up in recent years but the same can be said for everywhere, the portions are still massive and I still love to support the family running the place. A Scarborough gem and a must-visit if you're craving some fish'n'chips! They don't do anything out of the ordinary with the fare, but whatever you choose to order here will be guaranteed to please.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Joseph C. 3 years ago on Google
    The halibut was amazing. Ordered via SkipTheDishes and everything was packaged quite well; no negative effects on the food quality.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Naz B. 3 years ago on Google
    I've only tried their halibut. But the portions are big & very tasty. It's a small mom & pop shop & I like to support those. Also friendly owners.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 John F. 3 years ago on Google
    Very generous portions of both the Halibut and the chips. The batter was thin and flavorful. If you haven't experienced this sumptuous delight you absolutely must. This was my first experience and I am so impressed with the quality and portions of food I am certain that I will become a regular customer.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nikki D. 3 years ago on Google
    Best fish and chips in scarbrough
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Seth W. 3 years ago on Google
    Light batter, not too greasy. Totally delicious.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Anna L. 3 years ago on Google
    Been a while since I step on to this place and it's worth it to go back again! The best one so far !
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Jaclyn 3 years ago on Google
    The fish was amazing and fresh with a good amount of batter on the fish! More impressive was the onion rings were possibly the best I've had in my 12 years!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Richard H. 3 years ago on Google
    Good food. Great price.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Marg W. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 M S B. 3 years ago on Google
    Consistently good food. Strongly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 Kam 2 years ago on Google
    A classic spot in Scarborough since I was a kid, haven’t been here in years so I decided to pick up a Halibut w Chips and gravy. Sadly the fish was dry and not as tasty as I remember it, the fries and gravy were good though. I’ll probably return one day but not anytime soon.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Sean T. 1 year ago on Google
    I tried them for the first time today. The Halibut is absolutely amazing best I've had in a while. The portions are great. The chips are great. Even right down to the bread and butter and Mushy Peas. My mom's from N. Ireland and she says it tastes just like home. I'd definitely order again soon. Great Value for your money.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Eric L. 1 year ago on Google
    Really went on reviews and disappointed. If there was 0 stars i would do that. Greasy, too much breading, id rather buy a loaf and air fry it. Fish is tasteless. Price is increase to $12 for haddock and fish. I opened the box and it came apart from the grease. No fork or spoon. I asked for more tarter and the lady just gave me a look. No combo deal like some fish and chips have. Sad and disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Patricia T. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place have been going for 30+ years. Light crispy batter on fish, halibut is my favourite! Generous amoint of fries (and I do mean GENEROUS!!) Always get the coleslaw. Gravy is super tasty!! YOU MUST GO
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 S. G. 1 year ago on Google
    Service and food are fantastic. Best halibut and chips I have had in a long time. Tried others in the area, this place beats them all out for service and excellent food. Place is small, take out is perfect for family to enjoy fresh, tasty food.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Salvador C. 3 years ago on Google
    The customer service is constantly efficient, great mood, super friendly staff members. Will visit again when I am here.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Kellan D. 3 years ago on Google
    The meals and service were beyond my expectations. I really liked the atmosphere of this place. Wonderful spot to take my family out for dinner.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Cay K. 3 years ago on Google
    I was definitely impressed, I have been looking for a good fish and chip spot for a while, this is the place. The fish was very good, and the fries were even better.. way better than any fish and chip place I've been to! To top it off, the portion was big and the price was reasonable. Update: This place is a hidden gem, so delcious, huge portions, lovely owners, and a good deal! Really good homemade tartar sauce and yummy gravy too! Definitely my favourite fish and chips spot ! (I had ate most of the fries by the time I took this photo haha)
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Declan E. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my go-to places to grab some food. excellent location, neat, and fantastic service. Keep it up!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 hong l. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff, great price, delicious food.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Erica D. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff, delicious fish, great pricing
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Lee S. 3 years ago on Google
    A great place for very crispy Fish N Chips in Scarborough. Definitely a hidden gem. Besides my personal favorite of Halibut and Chips I highly recommend the freshly battered Calamari Rings.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Elysha D. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing!!!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Edward Chee wai Y. 3 years ago on Google
    good food, good price,willvisit again
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Lisa W. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jofel R. 3 years ago on Google
    Family owned and operated.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ian S. 3 years ago on Google
    The cod and chips were nice and crispy.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 nick m. 3 years ago on Google
    Best fish and chips place in Scarborough
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Diane C. 3 years ago on Google
    We have been coming here for years. Always great food and service!!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Tony N. 3 years ago on Google
    The best fish and chips I ever had
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Felix S. 3 years ago on Google
    I eat here a lot since I work close by. I must say the customer service is always good and they keep the spot well organized consistently. Rates are reasonable and they serve large portions.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nabil A. 3 years ago on Google
    Fish was not oily and tasted very good
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Marie J. 3 years ago on Google
    Fish is okay, but they do serve a lot of chips. Overall it's pretty good!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Chris O. 3 years ago on Google
    Was very good food. Best thing of all you can get halibut on a Sunday
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ali S. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly service, probably one of the best fish and chips places I been too, dine in area looks nice but was closed because of CORONAVIRUS, and had plenty of parking
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Judsea C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great fries 🍟 πŸ˜‹ poutine, a lot of breading on the fish. Staff brought a table and a couple of chairs outside so we could have a beer with our brunch. Thank you.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Joanna Y. 11 months ago on Google
    First time eating from here. Great food!!! Serving size was perfect. Large pieces of fish and calamari. Made my family happy. Thank you!!

  • 4/5 Donna M. 1 year ago on Google
    I ordered 2 haddock, 1 chips and homemade tarter sauce through the skip the dishes app. This place is a Scottish dream, just like the old country! Thin batter, thick fish and hand cut thick chips. delicious food! They also have minced pie, mushy peas, haggis, black and mealie pudding. Beets, coleslaw and scottish bread. I should add the gravy is really nice and goes great on the minced pie with mushy peas and chips. Only thing missing is the Irn Bru but you can't have everything. I recommend highly! Large portions and you can share the chips as they give you a decent portion. Prices are reasonable for the amount you receive. They also have family bundles to save you some money. Cheers

  • 5/5 Chris L. 1 year ago on Google
    Great fish and chips place! Crispy fish and chips and I love the homemade tartar sauce on the menu! They're all friendly and very very generous with portions. Must try!

  • 4/5 THE EPIC L. 5 years ago on Google
    Good taste ! Super fries !! $12 for 2 pieces of Pollock. Size could be little generous. Asian owned place in a strip mall .

  • 5/5 Danica P. 10 months ago on Google
    Me and my boyfriends go-to fish & chips spot in Scarborough for the past 7 years! Although the interior of this mom & pop shop can be a little renovated, their food and service is amazing. We always go with the halibut & chips and a side of gravy. We’ve also tried their shrimp, cod, onion rings and coleslaw which are delicious as well! Their portions are plenty so they’re great for sharing & the food always comes out crunchy and not soggy/super oily. Cathy and her husband always makes us feel welcomed & we will forever be returning customers of theirs!

  • 5/5 John Xandrix I. 10 months ago on Google
    Came in today thinking to order the cod and chips family pack and then adding an extra order of cod, but the owner actually recommended to get haddock since we would get bigger, meatier pieces for the same price. We got home and the food was still warm and crispy, and the portions were huge and delicious. I recommend getting their homemade tartar sauce and gravy as well. On top of that, the service was so friendly. My 3 year old even got a lollipop as a treat and even she loved the food. Prices here are also hard to beat. You will definitely get value for your money here and like us, will probably be looking forward to your next visit while you’re still eating your food. This place is a hidden gem for fish and chips lovers.

  • 4/5 Julie M. 3 years ago on Google
    Overall the taste was very good mind you by the time we got our order home everything was a little bit soggy as they do wrap the boxes in paper. This location is also a bit more expensive than the regular place I would normally get fish and chips from

  • 5/5 Latishia P. 3 years ago on Google
    Fast, delicious and safe!

  • 5/5 Sylvia G. 1 year ago on Google
    Fish and chip place in Scarborough that has been around for a long time and has many loyal customers. Fish and chips are tasty and price is competitive. Servings are generous. I have tried both the eat-in and take out. Take out only if you are living close bye, as you want your fish and chips to be piping hot for the best flavour!

  • 2/5 Matt D. 3 years ago on Google
    Dirty and taste is not good.

  • 4/5 Richard H. 1 year ago on Google
    Mom and pop owned local fish and chip resto. Food is pretty average and owners are friendly. Coleslaw more like a pickled veg.

  • 5/5 Francis L. 2 years ago on Google
    Always amazing service! Best Fish and Chips in town!

  • 4/5 Rachel G. 2 years ago on Google
    I'm British living in Toronto so i'm very familiar with fish & chips. I miss it. But i was very happy with my meal here. I had Halibut & chips. Was like a taste of home. I will be back

  • 2/5 Foodies G. 2 years ago on Google
    The food that I Ordered half hr ago. I was Looking forward for The Cod Fish... Im Very Disappointed. I Found a HAIR IN MY FISH!! NOT RIGHT. I Paid Alot for this Order. I WILL NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN. I SHOULD CALL THE INSPECTOR TO THIS PLACE!!! U SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN. UNSANITARY WORKERS IN THE KITCHEN

  • 5/5 Mr. W. 2 years ago on Google
    I’ve heard of this place for years , I live close by so I went in to order Cod & Fries . Wow was it good !! The fries pushed out one side of the box . Very good meal .

  • 3/5 Lori A. 3 years ago on Google
    Ok not the best fish is dry and they def need to change there oil 3 star

  • 3/5 Larie L. 2 years ago on Google
    This used to be our fave fish and chips place and have been patronizing them for more than 20 years but it seems the quality of their food has gone downhill and not sure why. I also didn’t see the usual staff when we came here so not sure if there’s a change of ownership which explains the lack of quality. Located in a strip mall and a few minutes walk from Scarborough General Hospital & Bendale Public Library, this quaint, hole-in-the-wall restaurant is where locals normally get their fix of crispy fried fish, hand cut fries and mushy peas. Cooked to order white fish, we normally settle for Haddock vs Halibut as the former is more flavourful, meaty and is a perfect compliment to the deep fried richness of the batter. However it seems that the fried haddock has more batter and tasted completely different from before. Whereas previously it was perfectly crunchy, tender flaked and airy, it’s now the opposite. The chips didn’t taste fresh and portion size was smaller. Dunking the fries in the gravy didn’t help elevate the flavour of the fries either. Even the side coleslaw tasted different. I wouldn’t say this is one of the best fish and chips in the city but we might just come back and give it another try just to give them the benefit of the doubt.

  • 2/5 Tina 2 years ago on Google
    I was not happy at all with my last order. They seem to have changed the batter. It was falling off the fish so crunchy. Either that or I got a bad batch.

  • 5/5 Annabelle M. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent halibut. I recommend trying the onion rings, which are fresh! I will definitely be coming back.

  • 5/5 Mark S. 2 years ago on Google
    Been coming here since elementary school. Have since moved out of the city but when I come visit my parents I always have to get an order in. The owners changed recently but that hasn't changed the quality and taste of the food. It's always amazing!

  • 5/5 Yung-Hsin Miles C. 3 years ago on Google
    fried Cod + chips... fried Haddock... tar tar sauce and coleslaw... decent portion and delicious, I loved it

  • 5/5 Remus Juniper P. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place, I'm here pretty regularly. It's got good prices and the workers are very nice. Love the poutine and the onion rings

  • 5/5 Stephen N. 2 years ago on Google
    The best fish n chips in Scarborough hands down. Extremely fresh fish cut in house. Perfect crisp home style fries. I can't get enough of this place. A must try!


Call +1 416-431-9155 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • βœ“οΈ Free parking lot
    • βœ“οΈ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • βœ“οΈ Debit cards
    • βœ“οΈ Credit cards
    • βœ“οΈ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • βœ“οΈ Beer
    • βœ“οΈ Wine
    • βœ“οΈ Coffee
    • βœ“οΈ Alcohol
    • βœ“οΈ Quick bite
    • βœ“οΈ Healthy options
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • βœ“οΈ Lunch
    • βœ“οΈ Dinner
    • βœ“οΈ Seating
  • Service options
    • βœ“οΈ Dine-in
    • βœ“οΈ Delivery
    • βœ“οΈ Takeaway
    • βœ“οΈ Drive-through
    • βœ“οΈ Kerbside pickup

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