About
Balaclava Fish has built a strong reputation as one of the better fish and chip shops serving Earlville and the wider Cairns region. With well over four hundred reviews and a strong rating, it draws in locals and visitors alike, many of whom arrive after searching out quality fish and chips in Cairns and finding this spot at the top of their results.
The menu covers the classics alongside a few highlights worth seeking out. The signature fish burger on panini, served with fresh salad, is a standout order, and the fisherman’s basket for two is frequently praised for its generous size. Coral trout and prawns are among the popular choices, and the fish is consistently noted for its freshness and well-executed batter. Portions are substantial, and the pricing is considered fair for what you get.
The shop is run by a small team who bring a relaxed, friendly energy to the place. Dine-in is available with outdoor seating, and the setup is casual and comfortable for families. Takeaway and delivery are also on offer, making it convenient for those who prefer to eat elsewhere. It is worth noting that some recent feedback has flagged a dip in chip quality, so it may be a good idea to ask about what is fresh on the day.
Earlville locals have clearly made this their neighbourhood fish and chip shop of choice, and it is easy to see why. Phone ahead during the dinner rush to avoid a wait.
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8 Reviews on “Balaclava Fish”
The best fish and chips I’ve had in at least a couple of years.
I had spent the whole day in Palm Cove and at the end of it decided I’d finish it off with some good fish and chips so I googled best fish and chips in Cairns. And these guys came up. I read the reviews and decided I give them a try. Best decision I made. Do yourself a favour and visit these guys. Sensational!!
One of the most popular fish & chips shops in Cairns and for good reason. Always fresh fish, cooked to perfection in a light golden batter and generous serves keeps us coming back on a weekly basis.
Due to their popularity, I highly recommend placing your order by phone. This evening it took an hour for our order to be cooked and ready for pickup!
Don’t just take our word for it, read the other reviews. We ordered the basket for two with coral trout which would easily have fed three people. 12:15pm on a Wednesday, plenty of parking and no wait time. At $38 the price was great for the serve sizes and quality received. Balaclava Fish isn’t the trendiest place or connected to the Cairns CBD (which is what we were looking for), but the quality is exceptional. The fish was freshly, lightly battered before our eyes, cooked to perfect time and temperature in clean oil and presented a crunchy and decadent coating. Just the right amount of salt. The fish within was slightly opaque, juicy and melted in our mouths. Chips were crunchy, smothered in chicken salt at our request and fluffy within. The prawns and calamari similarly lightly coated, crunchy and cooked to gentle perfection. If you want a trendier, cosmopolitan experience, and at a higher price tag and smaller serving size, then head into the Cairns CBD. But if you want genuine surburban fish and chips cooked better than you remember as a kid on a Friday night, the heading over to Balaclava Fish will see you richly rewarded.
Perfectly breaded and fried fish with nicely seasoned chips. We grabbed a bit of everything, but our favorites here were the prawns and the trout.
It’s run by just two guys, and they were great to talk to.
Basket for two was delicious – all cooked to perfection! Staff all super friendly and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Now we found our new local, we will definitely be back!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely the Best Fish & Chips in Cairns!
Every visit here is a reminder of how good fish and chips should be. The grilled fish is always fresh, juicy, perfectly cooked, and served in a generous portion. Chips are spot on — crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and never greasy. I also love that you can order an extra-small portion if you’re not feeling too hungry.
The potato scallops are another highlight: beautifully golden, crisp, and non-greasy — basically perfection in a bite. Service is always quick and friendly, which makes the whole experience even better.
This place isn’t just the best in Cairns, it’s one of the best I’ve had anywhere. No oily aftertaste, no regrets — just delicious, satisfying food every single time.
First time ordering from here was a few months back & now we don’t go anywhere else but here. Everything is always fresh & cooked very well, perfect every time we always say. Staff are always super nice & friendly. Best place in town for fish & chips, highly recommend !
Best fish and chips ive ever had, even better than the one in the UK!