About
Tobin Fish Tales is a well-regarded fish and chip shop on The Strand in North Ward, Townsville, drawing locals and visitors alike with its focus on locally caught, traceable seafood. The shop can tell you exactly which fisherman brought in your catch, a detail that speaks directly to the freshness on the plate. With a solid four-plus star reputation across hundreds of reviews, it has built a genuine following in the area.
The menu leans into quality rather than quantity. Spanish mackerel comes out in a light, non-greasy batter that regulars consistently praise, and the calamari earns its own mentions for freshness and flavour. Sweet potato scallops offer a slightly different take on the classic chip-shop side, and the prawn salad is a popular option for those after something a little lighter. Portion sizes are generous without being excessive, and the seafood arrives tasting genuinely fresh rather than frozen-and-fried.
Service is a clear point of difference here. Staff are friendly and unhurried, and the relaxed atmosphere suits everyone from solo diners to families with kids. The venue is family-friendly with a dedicated kids’ menu, outdoor seating, wheelchair accessibility, and free on-site parking. Dogs are welcome, which makes it easy for those exploring The Strand on foot with a four-legged companion. Both dine-in and takeaway are available for lunch and dinner.
For anyone after fish and chips in Townsville that goes a step beyond the ordinary, Tobin Fish Tales is worth adding to the shortlist. Phone ahead during the dinner rush to keep wait times short.
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8 Reviews on “Tobin Fish Tales”
Great Find on The Strand!
First day in Townsville and stumbled across this little fish and chips shop while exploring The Strand. I grabbed a prawn salad to cool off — fresh and perfect for the heat. The friendly receptionist let me know their hours and introduced me to their easy online ordering.
Later that evening, I placed an order online and skipped the queue when I arrived — super convenient! Tried their herb crumbed mackerel, and it was excellent: generous portion, not oily, and full of flavour. I usually avoid fish and chips because they’re too greasy or salty, but not here — they let you salt the chips yourself, which is a great touch.
Impressed by both the food and the service. A hidden gem in Townsville!
Really friendly staff and great food. The batter on the Spanish Mackerel was absolutely perfect, light, crunchy and unlike most other fish and chip places was not overly oily.
I must admit that I’m a little disappointed with the food I ordered 1/2 an hour after opening.
The Threadfin was fresh and a good portion size yet the crumb was under par. It failed to coat the fillet and fell apart when I picked it up.
There’s a process to getting a good crumb that adheres to the fillet and it isn’t hard to do.
The chips were cooked in oil that definitely needed changing.
Rule 101: use clean oil, especially at the beginning of the days service.
The staff were so lovely and friendly! We ordered the battered Spanish Mackerel and sweet potato scallops. The batter was perfect and not too oily, the portion size was great for two people. Really tasty and would highly recommend.
Yum. Best fish and chips I’ve ever had. Calamari was very good too. Everything was really fresh!
Order Fish and Calamari, both cooked well and nice fresh oil, but the calamari cuts are very small, so there’s more crumb than squid. The balance feels a bit off , would be great with slightly larger pieces so the calamari stands out more. For the fish, beautiful fried but need go easy on salt, very sallty.
Fresh, delicious seafood every single time.
The staff are so friendly and you can tell they actually enjoy being there — smiles everywhere and such a great atmosphere. The food is clearly made with love and care.
I’m always a returning customer and will continue to be. Highly recommend Tobin Fish Tales to anyone chasing quality seafood and great service.
I took take our twice here, and I have to say it’s too notch fish and chips.
First time I for grilled mackerel and second time grilled barramundi, while my friend had the battered mackerel. We also got some chips.
The service was fast and friendly, and the food was great.
I’ll definitely come back where next time I’m in town.