** Fried Fish Friday ** We've been wanting to try this place for a while now..... Bucket list . So happy we made it out. This is a little hole in the wall place. VERY busy. Everything was fried to perfection with a tempura batter. The fried fish filets were HUGE!! We most definitely should've shared. Now we know when we go back.... This is a must try spot. read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - * Fried Fish * Fried Fish * Fried Zucchini * French Fries - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Don't fall for the hype and influencer posts! We waited for ages to try this place, then when we finally did we left totally disappointed. Not only are they ridiculously overpriced ($14 for 10 onion rings, $26 for 2 pieces of fish w/fries?! Wtf), but they use cheap haddock, NOT cod -- which is false advertising since they market themselves as "serving only the highest quality foods" and stating "We serve genuine London Style Fish & Chips". Haddock (and pollock) is not "high quality" and is never used in any real Fish & Chips joint. I will admit that their batter is amazing! The shrimp and onion rings were perfection (best onion rings I have ever had)! However, at that price point I can't see why they can't use better fish. The first bite of fish was okay, perfect crunch and tasty batter, but after the second bite it just didn't taste like it should -- the filet was noticeably thinner than real, traditional fish & chips fish--it should flake thickly and be firm. In addition to the high price for what you get, their ambiance isn't quite what you'd expect for what they charge you. It's a mom and pop hole-in-the-wall in Lemon Grove, not a trendy hipster joint in North Park. With all that said, you can be the judge...but don't get sucked into all of the viral influencer posts that have been popping up lately...just sayin'. read more

Good: That may have been the best piece of fried and breaded fish I have ever eaten. And I've been to London and had fish and chips over there before. Crispy outside, enough to hold together and not fall apart as it cools, but not so much that it was hard to cut or chew. The fries were also excellent. No salt, which is how I like it. And, like the fish, they were uniformily crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The meal also didn't eat too heavy, which is nice. I was thinking about getting the two piece meal, but thankfully didn't go there, as it would have been too much food. Bad: The restaurant's interior decor could use a refresh of sorts. Definitely has the feel of a hole in the wall restaurant. The drive-thru lane was closed, which was disappointing. The menu isn't on the board behind the registers. Instead, it's on a table in front, which separates the cashiers from the customers. Also not a fan of charging $3 for a can of soda as a drink. Or that I had to ask for a plastic knife to cut up the piece of fish. I get that it would be less cost prohibitive (and more convenient) to have plastic utensils but this food definitely needs hard silverware to cut and eat. The wait time for the food is 20 minutes, which also isn't ideal, though the exemplary cookery on the fish and chips does make it worth it. From the road, the restaurant appears closed or fenced off due to the construction fencing around the former brewery next door. It's hard to tell where the restaurant actually is when you approach it from the west. read more

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Let me start off by saying I am a fan of this place. These are some solid fish and chips. It's NOT oily at all which is what I appreciate the most. It also doesn't break apart easily. Chef John definitely perfected his batter recipe down to a tea. I came on a Friday afternoon around 2pm for a late lunch. I heard about this place from social media and decided why not give it a try since I was in the area. When I pulled into the lot it was almost full and when I walked in almost every table was filled with people. The first thing that caught my eye was how pricey things were. Now I will say the portion of the protein is HUGE. The fish is long and hefty. I think I'm just not used to paying almost $30 for fries and fish. Maybe $20 is more reasonable but in today's economy this is definitely going to hurt a lot of people's wallet especially for the area. If the coleslaw was standard I would say it makes the price better but you're just getting the protein and fries and no drink so it seems like a rip off. I get it. Aside from the pricing. I thought it was weird how the lemon slices aren't standard but considered a "sauce". Again. Usually when I eat fish and chips lemons and coleslaw is standard so having to add it on is definitely a choice... Those are really the only cons I have about this place. Due to social media it has benefited the business but at a cost of having a longer wait for customers at almost all times of the day. Waiting 30 minutes, for a "fast food" type joint is kind of crazy. However, as a family owned business with husband and wife and daughter just working I can give them some grace. As they probably didn't expect to blow up as they did. So my verdict is, I can see why the locals hit up this spot. At the end of the day they are a business and things like wait, pricing of ingredients going up it's all something we can't really control, so if you can put all that to the side this place is a solid find. read more

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I would call this place, the epitome of a British chippy shop. It's a tiny little restaurant, a few tables, and one thing they do amazingly well, which is frying anything and everything. Put in your order, feel free to split a one person meal because that's more than enough food for two, and be prepared to wait. There are three people working, two cooking, and one running back-and-forth between the register and the kitchen to help clear things out. Their fish, shrimp, fries, and zucchini are all expertly fried, very fresh tasting, which means they clearly changed their oil consistently, and everything tastes really good. I would personally prefer a little more salt in my batter, but that's my personal preference. Still they do a magnificent job on the fish and all the seafood. If you're craving that British isles sort of meal, this is the place to do it. read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - Fish. Chips. Coleslaw. Fried zucchini. - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Support family owned restaurants! Who doesn't love some authentic fish n chips right? Chef John's Fisn & Chips is a must try. Local to Lemon Grove, the restaurant offers a unique look both inside and outside. Unlique these corporate fast food chains nowadays that look boring and cookie cutteresque, Chef John's establishment is appealing to the eye. Food is made to order, so you know not to question the freshness of your plate! Yes it can be a wait, but definitely worth every minute of it. Portions are  generous , and although the price point may be a bit steep, you get what you pay for and that's quality eats here! read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - Fish and Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Heard all the hype so I had to try! Food is cooked as you order so it's hot and fresh. I had the fish & shrimp with the onion rings. Everything was amazing. I loved both but if I had to choose I'd say the shrimp was the hit!! The fish was a really big piece so you will get full. Those onion rings were delicious and huge. When you order the cashier tells you it will be about 35 minutes. Pretty accurate, but worth the wait. The place was packed for lunch so come with your patience because your food comes out fresh & hot. I'll be back. read more

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Although we had to wait 1/2 an hour for our food, it was totally worth it. Enjoying dinner with the wifey. Chill spot. Everything was really fresh & delicious. read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Good quality fish and shrimp. Small family owned business in Lemon Grove. Only a few tables available for dine in. Somewhat of a small menu. Expect to drop a coin here. Service is slow as there are only three employees. Cook, prep and cashier. I ordered 4 fish, 4 shrimp, two fries and a coleslaw and total was $70 + a 45 minute wait. read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - Business Hours and telephone number - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Amazing fish and chip. Service great. Friendly people. Simple restaurant ambiance is basic. Portions are big. One order could be good for 2. Top 3 fish and chips I have tried in San Diego read more

It's been a while since my last visit to Chef John's. Today it wasn't busy in the dining area but the pick up service was busy. The food is still very tasty. We ordered the Fish and Shrimp plate which included fries. The prices however have increased over the years like most places so we don't eat here as often as we would like. 2025/9 read more

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Great fish and chips the portions and quality are fantastic,hush puppies were great too. They give you plenty of all the condiments and the service is wonderful.I highly recommend this little Gem for great fish and chips. read more

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This place is way OVER PRICED . I called to order & when she said my total I had to repeat it because I couldn't believe what they were charging for some fish & fries . I told them never mine & hung up. I guess I will never eat here again. read more

Finally got to try this place after passing by it for so many years!Ordered the zucchini for $13.99 and their 2pc fish n chips for $25.99. Fish were huge and so good!! The place could use a little tlc tho. Trash were over filled to the floor. There was only 1 cashier which i think is the daughter and 2 elderly couple cooking and preparing. Waited 45min but it was worth the wait! Got there around 6p and since they close at 7p, you could only order to go. read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - Fish and chips (fries under lol) - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Documenting the food and sharing the food experience at a old school family-owned seafood spot named "Chef John Fish & Chips " in Lemon Grove. After all these years, we finally made time to checkout it out. Validating that the food is made-to-order, on that same note I want to share and confirm that the food is fried, crispy, and fresh. (On a sidenote) if you do not like well cooked french fries , simply ask or request at the time of your order for a (light fry) on the french fries. We ordered Chicken and fish combination plate, and Fish and Calamari combination plate. Our order took about 10-15 minutes. Raising awareness: it's nice at Chef John Fish & Chips that they have ice cold water to drink and provide ice cold water to drink as a alternative to buying cans of soda. Expect to spend say $60.- $70. dollars for two people, and/or say $100.00- $120.00 dollars for three people. So, if your in the mood for fried, crispy, and fresh food check out Chef John Fish & Chips for yourelf. read more

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This place is busy (probably due to video from a Social media food influencer). I went on a Saturday only to be told that wait would be 45 minutes. I left. Went back today (Monday) and it was still busy. Ordered 1 fish/ 4 shrimp, onion rings, & fried mushrooms. While the portions were large. Was it worth the $50+. No. The fish & shrimp had no flavor. The onion rings were huge and tasted good. The mushrooms were very large and alright. The wait was approximately 1 hour. Probably won't return. read more

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absolutely love love their fish & chips - they are super fresh and crispy every time so account for a little wait time or call ahead. The tartar sauce is addicting too omg. read more

It's hard to believe I didn't know about this place sooner! I've had fish and chips everywhere and this place takes the cake. I imagine the dining area will need to be expanded soon. Portions are large and perfect. Clean oil, perfect batter! Amazing read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - Fish and chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Chef John's is still as good when he was the only one there is the restaurant over 20 years ago. Nothing has changed other than having help and needing a larger parking lot. I had enough fish and shrimp for the next day. I ordered the fish and shrimp combo with an extra fish. The service was on point making sure that you had a drink of something and sauces. The atmosphere was the a little busy; no one was complaining. read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - Two pieces of the fish and chips. The shrimp came out later piping hot. - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

The fish and chips are outstanding here. I've come here twice and both times to-go order! My food was still hot and crispy when I got home. Worth every dollar!!! read more

Okay - this place is insane and I mean it in a great way!! Took a while to order & recurve my order but it was the best fish and chips I think I can remember having! I believe it's a family run business so if you're expecting fast food - not here! It's made fresh to order. The decor is exactly what you'd expect - seafaring style. read more

The hype is real and legit!!! One of the Best places for fish n chips. Everything is crispy with a light batter. Even the coleslaw is very good and my wife usually doesn't like most places version but she loved theirs. The wait can be long bc it's all made to order and it does get busy. BUT, the wait is worth it. Congratulations on all the success.. hope you stay around gut a very long time. Can't wait to come back next time we're in San Diego, Lemon Grove. read more

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So went in for the first time wanted to try the fish because my brother sent me a YouTube video looked really good so I drove to Lemon Grove and I ordered the shrimp and fish he got four shrimp and one piece of fish and then I substituted the french fries for the onion rings the total price was $28 for this plate plus tax so we're looking around 29 dollars the breading was light and very crispy but the fish had a fishy taste it didn't taste clean the shrimp or just okay the breading had literally no flavor and the same braiding was on the onion rings and even those didn't have a lot of flavor they make everything fresh to order so be prepared to wait a good 25 minutes before you get your food but would I go back I don't think so there was a long line so people do like it for me it's a no for you you might love it I don't know but I won't be going back it's too far of a drive I can go other places and get actually better for my taste read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - First time here - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

This place has some of the best fish and chips ever. I have seen Chef John's trending recently on social media, and fish and chips are one of my favorite dishes. My family was feeling sick so I opted to calm in my order for pickup. We ordered the 6 piece fish and 2 fry (to-go only) for a whopping $53.99, along with a side of fried mushrooms ($11.99) and hush puppies ($6.49). I came in and the inside is quiet, and straight to the point. The people working, who I assume are family, are extremely nice and polite, I truly felt I was welcomed. They packed my meal with love and I was on my way. Let's start with the fish. It was AMAZING. The batter was tasty and perfectly fried to a golden crisp. Chef John truly knows a great recipe. They are extremely large as well, if you are a small eater you can do with one. The tartar sauce was also a great pairing with the fish. It was eaten up quick and I recommend purchasing additional if you love a saucy meal. The fries are your generic fries, still good nonetheless. The fried mushrooms were also amazing given the same batter is used. I just feel the value isn't there for $11.99. The hush puppies are also delicious, however, they are EXTREMELY tiny. I know cost is increasing across the board but I feel like the value for the sides are not there. Overall, Chef John's Fish and Chips will now be a repeat for my family and I. The family meal is hefty but delicious enough for me to return. read more

Seems expensive but you aren't getting fish that is mostly bread. The breading is light. You actually have a large piece of fish. They make it when you order. read more

We decided to drive to San Diego from San Bernardino to try Chef John's food, yes and go to the beach and some shopping as well. Got the fish, calamari, fries and onions ring. A lot of fried food but very good. Large pieces of fish (bigger than most restaurants). Cooked very well. YUM, The calamari was crisp and just done well. The fries and onion rings had a great crunch. We also go the coleslaw and went perfect with the meal. The ambiance was okay, but service was good. EVERYTHING was cooked to order so you May have to wait. Would we drive back for the fish...no, BUT if we were in San Diego we would definitely stop by. read more

Dude!!!! This is it. Worth the trip out. Mozz sticks on point man hard to find in sd fish was amazing the shrimp was great. Fries were crispy. It takes a bit cuz it's all don't to order so like 10/15 mins. This isn't Rubios man. This is craft, this is art. I'm from the cape and miss fried seafood like this. Cocktail sauce was legit. Not that tobacco crap you ppl do out here. It's not rocket science ppl. Here is the recipe. 1/3 Jar of horseradish. Few blasts of ketchup, dash worchester sauce, squirt of fresh lemon juice...Mix to taste. Too spicy add ketchup. Not spicy enough add horseradish. That's it. Don't f it up. K.I.S.S. Wait time? I'd wait in line for 20 mins to eat here. read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - Greatness - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Do not trust the low reviews of this place. The people that complain are used to going to fast food chains where your food is out in 5 min or less. There's only 3 people working the kitchen; it's a Mom and Pop spot. It's always busy but it's worth what you pay. The food is phenomenal. All of these people complaining that their food was cold are lying; I got my food came home to Santee 25 min away; my food was still hot. People lie for no reason like this reviewer lower and the other people giving bad reviews. I waited 50 min on a busy day during lent, the food was worth the wait. Not too greasy, the fries are good by themselves too, the shrimp hits as well. Try it for yourself before you believe these lying low reviews. Same people saying these things are mad that their food didn't come out like it was McDonalds read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - 4 fish and fries combo - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Covid is over. The food was good but they are limited on drinks, and we couldn't understand the clerk with her mask on. It was just awkward. Not overly friendly either. Food was excellent. read more

Food is fried fresh, golden brown and served hot and crispy. Tarter sauce is really good, cocktail sauce is really good! Expect a little bit of a wait as everything is made to order. The wait and the price is definitely worth the food. But that's just my opinion. Go try it out for yourself. I'll definitely be back! read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - Menu - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Our go to place during Lent. Simply delicious and fresh. Wonderful customer service. They're always so busy! We order ahead to avoid the long line. It's a bit pricey, but well worth it! read more

The fish here was really good but the fries and shrimp were kind of average. The biggest issue was the price though. My plate with fish and shrimp and fries along with a drink was over $30 after tax which is just crazy. I would easily go 4 stars if the prices were sane. Also, I went on a Tuesday during lunch hour and the place was empty. I have to think they could actually make more money if they lowered their prices to attract more customers. read more

We ordered 2 piece fish combo and it was delicious but very expensive. The food was made to order so it took about 20 minutes but was worth the wait... the service was not bad but not exceptional due to a language barrier. Unfortunately the price is what will keep us from going back... read more

The food is good. The menu is small. It does good work for the food that he makes, but can be very expensive. The ambience is a small building that used to be something else back in the day. The service is fine. You order your food and then that's it. They call your number to get your food on a tray and sit down and you eat it. Everything there is fried when we were there they did not have the onion rings that day that were ham bread for too long pieces of fish and four shrimp and some fries. It was like $25 and then extra would be hush puppies and stuff like that for the two of us after we ordered we each got fish with french fries which were no big deal and shrimp and chicken no drinks just of water. It was expensive. It was like $75 so there's a reputation there it's a sweet family that's been there for quite a while. The food is good, but I just went there once and probably will never need to do it again just because I can cook my own food probably just as well. read more

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"Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded." Apparently this place hit the jackpot on social media which is bad news for regulars like me. You used to be able to phone in your order, but now the phone message tells you to come in and order. I'm not playing that game - I'm not going to go in, order, wait 45min or whatever and take it home. read more

Just ate there today. Excellent! Good portions, fish is crispy and well flavored. A go back to place for sure.

Awesome fish batter that stays crunchy. Gotta enjoy it piping hot with the perfectly fried chips so I always dine in. I get the 2pc fish/ chips & leave stuffed! Had the shrimp & squid which were ok. It's the fish that really shines here. I prefer this over Point Loma Seafood fish n chips. read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - 2pc fish chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

Really good fried shrimp & fish but extremely extremely extremely OVERPRICED!!!!! Especially for an old timey hole in the wall type place that you order at the counter and take back to your fast food style booth .... They are literally charging decent restaurant prices for a plate that should be 1/2 the price of that !!! read more

What can I say? Hand dipped battered fish creates the best fish and chips in San Diego. Huge filets served hot. Friendly service. A bit pricey but what isn't these days. They also do calamari and shrimp too. Everything is made to order so there can be a bit of a wait if it's busy. read more

Chef John's Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Only one reason to stop here and it's Chef John's outstanding execution of fish and chips. This is not made fast but definitely made with care -- the batter was crisp and lightly crunchy while maintaining a fluffy fish inside. Same for the shrimp. Eat it while it's hot and warm. The service was straight to the point, no nonsense but courteous. Yellow is one of my favorite colors so interiors were good. Could do without the worship music but hey! His symbol is the Christian fish so I don't mind his ministry through food. Highly recommend - worth the drive and worth the wait if you're in the San Diego or area. read more

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