Forget the Filet-O-Fish: 10 great Melbourne fish burgers and sangas to try
Even as the universe of sandwich possibilities expands in Melbourne, the ingredients of a good fish sanga (or burger) remain steady. Fluffy bread, a little greenery and crunch, and a creamy sauce with just enough acid to tame the richness. This list is full of classics, but a couple of rule-breaking creations (hello, alfalfa) are also worth seeking out.
Fannys Sannys, Prahran
At a new south-side sandwich shop by ex-Grill Americano chef Doug Keyte, the Krispy Green is a fish sanger set apart by the verdant, herbaceous green goddess sauce that coats its fillings, from fried John dory to finely sliced fennel.
Bobo’s Fish Burger & Oyster Bar, Preston
Preston Market has a fresh stall: Bobo’s, dedicated to oysters and fish burgers. The signature burg – on a milk bun – centres around crumbed rockling joined by cos, house pickles and dill- and caper-spiked mayo. There’s also a prawn roll.
Warkop, Richmond and CBD
There’s an Indonesian edge to everything Warkop does, including its take on the Macca’s Filet-O-Fish. Sambal matah – raw shallot and chilli dressed in lemongrass and lime – spices up the fried rockling number, bolstered by house-made tartare and the welcome addition of alfalfa sprouts, all on a soft potato roll.
Lennox St Deli’s fish sanga is so supersized you could easily share it between two.
Lennox St Deli, Moonee Ponds
House-made, panko-crumbed and better than Birds Eye, fish fingers are the star of this north-west deli’s Sandwich Watch-approved creation. They’re layered on pillow-soft shokupan (Japanese milk bread) with iceberg, pickled red onion, American cheese and tartare made in house.
Edita’s, Carlton North
Family-run fish’n’chipper Edita’s leans into its owners’ Polynesian roots, and dishes up a delicious mess of a fish burger that has become an internet sensation. A potato roll encases a thick, fried fillet, hit with heaps of tangy tartare and American cheese.
Pipis Kiosk, Albert Park
The kiosk outside this hatted beachside restaurant not only does the second-best hot chips in Melbourne, but one hell of a fish burger. Tartare is funked up with preserved lemon; smashed edamame adds texture; and the rockling is fried deep, deep brown. A side of nori-dusted crisps brings it home.
Miksa Food Truck is parked in a Campbellfield backlot.
Miksa, Campbellfield
In an industrial precinct in Melbourne’s north, this no-frills food truck serves Turkish street food that’s worth the detour. The menu’s mostly meaty, but the balik ekmek is a seafood standout, featuring wild-oregano-crusted snapper, sumac onions and a tahini sauce.
Marquis of Lorne is one of Melbourne's most popular pubs.
Marquis of Lorne, Fitzroy
One of Melbourne’s most popular pubs makes one of Melbourne’s most popular fish burgers. It’s all about rockling, a big old slab crumbed and fried to crispy perfection, with lettuce and tartare. It comes with chips, but the potato cakes are an irresistible add-on.
Seoul Tiger 1988, CBD
What looks like a crumbed, fried hunk of fish is actually 100 per cent prawn, ground into a plump patty in-house at this new Korean-influenced burger joint. It’s from the team behind North Melbourne cafe-bakery Baguette Studios.
Beautiful Jim Key, Brunswick
A fish burger as joyous as the interiors awaits at cafe Beautiful Jim Key. Ex-Builders Arms chef Josh Murphy stacks golden fried fish with double cheese, house tartare and lettuce. It’s skewered with guindilla chillies on top, and accompanied by skin-on fries.
