Fish & Burger Co

Hello summer. It’s a time spent at the beach chasing brackish waves, lathering copious amounts of sun lotion on oneself and basking in all the blazing sunshine. For most, including myself, a day at the beach typically ends at the fish ’n’ chip shop. (Mostly because I’m a sucker for a golden, crunchy potato cake.) This is where The Fish & Burger Co. steps in. Just in time for summer, the Doncaster hotspot has unveiled an expanded venue space complete with a gelato and shake bar, and a gigantic new menu.

The main aim of the renovations was to create an industrial-meets-minimalist vibe. Think exposed brick walls, raw concrete, nautical rope pendant lighting and strategically positioned festoons of tropical greenery. A ceiling-to-floor burger mural by Melbourne street artist Tarek and a cheeky neon sign add charm and character to the friendly, well-lit and inviting venue.

‘Since opening in 2015 we have amassed a cult following with customers coming from all over the city and as a result most night we’re at capacity. Securing next door gave us an opportunity to not only expand our seating but offerings too. With the new gelato and shake bar you can come in for a meal and dessert all in the one place, or pop in with the kids after school for gelato,’ says owner Andrew Ibrahim.

Andrew has worked to great lengths to design a menu that will please most. After eyeing the many salivating options, I was unsure whether to walk down the ‘Fish’ avenue or the ‘Burger’ route. Ultimately, I landed somewhere in the middle.

The highlights you ask? Well the prawn slider was simply a morsel of pure goodness. Layered with a Panko-crumbed butterflied prawn, fresh mint, coriander, Asian slaw and chilli mayo, it proved to be a brilliant choice. The slaw wasn’t sloppy nor overpowering, it was fresh and tangy. Next would be the Cheese and Bacon loaded fries. Dripping in American cheddar sauce, bacon, ranch sauce and spring opinion, the serving size was generous and is ideal for two people. For traditional fish ’n’ chip eaters, the potato cakes were as crispy as imagined. I would recommend the Ridin’ Solo or the Salt & Lemon Pepper Calamari if you’re looking for a larger plate.

The gelato bar is arguably The Fish & Burger’s Co.’s ace up their sleeve. You simply won’t be able to resist. Andrew assures that the “proof is in the tasting”. Sourcing the finest natural Australian and Italian ingredients, the range of signature flavours is crafted by a Melburnian artisan Italian gelato chef. The Hazelnut is ‘sourced from the Piemonte region, while our pistachios are sourced from Southern Italy in Sicily,’ adds Andrew.

If you’re heading home from the beach, or from some other summertime activity, stop by and see why The Fish & Burger Co. is a local institution.

Fish & Burger Co
1001 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East
Open 7 days, Monday to Thursday, 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday, 11am to 9.30pm, Sunday, 11am to 9pm
thefishandburgerco.com