John Mac's Traditional Fish and Chips

Right on Newcastle's seafront, with the waters of Dundrum Bay on one side and the Mournes rising behind, John Mac's is a traditional chippy that has become something of an institution for promenade strollers and day-trippers. It's a takeaway built for the seaside: order a freshly fried supper, find a bench overlooking the water and watch the world go by. The team prides itself on cooking to order, so there's often a friendly queue at the busiest moments.

The star of the show is, unsurprisingly, the Battered Haddock, served with hand-cut chips that have earned the shop a loyal following and a 2025/26 Good Food Award Blue Ribbon for fish and chips. It holds a 5 (Very Good) Food Hygiene Rating and is rated 4.6 out of 5 from more than 370 reviews, so you can tuck in with confidence. Sausage suppers, fish cakes and other seaside staples round out a tidy, satisfying menu.