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The Olde Yorke Fish & Chips
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Fish & Chips Seafood, Fish & Chips [Edit]
96 Laird DrEast York, ON M4G 3V3
(416) 696-9670
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
24 reviews for The Olde Yorke Fish & Chips
Review Highlights
"...fish gluttony we shared a deep fried Mars bar for dessert."
(in 5 reviews)
"The city's best fish & chips."
(in 3 reviews)
"...fried chips but the absolute winner was the halibut."
(in 8 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Christine C.
Etobicoke, ON
2/17/2010 4 photos
There are plenty 'o fish in the sea but the ones that end up on the plates at Olde Yorke Fish & Chips are just a joy to be had, or in this case, haddock. Oh gosh, I think the punster that is Vivek is starting to rub off on me.
I finally made the pilgrimage to Olde Yorke and it was most definitely worth the effort. Shari M, my fellow meat diva and I continued on our travels to find the city's best fish and chips and I'm pretty sure we've hit the right fishing spot on Laird Avenue. OY has a really comfortable vibe about it and this is the sort of place my Mother would have absolutely loved. Cozy surroundings, straight up simple comfort food and nasty assed desserts, what more does a girl possibly need? Throw in the fact I can have a glass of the vino with my food and I'm as happy as a clam, or in this case, a clam strip.
I had the clam strips and they were great. A big, crispy pile of deep fried clams that were not remotely oily sided with a heaping mountain of golden hot chips, coleslaw and clam dipping sauce. Shari had herself a big honking hunk of fish that was so crispy when she cut in to it I could hear the crunch. Now this is the way fish and chips were meant to be.
To finish off the fish gluttony we shared a deep fried Mars bar for dessert. It was just downright ooey gooey nastiness. I had a bite and that was it for me. I lived the rest of that dessert adventure vicariously through Shari's best imitation of Sally's moment in the deli with Harry. It was food orgasms all around. (see the pics)
Dessert aside, if you are in the market for some serious fish and chips then this is the spot for you. We shall continue on our finding Nemo quest but I'm pretty sure in the end we'll both agree that the OY is absolutely one of the best, if not the best, fish and chip destination in the city.Listed in: So many fish in the Sea!
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Review from salitabebe b.
Toronto, ON
11/18/2011
So many great reviews but my experience was nothing to rave about. Ordered the halibut. Much to my dismay, crust was not crispy... sat under a heat lamp a little too long? Flavour was okay - accompanied with bland tarter sauce. Was a fairly small serving of fish. But because of that i had no hesitation in ordering dessert, the deep fried Mars bar! But alas, that too fell flat ;(
An anorexic serving. 2 thumb-sized morsels - were these baby Mars? - served alongside a scoop of vanilla 'ice-milk' ice-cream. ie. puddle of milk beside my mangled mess of caramel.
On the upside service was excellent. Server was friendly, attentive, and had a good sense of humor. Decor was homey and comfy - small rooms throughout, red velvet seats, warm ambiance. They also have their own parking lot - nice bonus! Unfortunately even though it's in my neighbourhood, doubt i will return. I left craving good fish & chips! -
Review from Jonathan C.
Oakville, ON
9/26/2011
Exec Summary: Awesome fish, and OK chips.
Things to try: um... the fish?
Price: About $10 + tax and tip
My friends keep telling me about this place, and I finally managed to try it out, and I'm glad I did!
The biggest factors for good fish and chips are: the fish, the batter, and the amount of grease. That's a bit of a no brainer.
Olde York has a simple recipe, with good, flaky fish, a crispy batter, and most importantly, that is not too greasy. It's fish and chips, it's obviously not healthy, but nobody likes a oily grease soaked piece of fish! Olde York delivers here with good frying techniques to keep the batter crisp.
The chips were ok, nothing spectacular.
Next time, I'll have to try the onion rings! -
Review from Mariko M.
Updated - 9/23/2011
A year and a half later, I have returned.
As usual, it was busy and we had to wait for a few minutes before we were seated. We sat in the most recently renovated area - it was pretty nice.
Tonight I ordered the Calamari & Chips (appx $12).
The calamari was really good ... perfectly battered and fried, it was delish.
The fries were okay; it would add to the dish if there are more dips than just ketchup i.e. garlic mayo, curry sauce, etc.
Service was pretty good.
Because of my Lifestyle Change Journey, I can't eat here often, but once in a while, I'll be back.Listed in: Lovely Little Leaside
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/20/2010
Coming here has given me a glimpse of life as a senior citizen. Many patrons were on the older side… Read more »
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Review from Tina N.
Toronto, ON
3/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I stopped by yesterday night for dinner and the place was packed! Luckily a table was leaving just as I entered the restaurant so getting a table was fairly quick. When seated, I ordered a fisherman's platter and a halibut fish & chips that was shared among 3 people and some appetizers (calamari and cesar salad).
THIS PLACE IS BOMB!
I was really impressed with the sizes of the portions and the amount of fries they give you with the orders. The fish filets were nice and thick and the batter on the fried everythings were crispy and not overly oily.
The waitress that waited on us was very helpful too and was super friendly.
It's out of my local area but I'll definitely be going back here when I want some more fish 'n' chips!!
RECCOM: Halibut (soft, creamy texture and was very flavourful) -
Review from Imran N.
3/30/2011
Best fish and chips in toronto without a doubt.
Closest you will get to the original Brighton style.
The line up is indicative enough as to how good this place is.
I'm a big fan of the fishermans platter with is fish, shrimp, scallops and chips.
Also, i usually get a calamari entree with greek salad as an appetizer to share. Really good and i love their greek. It's piled nice.
Ambience is pub like - i like the patio more. -
Review from C T.
Markham, ON
5/7/2011
Hubby and I have been meaning to try this neighborhood gem for a long time. We used to live in Leaside more than 5 years ago, and only now did we manage to get our act together to try the Old Yorke. We were not disappointed. The only disappointment is we have to travel so far to have good fish and chips again.
We went for lunch on a saturday afternoon, arriving at around 12:30pm. The place was half empty when i went in to scout out the situation for the baby stroller. NOTE TO PARENTS WITH SMALL INFANTS: Leave the stroller in the car. When you enter the restaurant, there are 4-5 steps you have to climb to get up to the dining room. Unless you want to hurt your back picking up the stroller to climb the stairs, just bring the car seat. Oh, and there IS a changing table in the washroom (in the women's only - aren't we living in an equal opportunity society nowadays?). We assumed they didn't have one, and proceeded to change baby in the backseat of the car - oops.
I had the halibut and chips, hubby had the fisherman's platter (haddock, shrimp, and scallop). The food came very quickly, a nice change from Blue Nose where we had to wait more than 30 minutes for our order last time. By the time we dug into our deep fried goodness, the place was starting to get packed. There was a lineup by 1pm.
My halibut arrived golden and crispy. The fish was flaky and tender. The batter was light and not oily. The chips were fresh cut and delicious. You know you have great fresh cut fries when you have the little pieces of potato skin amongst the big fries that are super crispy and so yummy. I cleaned up my plate. Hubby's fisherman's platter was very sizable. Generous portion of haddock, 4 pieces of shrimp, and 3 pieces of scallops. I had a piece of the shrimp. It was perfectly cooked with a good bite. Nothing worse than overcooked shrimp, right?
My plate didn't come with tartar sauce, so I flagged down our waitress to get some. Apparently tartar sauce is by request (but it comes standard with the fisherman's platter - don't ask me why). Even though the menu says "all main courses include coleslaw and bread with butter", our waitress asked if we wanted bread after taking our order. We said yes. The bread didn't taste baked in house, but it was good.
We didn't have enough stomach room for dessert, but I would have liked to try the deep fried pineapple rings with ice cream.
All in all, I will return to the Old Yorke if I'm in the neighborhood. I've heard of the lineups at dinner times, so going at lunch is probably the safer bet. And if there is a huge lineup, there's always Duffs on Bayview to fill in that deep fried goodness void! -
Review from K V.
Thornhill, ON
3/14/2011
Huge line up of people outside its doors all trying to get in for the good old yorke fishes cannot be wrong. This place is usually packed with diners especially in the evenings, luckily they have a separate take out entrance for those faint of heart which is just as good, but without a bar.
The fish and chips are good here, batter is crisp and well adhered to the fish not greasy at all, chips are made from real potatoes. We always always get halibut, its meat is more tender than haddock and it lacks the fishy smell of haddock. But what really keeps me coming so far from my densely Israeli populated area is their clam chowder...mmm...thick and creamy and yes made with clams. It is nicely spiced and the small cubed potatoes are always done to perfection, not over nor under done as if they were making it just for you. And it is only $4.40, what more can you ask for.
The decor inside is nice and has an old charm to it, servers are friendly and unintrusive, food is delivered as soon as it is ready, nice and hot.
My only complain is that they do not take reservations and sometimes I just don't feel like standing outside in an uninspiring lineup, and I cannot take a group here because making my friends wait is even worse than entertaining them at home with juggling. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
12/10/2010 5 photos
After eating at The Olde Yorke Fish and Chips.. I am a believer!
I never realize that Fish and Chips can be so tasty! I do feel a little guilty when I decide to have some deep fried fish! Gee Deep Fried to Golden Crisp with batter... You know how much calories that is?? But I have to tell you, one bite and I know it worth all those extra time exercising/yoga and more.
Dropped by on a Friday afternoon.. this place was packed!! I think I am the only Asian surrounded by more mature European crowds.. Yes I stick out like a sore thumb.
Haddocks and Chips ($10.45)
- Fish is really sizable! So moist! So Flaky!
- Batter not oily! Perfectly done with a nice crunch!
- Fries are standard... maybe I can substitute for a mixed salad or something? so I am not eating a double fried fried entrees?
Services here can be a little slow.... since most of the customers are seniors and they are really enjoying themselves and not rushing anywhere... If you in a rush... don't come! They will make your blood pressure really goes up!
Now when I think of Fish and Chips.. Olde Yorke is the one I daydream about!Listed in: A Day in Leaside!, British Influence!!, Fish and Chips!
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Review from Tony F.
8/25/2010
Review on the Run:
Easily one of the better Fish & Chip places in the city. It's even got a bit of traditional UK Fish & Chip atmosphere that is quite charming.
Good selection of fish that was lightly battered. They're all priced around the $10-$12.
It was packed even for a Wednesday lunch service. And not sure why, but I guess the seniors all love their fish.
They do have Deep Fried Mars Bars on the menu, and I'll have to give it a try next time.
Conclusion: Eat Here? Definitely Yes!Listed in: Omnomeriffic Yum! (TM)
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Review from Kat F.
10/12/2009 6 photos
With the exception of two despicable toddlers whose parents needed a lesson in child discipline, Justin E. and I were younger than the average Old Yorke patron by 30-40 years. At 6pm this place was slammed with grandparents, in-laws, and other family members queuing up to get a seat.
I heard not one but TWO separate diners utter the following sentence:
"I'm in a quest to find the city's best fish and chips and so far this is still my favourite." If that's not an endorsement I don't know what is.
This was the first time I was ever trying fish and chips so I had to go for the 'premium' type recommended to me - the halibut - with a side order of haddock just for comparative purposes.
The menu is heavy on the standard F&C options - cod (from Iceland), haddock (the usual) and halibut, all at around $11 with chips. There was also a "Weight Watchers" version of fish and chips made with broiled halibut and salad instead of fries. Then there were some more creative options like shrimp 'n chips, scallop 'n chips and even a hamburger and chicken breast. If you like beer they have Guinness, Tetleys Cream Ale and Steam Whistle on tap. A glass of wine was only $6.50 (!).
Halibut and chips were quite tasty and the ratio of batter to actual fish was solid. Chips were well done and I never thought I'd say this but I've now sampled tartar sauce and I actually liked it. I can't say that fish and chips will be something I'll be eating regularly as I eat enough fried food as it is and if something's gonna be deep fried I need it to be a little saltier, but if I do I'll definitely be back here.
As if I had any room in my gullet for dessert, I still ordered from the list of homemade treats (deep fried pineapple rings, sherry trifle, apple crisp or pumpkin pie). Of course I had to go for the seasonal pumpkin pie and as expected it was CrazySexyCool.Listed in: Fish In The City
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Review from Jing K.
Toronto, ON
Is it possible to give a 3.5? That's what I really mean. It was sort of our own fault for deciding on getting takeout from here when we were around the corner at the Petsmart and Home Depot, driving almost all the way home in the west-end when we realized we needed some beer to accompany the meal. And then when we got home we unloaded our purchases, dilly dallied, so by the time we were ready to eat the food was a bit worse for wear.
However, the haddock was very good and as mentioned by other reviewers, the batter to fish ratio was excellent. We got the family deal (yes, for two adults) and the coleslaw serving was beyond generous. The fries did not fare well in their styrofoam take-out-containers/incubators.
This was our first time trying Olde Yorke, we had heard of it before and reading the reviews here sealed the deal. (I felt so high-tech when I used my mobile to find nearby food places on yelp, read the reviews, then used the map function to find our way there - like, all that was missing was the hipster instrumental soundtrack and the voice-over saying "there's an app for that").
A definite try again. Next time we're in the east end we'll prioritize the food first!Listed in: I see ROTD and think of LOTR
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Review from Kavi G.
Toronto, ON
6/15/2010
I've wanted to eat at Olde Yorke Fish & Chips for years. I always see it on Laird, tucked away in a weird corner near a slew of auto mechanics or car dealerships, but the place truly looks like your stereotypical Leaside restaurant.
You can't really go wrong with fish & chips, I mean, it's not that hard to do. It's a really English meal, and when you look at the diners, you know you're in Leaside. I made the mistake of showing up to the restaurant at peak senior citizen partying time: between 6-7 pm. Be prepared to wait in a line, because you know how much old folks wanna eat early and be in bed by, like, 8:30.
Elena and I got a sweet patio table (their patio is pretty kick ass), and although we got regular tables, they have these quaint little booth dealies with cushions as well. Unfortunately a band of hipsters had taken over those.
Started with the calamari, pretty standard, but the plating was huge. The prices at Olde Yorke are little on the heavy side, but when you have an 'e' at the end of every word, you know they're trying to tell you something.
We both had the haddock with fries. Large plating again, but pretty standard as far as fish & chips go. I think we were really paying for the atmosphere and quaintness of it all.
If you're looking for a nice place to eat a standard meal, then I'd recommend Olde Yorke. Apart from that, you're better off going to a Chippy's or something. Besides, I prefer my fish & chips wrapped in newspaper and smothered in ketchup. Classic. -
Review from Deanna W.
3/28/2009
We have a winnah!!
In my personal quest for Toronto's best fish and chips-Olde Yorke is the champ!
The batter is perfect here, perfect thickness and taste-it is a little poofy but still retains its crispy, crunchy side. And the portion whoa-very generous with its cuts of fish, I have tried the haddock and it was cooked well not dried out at all. Fries are slightly weak -they are a tad soft and lightly coloured I prefer my chips to be a little more well done. Desserts are interesting they have deep fried mars bars on occasion, deep fried pineapple rings and I tried a wonderful homemade apple crumble they had served with some very tasty vanilla ice cream.
Service is friendly although there tends to be a lineup at the door whereupon you will have to leave your name wih hostess but the lineup tends to move along quickly. Very distinct british pub setting with the wood bar, cushioned chairs and leather booths-charming if you will. And the patrons can be quite cute and funny : a moment of hilarity occured during my meal here tonight when I got handed a new bottle of heinz and had to pat away at the bottle. The elderly gentleman sitting next to me at the bar frantically motioned at the servers and proclaimed: 'hey! she's having trouble getting her ketchup out!' :)Listed in: Gone Fishin'-Fish and Chips
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Review from Shari M.
Toronto, ON
2/14/2010
I have to agree with fellow reviewers - this is the best fish and chips in Toronto that I have found.
My partner in crime, Christine C, and I headed to Olde Yorke to prove that there is some good fish and chips to be had in this city and so I could indulge in a deep fried Mars bar ; )
Without stealing my brother Vivek's "punder", this place was great, just for the "halibut"! The fish to batter ratio was stellar. The batter was thick, but not concrete wall thick. It was deep fried goodness, but not greasy. The chips were seasoned (unlike Reliable) and dense, but not soggy. The portion size was large, but if you arrive hungry, you will finish the plate.
Christine had the fried clams. Man oh man...I may have to have these when I come back!!
The decor is very cosy, like you are in a pub across the pond. Even the bathroom is cute.
The staff are helpful, friendly and seem to be enjoying themselves.
The deep fried Mars bar is gross-good. You know you shouldn't eat it, but you do because it is ooeeyyy goodness. I did leave a piece of fried batter on the plate. An offering to the Fried Gods.Listed in: Mid Town
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Review from Ariel G.
7/1/2009 1 photo
Just had dinner there last night. This establishment is the second one that receives my 5 Star rating. That was almost lost by the fact that we had to wait too long for refills and for a bit too long for our check.
What can I say? The fish is perfect! I had Haddock and Chips and my wife had the Fisherman's Plate. They were both done to perfection. It reminded of a place on the Queensway, Viking Fish and Chips, which seems to have 'moved'.
I had started with a home-made Clam Chowder which was excellent. It was a very pleasurable dinner. It is not a fancy place, you do have to wait in line, but you will be rewarded.
Just great!Listed in: My 5-Star Places
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Review from Downtown D.
Toronto, ON
8/7/2010
I went here for lunch during the week. Our party of 3 were quickly seated and quickly served. Busy with seniors, families and some other middle aged white collar workers.
I had haddock and fries - nice and crispy. I had to ask for tartar sauce. I usually don't eat greasy food but it was your standard fish and chips. No complaints.
Deep fried Mars bar?! Maybe next time. -
Review from Eric B.
4/9/2011
Not only was the fish excellent, but the fries were the best I've ever had. I happened to be up there for a few different weeks, working at the AT&T / Telus facility across the road. We never had time to go anywhere else for lunch, so we just walked across the street every day, not that I was ever disappointed to eat there.
Recently I had occasion to take a vacation road trip with the g/f. Starting from home in NYC and did some wineries and crossed the border at Niagara Falls (but NOT all in the same day!), all as an excuse to take her there for the best French fries ever. We got there a bit after lunch time and had no trouble getting a seat and having our food. Was a great memory and I'm glad I took her there :)
Anyone nearby should DEFINITELY stop here for lunch or dinner. -
Review from John M.
Montréal-Ouest, QC
5/25/2011
The best fish in the business.
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Review from nathalie f.
Toronto, ON
4/20/2009
The line up was long but moved quickly. As far as fish and chips are concerned, it doesn't get any better than this. I had the halibut and chips. It was a very generous portion of perfectly fried chips but the absolute winner was the halibut. The batter was light and crispy and not oily at all.
As an interesting side note: they also had deep fried mars bar on the menu. will try next time. -
Review from Teresa H.
Greektown, Toronto, ON
Updated - 1/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Better to order the Halibut than the Haddock. Haddock is dry.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/8/2011
I love living so close to this restaurant. We'd been trying to eat in the restaurant for weeks but… Read more »
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Review from Huma S.
Toronto, ON
2/14/2010
gotta agree, folks this is good fish n chips! the fish is massive, the portions are great, ambiance chilled. Im gonna be eating there for a while. Wanted to try the cherry pie dessert, unfortunately they were out of it.
Holding up all 5 fingers for this place, it deserves it! -
Review from Abbey A.
Toronto, ON
8/27/2010
Love this place! Yes, it is busy. Best bet is during summer when all the Leasideites are up at their summer homes. Great service, huge helpings and you don't walk out of there with that greasy mouth that you get from many fish and chips places. Good bang for your buck.
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Review from Michael S.
Toronto, ON
5/3/2010
The city's best fish & chips. Be prepared to line up with the rest of the blue hair catholic crowd on Friday night and check your heart monitor at the door. It's deep fried goodness at its best.
