PHOTO: Fish and Chips. FILE
If you’ve ever found yourself in Christchurch craving the perfect crunch, the steamy golden chips, and the unmistakable aroma of a true Kiwi takeaway… there’s a good chance you’ve been to Fresco Fisheries—and come away raving.
For 37 years, this humble but mighty takeaway in Upper Riccarton has served what locals (and a growing number of visitors) call “some of the best fish and chips in New Zealand.”
And behind the fryers? A family of migrants with a dream.
🔥 A Taste of Success: From Migrants to Mainstays
Started by Eamon Joe and his family, Fresco Fisheries is more than just a takeaway—it’s a Christchurch institution.
From the very beginning, Eamon and his family embraced the hard graft, long nights, and fierce competition of New Zealand’s saturated fish and chip scene. Their story is one of resilience, risk, and reward—a migrant family carving out a slice of the Kiwi dream, one deep-fried snapper at a time.
📌 Also read: Small business, big heart: Meet the local dairy owner feeding his community
🍟 The Secret? Quality, Consistency—and Heart
So what makes Fresco Fisheries stand out in a sea of greasy paper-wrapped takeaways?
✅ Fresh-as fish, delivered daily
✅ Potatoes you’d swear were grown in heaven
✅ Crunchy, never soggy batter perfection
✅ Classic Chinese takeaway favourites that hit every note
And above all: a level of care and connection you won’t find at big-name chains.
“This is more than a business—it’s our family’s legacy,” says Eamon Joe in the video interview.
“We’ve watched generations come through those doors—schoolkids, now adults, bringing their own kids back here.”
💼 Powered by Passion—and Goodman Fielder
This piece is proudly brought to you by Goodman Fielder, who champion small, family-owned businesses across New Zealand.
Their collaboration with Fresco Fisheries is a celebration of the unsung heroes of our communities—migrants who’ve built beloved institutions from the ground up, often with little more than determination and a dream.
📌 Explore: NZ’s most loved local food spots revealed
🙌 A Love Letter to Kiwi Takeaways
From battered hoki to sweet and sour pork, Fresco Fisheries reminds us why New Zealand’s corner takeaways are woven into the national fabric.
Church Corner regulars know: there’s no Friday night quite like one with a hot parcel from Eamon and his team.
Their story is a timely reminder that the best food doesn’t always come from flash new eateries or viral menus—it comes from family, tradition, and a deep connection to community.
📍 Visiting Fresco Fisheries?
Address:
Fresco Fisheries
Church Corner Shopping Centre
Upper Riccarton, Christchurch
Pro tip: Get there before the dinner rush. And don’t sleep on the spring rolls—they’re legendary.