Get hooked on nostalgic classics and trawler-fresh catches at The Inky Squid
Let’s be honest (we’re all friends here), there are a bunch of us that associate fish and chips with greasy fingers, oily batters and soggy chips that are revived thanks only to hefty sprinklings of chicken salt. Just to clarify – we’ve got nothing against chicken salt – but we do think it’s pretty damn crazy that in a region so rich in fresh and live produce, that defrosted fish from the shores of who knows where still makes its way behind the glass of display counters, right next to the Chiko Rolls. Enter The Inky Squid, a new south-of-the-border fish and chippery where the fish comes off the trawler in Tweed in the morning and will be on your (biodegradable) plate by lunch time.
The details
As you’ve probably gathered, The Inky Squid is far from your stock-standard local fish and chip joint. Rather, it’s all about utilising local produce and modern techniques to offer a more refined approach to the much-loved takeaway cuisine. In the kitchen is owner and former Taverna head chef Ben Jones, who despite spending years on the tools in high-end establishments, has decided to tackle a more humble venture of his own in the quaint township of Terranora, alongside partner and former hospitality trainer Jessica Price. As a passionate life-long pescatarian, Ben knows seafood well. Each morning he selects the best catches from the trawlers across the Tweed and Northern Rivers region – then, it literally comes straight off the boat and into a glass cabinet at The Inky Squid.
The food
The combination of fresh-as-it-gets produce and Ben’s culinary wizardry sees a menu of fun, nostalgic classics served with a modern spin. Yes, it’s a takeaway joint at heart, but there’s a hint of finesse that puts The Inky Squid a cut above the run-of-the-mill fish and chipperies that we all know. The trawler-fresh catches are served crumbed, battered or grilled with your choice of crispy chips or salad (or both), or can you can throw a few favourites like calamari rings, lemon-pepper squid and gigantic local crumbed (or fresh) prawns on the side. Cheese fiends will get hot under the collar for the fried camembert with mango chutney and the fried and lightly battered Byron Bay haloumi, while the discerning potato scallop connoisseurs among us should also prepare to give a nod of approval. Milk-bun burgers also feature on the menu, with specialty combinations like local beef patty with scamorza cheese, smoked bacon, crisp lettuce, tomato, beetroot and relish. Though, you’ll want to leave room for some sneaky sweets to finish, because the perfectly crisp cinnamon-dusted pineapple fritters, and deep-fried mini Snickers and Mars Bars are all calling your name.
The rest
The Inky Squid forms part of the The Pavilions Marketplace, a newly redeveloped mixed-use precinct in Terranora. You can grab your grilled gold band snapper and chips to go, perch yourself on a stool at the bar, or have a feast with the crew on the outdoor tables. The Inky Squid is also one of the first locations to have non-alcoholic Aboriginal beer SOBAH on tap – so you can chase your tempura oysters with a few native Pepperberry IPAs and still drive home.
Head to our Stumble Guide for opening hours and location.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
