Our visit to Lakeside Seafood Takeaway triggered a potato scallop itch that didn’t quite get scratched, so we headed to The Hills Ocean Foods in Northmead, which was better rated and a little further away.

The shop is bustling on a Sunday, with some customers ordering enough for a party.

This is a pack containing battered calamari ($6.00 for 5), prawn cutlets ($2.20 each) and potato scallops ($6.00 for 5).

We enjoyed the audible crispness of the batter with its thinness balancing well with the tenderness of the seafood. The calamari was tender, while the prawn cutlets impressed by being whole battered prawns rather than a reconstituted batter and the potato scallops were also surprised by being thin slices of potato rather than reshaped mash.

This is the grilled fish ($6.80). This was an unfortunate let down after the crispness of the battered seafood. The fish was dry from being overcooked and tasted overly fishy.

The fried food at The Hills Ocean Foods hits the fish and chip craving on the spot, and we’d be delighted to return for more.

The Hills Ocean Foods is located at 2/104 Windsor Rd, Northmead NSW 2152.