Jacqui Felgate reviews: Cerberus Beach House — ‘quintessentially Melbourne’

There’s nothing better than fish and chips at a beach on the bay on a hot Melbourne spring day.

We haven’t had too many hot Melbourne days of late – but fish and chips at Half Moon Bay in Black Rock is still a quintessentially Melbourne experience! Every summer lines stretch from the carpark to the sand. Service is efficient, and in my opinion, the fish and chips at the Cerberus Kiosk can’t be beat! Even on a blustery Sunday afternoon, people were still queuing and braving the conditions.

Everything is cooked in 100 per cent cholesterol-free oil and is filtered daily. There’s no oily residue on anything and I think that’s part of why this little hole in the wall is such a winner.

Obviously you can’t go past a big piece of fried flake (gummy) for $10. The flake batter is golden, light and crispy but still traditional. The fish itself is a thick, fresh fillet.

One of my favourite dishes here is the barra burger. It’s $15 and it’s huge. Fresh grilled barra, with a dill tartare, homemade coleslaw, tomato and red onion on a brioche bun. It’s a gem and perfect seaside fare. The chips are golden and they are those real fish and chip shop traditional chips. It’s old school and it’s great.

Our kids also destroyed calamari and fish bites (you get four fish bites and chips for 10 bucks) A minimum chips is $5 and a chip butty $7. If you want you can go all out and get the family pack. 4 flake, 4 potato cakes, 4 dimmies, large chips, 4 cans of soft drink for $60.

Other notable items include pineapple fritters, a battered sausage and mushy peas.

It’s also licensed. Beers and wine are $9.

Show me a better bayside beach experience! Now if the weather would only come to the party…

Cerberus Beach House
Boat shed, 16 Cerberus Way, 212 Half Moon Bay, Black Rock
cerberusbeachhouse.com.au