12 Best Fast Food Fish Sandwiches To Try in 2025

Have you ever wondered where to get the best fast food fish sandwich? While not always one of the most popular fast food items, fish sandwiches are featured on the menu at most top fast food chains and deciding which is worth a try can be challenging. 

You may also notice that some places only serve fish sandwiches during Lent. This is due to many people avoiding meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays after that until Easter, a tradition you can learn more about via religious organizations like the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Therefore, if you’ve been wanting to taste-test some fast food fish sandwiches, just before Easter is the perfect time. To help narrow down the list, we’ve put together a guide with the 12 most popular fast food fish sandwiches available, including those you can get all year and some that are seasonal.

From the classic fried fish and tartar sauce to those with extra toppings or a spicy twist, there’s guaranteed to be a fish sandwich that will become a new personal favorite. So, if you've been wondering: "Who has the best fast food fish sandwich?", read on to find out!

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• The 12 Best Fish Sandwiches at Fast Food Chains

The 12 Best Fish Sandwiches at Fast Food Chains 

1. Dairy Queen Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich

Dairy Queen is more well-known for dairy-based sweet treats than sandwiches, yet they are in the running for having the best fast food fish sandwich.

Available during Lent, this fast food fish sandwich contains wild-caught Alaskan pollock in crispy breadcrumbs with lettuce and tartar sauce, all inside a toasty bun. It might not be the most renowned fast food fish sandwich and it isn’t overly unique, but it’s a great choice if you’re after a quick lunch. 

2. Culver's North Atlantic Cod Sandwich

Culver’s knows how to make a high-quality fish sandwich with a fast food price tag. The North Atlantic Cod Sandwich might just be the best fast food fish sandwich out there because each filet is battered by hand and cooked only after you order the sandwich.

The fish is served with lettuce, house tartar sauce and cheddar in a tasty bun. You should definitely try this one if you’re on the search for the best fast food fish sandwich! 

3. Arby's Crispy Fish Sandwich

Due to its focus on meat sandwiches, Arby’s is another place that you may be surprised to hear has a fast food fish sandwich. However, Arby’s offering of a sesame bun, crispy wild Alaska pollock filet, lettuce and tartar sauce puts the brand in the running for best fast food fish sandwich.

There is also the King's Hawaiian Fish Deluxe, which is usually available around Lent and adds tomatoes and cheddar to the above fillings. Look out for the Fish ‘n’ Cheddar Sandwich, too. The classic fast food fish sandwich is very tasty, but Arby’s has more fish options for you to choose from; you just have to know what to ask for!

4. Burger King’s Big Fish Sandwich

Another option in the running for the best fast food fish sandwich is Burger King’s Big Fish, which is one of the more well-known sandwiches on this list. This sandwich comes with tartar sauce, pickles, lettuce and panko-breaded fish all within a brioche bun.

This popular fast food fish sandwich is available all year and certainly delivers on the crunchiness. As one of the top places for cheap fast food, Burger King's fish sandwich is also affordable to try.

5. Burger King Fiery Big Fish Sandwich

While generally known for serving the best fast food burgers, you may be surprised to learn that Burger King has a second fast food fish sandwich offering. If you want to spice up the classic Big Fish from Burger King, opt for the Fiery Big Fish, which comes with a spicy glaze to give it an extra kick.

This option adds spiciness to a classic fast food fish sandwich, which many say makes it even better than the original. This pick for one of the best fast food fish sandwiches is generally only available around Lent, so make sure you pick up at least one when it’s on the menu! 

6. Popeyes Classic Flounder Fish Sandwich

Although known for fried chicken and chicken sandwiches, many say that Popeyes also serves one of the best fast food fish sandwiches. As Popeyes is expanding across the globe, you may be able to try out this fast food fish sandwich even if you are not based in the U.S.

The Louisiana-founded company serves fried flounder fish fillet with pickles and either spicy mayonnaise or tartar sauce. This sandwich is certainly worth a try while it’s available during Lent, so you can determine if this once-a-year treat is the best fast food fish sandwich around. 

7. McDonald's Filet-O-Fish

This sandwich is a classic and has been around for decades, earning it a rightful place on this list of the best fast food fish sandwiches. This sandwich comes with white hoki or pollock fish in crispy breadcrumbs. Cheese and tartar sauce are added to give it extra flavor. 

McDonald’s is popular all over the world, so almost anyone can try this fish sandwich. This might not be the best fast food fish sandwich, but it is a classic. If you don't like tartar sauce, you also have the option to pair the sandwich with one of many other McDonald's sauces to suit your taste preferences.

During Lent, you may even be able to get discounted rates on McDonald’s fish sandwiches on Fridays, meaning it won’t break the bank to give it a try. If you aren't abstaining from meat for Lent, you could also use the McDonald’s secret menu to make a few unique treats when this fast food fish sandwich is available, such as the Land, Air and Sea.

8. Long John Silver's Crispy Fish Sandwich

Generally considered the best fish fast food restaurant, it’s not surprising that Long John Silver's is in contention for having the best fast-food fish sandwich in the U.S. Served on a long bun instead of the classic square bun, and featuring crispy battered pollock, tartar sauce and pickles, this fast food fish sandwich is simple yet fresh and delicious.

If you're not being too conservative with your order due to Lent, add some extras to your meal by making use of the Long John Silver's secret menu.

9. Wendy's Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich

Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich has returned to the delight of many who are on the search for the best fast food fish sandwich. The limited-time-only fast food fish sandwich has wild-caught Alaskan pollock, which comes from the world’s largest sustainable fishery.

This contender for the best fast food fish sandwich also comes with tartar sauce, pickles and cheddar in a succulent bun. The hint of garlic and onion found in the sauce alongside the crunchiness of the breaded fish makes this a good shout for best fast food fish sandwich.

10. Captain D's Giant Fish Sandwich

This fish fast food restaurant knows how to make delectable fish meals — but is its Giant Fish Sandwich the best fast food fish sandwich out there? Many say it is! This sandwich includes not one but two dipped fish fillets with tangy tartar sauce and lettuce in a toasty bun.

You can make this a combo meal by selecting a side and a drink. There is also a spicy version of the Giant Fish Sandwich if you want your fast food fish sandwich to have a little kick. 

11. Whataburger Whatacatch Sandwich

When thinking about who has a good fish sandwich, Whataburger probably doesn't come to mind. But this chain is another of the popular fast food restaurants with fish sandwiches.

Whataburger’s classic fish sandwich, the Whatacatch Sandwich, is available for a limited time around Lent. It features a filet of wild-caught Alaskan pollock that is coated with panko breadcrumbs.

To accompany the fish, you’ll get lettuce, tomatoes and tangy tartar sauce within a soft bun. Creamy pepper sauce and American cheese can be added to this fast food fish sandwich to make it even tastier. 

12. Sonic Fish Sandwich

The Sonic Fish Sandwich is good, but is not available at all Sonic eateries and is often a seasonal treat if you can find it. This sandwich includes a similar recipe to other well-known fast food fish sandwiches — Alaskan pollock filet breaded with panko and served with lettuce, pickles and tartar sauce in a soft bun. It’s a fine sandwich, but most don’t rank it at the top of the list for the best fast food fish sandwich.

If you’ve been on the search for the best fast food fish sandwich, this list should have given you some good ideas about which chains to head to first. These sandwiches have many similarities, but the care put into making them, the extra flavor and the added crunchiness put some above the rest.

Whether you favor the classic McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish or want something a little different with Burger King’s Fiery Big Fish Sandwich, there’s an option for all tastes at these fast food restaurants with fish sandwiches. If you still can’t decide, go to Captain D's for the fish fast food chain's Giant Fish Sandwich to get a sandwich with two fish fillets for the price of one! 

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.