As the state winner Pelican Rocks represented NSW, with the formally judged category going to Northern Territory’s  Frying Nemo.

Once again it was a blind judging competition, with judges turning up at each of the finalists unannounced and order meals like any other customer.

Despite being disappointed at not being the national winner,  Sam Cardow, who runs the cafe with his wife and Rebecca, said he was still proud of his team’s efforts in being national finalists.

“We were over the moon to win the NSW award,” he said.

“It would have been great to win the national award but just to be a finalist was huge.

“We are extremely proud of the team and thankful of all the hard work everyone puts in.”

Pelican Rocks took out the best fish and chips in NSW at the Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence awards in July.

Tasmanian Gourmet Seafoods took out the People’s Choice Award following a seven month process and more than 95,000 votes to whittle down the state winners and national finalists to find the best and most loved fish and chip shop in Australia.