# Best fast-food fish sandwiches around the country

Catholics who are observing Lent, plus chefs and food reviewers, share their favorites

**By Peter Burke**  
**Published March 7, 2025 5:00am EST**

March 7 is the first  — and many Catholics across America will be abstaining from eating meat this Friday and all Fridays through April 18, which is Good Friday this year.

Plenty of  chains are capitalizing on this, offering fish sandwiches throughout the Lenten season.

Here are some of the best fast-food fish sandwiches available, as reviewed by food writers, chefs, and practicing Catholics.

## Arby's



**The Arby's Crispy Fish Sandwich is a fried fillet served on a toasted sesame bun.**  
*(Arby's)*

The Crispy Fish Sandwich features a fried fish fillet topped with shredded lettuce and tartar sauce and served on a toasted sesame bun, while the Fish 'N Cheddar Sandwich includes cheddar cheese.

The King's Hawaiian Fish Deluxe Sandwich features a fried fillet, slice of cheddar cheese, tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato. It's served on a King's Hawaiian bun.

Some customers on social media noted that Arby's was a little light on the tartar sauce and agreed more was needed.

Although Arby's has faced online criticism for its fish sandwiches, Florida-based celebrity chef Jason Smith said he's noticed a positive change this year.

"It has changed the recipe," he told Fox News Digital.



**The Arby's Fish 'N Cheddar Sandwich is essentially the Crispy Fish Sandwich with cheddar cheese.**  
*(Arby's)*

Smith, who serves as a judge on the Food Network's "Best Baker in America," noted that Arby's fish sandwiches are "actually very good."

## Burger King



**Burger King's Big Fish Sandwich also has a spicy version.**  
*(Burger King)*

Burger King recently rolled out its Fiery Big Fish Sandwich, which is a spicy spin-off of its traditional .

"It is good if you like that kind of heat and fire to your food," Smith said, although he admitted it can be "a little overpowering at first."

Smith said he much prefers the standard Big Fish Sandwich. He said he feels the new Fiery Big Fish Sandwich is "not super memorable" because "you don't really get the full flavor" of the fish.



**Culver's seafood and cod sandwich dinner platter is displayed on a table.**  
*(Culver's)*

Amanda Lewis added, "My dad loves the fish sandwich at Culver's."

Smith agreed, calling the North Atlantic Cod Sandwich "excellent."



**Catholics who spoke with Fox News Digital this Lenten season said the North Atlantic Cod Sandwich at Culver's is the best fast-food fish sandwich.**  
*(Culver's)*

Smith, who grew up as a Long John's baby, called it "a good fish" but "a little bit greasier than what I would prefer."

## Long John Silver's



**Long John Silver's Classic Fish Sandwich was ranked the best fish sandwich by Allrecipe.**  
*(Long John Silver's)*

Smith, who said he "grew up as a Long John's baby," called it "a good fish" but "a little bit greasier than what I would prefer."

## McDonald's



**The Wendy's Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich is a seasonal favorite that has an "extra crunch."**  
*(Wendy's)*

Ferrell said she enjoys the Wendy's fish sandwich because it has "that extra crunch."



## Popeyes



**Popeyes has a fish sandwich that includes flounder.**  
*(Popeyes)*

Soliz seemed to enjoy the spice as well, ranking it fourth on her list for Allrecipes.

"I appreciate the flavor coming from the spices in the breading on the fish patty, which is thick and crispy," she wrote.

## Wendy's

Wendy's Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich is now available .

It features panko-breaded wild-caught Alaskan pollock, dill tartar sauce, lettuce, cheese, and pickles served on a soft bun.

Ferrell said she enjoys the Wendy's fish sandwich because it has "that extra crunch."



One content creator who reviewed the sandwich online spoke highly of the sandwich, touting its "super-flavorful, herby tartar sauce" and praising the fish for being "moist and flaky."

Peter Burke is a lifestyle editor with Fox News Digital.
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