Trollers Fish & Chips — Restaurant in Nanaimo

Overall experience: 3.5 STARS

FOOD: 3 STARS The only food I really enjoyed at Trollers were the fish and chips. I also ordered a chowder, beef brisket burger and loaded potatoes. The chowder is really a disappointment. The taste(very fishy) and consistency(was all lumpy in the soup part) of the chowder was awful and I did not understand why it was orange instead of the normal chowder colour. The beef brisket burger is underwhelming as well, since it only was couple slices of beef slapped in between a burger bun. There is obviously no care placed in the construction of the food combo. The loaded potato was a big serving, but it was not seasoned well other than the overwhelming vinegar flavour. NOW, the fish and chips there are AWESOME. The batter is thin and crunchy, fish is soft and moist. I would go again but only order fish and chips.

PRICE: 2.5 STARS Extremely overpriced for the food they serve. I will upload the receipt, the total of 4 dish and 2 Italian soda was 109 dollars. I am okay with paying that price if the food was overall 4.5 Stars however it was not.

SERVICE and ATMOSPHERE: 4 STARS All of the settings are outside. It was very warm and there was no fan or any other cooling device. Part of the seating was half enclosed with glass windows, overlooking the ocean and the dock. The view is great. The staff are all very young and I am pretty certain this is only their summer job, not a career. I wish to see more trained young chef there who cares about the food they are actually...

Best fish & chips in town. Friendly and very efficient service, and although it's an outside location, the staff manage to keep it very clean (I rarely go without seeing them changing the trash bags at least once, and their tables are always spotless).

I find it's best to try and go at 'off' times - and I do mean 'try'! Due to the popularity of the place, you're guaranteed to find a lineup of people at lunch and dinner for both eating in and taking out, and you could end up having to wait for your food, but depending on what kind of day it is and how much activity is going on downtown, it can get busy any time. Absolutely worth it though, even when it's hopping, as long as you're willing to wait - I just make sure I have a book with me and, since they've got some comfy seats just outside the dining area to sit and wait for takeout, I read and relax in the sun while I wait!

RE: the dining area, that's another issue to consider: it can be hard to find seating but then, there's not much they can do to expand in that location, and the occasional time I've been standing and looking a server has quickly approached me and helped me find a place.

The location is pretty nifty in itself and just adds to the enjoyment of the food and the service - right down on the dock on the waterfront, so there's some very nice little shops to browse afterward (including treat/dessert options, though I know Trollers has a couple dessert options as well), and a nice walk past those shops to Maffeo...

I don't know which was better, the food or the service. The portions we a great size, and the dips/tartar sauces were mouth watering. The service can't be beat, though. I wish I could remember the name of the fantastic lady who helped us, but she deserves recognition. My wife is pregnant, and hot water is what she drinks. We inquired if they had any hot water to have with dinner. The lady apologized, saying that due to the location, they are limited on what they have room for, but would check if there were any bottles of water that hadn't been put in the fridge. We thanked her for checking and went to grab our table. When our food arrived, the Amazing lady apologized and told us that she couldn't find any room temperature water, but she did grab a bottle of water, and put the effort into warming it up so that my wife could have her hot water. The thought, kindness, compassion, and service she showed us was unforgettable, and I would go back instantly when I am back in the area (I'm in Alberta) all because of service we received. The food being delicious was bonus. So if they lady who took our order remembers this interaction on May 3rd, please know just how big of an impact you made and how...