While walking by the harbourfront, we saw this nice little place and we wanted to try it. Cod fish and chips was delicious, I wish the cod serving was bigger. Seafood chowder was yummy too. The staff were amazing so that made it even better. read more

Trollers Fish & Chips - Cod fish and chips and seafood chowder - Seafood Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

We learned about Trollers by talking to a Canadian family who comes to Nanaimo on holiday every year; they make sure to visit Trollers several times each visit. So of course we had to try it! Both the salmon and the halibut fish and chips were amazing! Crunchy, flavorful, light and not greasy. Would love to live closer in order have them again! The location in the harbor, casual atmosphere and seating were ideal, and we enjoyed a stroll along the harbor after our plentiful and delicious lunch, dining, literally, on the water. It's a floating restaurant, how fun is that?! read more

Ok- we came here a couple of days ago but I did not review this. We came again today with the family and they all approved of this restaurant. The crab cake was good and seafood soup was delish. Fish n chips (cod and halibut) were also both delightful. We asked for hot sauce and boy did it hit the spot. I would recommend this place. And while we were eating our lunch, a whole lot of people came and the line got pretty long. read more

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I absolutely love this place, haven't been here in years as we don't live in Canada but omg YUM this is such a great little Nanaimo gem. Eating on the water literally, this place can be packed. The shrimp was so meaty and the chimichurri sauce on point. Both fries great, I love that the restaurant is literally on the water. Seating can be tricky when busy so grab a table or bench as soon as you can! Servers were lovely all around excellent. read more

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Cool place. It's set up on a dock so you get the experience of floating on the water. I got their salmon burger and it was really good! Not only was the salmon of high quality (it was a cut of whole salmon, not a salmon patty), the composition of the burger was interesting - I loved the juicy grilled pineapple and sweet bbq glaze. The burger came with fries. I'm not a big fries person but once in a while I'll eat them and I thought theirs were pretty good; I liked the light seasoning. The two others I was there with ordered fish and chips and I was dipping the fries in their tartar sauce - it was so good! Lots of dill and didn't just taste like mayo. The service was friendly and they brought our food to our table when it was ready, which was nice. I was surprised that it was pretty quiet while we were there, Saturday around 11:30, but it seemed like it was picking up a little as we were leaving. read more

Trollers Fish & Chips - Salmon Burger + Strawberry Italian Soda - Seafood Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

I had the cod and chips. The fish was moist and tasty. Also, what a treat to have everything on the menu be gluten free!

Troller's has a delightful location on the wharf in Nainamo Harbour, with plenty of places to sit outdoors. It's popular and can be busy. We got a 2-piece halibut & chips and oysters & chips. Despite a strong recommendation from a friend, we were a little disappointed -- I would describe the halibut as heavily battered and pretty standard (not special). The oysters were tasty, but with 5 small oysters for a meal, the emphasis was on fried and French fries. The French fries were pretty standard too. So both meals were heavy on the fried (no light batter here). With a 20% tip and taxes, that meal was C$ 74.98, which was a bit steep for fried seafood that wasn't exceptional. So Troller's has atmosphere and location -- and while the food was fine, it wasn't 5-star. read more

Trollers Fish & Chips - Looking down on Troller's - Seafood Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

Very disappointed in this place. Overpriced meals, in addition to that, they charged for sauce, which is never a good sign. The service was non-existent. Every table was dirty, and we had to ask for someone to clean it up. When someone came, they didn't say a word to us, not even after we thanked them. The food after a long wait wasn't very exciting. Wouldn't recommend. read more

This place rocks! Located on the ocean surrounded by the sailboats. service was fast. food was excellent! best tarter sauce ive ever had. everything we ate was a 10/10. read more

The food was amazing. Some of the best fish and chips I've had in a long time and the calimari special was delicious and plentiful.

The HorseShoe Bay Restaurant serves the BEST fish and chips bar none!! And the beer is pretty good too!

Was going for Thai but roads were closed so went by dock. The Mexican place seemed very busy so headed due to reviews to TROLLERS. This is standard fish and chip place. It was crispy, not greasy but fries were soggy. Had their salmon/fish chowder- flavor was good, not heavy and had chuncks of potato and fish.. not sure if they vary fish depending on what they have over but fish pieces could be just slightly smaller as it was a bit firm (due to sitting in stew- to be expected. Place is cute, right on water and plenty of seating. read more

Trollers Fish & Chips - Seafood chowder. Creamy but not too heavy - Seafood Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

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The batter on the fish is light and crunchy. Homemade fries. Cole slaw. Our favourite place on the water for Fish and chips. Take out available. read more

Just passing through on our way onto and from Vancouver Island. When I first saw they used gluten free batter, I was excited but resigned to getting delicious fish covered in some type of batter. Gluten free fish and chip is rare enough that you eat what you can find and are grateful. Very much wonderfully surprised to bite into my piece of fried salmon and feel that crunch along with an explosion of flavor to complement the fish. The seafood cakes were also fantastic and we couldn't get enough. Only caveat is that seating is limited but what can you do when having a floating restaurant on a dock surrounded by boats? Loved eating our lunch and watching the boats arrive and leave the harbor. Made sure to come back again before we left the island. read more

We were visiting family and they brought us to Trollers! One of the best Fish & Chips I have had! Can't wait to go back read more

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I tried the ling cod, halibut, fries and onion rings. Between the 2 fish, halibut is clearly the superior fish. Onion rings were great. The batter is thick and sucks a lot of oil so i did feel it after eating them all. The fries were good but not amazing. I'd rate this place a 5 if they had insane fries. Tartar sauce was great. Coleslaw was good. 2 piece was a bit much for me even though I was starving. Next time I'd go with 1 cod and half serving of onion rings. Covid-19 reactions were done well. Limited capacity, clear separators between some tables, limiting the number of ppl who can get in line. Staff were friendly and nice. Service was as fast as they could go under the restrictions. read more

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Picked up dinner for 6 at Trollers and took it back to the boat. Good fish & chips overall and worth the trip if the weather is good. Vibe is funky and the operation looks like it might be struggling to keep up with the orders. Plenty of customers waiting when we were there on a sunny Sunday. If you are ordering to-go be sure to check your order before you walk away. We had one order with no Cole slaw. One order with no forks. One order with no tarter sauce. One order with extra forks. But everyone did get their fish...overall I'd say give it a go. If they are really backed up go down the dock to Penny's for mexican...they have margaritas. read more

Trollers Fish & Chips - Trolleys fish-n-chips on the dock at Nanaimo Marina. Slightly funky but good. - Seafood Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

Hands down, the best fish and chips I've ever had. The batter is perfect, the fish was tender and full of flavour, and the chips were perfect read more

Very tasty and crispy. My review is too short , so I'm writing a few more words. Thank you. read more

Really great place to eat right on the water in downtown Nanaimo! You wait in sometimes a very long line to order your food and then they bring it to you when ready. Only a few tables and they are meant for sharing, which is great as you get to meet others, locals and tourists alike. It's a fun atmosphere! Now on to the food.... I ordered a one piece Halibut and chips and it was so delicious. Flavorful and substantially large to fill me up. The breading was very light, crisp and very tasty. Though I wasn't hungry after the meal, I probably should have had two pieces as it was that good. Also, be aware that the prices marked on the menu on the wall next to the ordering location are in Canadian dollars. When you pay using a US based credit card or American dollars, you'll will be paying less for the conversion. Highly recommend a visit to this restaurant for their awesome food and fantastic, friendly service. read more

Trollers Fish & Chips - Seafood Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

After walking by it a different day, we decided to give it a try since we were nearby. A walk down a ramp brings you to the restaurant on the water. They actually have quite a bit of seating, with an enclosed area and then more open seating. Order at the counter and they'll call your name when it is ready. It wasn't very busy, so they ended up bringing it to our table. We ordered one piece cod and chips, calamari, and added on a piece of halibut. The pieces of fish were quite large. The batter was crisp and the fish still moist. They also give you plenty of tartar sauce. We actually both liked the calamari more. It was well seasoned, had a crispy coating, and went well with the dipping sauce. The fries weren't the best because they were a bit soggy. But overall, it's a nice experience to eat by the water. read more

Overpriced frozen seafood, a cheaper better seafood dinner is available at any grocery stores frozen food section.

Over rated... limited seating. Food was ok and pricy. Cole slaw was very good. Fish and chips could be a little crisper. read more

Cute spot located at the harbour in Nanaimo, what's more better than eating fresh seafood, watching the boats in the harbour, and sitting outdoors? Trollers provides all of them. Nice selection of seafood items, friendly counter service, nice outdoor eating area- and great food served hot! I ordered the one piece fish and chips subbing out fried yams for the French fries. So good! Casual, filling, and fast. Perfect for a day spent in Nanaimo. read more

Trollers Fish & Chips - My one piece fish and yam fries. - Seafood Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

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Wow! Recommended because of the cod and halibut which were great but the grilled oysters were super!! The best part was Dominique! Thank you for helping with the umbrella and the Cole slaw! So appreciate you!! read more

I just noticed today that this restaurant already had a listing so I notified Yelp and am moving my review here. I visited in 11/13. I enjoyed popping in for fish and chips before my flight left the harbour. They just added an addition that allows for an incredible view on a sunny day! I met a friendly couple from Alberta that has been travelling out here for almost 20 years they said. I really enjoyed my lunch and cannot wait for the summer to come back as I am not sure if they are a "seasonal" restaurant. I was back again today 04/14 the weather was GORGEOUS. The restaurant was Busy it was lunchtime. I waited 10 minutes for my Halibut & Fries (1pc) to go. Then as I got closer to the plane terminal I realized I forgot vinegar. No worries, the young waitress filled my bag up with vinegar, malt vinegar, salt, pepper and of course ketchup. Their coleslaw is really good although I am not sure it is made in house. French fries are outstanding and perfect for vinegar, imo. I also like how it is floating so you kind of a gentle sway with the water. If you are down on the Quay trying to decide where to eat, or have time to kill before you catch your seaplane, do not think twice. go to TROLLERS!!! read more

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The stars aligned that day...This is a meal I would love to relive and I do relive it in my mind from time to time. If I went back I would hope it would be as good. We were traveling thru Nanimo and asked the guy at the gas station if there was a place to get lunch. He sent us down the road to Trollers. We had no expectations but our noses perked up as we approached this place. It smelled so good. no stinky fish smell. The air was fresh and fantastic as this place is right on the water, in fact, it floats. We ordered fish-n-chips, I had halibut, it seems the price was about $8. The fish came in 3 big pieces about the size of my hand. It was 'Oh my God' wonderful. If I lived closer I might eat here every day! You must try this place. The oil had no taste of old age. It was halibut to die for. Make the trip. Fellow Yelpers if you live nearby, post some photos, this place is Too Cute. if you're the owner, e-mail me a photo or two and I'll post them. read more

7/14/10 - Came to Nanaimo to take the ferry back to mainland and read in the Lonely Planet that this place is the place to go. I got lost trying to find the place and it ends up that it's right out on the harbor (at sea level). Went there at 12 and the place was at half capacity, though seating is all outdoors I think. Went to front counter to order and I took a peek inside and saw a mound of fish fillets fried up. I'm not sure if they precook to expedite the ordering process but we waited close to 10 minutes before we got our order: 1 cod and 1 halibut and a side of coleslaw. The fish was out of this world; tender and flaky on the inside and a soft crunchiness on the outside. I'm sure the fries and coleslaw were tasty, but the only thing I remember 3 months after eating here is the fish. Lend yourself a hand and come here if you're in the area. By the time we finished eating the place was packed (probably full of tourists like me!) Looking at my pictures of the menu it seems like lunch is on the upper $ scale and dinner would be $$ read more

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Ordered take out, 2 orders of fried fish and chowders. The order took 40 minutes, and when it came, there was no coleslaw, no tartar sauce, and the 8oz cups of chowder were only half full. The staff were fine, but even they seemed a bit embarassed. I've had great meals and service in the past though; I hope this is just covid pressure and it picks up soon. read more

Stepped off the seaplane and went to Trollers for lunch. Fish in the fish and chips was very good--batter was crisp and not greasy at all. At first, I thought the liquid dripping down my hand when I bit into it was grease, but it was moisture from the fish! The servings are generous, too. Oysters were HUGE. Chips were pretty standard, but the seafood made up for it. Great place to sit by the water and eat fresh fish. read more

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I am not thrilled with this place. The breading was too thick and the fish, not as fresh/tasty. We probably spoiled in vancouver by Pajeo

Great meal: reasonably priced at $20 for two long cod and fries with a side of fresh coleslaw. Clean, with the option for take out or dine in but maybe call ahead with your order to pick up or to book a reservation. Friendly and efficient service and nicely done fish. read more

Nice fish and chips. We had salmon. Tasted pretty good. Free ice water. All waste biodegradable. read more

Horrible service , very expensive , and super greasy fish , fries were old and cold , you get it on a crappy paper plate

Yummy! Pleasant friendly service and deep fried to perfection! The dining area is outside under umbrellas or partial indoors on the waterfront. Reasonably priced and the outdoor patio is dog friendly! read more

Trollers Fish & Chips - Seafood Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

Overpriced. Washrooms a five minute walk away (and you have to trouble a waitress to ask for a key). Mediocre fish and chips. Three out of the four of us who dined there last night noted queasiness after eating the very greasy fries. But very good service and of course, unique waterfront setting. Overall, I would not be in a hurry to eat there again. read more

I have eaten as this restaurant several times over the summer and I am never disappointed! The halibut is perfectly battered and flavourful. My favourite dish is the deep fried prawns! Service is always friendly and despite the staff being young they have always been professional. Tall, blonde girl working the cash is always so polite! My dog gets a treat and a pet on the head without fail. read more

I took my bf here for his b day as got really good reviews but was so disappointed .This place is out ragiously priced 18 dollars for 2 very tiny peices of fish and fries that tasted stale and salad that was un edible as the mayo was bad.We also waited 50 min for our food .I will not be returning again its to bad as i was really hoping it would be good .The only good thing was the view as its right on the water.At least if you are going to charge 18 dollars for 2 peice fish and chip dinner make the portions a little bigger and make sure the ingrédients are fresh. read more

Trollers Fish & Chips - Seafood Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

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Sorry but not impressed with these famous fish and chips. Although they were cooked to order and fresh... the fish was oily and the chips were slightly overcooked. Also it's a bit ridiculous trying to eat something overcooked with a plastic fork and knife. I would suggest going up up the hill to the Fox and Hounds. I remembered this cafe was mentioned in the Moon Travel Guide so had decided to check it out. This cafe is located in a beautiful location down on the waterfront but the fish and chips are just OK and nothing to brag about. read more

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You come to Nanaimo harbour, you go to Trollers. Trust me. The fish and chips experience right by the sea, water bobbing under the restaurant and a faint trace of salt on the air, gives an authenticity you won't find outside of Edinburgh. In a city by the sea, get yourself a fat cod piece inside a fake newspaper and imagine the fog will roll in as Sherlock Holmes has a crime to solve. It's the French Fry Affair, and my money is on Moriarty controlling a band of rogue seagulls. Beware, the fry birds in the area are egregious thieves who will brazenly pickpocket you at the first chance. We had to wave off an urchin of a finch trying to run away with our lunch. Dining is elementary, dear reader. Open May to October, Trollers dishes out crispy cod and halibut filets dipped in a thick, crispy batter with minimal grease and oil, heaps of French fries begging for vinegar, and creamy coleslaw I never bothered to taste. They have a killer salmon burger to slay your bored tastebuds with and actual beef burgers for those averse to fish. But give fish a chance: that's cod crispy, hot, and crunchy on the tongue. Sides include coleslaw, fries, onion rings, and quintessential British hits like mushy peas. My set all went for fries doused in vinegar and a shot of lemon, and pronounced themselves very full. Prices may seem a little on the steep side, but portions are filling and you get unparalleled views of the seaplanes taking off from a leaf-strewn bower on the water. Protip: They have free water, so save an extra lemon from your chips to flavour it. Damage: $30 for a salmon burger, one piece cod and chips, and two drinks. read more