So I went to the El Segundo location in 2012 (!) and looked up my review from then to remember what I liked and didn't like and followed my advice to my future self. I ordered the Cajun Swai taco combo again, but made my recommended switch to brown rice instead of white (this time, the additional cost was $1.25 this time instead of the previous $0.50 from 14 years ago(!)), and decided to get the brussels sprouts instead of beans. I also got the strawberry mint drink. The fish tacos were very good! They were filling enough that I didn't really eat much of the brussels sprouts and so can't comment on the sprouts at this time. The strawberry mint drink was good, maybe just a touch too sweet. My husband and daughter liked the ahi poke bowl and the kids breaded shrimp. My son liked his 2-piece battered fish and chips. At the Bridgepointe Shopping Center, in a building right next to Bridgepointe Parkway, near Target. Plenty of parking in the lot. read more

Been coming here since they opened and was very disappointed with the fish and chips tonight. It took a long time to get my dish all the while my wife's dish was sitting under the lights (10 minutes) to keep somewhat warm. When my fish and chips finally came it wasn't like I've had before. The batter was thicker darker and extra (hard) crunchy. Dissecting the fish out of the batter, it seemed as though it was recooked with another layer of batter and a really thin piece of fish inside. You can see the layers of batter. As I was walking out I saw another woman peeling the batter off her fish as well. The food is usually spot on but not tonight. read more

California Fish Grill - That's batter not much fish! - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

Fish Grill is one of the most underrated fast casual restaurants around! Great price-to-taste ratio, food is always fresh, they're efficient and friendly, no complaints. We come to this particular location several times a month and I've probably tried most things on the menu. Ordering is easy on the kiosk - they only have 2 so when it's busy, there can be a bit of a line. I typically order one of two things, the taco combo (battered fish + cajun shrimp) or the swai plate with half cajun/half garlic butter. I also love their calamari, I don't know how they get it so soft and tender but still crispy on the outside. I tried their lobster roll, which I'd skip next time, it's a bit small for $28. read more

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As many California Fish Grills there are, I have never dined at one until recently. In the area for an event, we stopped by for a late dinner here. Ordering is easy at a kiosk. The food came out pretty fast. This location is small, clean and bright. It wasn't too busy since it was later on a weeknight. I got the branzino with garlic butter on the side, kaleslaw and diced zucchini and rosemary as my sides. My dining mates got the breaded shrimp for the table, fish and chips and some fish and shrimp tacos. Every dish was fresh and pretty good. Overall, the meal was what I expected for a chain restaurant. read more

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Stopped by here around 2pm while looking for a healthier meal option and found this spot on Yelp. Plenty of open tables when I walked in, and ordering was simple through the self-service touchscreen kiosks. I ordered the grilled Branzino sea bass with no seasoning, along with Brussels sprouts and beans. After finding a table, the food came out pretty quickly. Since I requested no seasoning or sauces, they provided salt and pepper packets on the side, which was perfect because I could season everything to my liking. The meal itself was satisfying, two nice-sized sea bass fillets, a small bowl of beans, and a generous portion of Brussels sprouts. Everything tasted fresh and cooked well. Background music was playing at a good level not too loud, which was perfect. Overall, a solid healthy meal option with quick service. If I'm back in the area, I'd definitely return. read more

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Personally I think it's super delicious you can't go wrong with anything you order. And for the price it truly can't be beat.

The fish & chips and fried catfish here are really good! The fried catfish comes with a HUGE portion (takes up half the plate!) and is perfectly crispy and delicious. We also got their special chili fries, though I didn't feel that they were particularly flavorful compared to normal fries. Despite the name "California Fish Grill," I'd opt for their fried dishes here rather than their grilled dishes. I got one of the protein bowls (I think it was the everything protein bowl) and the fish felt a little dry and underwhelming. I did sub cauliflower rice for white rice and felt that they were able to make the cauliflower rice taste pretty good! You order on a kiosk and pick up the food at the counter after seating yourself. There are lots of options for sides, including a variety of vegetables and superfoods. For those of you getting your protein in, this is a great choice as pretty much all of their options are super high in protein, and you can customize them pretty well for your goals. Overall, a great healthy option! I will probably be back for the fish and chips though, which I guess is not the healthy option here lol. read more

California Fish Grill - Fish n Chips - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

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For being a first timer for this restaurant it's so yummy. Poke Nacho omg yes please if you liked fish. Fish and chips the fish was extra crispy. The frying of the fish into perfection. Yes I will come again. read more

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I'm so happy this restaurant is in the Bridgepointe shopping center! Service is always super quick. You walk in and order at a self-service kiosk. Food is made to order and always delicious. I like how they state where the fish is sourced from. This is a restaurant meal that doesn't feel heavy when you're eating it. I always get the garlic butter drizzle on my fish + the cucumber salad on the side. Good value for the money! Parking is always easy to get in that area, making this spot suuuuuper convenient, but be careful of the drivers in that parking lot! [this review was made in connection with a Toast promotion] read more

This place was so good very impressed with the amazing customer service. Jorge was awesome. The whole team were very nice and welcoming. Love how clean this location is and the openness in high ceilings The superstar here is the delicious food for the perfect price. You get great quality, big portions what more can you ask for? Over all 5 stars read more

California Fish Grill - So good I couldn't wait - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

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This is my new favorite go to for my family. I've only had tried sides here due to Too Good to Go bags at the DC location. My wife really enjoys the Honey Citrus Chicken now as a salad. I got the Everything Bowl due to the free gift for app sign up. It was decent but likely wouldn't get again. I enjoyed the spicy mayo poke bowl in my first visit. It was good but wanted a bit more fish in the bowl over tons of rice (even though I ordered as a salad). The kids enjoyed the Mac and cheese and teriyaki chicken over rice. I wish the fountain drink was a bit cheaper but like the fact they have Stubborn Soda. Who knew it was owned by Pepsi Co?? All in all, this place offers a varied and tasty menu for the whole family for good value and quality. Can see why it's so busy here. read more

Exceeded all expectations. Stopped in enroute to SF airport when I googled for quick healthy seafood near me. Will definitely repeat! First time trying Swai --a moist white fish--with Cajun sauce and Kaleslaw (fresh and huge portion with red cabbage lightly dressed not drowning). Upgraded my side to brussel sprouts which were done the three step way--cooked/steamed, then flash pan fried to blacken and tossed in some yummy goodness. This for like $16 was really so delicious. Highly recommend! Also service super speedy! Ambiance is cafeteria style but love the song list. read more

Seriously one of my favorite places for protein. Where else can hou get sustainable fish at these prices in the Bay Area with such consistency? I usually go for their salmon sandwich if I'm on the go, but I really like their tacos or their fish bowls for dine in. Not a fan of their clam chowder or small sides though. There's an upcharge for their sided such as asparagus or corn, and their portions are small, so I say skip that. They have a great mango drink as well that you can upcharge with your combo meal. read more

California Fish Grill - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

Clean, efficient and great quality of food. Walked in and greeted right away, awesome service and friendly staff. I got the shrimp dynamite bowl half rice, half veggies. Sauce was on point and shrimp was cooked perfect. When I'm near a CA Fish Grill I don't miss the opportunity to grab a meal. Happy I made the visit today for lunch. read more

First I would like to mention that their portions are great for 2 people!! Which is a good thing! The price is also decent! For this type of meal at a lazy dog for example will probably cost around $20 but you get it for around $14! They dont skimp on the fries!! Such a clean restaurant the staff are there to assist you when needed. The soda machine has such tasty cream sodas!!! (P.S. Try the pineapple cream soda , YOU WONT REGRET IT) The only con for me is that the rice tastes cheap and hard, so I would skip it if your a rice lover but the french fries super hot and crispy. read more

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Not sure why there would be any bad reviews here - ordering is super easy with the self-serve kiosks, and then you just wait for your food to be called. There's plenty of seating both inside and outside and it's usually not crowded. I think the prices are very reasonable for the quality, especially the fish. Around $15 for a fish plate is rare in the Bay Area. Honestly, I think this place is a better and more affordable option compared to Pacific Catch. I ordered the sea bass with coleslaw and fries and sweet chili sauce. The fish tasted really fresh and flavorful, and the sweet chili sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Loved it and given the price and quality, I'll definitely be coming back more often. read more

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Grilled Fish Galore! Decided to check out California Fish Grill for dinner while Christmas shopping with my family. We would always see it while exciting the parking lot after a Target run and wanted to see what the hype was about. Well, I have to say it was pretty good. I went with the sea bass, white rice, and fire roasted street corn. ¡Fuego! The portions were huge and I couldn't even finish it, despite it being so good. The staff here are also very kind and repeatedly checked in to see if we needed anything. We will definitely be back and I highly recommend for the fish loving families looking for a delicious bite to eat. read more

California Fish Grill - Sea Bass - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

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If you're looking for something healthy but also delicious, I would highly recommend coming here! The sauces highly enhance the flavor of the fish, making it super easy for those who need to incorporate more fish into their diet or for those who just really enjoy seafood. I liked the fish taco and grilled fish with Cajun sauce. The garlic butter sauce wasn't as flavorful so I'd skip that and go for Cajun. The strawberry mint drink sounded good but was a sugar bomb, I would avoid it. read more

The fish was very salty. The salad was old and sad. The shrimp were probably ok but I gave them to my manager bc they weren't what I was expecting. Also, something might be wrong in the app bc I received twice as much food as I ordered. I think I overpaid as well. read more

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The food here is so good! I always get the salmon bowl and it's just enough! I got salmon with salad with a side of asparagus and it was so good! I would recommend giving more salmon because there was a lot more salad than salmon in the bowl. I did like the salad dressing! Not too much dressing and tasted really good! The line to order wasn't too long either and I like how you can order from the kiosk tablet and there is always one worker there to help if you need any assistance in ordering or have any questions! Also the place is very spacious and plenty of seating to eat inside and outside the restaurant! Place is very kept clean and the workers are friendly and always cleaning up each table right away after people leave so someone can sit there! I wish they can bring back the $3 tacos on Tuesday! Overall great experience and I'll definitely be coming back! Very healthy foods and a variety of food to eat here! read more

My husband and I stop here after work sometimes because it's convenient. The food is good, but they tend to forget any customizations that you request for your order. I always request no sauce or tomatoes on my tacos and most of the time, both items are included on my food. read more

California Fish Grill - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

California Fish Grill is one of my favorite chain eateries, and I patronized their Daly City location frequently when I lived there, with a detailed review of almost every item: https://www.yelp.com/biz/california-fish-grill-daly-city?hrid=OOziSY3zbAHM3Vbanth5GQ I think the opening of this location in San Mateo (but basically Foster City) was a sign from the angels for me to continue frequenting them, since I moved from Daly City to Foster City. I was able to grab a slot for their grand opening day free meal, and now I continue to be a loyal customer. The inside actually is very small and can't fit too many people, but I think most people don't dine in here. It's mostly empty when you compare it to the Daly City location that used to have lines of people waiting to snatch a seat. This location has a mostly unmanned ordering area, though you can request for someone to take your order in person. Otherwise, you order on a tablet, seat yourself, and grab your food on the tray when it's called. When you're done, you can just leave as they're pretty good about cleaning tables. They also have a cute outside patio, or an easy online ordering system if you want to order for pickup. CFG used to have a self-serve sauce bar, but now you have to request them with the sauce bar person - remember to ask for lemon too! I wouldn't go here if you don't eat seafood... it is a fish grill after all. Their best items are the grilled fish and the fish & chips. I've been to several notable fish & chips places in the bay area, and CFG is half their price while beating them in all aspects of taste. Their fish & chips have an ultra fluffy, hot, steamy inside, with a crunch that flakes off in your mouth. The batter is so delicate yet crispy. Their grilled fish plate comes with two sides, and I'd go with a white fish or salmon. My favorite is the timeless sea bass (branzino), because it's a bit meatier, robust, and less sweet than the other white fish. Half cajun/half garlic butter is a consistent hit, but I also love the seasoned olive oil if you want to taste the fish's true flavor. They swap out some fish, sauces, and sides seasonally, so you never know when something will go missing! For sides, I alternate between the white rice (buttery and pilaf-style), fire roasted street corn (upcharged but very good), french fries, and seasoned tomato & feta. Their other ones are alright, but I wish their kaleslaw dressing was literally anything else, as it just tastes like sweet watery mayo. Their clam chowder is on the watery side as well, but we still get it if the mood strikes. I'm happy to see that CFG recently swapped over their boring white melamine plates for beautiful ceramics! Now photos will look infinitely better. They also started doing limited seasonal items that look like a good value, as well as taco Tuesdays. For Too Good To Go, I wouldn't get it because they reduced the amount of food given, and they sometimes double up on the dirt cheap items like rice or beans. If you're into deals, they have them on very discreet rare occasions if you sign up for their mailing list. My only complaint is that the fish is a little more well done than I prefer sometimes, and the sides can be lukewarm. Otherwise, if I could eat seafood everyday, I'd go here all the time! I love casual places where I can swiftly order, service myself, and dip out quick. I also really like the manager here - he's very friendly and funny. read more

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I'm a fan of their tilapia plate. I like how you can choose different sides, and they have a variety of healthy vegetable based options to choose from. Some sides are an additional cost. You can choose which sauce to go with the fish and ask to have it on the side. Inside is a bright white decor. They make the food fast at all CA Fish Grills I've been to, this location included. read more

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Quick lunch after walking the dog... I wanted some clam chowder. So you order at the kiosk. Pay there and when your order is ready, they will text you. You then head to pickup the food Separate Men's room. 1 stall, 1 urinal, 1 sink. Floor is bit wet under the manual towel dispenser, but overall clean and well stocked. Very spacious and well lit. We decided to dine outside...lots of seating, the music is a bit loud outside. I ordered the kids fish and chips $8.25 and bowl of clam chowder $7.99. My wife ordered the Grilled Shrimp & Avocado salad $14.50. The fish and chips were fresh, hot and crispy. That's all you can ask for. You get 2 pieces of fried fish so it's perfect with the soup for lunch. Warning the fish is HOT... burnt the roof of my mouth, but it's worth it. With the kids meal, you get a drink apple juice and bottled water is included with the price, other drinks are available for an additional cost. The chips can be replaced with other sides too. The clam chowder was ok. Nothing really stands out... besides the lack of chunky potatoes. The consistency is a bit on the watery side. Flavor is just ok. The shrimp and avocado salad sits on top of a bowl of kale. There is a citrus vinegarette dressing for it. You get a work out chewing the kale. You get ALOT of grilled shrimp with this dish. Really good. read more

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Came here a few weeks back, thought the food was good though the skeptic in me though maybe they were having a good day and all the karma was good. Came here on a Friday night, ordered the fish and chips with kale slaw, and was not disappointed. Three pieces of fish, fried with a light batter, juicy and rip roaring hot, not sitting under a heat lamp but fresh out of the fryer. Had gone to an Irish pub the week before so knew what f and f should be; not batteted the same way, just lighter and crispy as batteted fish should be. Fries were tasty, kale slaw good, crunchy, generous. A very satisfying meal for well under $20. How can you serve a seafood meal for about $20, tax and tip included? They don't cut corners, are generous with the portions, very family friendly (though more foot traffic at Chik fil A next door) but it's healthy, filling, and definitely a value. Friendly staff, easy ordering, clean, what more would you want? New dinner alternative for us! read more

California Fish Grill - Fish and chips, kale slaw - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

I mean not my style of place. No waiter you order on a screen. Then you have to go and pick it up. Yet the screen asked for a tip‍. Again, a meal not so pleasant due to poor parenting and kids acting up in the restaurant. Parents really need to take a look around when their kids are acting like that and just see the faces of everybody trying to enjoy their meal.. My fish was a little too greasy for me, but the french fries were really good and my daughter really liked the clam chowder . Parking lot is crazy. Place was clean. Return? Egh maybe not. read more

California Fish Grill - Fish and chips Clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Really enjoyed our experience here! This was the second time I've been to a CA Fish Grill, but first time at this location. We were in the mood for something healthy and came here. When we entered, the staff was friendly and welcomed us and answered some of our questions. I ordered the swai fish with rice and kale. My husband got the fish taco plate with corn and beans. The swai was tender and not overcooked, plus the entire meal was very reasonable priced for how much food they give you. I also appreciated how nicely plated it was! My husband liked his tacos and glad he got an extra because he is a big eater. I also loved the mango juice, very natural tasting and not overly sweet. They have a patio, so we brought our dogs and had a nice evening there! We'll definitely be back. read more

California Fish Grill - SWAI (WHITE/FISH) with kale and rice, taco plate - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

I love this place so much, it's a quick eat but feels and looks like restaurant quality. Everything always meets my expectation! This location is smaller than the one in Daly City which is my go to but service, quality of food, location is still top notch! Price is always reasonable and food comes out fast, service is always A+! Come here and get your yummy seafood fix, it's worth it and will have you returning! read more

California Fish Grill - 3 PIECE BATTERED FISH & CHIPS TILAPIA BRUSSELS SPROUTS (BALSAMIC GLAZED) - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

I've been coming to this place for dinner since they opened and have even ordered catering for my business and myself. Unfortunately, the quality and customer service have gone downhill. Last week I ordered the coconut shrimp, which comes with two pieces. Normally they are similar in size, but they tried to pass off a micro shrimp alongside a regular one. I asked for two pieces of similar size and the staff corrected it -- fair enough. But tonight, the same thing happened: one shrimp was regular-sized, the other embarrassingly small. When I asked again for two similar pieces, the manager, Jorge, refused, claiming that "they come in different sizes." I've owned restaurants before -- if that's the case, that's a problem with your vendor, not your paying customer. Instead of addressing the quality control issue, they chose to argue and stand by subpar standards. It's clear they're cutting corners on product and service, and I won't support that. I won't be coming back and will make sure others know to avoid this place too. read more

California Fish Grill - Coconut Shrimp (normal on the left micro on the right ) - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

I've gotten takeout at least three times from here - all through Too Good To Go app. STARS (stand out qualities) -Food is delicious (Brussel sprouts, spicy corn, seasoned white, clam chowder, brown rice) -Quick professional customer service -Clean dining area -Clean bathroom (I will try to post photo next time!) -Mostly compostable takeout containers STAIRS (areas of growth) -Customer service is good but could be friendlier TIPS -Easy parking at Bridgepointe Shopping Center read more

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We always get the Swai grilled plate with half cajun/half garlic butter sauce with fire-roasted street corn because it's always so good! Great customer service as well! read more

California Fish Grill - Swai grilled plates with half cajun/half garlic butter - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

If you feel like throwing away good money, go to this place. I had fish and chips delivered. Not fresh, fries over a few time, fish mushy and fries old as well. Absolutely disgusting. I was so upset I called and spoke to manage. I give her a star for not being rude. read more

Portions of fish and fires have gotten drastically smaller since the first I was here. There was more breading that fish. The batter was oily. Fries are hidden under the fish so you can't see how much you are getting until you remove the fish. The fries were soggy , oily and not crunchy. I don't plan on returning to dine here. There are much better places. Staff was friendly. read more

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While shopping nearby, we got the munchies and needed food fast. California Fish Grill had always been a place we wanted to try and this was the perfect opportunity to do so. It's a nice sized self service restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating. You walk in and are immediately greeted by two large iPad looking kiosks that will take your order. The menu is easy to read and understand as well as making it convenient to modify orders. They accept Tap To Pay, which is nice as an Apple Pay user. Once you get your receipt, you find a place to sit and wait until your number is called. The food is placed on a counter in front of the kitchen where you can pick up the tray with all your goodies. A soda fountain is available for a variety of sodas and ice. As a person who isn't big on seafood, I really liked California Fish Grill! The food is fresh, tasty and cooked really well. There are no weird smells and everything looks very appealing. Pricing is very fair considering what food costs these days. This is a great spot for lunch or a light dinner. I'd eat here again! read more

California Fish Grill - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

Great menu choices. Shrimp skewers is my favorite with rice and tasty bruslle sprouts for sides. Staffing is on top of orders and meet you at the door to assist ordering on a self check kiosk? Not my favorite way to place an order. Food Proportions are good , order came in a reasonable time, and tastes great. read more

The secret deal is Taco tuesdays. Just $3.50 on select tacos. Get the plate of twi tacos, and two sides for $12.0o read more

Solid 4.5 stars from me and our whole party of 6 - we came here again recently after meeting up with friends for a dog date at nearby Seal Point. We were looking for something casual, semi-healthy, dog friendly, and kid friendly. Great tasting food / fresh and well cooked seafood: Good, healthy seafood and sides. Kid menu. I got the Alaskan salmon (not very adventurous that day) with heirloom tomato salad and grilled zucchini. Added the side salad for $2 - worth it. We went healthy and unhealthy for the kids and got one chicken tender with fries, one fish with rice. My husband loves the jumbo shrimp. Reasonable prices / Value: Very reasonable prices for fresh seafood. $15-20 average per adult entree. Self Serve: You self order at kiosks and go pick up your own food when they call your order. But staff are helpful when you need it. Ambiance: Nothing too fancy but clean, bright and not too loud. Indoor is well ventilated, plenty of outdoor tables for others looking for some sun or with dogs. I didn't remember our last time, but this time I appreciated the plating which I didn't expect from a fast casual place. Felt like we were eating at a normal restaurant vs Chipotle type place. Other: - Located in the Bridgepoint shopping center near Target etc. Huge parking area. - Kid friendly, plenty of high chairs and kid menu options - including non seafood. - Dog friendly, outdoor seating. - Clean bathrooms. - Takeout available. Also see them on the Too Good to Go app. read more

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Stopped by here to pick up some fish tacos after my massage with my family. Ended up ordering battered fish tacos and the 3-pieces of battered fish and chips with two sides: kale salad and upgraded potato fries. This location is definitely more busy than the Daly City location and has brighter lights and more seating. Service is a bit slow though. We ordered our food from the kiosk right before the crowd came in. It still took a while for our order. I enjoyed their fried fish tacos. Their fried fish was good and crispy, but I did not like the end pieces of the fish because it was so fried that I could taste all the bad oil. Other than that, the actual fish was tasty and fresh. They also forgot our kale salad which came with our 3-pieces of fish and two sides. Luckily, we stayed around so we got the kale they forgot. It definitely needed more dressing. Overall, food was good and reasonably priced! Would recommend to get fish tacos here! read more

California Fish Grill - BATTERED FISH TACO & 3 PIECE BATTERED FISH & CHIPS - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

My 1 star review is for the self check outs. They suck. I have accidentally ordered the wrong thing twice and i am done going there until they can fix this. I assume the new app us meant to help with this but i will wait and see. It definitely sucks to hit the wrong toppings and sides. I accidentally ordered the chili sauce that was good but way to spicy for me. I probably wont be back. read more

This is one of our go to places. Always good food and service. The only thing is that the batter of the Fish n Chips are weird. The batter used to be different and good. So we stopped ordering the Fish n Chips since the change. read more