Salty's Fish Chips

Having moved to the Island just 3 years ago, I am absolutely baffled why we can get better seafood and fish on the prairies than right here next to the Pacific ocean. I am on a quest to find a really great F&C place near us in Esquimalt. This wasn't it. I stopped in for a lunch today, and placed an order for a 2 piece Atlantic Halibut. $32.90 tax & 15% tip included. WAY WAY WAY overpriced for this type of food and overpriced for this meal. What was awesome: Love the presentation of the meal wrapped in newsprint no dyes or ink, just newsprint. Felt like I was going to experience an authentic British F&C experience, and I was happy when I saw it come out of the kitchen faster than the guy said. Immediate impression: I picked up my package and it felt much lighter than I anticipated. I was asked if I wanted condiments. I had noticed tartar sauce and ketchup in the side fridge, so I was looking forward to a good tartar experience. I was handed two packets of Kraft tartar. Which, in the grand scheme is fine, but at this price point, my expectation was a small thing of house made tartar tartar is something easy that even I make, so why couldn't they? The grand reveal: When I opened the package, it was obvious that the 2 1/2 blocks I drove home was enough time for the steam to soften everything and the fries became soggy and batter was now coming off the fish. The food: Generally, I found the fries and fish under-seasoned. The fries seemed like possibly home made and cooked, but were either un-seasoned or under seasoned, yet still had decent flavour. But, as I mentioned, were fairly soggy. The fish was overcooked and bland. Not what I was expecting. The portion sizes were very small filets which was underwhelming. Take-out packaging: If packaging for take-out, just give the customer cutlery and napkins. If I was taking this anywhere but home, I would have to eat with my fingers and use the newsprint to wipe my hands. I'm not going to hold this point directly against the restaurant, as I find it is endemic to the industry -- all restaurants are suffering from poor standards management and underperforming staff that don't think about the customer experience. I don't know how hard it is to remember to give customers cutlery, but everyone is horrible at this! What would have gotten more stars from me: +1 for larger portion sizes & house made tartar that is good; or +1 for $5-9 less for the price. For me, this is a miss for next time, but I am sure many who want to support this local establishment will be fine returning. It's probably one of those things where people are used to it. But jumping in for the first time, big disappointment.

WOW - that was pretty AMAZING - their food delicious . Their cocktail sauce - YUM - a hint of spice to make it WOW. Their fish batter - Like NO other ever tasted - light and fluffy. DELICIOUS. Very much so recommend - the staff unbelievably outstanding. FABULOUS Experience. Wish I lived closer

Excellent service! Fresh, hot, and crispy fish n chips! Staff is super friendly and attentive. This was my first time going here and they did not disappoint! Huge portions too.

Great fish, nice light batter and the chips are good they should open at 11 is my only criticism but otherwise a great place.Food: 5/5

The place is the best fish and chips cooked to perfection and the owner normally comes out to serve your dinner. And ensure it is the way you like it. 5 star

I'm giving it a 5 as it was just what I was in the mood for! Being a former fish and Chip shop owner I am picky. I have had better but it was good still. Fish was nice and I enjoy the mushy peas. The chips were ok.

I’ve never had such a small portion of fish and chips in my life. $16.80 for 1 piece of halibut and a handful of chips, with a side of gravy gets you this…

Super disappointing. Got our fish and chips and they didn't give us tartar sauce, ketchup, vinager or salt. We asked for it all but didnt get any. Made for a very very boring and tasteless meal for everyone. Not impressed and won't be going back.

Ever notice when you order from skip you run into issues with the restaurant being lazy and cutting corners and same thing with skip the dishes honestly better to get a car and pick it up. Not sure if the food or service would change much. Salty's YOU HAVE FAILED THIS CITY!Food: 2/5

Love this place! Food is amazing. It is always our go to for fish and chipsFood: 5/5