Marble Arch Fish & Chips

I was hesitant at first, the area is in transition and the main building was a tired 1970’s strip mall across from a graffiti plaster shuttered mall of similar age but less fortunate. Alongside a laundromat, dog grooming studio and an ice cream shop here sat the Marble Arch Fish and Chips. As it turned out it was just what I was looking for. A mom and pop restaurant that has been in business for over 16 years. Nothing fancy but clean and authentic. These places are few and far between. I ordered two pieces of cod and chips, the portions were large and the chips hand cut. Typical battered fish not greasy and tasted very good. The price was about the same as a White Spot but the portions were larger. Cash only here at this retro restaurant. Various combo Chinese meals advertised on hand written sign. I would rather spend my money on a family operated restaurant than a corporate restaurant anytime. Thanks for the friendly service and nostalgia.

This diner reminds me of 1970s-early 1980s diners in HK, the nostalgic feel similar to 香港八十系列 sitcom series in TVB. I had a feeling my mother took me here to eat when I was really young like over 3 decades ago because I recognized the decor like some strange lucid dream.

Anyway, there used to be HK style diners like this in Chinatown but over time they've disappeared. Those who don't understand the old school mom and pop style are at a generation loss as diners like this is the norm in my parent's generation.

Ordered the Wor Wonton which offers a generous amount of wontons which is amazing. Broth is there to flavor the BBQ pork, wontons, and vegetables; drinking it as standalone is too salty. Overall a very good value.

It's a very good thing my buddy reminded me to head to my bank ATM to withdraw cash as it's hardcore old school doesn't accept debit or credit. That's fine as that is Chinese tradition to avoid processing fees in POS terminals; those who don't understand that are boneheads and I don't recommend you to travel Asia period. Embarrassingly enough I'm a very plastic girl for a first generation Chinese Canadian citizen (yes, constantly admonished by my parents for not carrying cash; even my adorable biracial daughters carry more cash on hand than I do) and I do have my woes in the early 2000s in Chinatown needing to run 4 blocks to the nearest ATM to get cash for restaurants then. 🤣

Definitely will return for a quick budget friendly eat.

This place is original! I love Chinese food and my father in law brought us here. I've been across the map for Chinese and am pretty picky but this one had a home town feel. This one made me feel like I was at home in Port alberni at a place my grandfather loved going to.

Genuine flavors not over seasoned and perfectly fried with all of the classic ingredients. I got the sweet and sour chicken balls with the fried rice. My father in law got the sweet and sour chicken balls and chow mein. I loved the chicken balls nice and fresh! Moist even after re-heating later when finishing my left overs. The pricing was a refreshing touch for going out. For 3 people it came to $41.00 before tip and tax.

I will definitely make a point to order from here in the future for sure. This is a city gem! 💎

It's a great place to eat fish and chips if you're on a budget. Wednesday night is $8.99 for 6 pcs of fish.

Geez

Went there today with my grand daughter. Was hoping for another place but she was hungry and so ended up here as it was near by. The high chair was so sticky and filthy that I had to wipe it down and the cloth was black when I did just the very surface. Service was slow and lazy...these people should not be in business. It was clear that they cut so many corners and I was fearful of how long they had been using the oil for deep frying. My stomach did feel queasy after eating and so I am sure that the oil is putrid. This is a place where fresh and healthy food is not considered. Don't support them!

I really wanted to like this place as the owners are such nice people, and I love old school Mom & Pop shops. I ordered a burger with fries and gravy. It was ready in good time and served with a smile. The burger itself was fairly decent, but the fries were undercooked and the gravy tasted like flour. Someone had obviously used way too much to thicken it and it had lost its original flavour. Prices though are very reasonable, but take cash as they don't take any kind of electronic payments.

I was hoping to find a fish a chips place but found a Chinese restaurant that serves breakfast. The 2 piece halibut was $35 for 2 plates.

Sadly disappointed. While the fries were decent the fish was not so good. No lemon for the fish and the tartar sauce seemed like mayo.

Would not recommend this spot for the price . .