The Smiling Fish Co

This restaurant was recommended to us, and we were very pleased with the fish--fresh, well-prepared, and large portions. Don't go if you're looking for ambience/atmosphere--very casual, and although it was only 7:30 we almost felt like we got there at closing time because the wait staff and management were putting things away. Granted, it was a Friday evening at 7:30, and perhaps the rush was over. We would highly recommend the food.

We were taken care of as soon as we arrived and seated. Waitress offered her best advice on what was good to eat, although she did express she loved it all. BIG portions when you get your dinner. Great value for your buck. We've been back a few times since and I've continued by ordering take out once in a while. Clam chowder was very very good, and the shrimp were humungus in our cocktail.

I've ordered many times, both eating in & getting take out. The fish is always great, the rice & fries are equally tasty.

Excellent quality fish, good and fast service, even during a busy lunch time, and very fair and well priced menu. Others were a bit meh on the fries, but my meal and their fish were all great. Definitely making this a regular lunch option.

Service was fine and the food was fantastic

we've ordered from the Welland location a few times & each time, the service is awful... the woman who works there is so miserable & makes no attempt to hide it. the fries are always either over or undercooked (today they were over done)
i ordered a cajun w/rice & got deep fried halibut & rice. the chowder had nothing in it! it looked like the bits that had fallen off the real pieces of fish that are supposed to be in there.

in contrast, the St Catharines store is 100 times better with service & food. Sounds like the boss man needs to put a shorter leash on the welland operation because it's bringing down the reputation of the company.

My daughter and I went to the Smiling Fish Company on Fourth Avenue in St. Catharines for her birthday. Although it was very busy, we experienced the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE & FOOD! The servers were friendly, efficient and very polite. The food was superb. Because of our experience, we asked if there were other Smiling Fish in the area and decided that our Good Friday dinner would be ordered from the Smiling Fish Kiosque on Clare Avenue in Welland as we were told this one was run by the Fourth Avenue owner`s wife.
There began the worst Customer Service experience I have ever had. Since I was feeding 6 adults (including 2 very robust young men) we called serveral days before Good Friday to inquire as to whether they took pre-orders. The woman on the phone was more than rude and even gave me the impression that she really hoped no one would buy meals there on Good Friday.
On Good Friday, I went in early to order food for 6 adults. Despite the bad customer service on the phone, I felt the quality of the food was worth it. When I went to order and pay, I was once again treated very rudely and the food I ordered was absolutely awful!!!! Very greasy fish, uncooked fries, buns just thrown into the bag (with the other super greasy containers)!!!! Needless to say, I will NEVER ORDER FROM THE CLARE AVENUE kiosque again. That woman needs to learn manners as well. Perhaps she was unhappy with my over $60 order or maybe she just hates dealing with the public. I gladly give five stars to Fourth Avenue and absolutely no stars to their Welland location.

The seafood is always second to none in quality! One only needs to see how patrons will line up at the door of this cozy dining room waiting for a table to become available. The serving staff are efficient, courteous, friendly,...and wa-a-a-aayyy overworked! I especially recommend any of their baked fish platters, they are absolutely splendid.

This is a wonderful small family owned restaurant.. We are always pleased with the food quality. The service is good, considering how busy it gets. Because of the small restaurant size, and it's popularity, you often have to wait in line for a table at peak times/days. Other than the wait, it's great!