The Mermaid Fish Bar in Gwynedd

Just about the most amazing fish&chips we have ever had. The chips are a combination of crispy and melt in your mouth perfection, and the fish really tastes like it was caught an hour ago. Trust me, ignore the rest and take a walk one street back from the seafront..you won't regret it!

I was recommended The Mermaid by two different people before my trip to Barmouth so I had to try it. There was a queue out the door but it moved quickly as they are constantly throwing fish and chips in the fryer. I ended up going here twice, the 1st time I had fish chips and mushy peas, the fish was so thick and really tasty, the chips were really nice and nothing was greasy. The peas were standard but fine. The second visit I had sausage chips and gravy and again was served really quickly and was delicious, my partner had chicken goujons, chips and a pot of spicy gravy which he said was really good too. The chippy has dine in seats available.

Good quality fish and chips. Worth waiting 30 minutes for. The cod was worth every penny... I actually think excellent value for money.. based on the current cost of cod. Chips were decent. Oil was good. Mushy peas needed a little salt. Curry sauce very tasty! Would return. 8.4. You need to have a collection point and a order point. Using the same one just causes chaos on a busy Saturday lunchtime.

Wow! We saw the queue and thought we would go back later in the evening, but when we returned the queue was still huge. 45 mins later we walked away with the best fish and chips we have had for a long time, nothing greasy, good size portions, and very reasonable prices, so if you can stand the wait, I highly recommend going here,.

there was a hair on my chips and they say they a 5 star food hygiene well I won’t be going again. Very poor!

Delicious fish and chips would highly recommend. The batter is light and the fish was really tasty. The chips were crispy outside and soft on the inside. We queued for 15 mins but definitely worth it

Had some great battered sausage and chips from here! Just what you expect and want from a chippy.

Best fish and chips in barmouth

We had mini fish and chips and they were the best we have had in a long time

Best fish and chips in area and great price. Be mindful of big queues at weekend but still not long waits. Always drop in here for dinner on a barmouth visit 😋

Always a must to visit this chippy. Good menu to choose from but I always just have fish and chips. Prices are always good. Food is always great and you get a good portion size. You can eat in or take away. This has got to be up there in my favourite sea side chippys.

Very good quality, not cheap but worth every penny and nice staff too.

Excellent, well worth the wait!!!

Fast and friendly service in an iconic chippy on the Barmouth front. Can get rather busy so watch out. Loses a star because of a very small cone of chips - we wanted a little snack to share but it was the smallest box. Still tasted amazing so keeps the four stars.

when we visit , it's a shame to say that due to one member a staff I won't be visiting again . I had 2 mini fish and chips , my daughter asked for a burger and chips . Beth or Beck was really rude and abrupt towards customers and staff. When she got the burger bun out it had already got butter on , when I said I don't want no butter on , she rolled her eyes and bit her lip while raising her hands in the air . I even felt the need to apologise and explain that it has to be dairy free. Her attitude stunk slamming the box lids shut and constant eye rolling ,not use me but all customers, even talking down to the staff telling them to leave things I'll do it . She's so stressed at her job she stressed me jut ordering ,won't be returning . Date of visit: May 2025

Used to go here when younger. Eventually had the chance to go back as an adult, about 15 years later. Still as great as ever. Class chips, good tasting fish and friendly staff.

The food was very tasty but the service started good until a very rude staff member started shouting about me asking for no batter on my fish. I had spoke to a member of staff about gluten free fish they advised me it would be cooked in the same oil as everything else I said I understood the risk and was happy to continue, I was then called to the till in a way that was very rude by the owner and she demanded me to repeat my order then the food was thrown onto the counter Infront of me to collect. I will not go back there again as next time I would not hold my tongue.

I spoke with the owner of this amazing Fish and Chip shop. The cod is as fresh as possible and so are the chips. There's a queue every time you go past for a reason.

Brilliant service excellent staff food is banging

Visited for our evening meal yesterday. We ordered mini fish and chips, 2 cones of chips, a spam fritter and some drinks. The cost seemed fair. Staff were friendly and efficient. Would visit again when in the area.

We go to Barmouth regularly always look forward to fish and chips from here you can tell it's good the que outside.best things are worth the wait🙏🙏

£5 for large chips and curry sauce Awesome sauce

Absolutely brilliant, we walk from Dolgellau (11 miles approx) to get fish and cheps from here. Be prepared to queue though, that's how good they are 👌

There are lots of fish and chip spots in Barmouth but this one is at the top for a reason, price is where you would expected to be given it to seaside town. Lots choice witch iz good. Quick serves witch is good when the que is out the door and down the streets. But the wate is well worth it

BEST FISH AND CHIPS AND CURRY SAUCE I HAVE EVER HAD!!!!!

Excellent fish and chips literally a few minutes walk from the beach. Reasonable prices and excellent quality and would highly recommend

Great Fish and Chips, very busy when I visited so service was abit slow.

Perfect fish and chips. We saw the queue and decided that it smelt like it was worth the wait and it certainly was. We had a lovely meal. The portions were huge and I think we could have shared, but managed a whole one each. Thank you!

Reasonably priced and great service. Food was top quality. Will visit again next time we come this way.

We always head for the mermaid whenever we visit Barmouth. The best fish and chips in the town. Always busy which says it all

Lovely food, long queue but worth the wait

Perhaps a touch on the expensive side for a chippy, but the quality of the food was very good. Would go again

We’ve been getting our fish and chips at Mermaid for 17 years now, every time we are in Barmouth. We have read different reviews but our experience was always most positive. It’s nice to have fish and chips there when it’s not too crowded but due to their popularity as one of the best fish bars in the country, it can be very busy, then we resort to having a takeaway from there, and it never fails either! Delicious!

We love this fish and chip shop. Everything is always freshly cooked, piping hot, good quality and not greasy. Friendly, helpful staff. Reasonably priced. Definitely worth a visit.

Lovely quick service, excellent hot fish and chips

Vegan 'chicken' style Pukka pie and chips 🍟

The fish and chips were delicious ,the staff were very friendly

Only Had takeaway. Chips were excellent and for the first time we had Irish curry sauce . Its was amazing. A little to far to travel there from the black country every week lol

Realllly worth the que! Super friendly staff! V. Good price and tasty food. I wish there were more fish options though!!

Just to prove the point that I don’t only give poor reviews. Whilst shopping in Barmouth I just fancied some fish and chips. Giving my last review I thought if the fish looks overcooked I will have a pie. Take it all back from the last time I went. The fish and chips with curry sauce was Very tasty and a nice cup of coffee. Well done and back to normal. Thanks.

Hands down the best chippy for miles. Great prices and the quality is superb. We tried quite a few things, including battered halloumi, cheese and onion fry and the best was the chicken goujons. These were only £1 each and we're out of this world. Proper chicken breast in a lovely southern fried coating!

Fabulous chips, hubby said best seaside chips he's ever had. Dog friendly, our 2 Staffies were welcomed to sit by a table & enjoy their mini fish.

Best chippy chips iv ever had. So crispy yet fluffy

I have used this chippy for many years as a biker it was always No1 but sadly today it was not the usual standard we have been use too, Hopefully it will return to its best soon

Visited the mermaid fish bar yesterday.we ordered two large fish, one chips, one curry sauce, one mushy pea, two cans Diet Coke £25 I know prices have gone up, but this is a joke could’ve gone and had a nice meal at the pub

Great fish and chips, good prices, friendly service, would recommend.

The quality has changed to what it was. The batter on the fish is not as good. The chips are not good, very poor to what it was. This has shocked me.

Used to be the best f&c in Wales and England. Expensive and greasy today :(

We have been there today not the best fish was warm chips a bit greasy not the best but it's out of season won't be having them again

The quality of the cod was the best I’ve had in a long time. The batter was light and crispy. The chicken goujons her proper chicken breast made fresh in the shop. If I did live 3 1/2 hrs away I’d make this my local.

A great chip shop just discovered. Great fish and chips and lovely pickled eggs.

As always the fish and chips was delicious. Service was 1st rate. Lovely staff told me I could wait for my bus inside as it was so cold outside.

Lovely fish n chips very popular place we always visit there

Eat in or takeaway. Recommend the cod roe!

The chips here were amazing!! So nice and crispy and quickly devoured on a chilly Saturday afternoon watching the sea. Bit of a queue but honestly shows you how popular it is and it was worth the few minutes we had to wait. highly recommend and will be returning

The best chip shop I have been to. Not many get the chips right, but these guys really do! The battered pigs in blankets were delicious and a great Boxing Day treat!

It was well worth the 30 minute wait the fish batter was perfection and so light and crisp while the fish was delicious too.. I never usually finish my fish and chips but I just couldn't bring myself to leave any. It has to be at the very top of my list of great fish and chip shops.

Best chips and curry sauce I’ve ever had

Very nice fish & chips the fish was all in pieces not a whole peoce but the taste was lovely & probably the best chips we have had in a while.

Over many years I have praised the quality of what I believed the best fish and chips in Wales. Unfortunately I don’t know what went wrong but the fish was the worst I’ve tried to eat. The batter was Dark brown (burnt) and oily and the fish was dry and chewy; even tasteless. Not the golden brown like normally. I liked the chips and curry sauce along with a milky coffee, that she brought to my table. I made sure I informed the lovely young lady about my concerns and she did offer me a refund but like I say ”it wasn’t about the money” but they needed too be made aware of the situation. Sorry but I needed to say something.

Lovely fish and chips, quick service.

The best,didn’t wait long as it was around 6.30.great portion sizes. Highly recommend when visiting Barmouth

Best Fish and Chips in Gwynedd, nevermind Barmouth, always freshly cooked food and always the best quality

Best cod !!!!!! Dog friendly large portion, fish was so nice

Went here about 2 years ago and had the best ever meal. Returned here hoping for another treat only to be left very disappointed. Think the ownership has changed. Small portions and not vert pleasant. OK if you're starving but there are better F and C restaurants around.

Great fish and chips, they are that good we had to queue 65 mins in the cold to get them.

Don’t know if they are keen on making more money to offset the loss of summer trade. But was served with. Reheated chips and minuscule fish. Treated as a tourist. Whilst locals were enjoying est quality fish chips and service

Best chips, curry sauce, battered sausage, and onion rings I've had in ages.

Amazing fish and chips, best to take away

Omg the chips were insane and the chicken goujons I could of eaten a bucket full.... So good

It’s Tuesday 22nd October 2024. Best fish, chips and curry sauce for a long long time. Fish delicious and batter crispy and perfect. Thanks for a great service on a beautiful day.

Best fish and chips in Barmouth

Been coming here over 10 years even make a detour like today. Always superb

Friendly staff and a traditional feel with option to sit in

Our go to chippy when visiting Barmouth until yesterday. Took friends with us saying you’ll never have better fish n chips. Well Not today. Fish was over cooked , ruining what was a generous portion of fish, chips were no more than scraps albeit a generous portion. Mushy peas way too dry. We’ve waited months to have lunch at the mermaid.very disappointed. Over the years it’s been excellent we’ve always recommended going there. We think it’s been taken over and guessed it because we were served our cup of tea in paper cups not the usual mugs. Not very environmentally friendly as they have plastic lids and of course didn’t do justice to the good brew. Maybe just a bad day

Very busy chippy only one open with the wait.

We had freshly cooked cod, chips and peas . Very fresh cod and a generous portion. Lovely batter.

The Best fish and chips I’ve had and I’ve had a lot over the years 😋 26/9/24

If you're looking for the best fish and chips in Wales, this place is a must-visit! They are award winners, and it's clear why. The fish is perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, while the chips are golden and cooked to perfection. The portions are generous, and the quality of the ingredients is top-notch. The tartar sauce and sides complement the meal beautifully. That said, be prepared to wait as there’s always a long queue, especially during peak hours. The popularity of this spot means it's always bustling with people eager to get in, but trust me, the wait is worth it! The atmosphere is lively, and the service, once you're inside, is friendly and efficient. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this is a quintessential stop for anyone who loves fish and chips done right!

Cod & Chips @ £10.35 Very filling, but not of the same high quality as it used to have. Chips were particularly greasy & heavy... (they used to be very crisp & delicious).. Cod was a little tired too.. it seemed to have been sitting in the cabinet a while.. although there were 6 other cod alongside it. Seemed to have been a change of staff.. as quality has slipped. An expensive treat @ todays prices

Me and the wife just had the minifish and chips for lunch. £6.25 each. Best fish and chips weve ever had, chips are elite tier.

Best fish and chips we have ever had. Chips were really crispy and light , fish was really fresh and large portion.wish they did a gluten free option for me fish

Lovely Cod and chips. Best in Barmouth.

Just the best Fish and Chips you could hope for. Served by friendly chatty staff, who were obviously serving none stop over their shifts. Thoroughly recommend this establishment.

Literally the best fish and chips I've had in years. They've ruined my life now though because I tried their amazing Irish Curry Sauce and I can't find anywhere that does it.

Been many times - superb as usual - looking forward to next time 😄👍😄👍😄

A large portion of good food and the staff were friendly

The food was gorgeous. I had fish and chips. And a bartered sausage never had a bartered sausage before.

Well worth 5 Stars! I drove up from near Aberystwyth to explore the path from Barmouth to Fairbourne and back across the rail bridge and treated myself to Cod & Chips. Really impressed with the quality and quantity as well as the freshness. Really nice and clean premises too. Highly recommended and I shall return 👍

40 minutes from joining the queue at the steps, to getting my fish and chips. 1 person serving, who was slow beyond belief, food taking an age to cook and be served, for anything that wasn’t fish based, but they didn’t take other orders whilst waiting for things to cook. Once it came it was ok, nothing to write home about.

A lovely, local chippy serving delicious and good quality fish and chips. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Overall very pleased as have been using this chippy for years at different times of the year.

I had read about this place in the Daily Post and it was listing glowing reviews so had to try it, so I took a drive down from the North Wales coast on a sunny day to try it. It was mid afternoon during the week so no queue to contend with. Ordered a battered cod, small chips and curry sauce to take away (and of course a fizzy Vimto, the ultimate go-to for this meal, in my opinion). It was served up straight away so not sure how long the fish and chips had been in the warmer, so was anxious to get tucked into it to see if the hype was on point. Fish was lovely, but would have preferred thicker and crispier batter. Chips we very good however. Curry sauce as to be expected. Was nice to get the take away and eat them by the sea (a short walk over the railway track). I did battle a bit with the small wooden fork though! Lesson learnt there! All in all, a decent fish & chip shop, but my favourite remains one of my locals in my hometown - will be hard to knock them off the top spot in my eyes. I prefer to wait for a freshly fried fish & chips (which I would guess is the case at busier times).

Fish was very good but the chips were awful, very greasy 😢 will never go to this chippy again. I cannot believe I qued up for this crapp

Showed up just before closing time so no queue. We were told what you see on the counter is what you get, luckily 2 cod left. Wasn't expecting much as we had the last servings but wow, quite possibly the best fish and chips we've ever had!

Fantastic little fish and chips , had to wait ages which Is a good sign ,fish and chips amazing but a little over priced ,a few plastic tables inside ,if your in barmouth it's worth a visit .

Qued for over 1hr.. they forgot my order... no real apologise. It's expensive..used to be a great place for food.. poor coms enough staff poorly organised..

Ordered 2 pies and chips , one of the pies were stone cold hadn't even been heated up , don't think ile be going there again

Totally amazing keep up the good work guys excellent 👌👍

Fish and chips by the sea, yummy.

Best chip shop in Barmouth and in my experience Wales! Always a queue but very efficient staff ensures it moves quickly! Very friendly and happy staff especially the taller Scouse lady! Great food, freshly fried fish, amazingly well sized portions even for the mini fish and chips, which I would say the £6.25 option is the same size as regular fish and chips in other chip shops. Every time we visit the Welsh coast we travel here for the fish and chips it's so good! See you again next time!