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Cuisine: 8 Service: 7 Decor: 8 Value: 7 Overall: 8 Driving by this restaurant several times, I noticed that there was always a line. Doing some research, the menu looked intriguing, so two of us lined up one day and tried as many items as our stomachs allowed. Caviar Sammich (8/10) - It's hard to go wrong with good quality caviar and creme fraiche, then put it on a house-made potato roll. Though $18 is pricey, it was an excellent bite, maybe two. Oysters (7.5/10) - We ordered a dozen, 4 Fat Belly (NC), 4 Island Creek (MA), and 4 Sand Dune (PEI). All were good, but I liked the Fat Belly the most. Wagyu Beef Tartare (8.5/10) - Almost not fair to pair the highest quality beef with the delicious briny popping of trout roe together. So good! Royal Red Shrimp (9/10) - Probably the dish of the night. The tenderness of the shrimp pairs so well with the fresh corn, harissa, and bright herby sauce. Charred Lamb Ribs (7.5/10) - Simple but yummy. The lamb fat is rendered properly, though it almost felt too lean. I didn't really need the romesco sauce. Smoked Cobia Curry (5/10) - Not sure I taste much smoke and the curry is not what I consider curry. The cobia was tender, but I really couldn't taste it. The eggplant didn't pair well imho. Whole Flounder (8/10) - This was quite flavorful and tender. I love this fish growing up having it Chinese style. So different to enjoy it this way for me. Not Fried Chicken (6.5/10) - The shape of a fried chicken drumstick was cute. However, the waffle cone inside was somewhat soggy. Ice cream was ok. Banana Pudding Ice Cream (6/10) - Unfortunately, the banana flavor tasted too artificial. It looked adorable, but just not worth the price. Their menu is ever changing, so there will always be new things to try. I am excited to come back and give more dishes a go. Just remember to get on line early before the crowds get there.
10000000% everything they say about Chubby Fish is true. I would stand in line even longer to taste this food again, well maybe not longer :-) {Do yourself a favor and hire a line holder, absolutely worth the cost.}
What a great experience! My daughters had been dying to go, so they did the hard work. To get a table you have to start lining up outside at 3:45ish. They open the doors at 5 and then you can get your reservation. We had a party of 6 people which made the dinner even more fun because we were able to order multiple things. I loved all the fish dishes. I really enjoyed one with a curry sauce too. The ambience was simple and cool. The menu is on a huge chalk board so you have to take a pic to really study it. All 6 in our group were so happy and all highly recommend. If you have someone willing to wait at least an hour - do it. I've heard you can pay people to wait for you - but not sure on that one.
The line: there was 2 of us, we got there at 3:45p on a Friday, line was right past Seahorse (&tripled by the time they opened). Once they opened, someone came down the line to see if we wanted to sit now or put our name down for later. Definitely wish we would've just sat at that time since the earliest time they had once we got to the front was 8pm. Table wasn't quite ready when we popped back at 8pm but they walked us through drinks/wine lists while we waited outside and brought the drinks out to us while we waited. Got in to our table at 8:25pm. The food: Everything was delicious. We ordered 5 dishes between the 2 of us and ended up taking a little bit of the last dish home but only so we had room for dessert. Service was amazing, everyone was helpful and kind! Verdict: Would I wait in line, sweating in the 85 degree sunny weather again? Probably not. Would I wait in line again if it was a cool 70? Maybe. Honestly, didn't really fill the hype meter for me when there are SOOO many fantastic seafood restaurants in Charleston but glad I finally went! *not pictured: cacio e pepe fried cauliflower (are it before the phone could snap it)
Great experience and worth waiting in line! We got in line around 4pm on a Friday and got a 6:45 spot for two people sitting at bar stools. While we waited we went to the Felix for cocktails and sat at the bar- such a great vibe there. Then we went to the Seahorse right next door to the restaurant and enjoyed some orange wine which was great and fast service. Dinner: Our favorites in order were the grilled oysters (must get!!), caviar sandwich (get your own), the curry (so different and flavorful with mint, cilantro, coconut), tuna belly crudo on toast (so delicious), the soft shell crab (just okay for me but my family loved it!). We also got the ube banana putting to go and it hit just the sweet spot back at home. The service was quick and very helpful with recommendations. I would definitely go back and wait in line again on a nice day! There are other restaurants in Charleston that you can make a reservation for and get food that's just as good, but given the hype of Chubby Fish we had to check it out and it did not disappoint! Lovely atmosphere and crowd as well.
I understand why this place received the accolades it earned. We ordered 7 different dishes and all of them were unique, innovative, and executed so well. My favorite was the tuna belly bread. It's the fish, the salad, the sauce. It's multi layers. The fried fish was really good as well paired so well with its dipping sauce. I can't really point out any flaws in every dish I ate, to be honest. However, I'm a little taken aback by the communal table and being seated next to strangers, but it created an interesting social experiment and I was able to see the dishes they ordered. Ambience was cool and fun. Servers were attentive and gave honest and good recommendations. Was it worth the 1.5 hours wait in line? I think so. Since eating at Chubby Fish, I've made more of an effort to seek out James Beard-nominated restaurants/chefs when I travel. Chubby Fish has really helped put Charleston's food scene on the map for me. I'd honestly come back to Charleston just to eat at Chubby Fish again!
After many years wanting to try Chubby Fish, I finally made it. It's hard to describe the flavors because there's so much going on with every dish, but just know that you're going to be amazed by flavors you thought would never blend well. The menu itself is not large, and the best way to try more stuff is to order various plates to share with those in your party. Chubby fish doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to join the line at least an hour before they open. We got lucky and took one of the last few two-person seats when we visited. Our server was awesome and the ambiance was lively and fun without being too loud. Overall, Chubby Fish is a gem worth checking out if you're in Charleston.
I'd been hearing about Chubby Fish for over a year and honestly didn't think I'd ever make it in. Curiosity finally won, so we hopped on line at 3:00 PM, landing about 15th in line, and waited until the doors opened at 5:00. The space is tiny--only around 40 seats--which explains why the line forms so early, but stepping inside made the wait feel completely justified. The restaurant is cozy, intimate, and charming, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. We were fortunate to have Hailey as our server. She was phenomenal: warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to guide us through the menu. She explained each dish in detail and walked us through the pacing so we knew exactly what to expect. We started with the Bluefin Tuna Crudo, which literally melted in our mouths with layers of flavor and texture. The Grilled Oysters delivered bold, over-the-top deliciousness. The Charred Lamb Ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and deeply flavorful. The Hakurei Turnips in a light smoked olive sauce showcased another brilliant combination of subtlety and depth. For large plates, we ordered the Curry Smoked Golden Tilefish, offering warm, layered flavor, and the Scallop Gnudi, featuring perfectly cooked, sweet scallops resting on top of the softest gnudi. Every dish felt intentional and beautifully executed. There's a reason everyone talks about this place: it truly stands out. The chef has mastered his craft, and the entire staff exudes professionalism, warmth, and genuine passion. From start to finish, the experience was unforgettable. A must-do. If waiting in line isn't your thing, here's a tip: reach out to Ella. She and her friends live nearby and will wait in line for you. We met them while waiting, and they're wonderful, responsible, trustworthy young ladies. Her number is;(781)561-8882 just send her a message!
Outstanding. One of the best dining experiences. Long wait, flavorful food, expensive prices. I've been wanting to come here since they opened, but was always thrown off by the busyness and variety of other restaurants to try. I've since moved away and really wanted to make it a priority for this return trip. The wait: plan to get here 1-2 hours early. We were in line 345 on Saturday and were able to get first seating- but about 25 people in front of us. They ask for your full party to be there- so make sure everyone comes at 5. The food: incredible! We split a cavier sandwich, tuna crudo, grilled oysters, poached grouper, tempura fish with soy beurre blanc, bone marrow and ube banana pudding. Everything was amazing- I loved these cavier sandwich more than anticipated. The grilled oysters were in a panang curry or like sauce- I couldn't taste the oysters much but the curry was perfect. The bone marrow was to die for. The tempura fish was way better than anticipated- the sauce really stood out. The grouper- was OK to me, it was very smokey which overpowered the dish for me. I'm not the biggest banana pudding fan but I'm a sucker for anything ube- and this dessert was the perfect palate cleanser after dinner. It was refreshing and you could distinctly taste the ube and banana which I appreciated. Cost: we are non alcoholic diners- so we ordered a lot of food and came out to be about $200. For two they recommend 4 dishes across the board, so we had a little more. Given the long wait and short trip we wanted to try as much as we could! Recommend? Absolutely. This is a meal I will be thinking about for a while. I will be adding it to my Charleston rotation!
Chubby Fish...funny name but serious eats coming out of this kitchen! It was a Tuesday afternoon when I got in the 40 person line to reserve a table a few hours later for the wife and I. I love the "no free lunch" concept here at Chubby Fish. There are no reservations. You have to physically get to the door prior to 5pm and make your dinner reservation destiny. Sink or swim you chubby bastards! So that's what I did. I got in line around 445pm which is late by most standards, you need to be there by 4 on weekends! Luck was on my side and I requested bar seating around 8pm, which we were given. Amazing to watch the masters of the kitchen throw down on some work! Ordered up one caviar sammich, 5 oysters, bone marrow with tempura shrimp, grouper curry. Oh yeah and my plain Jane wife ordered some shrimp and rice. All the food was amazing. I can't yet wrap my mind around the caviar sammich because of how smooth it was. For me the battle of feats was bone marrow tempura shrimp and grouper curry. Both amazing dishes with both different flavors and textures. Not only was the food amazing the staff was top tier! The hostess remembered my name when we arrived for our reservation. Rebecca our server helped me captain this Chubby Fish food expedition. The guys and gals in the kitchen chatted with us often due to bar seating on kitchen row. Their skills really shined with the taste of each prepared dish. Chubby Fish is more than a restaurant, it's a cultural experience for the taste buds. I shall return!!!
Where does one begin? Before being seated, chubby fish is an experience - no reservations, but standing in line waiting for your first seating is somewhat of a right of passage. Bring along a chair, some cards, or a book and you'll enjoy the wait! Once in, peep their wine menu and simply order the caviar Sammie. There are new dishes added seasonally, but my favs are bang bang shrimp on bone marrow, cacio e Pepe cauliflower, and their oysters. You can sit at a bar, long table, or booth and will have a great experience! Can't recommend enough
Absolutely loved this place. Everything i ate was so delicious. The caviar sandwich was delicious. The shrimp dish flavorful and delicious and the stroopwafel ice cream was different but good. Service was friendly too
Wow, just wow. We waited an hour in line at 4:15 PM just to get a 10:15 PM time slot. By that time, I was exhausted and honestly not even hungry. But this meal? Hands down the best I had during our entire Charleston trip. Every dish was perfectly executed--especially the caviar sandwich, which stole the show. From the crudo and ceviche to the curry, celery salad, clam cavatelli, and even the "not fried chicken" ice cream, everything was exceptional. The service was stellar too--truly a standout experience.
6 months ago
We were in Charleston visiting my son, and he has been telling me for years that Chubby Fish is the best food ever. I'll be honest, I was skeptical. I am not someone who waits in line for a reservation. I always joke that if Jesus Christ is at the end of the line, I'm still not waiting. So... we paid someone to stand in line for us. The place itself is adorable. Small, intimate, and full of charm. I was a little thrown off that the only drink options are beer, wine, or water. Two people in our party don't drink, so that felt like a miss. But then the food came. And I get it now. It was, without question, some of the best food I've had in a long time. We ordered a lot, and every single dish delivered. The caviar sliders were unbelievably good, buttery, salty, and indulgent in the best way. The tuna toast, fennel and celery salad, and ceviche were all standout, with the ceviche being especially memorable. The soft shell crab and tempura flounder were perfectly done. Even the gundi surprised me. And to finish, the "not fried" ice cream and banana pudding were just outstanding. Service was excellent, warm and attentive without being over the top. The whole experience felt special. Bottom line: I hate waiting in line, and I still wouldn't. But I am very glad we found a way around it. Totally worth it. read more
I've heard good things about Chubby Fish, so I was excited to try the restaurant. We ordered the Caviar Sammich, Tuna Crudo, Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe, Grilled Oysters, Bone Marrow, and Whole Fish. Everything was good, but nothing mind blowing, and I would say they were all a little too salty for my liking. I particularly liked the Tuna Crudo, Cauliflower, Grilled Oysters, and Fish. I really liked the hint of curry in the Grilled Oysters and the fresh, gingery taste of the fish. It wasn't fishy at all. Would I want to come back for the food? Sure. Would I wait in line for 2-3 hours for this food? Probably not. Paying for a line waiter might not be too bad if you have multiple people in your party to split the cost. read more
This has been a difficult review for me to write after all the hype about it. I fell into that mindset and kept telling my daughter in NYC she and her boyfriend just had to come. They are bougie as heck( only about food though) but they do travel globally just to try restaurants. So yes, we did hire the line stander which was definitely worth it. Got in and was seated facing the wall( 4 seats) . Definitely not an ideal seating setup. I have done this seating before at Holman and Finch in Atlanta and nobody cared once we were chowing down. I would have eaten on the floor. Diner vibes. Our server Sara was excellent. Always checking on us and making great suggestions. I hope I don't forget any dishes. Small plates included tempura tile fish which was fried deliciously crispy but had a big ole greasy mouth feel. There were a few half sliced okra that were delicious, but for the price point a couple of whole fried okra would have been appreciated. I would have ordered a couple of bowls of just the okra had they been whole. The sauce on that plate was a head scratcher. Yellow and tasteless. The celery salad was a nice texture change but not very flavorful. We all ate a bite and that's it. The next was charred lamb ribs with Romesco which one person liked. Large plates were chili garlic , shrimp, jalapenos and rice. That was outstanding! Unfortunately I only got one. Let me tell you that I despise all this sharing mentality. Let me order what I want and if I want to offer you a taste, so be it. So I ordered this and got one shrimp. Whole founder was second best of the night. It could have had 2/3 less sauce on it . Not subtle whatsoever. The grouper would have been up there but it was so under ( the top of the dish was cold, bottom was warm) that it could not be eaten although everyone took a bite) it was a beautiful dish although the tomatoes weren't ripe and it was a bit salty. We unfortunately got two of those so there was alot of lost food there. Wines were great and the bar next door was fine except they had zero Chardonnay. When you are a bar and waiting even with a time, you should have at least had a wine that I liked. Bottom thought is that this restaurant is popular because of its perceived exclusivity. I fell for it. I won't again. So many better places. Why did I give it a 4? I really think 3.5, but I too feel social pressure at times. It could be that we just didn't have a good menu day. There wasn't one dish that I had pined for on line that was on the actual menu, so be aware of that. read more
Cuisine: 8 Service: 7 Decor: 8 Value: 7 Overall: 8 Driving by this restaurant several times, I noticed that there was always a line. Doing some research, the menu looked intriguing, so two of us lined up one day and tried as many items as our stomachs allowed. Caviar Sammich (8/10) - It's hard to go wrong with good quality caviar and creme fraiche, then put it on a house-made potato roll. Though $18 is pricey, it was an excellent bite, maybe two. Oysters (7.5/10) - We ordered a dozen, 4 Fat Belly (NC), 4 Island Creek (MA), and 4 Sand Dune (PEI). All were good, but I liked the Fat Belly the most. Wagyu Beef Tartare (8.5/10) - Almost not fair to pair the highest quality beef with the delicious briny popping of trout roe together. So good! Royal Red Shrimp (9/10) - Probably the dish of the night. The tenderness of the shrimp pairs so well with the fresh corn, harissa, and bright herby sauce. Charred Lamb Ribs (7.5/10) - Simple but yummy. The lamb fat is rendered properly, though it almost felt too lean. I didn't really need the romesco sauce. Smoked Cobia Curry (5/10) - Not sure I taste much smoke and the curry is not what I consider curry. The cobia was tender, but I really couldn't taste it. The eggplant didn't pair well imho. Whole Flounder (8/10) - This was quite flavorful and tender. I love this fish growing up having it Chinese style. So different to enjoy it this way for me. Not Fried Chicken (6.5/10) - The shape of a fried chicken drumstick was cute. However, the waffle cone inside was somewhat soggy. Ice cream was ok. Banana Pudding Ice Cream (6/10) - Unfortunately, the banana flavor tasted too artificial. It looked adorable, but just not worth the price. Their menu is ever changing, so there will always be new things to try. I am excited to come back and give more dishes a go. Just remember to get on line early before the crowds get there. read more
2 months ago
What a great experience! My daughters had been dying to go, so they did the hard work. To get a table you have to start lining up outside at 3:45ish. They open the doors at 5 and then you can get your reservation. We had a party of 6 people which made the dinner even more fun because we were able to order multiple things. I loved all the fish dishes. I really enjoyed one with a curry sauce too. The ambience was simple and cool. The menu is on a huge chalk board so you have to take a pic to really study it. All 6 in our group were so happy and all highly recommend. If you have someone willing to wait at least an hour - do it. I've heard you can pay people to wait for you - but not sure on that one. read more
The line: there was 2 of us, we got there at 3:45p on a Friday, line was right past Seahorse (&tripled by the time they opened). Once they opened, someone came down the line to see if we wanted to sit now or put our name down for later. Definitely wish we would've just sat at that time since the earliest time they had once we got to the front was 8pm. Table wasn't quite ready when we popped back at 8pm but they walked us through drinks/wine lists while we waited outside and brought the drinks out to us while we waited. Got in to our table at 8:25pm. The food: Everything was delicious. We ordered 5 dishes between the 2 of us and ended up taking a little bit of the last dish home but only so we had room for dessert. Service was amazing, everyone was helpful and kind! Verdict: Would I wait in line, sweating in the 85 degree sunny weather again? Probably not. Would I wait in line again if it was a cool 70? Maybe. Honestly, didn't really fill the hype meter for me when there are SOOO many fantastic seafood restaurants in Charleston but glad I finally went! *not pictured: cacio e pepe fried cauliflower (are it before the phone could snap it) read more
6 months ago
Great experience and worth waiting in line! We got in line around 4pm on a Friday and got a 6:45 spot for two people sitting at bar stools. While we waited we went to the Felix for cocktails and sat at the bar- such a great vibe there. Then we went to the Seahorse right next door to the restaurant and enjoyed some orange wine which was great and fast service. Dinner: Our favorites in order were the grilled oysters (must get!!), caviar sandwich (get your own), the curry (so different and flavorful with mint, cilantro, coconut), tuna belly crudo on toast (so delicious), the soft shell crab (just okay for me but my family loved it!). We also got the ube banana putting to go and it hit just the sweet spot back at home. The service was quick and very helpful with recommendations. I would definitely go back and wait in line again on a nice day! There are other restaurants in Charleston that you can make a reservation for and get food that's just as good, but given the hype of Chubby Fish we had to check it out and it did not disappoint! Lovely atmosphere and crowd as well. read more
I understand why this place received the accolades it earned. We ordered 7 different dishes and all of them were unique, innovative, and executed so well. My favorite was the tuna belly bread. It's the fish, the salad, the sauce. It's multi layers. The fried fish was really good as well paired so well with its dipping sauce. I can't really point out any flaws in every dish I ate, to be honest. However, I'm a little taken aback by the communal table and being seated next to strangers, but it created an interesting social experiment and I was able to see the dishes they ordered. Ambience was cool and fun. Servers were attentive and gave honest and good recommendations. Was it worth the 1.5 hours wait in line? I think so. Since eating at Chubby Fish, I've made more of an effort to seek out James Beard-nominated restaurants/chefs when I travel. Chubby Fish has really helped put Charleston's food scene on the map for me. I'd honestly come back to Charleston just to eat at Chubby Fish again! read more
3 days ago
After many years wanting to try Chubby Fish, I finally made it. It's hard to describe the flavors because there's so much going on with every dish, but just know that you're going to be amazed by flavors you thought would never blend well. The menu itself is not large, and the best way to try more stuff is to order various plates to share with those in your party. Chubby fish doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to join the line at least an hour before they open. We got lucky and took one of the last few two-person seats when we visited. Our server was awesome and the ambiance was lively and fun without being too loud. Overall, Chubby Fish is a gem worth checking out if you're in Charleston. read more
I'd been hearing about Chubby Fish for over a year and honestly didn't think I'd ever make it in. Curiosity finally won, so we hopped on line at 3:00 PM, landing about 15th in line, and waited until the doors opened at 5:00. The space is tiny--only around 40 seats--which explains why the line forms so early, but stepping inside made the wait feel completely justified. The restaurant is cozy, intimate, and charming, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. We were fortunate to have Hailey as our server. She was phenomenal: warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to guide us through the menu. She explained each dish in detail and walked us through the pacing so we knew exactly what to expect. We started with the Bluefin Tuna Crudo, which literally melted in our mouths with layers of flavor and texture. The Grilled Oysters delivered bold, over-the-top deliciousness. The Charred Lamb Ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and deeply flavorful. The Hakurei Turnips in a light smoked olive sauce showcased another brilliant combination of subtlety and depth. For large plates, we ordered the Curry Smoked Golden Tilefish, offering warm, layered flavor, and the Scallop Gnudi, featuring perfectly cooked, sweet scallops resting on top of the softest gnudi. Every dish felt intentional and beautifully executed. There's a reason everyone talks about this place: it truly stands out. The chef has mastered his craft, and the entire staff exudes professionalism, warmth, and genuine passion. From start to finish, the experience was unforgettable. A must-do. If waiting in line isn't your thing, here's a tip: reach out to Ella. She and her friends live nearby and will wait in line for you. We met them while waiting, and they're wonderful, responsible, trustworthy young ladies. Her number is;(781)561-8882 just send her a message! read more
Outstanding. One of the best dining experiences. Long wait, flavorful food, expensive prices. I've been wanting to come here since they opened, but was always thrown off by the busyness and variety of other restaurants to try. I've since moved away and really wanted to make it a priority for this return trip. The wait: plan to get here 1-2 hours early. We were in line 345 on Saturday and were able to get first seating- but about 25 people in front of us. They ask for your full party to be there- so make sure everyone comes at 5. The food: incredible! We split a cavier sandwich, tuna crudo, grilled oysters, poached grouper, tempura fish with soy beurre blanc, bone marrow and ube banana pudding. Everything was amazing- I loved these cavier sandwich more than anticipated. The grilled oysters were in a panang curry or like sauce- I couldn't taste the oysters much but the curry was perfect. The bone marrow was to die for. The tempura fish was way better than anticipated- the sauce really stood out. The grouper- was OK to me, it was very smokey which overpowered the dish for me. I'm not the biggest banana pudding fan but I'm a sucker for anything ube- and this dessert was the perfect palate cleanser after dinner. It was refreshing and you could distinctly taste the ube and banana which I appreciated. Cost: we are non alcoholic diners- so we ordered a lot of food and came out to be about $200. For two they recommend 4 dishes across the board, so we had a little more. Given the long wait and short trip we wanted to try as much as we could! Recommend? Absolutely. This is a meal I will be thinking about for a while. I will be adding it to my Charleston rotation! read more
Chubby Fish...funny name but serious eats coming out of this kitchen! It was a Tuesday afternoon when I got in the 40 person line to reserve a table a few hours later for the wife and I. I love the "no free lunch" concept here at Chubby Fish. There are no reservations. You have to physically get to the door prior to 5pm and make your dinner reservation destiny. Sink or swim you chubby bastards! So that's what I did. I got in line around 445pm which is late by most standards, you need to be there by 4 on weekends! Luck was on my side and I requested bar seating around 8pm, which we were given. Amazing to watch the masters of the kitchen throw down on some work! Ordered up one caviar sammich, 5 oysters, bone marrow with tempura shrimp, grouper curry. Oh yeah and my plain Jane wife ordered some shrimp and rice. All the food was amazing. I can't yet wrap my mind around the caviar sammich because of how smooth it was. For me the battle of feats was bone marrow tempura shrimp and grouper curry. Both amazing dishes with both different flavors and textures. Not only was the food amazing the staff was top tier! The hostess remembered my name when we arrived for our reservation. Rebecca our server helped me captain this Chubby Fish food expedition. The guys and gals in the kitchen chatted with us often due to bar seating on kitchen row. Their skills really shined with the taste of each prepared dish. Chubby Fish is more than a restaurant, it's a cultural experience for the taste buds. I shall return!!! read more
5 months ago
Where does one begin? Before being seated, chubby fish is an experience - no reservations, but standing in line waiting for your first seating is somewhat of a right of passage. Bring along a chair, some cards, or a book and you'll enjoy the wait! Once in, peep their wine menu and simply order the caviar Sammie. There are new dishes added seasonally, but my favs are bang bang shrimp on bone marrow, cacio e Pepe cauliflower, and their oysters. You can sit at a bar, long table, or booth and will have a great experience! Can't recommend enough read more
6 months ago
Absolutely loved this place. Everything i ate was so delicious. The caviar sandwich was delicious. The shrimp dish flavorful and delicious and the stroopwafel ice cream was different but good. Service was friendly too read more
Wow, just wow. We waited an hour in line at 4:15 PM just to get a 10:15 PM time slot. By that time, I was exhausted and honestly not even hungry. But this meal? Hands down the best I had during our entire Charleston trip. Every dish was perfectly executed--especially the caviar sandwich, which stole the show. From the crudo and ceviche to the curry, celery salad, clam cavatelli, and even the "not fried chicken" ice cream, everything was exceptional. The service was stellar too--truly a standout experience. read more
6 months ago
Chubby fish is a great restaurant, the ambiance and service is top notch. I really enjoyed chatting with some of the servers/cooks while they plated our oysters. All the food was really great, but it didn't live up to the hype for me. There are a lot of other restaurants in Charleston that have amazing seafood and you don't have to wait in line for over an hour. We had a lovely night and Im glad we tried it out, but I probably won't be back. read more
7 months ago
Yes! Yes! Yes! This seafood spot is absolutely worth the wait! They do not take reservations, so yes--the line is long, but once you're in, you'll see why. Every dish, from the super-fresh raw oysters to the crudo and all of the other creative fish plates, is a flavor bomb. The menu is tapas style and it makes it easy to try a bit of everything, and trust me, you'll want to. The vibe is lively, the service is on point, and the food is unforgettable. One of the best seafood experiences I've had! And one of the best meals of my life. I have zero notes for this place. Zero regrets. Caviar Sammie was so delicious! I am still thinking about it!!! I cannot wait to come back to Chubby Fish, next time I am in town. This place lived up to its hype. read more
10 months ago
Chubby was a great experience. An experience it is! No reservations, walk in only. I would suggest getting in line around 3:30 (bring a drink while you wait). They open door to reservations at 5 - so you can make a 7pm and then go back to your day! Once in, the service is a real differentiator. The food, which is fantastic, makes the whole experience unique. Pro tip, grab a drink next door at Sea Horse. Other: you can actually pay a task rabbit to wait in line for you. While convenient, it is sort of cheating the process! read more
5 months ago
Got here at 4:05pm and waited in line, was just 1 person and was a secure a communal table on a Tuesday. Was it worth wait? Absolutely. This place exceeds every expectation you could get from the reviews. The Cavier Sammich is so buttery and delicious with a hint of lime, this by itself is worth the wait, but then it gets better. The Tuna Crudo is put of this world. With so many avocado and combinations, this plate is incredible. Them we have the grilled oysters, which puts all your favorite local favorites to shame. Unbelievable flavors. Then I got the Charred Lamb Ribs to mix things up. And James London does not disappoint. Beautiful crispness with fall off the bone tenderness. Finally the most clever dessert I've ever seen, the chicken wings disguised as a ice cream treat. Theres a reason why this place is one of the best in the U.S. Be prepared for an hour minimum wait starting at 4:00pm on a random Tuesday. If you put in the time and patience, this place is 100000% worth the wait. read more
The Hungry Detective and Special Agent Deirdre had the most fabulous experience Sunday night at Chubby FIsh...Let me start by saying I usually don't stand in line for an hour and a half but it is definitely worth the effort!!! The doors open promptly at 5 PM and we got a great spot at the bar. I would also call it a chef's table where you can see all the action firsthand. We ordered a great bottle of Gruner wine that was lovely SERVICE: Haley went above and beyond the "Call of Duty" and knows her stuff and the menu as she made great choices and expert advice...Haley made our night and dining experience!!! A true rock star!!! FOOD: We started with the Wahoo small plate and the fish was flaky white and cooked perfectly in a light tempura finish. Second: We'd had the Red Drum that was served up in a bowl of cabbage and this incredible broth...We could have had a bowl broth with bread as a meal it was so good!!! Third: Lamb ribs that fell off the bone...superb!!! Fourth: Gnocci and mushrooms...I wish we had this first because it was incredible but we hit the wall at this point!!! NOTE: As we sat and watched the staff prepare the evening courses like a well oiled machine. I noticed a whole fish snapper being prepared that was $68 and looked fabulous. It definitely could've been a plate for two people... next time I think we will save room for the whole fish it looked wonderful! VERDICT: Guilty is sin as and well deserved of a Michelin star Chubby FIsh truly knocked it out out of the park. The attention to detail was over the top and everything tasted wonderful. I can't wait to return. read more
Every now and again I come across a business that was just so good that I am intimidated to write a review. This is how it has been with Chubby Fish. I just don't feel confident that I can capture the excellence. We ate here two months ago while visiting Charleston. I did my research because we were only there for 4 days and I only wanted to eat at the best restaurants. This was by far the best meal we had in all of Charleston. We arrived at 3:30pm and stood in line for an hour and a half until they opened. Once they open, you get an option to dine immediately or put your name on the list to return later. We opted to dine immediately. The restaurant itself is quite humble. Simple decor. No menus, but a giant chalk board with the evenings offerings. The plates and glasses are all mismatched and vintage looking. Tasteful and comfortable is how I would describe it. We were lucky enough to be seated at the chef's counter at the two stools closest to the expeditor who just happened to be the Sous Chef. He was incredibly friendly and helpful with recommending his favorites. It was only two of us and we wanted to order everything. We started with the caviar sammich's. One for each of us was not enough and we immediately ordered two more. We then had the tuna crudo. I'm not going to lie, coming from Hawaii I don't ever expect fish to be as fresh as we get here, but the crudo was melt in your mouth and very fresh tuna. The grilled oysters with curry was my allstar favorite of the evening. I wasn't expecting that, but our new expeditor friend highly recommended it. My taste buds just danced once I tasted it. We also had the cauliflower cacio e pepe, gnuddi with blue crab, and not fried chicken for dessert. All good. There were only two disappointments for me...1) We didn't eat here sooner so that we could have come back again before leaving. 2) That I could not eat more at one sitting. Do not let the long wait keep you from experiencing this restaurant, just go! read more
We had the time of our lives at Chubby Fish on Tuesday night. Every single dish we ordered was incredible and worth the wait. Tapas style small plates are perfect for sharing with a group - they recommend ordering 3 per person. The team at Chubby is so thoughtful and had no issues accommodating my allergies. Chubby is such an impressive spot to bring friends and family while they're in town visiting! We ordered: Caviar sandwiches Bluefin tuna crudo Wagyu tartar Tuna belly toast Cauliflower Cacio e peppe Chili garlic shrimp Shrimp tempura bone marrow smoked curry Angel hair with octopus Life raft fried chicken icecream read more
1 year ago
I really wanted to like Chubby fish , but overall my experience was not the best. We arrived to the line 45 minutes before they opened and did not get a seating, we were instead offered to put the name on the list and wait around 3 hours until 8pm ish. We went bar hoping around town waiting for the table to open and even walked back a couple times to get updates, but we did not get a table assigned until around 9:30 pm. By the time we headed back it was nearing 10pm and we asked if it was still an option , to which we were assured , it was and sat down. We put an order for appetizers right away, and when the server a came back and we were ready to order mains, we were told the kitchen was closed, so we were not able to try anything else. I felt a bit disappointed having waited 5 hours for a table just to be told I could not order food. I wish we were given a close kitchen warning before we sat down , or at the time we put the appetizer order. We got to try three things: 1. bone marrow shrimp tempura: Delicious, very special and unique dish with an interesting presentation 2. : some ceviche like fish on a slice of bread. totally unremarkable and not worth 30 dollars 3. Tempura fried shrimp: Very unremarkable for fried shrimp also not worth the price tag. Overall , I think there are other places with higher or similar quality food that don't require so much effort and waiting. I know I am on the minority and this is a beloved place, but It does not live up to the Hype and the exclusive "no reservation wait in line for 5 hours " policy I just ruins the experience. read more
1 year ago
My fiancé and I visited Charleston to celebrate a very special week--my 40th birthday which my fiancé proposed to me on!--and Chubby Fish made it truly unforgettable. We dined there our first night in town and were absolutely blown away. After trying another well-reviewed restaurant the next evening and leaving feeling underwhelmed, we decided to return to Chubby Fish--and that decision turned everything around. The moment we walked in and mentioned our celebration, the staff treated us like royalty. Dani and Kate were beyond kind and attentive, making us feel like VIPs the entire evening. Every dish that came to our table was a masterpiece--fresh, innovative, and hands-down the best food we've ever had. And we don't say that lightly. What really left a lasting impression was meeting the owner, James London. You could see how personally invested he is in every single dish. His passion and care are evident in every plate that leaves the kitchen. It's rare to witness that kind of dedication, and it made the experience even more meaningful. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, buzzing with the kind of energy that tells you something special is happening here. It's the kind of place you never want to leave--and certainly the kind of place we'll never forget. Thank you, Chubby Fish, for making such an important moment in our lives even more magical. We can't wait to come back. read more
4 months ago
One of the finest dining experiences. Food is outstanding, don't let the casual environment fool you. read more
I probably had one of the best meals of my life at Chubby Fish. Yes we really did get there before 4 pm and were about the 5th party in line. By the time they started seating people/taking names the line was too long to see the end. We ordered everything they told us to order and we were happy! read more
Buzzing atmosphere, friendly yet polished service and food you can't get anywhere else, creations from Chef James London. Using fresh local ingredients with the focus on seafood and vegetables with a Southeast Asian twist; crudo, ceviche, oysters, shrimp and fish in unique and delicious combinations. Recently leeks vinaigrette with razor clams and cashews was unusual, tasty and successfully executed. There's always a new take on familiar food. read more
Hands down the best restaurant in Charleston, in my opinion. I go every year for my birthday. Yeah, the wait is long, but it's totally worth it. For anyone who doesn't know how it works, people start lining up outside Chubby Fish around 3:30-4pm to get their name on the list. They don't start seating until 5pm, but you can hold a spot for later. If you really want to make sure you get a table, I'd recommend showing up by 4. The food is unreal. My top recs are the caviar sandwich, tuna tartare, and the celery salad. read more
6 months ago
Great fun family style foods. Cute ambience. Have to wait a long time in line day of to make a reservation. read more
We chose a chilly night to venture here since the buzz is all about the wait and lines. Surprise, no wait or line for us. Parking is extremely challenging in the neighborhood so uber is the best option . We were sat at a communal table and enjoyed chatting with our neighbors. Service was very pleasant and we appreciated the tip to take a photo or 2 of the menu. Everything is shareable size so it added up quickly. We decided upon the curry grilled oysters, crab tagliatelle was the best, salad with the caper dressing was amazing. Tempura snapper portion was large, sauce was uninspired. Pineapple sorbet dipped in chocolate was good but the chocolate was more presentation than taste fir me. Loved the sorbet though. Wine list was uninteresting and I tried 3 whites which were flavorless before switching to a local beer. Frankly, food was good, seems to be a high hype IG than quality thoughtful food pairing. We do not eat meat so maybe that is the category that is incredible.... Too much quality competition in this city.... read more
Love the seafood in Charleston! It was my first time visiting this city and Chubby Fish was high on my bucket list for when I was here. Went on a Saturday so I imagine a pretty popular / crowded day and got in line about an hour before open (got there at 4pm when it opens at 5pm). There were definitely quite a few people who beat us there but once it came to opening, we were able to get sat right away. I believe there's an option where you can request a later slot! We sat at the bar and absolutely loved every dish! Stand outs were the caviar sammich, grilled oysters, the blue crab tagliatelle and the tuna on toast. I love that they have several rotating options as well as consistent hits. Their wine was fantastic as well. Service was helpful, knowledgable, and quick! I can't wait to come back and try even more of the items :) read more
2 years ago
I loved chubby fish. The food is amazing and our server was so nice. However, I was kind of overwhelmed by how close we were sitting to other tables. It's a smaller space so I respect that they are trying to maximize the number of customers inside as possible, but it was definitely slightly too cramped for my liking. They're so popular so I hope that they consider expanding! When it comes to the food, everything was divine. Some of my favorites were the oysters, the charred lamb ribs and the blue crab tagliatelle. The oysters were so fresh, higher salinity (which is how I like it), and came with a wonderful dip called tosazu, which is soy, rice vinegar, scallion and ginger. The yellowfin tuna crudo gets a honorable mention in my opinion because it was delicious and fresh, albeit not groundbreaking. The charred lamb ribs almost melted off the bone and were delectable on the bed of romesco. There was so much flavor! I loved the blue crab tagliatelle too, as there were large chunks of crab meat. The bone marrow entree was slightly too heavy and oily for my liking, but still really good. We ended our meal with their "short rib" dessert. It was chocolate ice cream, gochujang and shortbread cookie. I believe they work with Life raft treats for their desserts. read more
1 year ago
One of the best meals I've had my entire life. Got in line at 4:30 and had a table at 6 but went to the seahorse bar next door to wait. Every single bite was delicious. The staff is so friendly and it's such a fun atmosphere. I will go here every single time I visit Charleston. read more
This place lives up to the hype. They don't take reservations, so you've got to line up before they open to snag a spot, but it's 100% worth it. The food was amazing. You can't really go wrong with anything on the menu. Some of my top picks were the grilled oysters, celery salad, lamb ribs, and the curry grouper rice. Dessert was just okay, but overall, this was one of the best meals I've had. read more
4 months ago
Chubby Fish was an amazing meal last night. Every dish had me shaking my head in disbelief at how delicious the dishes were. The tuna belly was spectacular, the whole flounder, exquisite and everything else was top notch. What an amazing meal at a price we thought was very fair for the what you received. Thank you chubby fish for a lovely experience. read more
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More info about Chubby Fish
252 Coming St
Ste A
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough
Directions
(854) 222-3949
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http://chubbyfishcharleston.com
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Ask the Community - Chubby Fish
I saw where someone referred to a " stand up" table. Dot you really have to stand up and eat or could she have meant a high top?
yes, there is one "stand up" table. no chairs, you stand to eat
Can I bring my 1.5 year old? I saw a post from 2018, but looking for something more current. We'd feed her before/after. Visiting from out of town and don't have a trusted…
While technically you can, I don't know if I'd recommend it. There's a lineup of an hour wait to get seated, or make a reservation to come back later. Then it's always packed, loud and frenetic with a lot of activity in a small place. I wish I…
Is all the food spicy?
No. Only the curry likely, that's the only spicy dish we had. It's mostly seafood. But ask the server!
Do they have gluten free options or can they modify dishes to accommodate gluten free?
There are many gluten free items. Most of the menu is protein based.
Is there a military discount offered?
As far as I know there isn't any discount offered there.
Do you have to order at the counter or do you have a server take your food order?
Servers take your order.
Since Chubby Fish does not take reservations, how early should I plan to arrive?
Peak dinner hours means you may need to arrive earlier than if you will dine after 8:00. It will be worthy the wait. Sorry cannot be specific regarding time line 😊
How toddler friendly is this place?
While I'm sure they'd try to Jerry-rig a fish to suit your needs, this place is not kid-friendly. The food is too ungapatch (Yiddish for fancy and complicated). Also, since the restaurant is a bit small, you have no buffet between a kid losing…
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