I know I've said it a lot in my reviews, but I genuinely mean it when I say this place has been in my list of bookmarks for YEARS. Ever since I first heard about Fish oh so long ago, I'd been wanting to try them, but just never had much of a reason to come here. Other than to, you know, eat here. However, I had so much faith, in fact, that I even recommended this place to my buddy before I even made my way here. Thankfully, they didn't let me down, as both he and his wife loved the food here! More importantly, now that I've been, so do we!
Although it takes a little bit of work to find them (they're on Bridgeway, but away from the touristy part and set back in a marina), Fish is well worth the effort. Not only is the vibe cozy and relaxed, but they've got a ton of seating both inside and out (love sitting by the water!). And, of course, the menu is awesome, as it's filled with so many options, from chowders, raw oysters, and salads to seafood entrees, pastas, and, of course, fish & chips. Plus, they also have menu boards highlighting the day's selection of raw oysters, crab, fresh fish, special entrees, "fish bits", and desserts that are just as interesting and unique!
-- WHITE CHOWDER - Traditional New England Clam Chowder with Surf Clams, Cream, Bacon, Potatoes, Onion, Celery, White Wine, and Dried Herbs
This was terrific! Although it could've been slightly thicker/chunkier, I liked the consistency of this - smooth but with chunks of potatoes. I also really liked how tender and meaty the clam was, too!
-- RAW OYSTERS - Shigoku Oysters (WA)
I had never even heard of Shigoku oysters before these, but they were terrific! The oysters were about medium sized with deep shells, which made them super to eat and I liked how they had a bit of sweetness and a bright finish to them.
-- WHOLE ROASTED DUNGENESS CRAB with Tomato Sugo Drawn From Roasted Crab Shells over Soft Polenta
I don't often order whole crabs like this at restaurants, but this was undeniably tasty. Aside from how messy this was to eat, the crab was sweet, the legs were pretty meaty, and I really liked how the sugo helped reinforce the taste of crab with the polenta.
-- PASTA CON VONGOLE - Clams Served over Fresh Housemade Organic Egg and Semolina Linguine with Olive Oil, Butter, White Wine, Garlic, and Red Chili Flake
LOVED that they didn't skimp on the clams, which were all so good, as well as the sauce and how it had a slight kick to it. The pasta had a very bouncy bite, too, but I wish there had been more of it and that it was able to hold onto the sauce better.
-- FISH & CHIPS - Crispy Beer-Battered Local Rock Cod Served with Housemade Tartar Sauce and Wedge Fries
Maybe my hopes/expectations were too high, as this was more decent than amazing. Mainly, while the batter was crispy-ish on the outside, it was a bit mushy on the inside. Still, the cod itself was pretty good and I liked the fries - crisp and not too potato-y.
-- GRILLED CALIFORNIA HAMACHI with Housemade Pasta, Shishito Pepper-Cilantro Pesto, and Parmesan
I'm so glad we pivoted to this when we saw it on the board - it was so good! The piece of hamachi was sizable, moist, and flavorful while the pasta was just as bouncy and held onto the sauce. If only they didn't use cilantro in their pesto (blech).
Despite how Fish's food didn't amaze like how I had hoped it would, I think that has a lot more to do with the high hopes (expectations?) that had built up from the anticipation of finally coming here than anything else. Really, the only thing that might have been an actual bummer was the Fish & Chips, but even then, it was still notably better than others I've had. Besides, it's not like there's a shortage of delicious to pivot to instead!
Fish, you'll definitely be seeing me again! read more