My partner and I (and pooch) are regular patrons of Garfish Crows Nest and have been for several years.
We are always warmly greeted by the personable staff and seated outside in a spot suitable for the three of us. Our dog is also waited on and receives his own fresh bowl of water upon arrival.
The staff are knowledgable, efficient, warm and professional and always make us feel very welcome.
I have specific dietary requirements (gluten, lactose and legume free, similar to paleo) which many other places find difficult to cater for or be innovative enough to offer tempting options. It's never too much trouble for the chefs to accommodate at Garfish. I'm nearly always 100% satisfied with my meals. The only tiny criticism I have is that occasionally my fish isn't cooked to absolute perfection, but in most cases it is. It's hard being perfect ALL of the time.
The venue is clean, as is the cutlery, glasses etc. One thing I loathe is eating or drinking from dirty dinnerware, especially when I'm paying for the experience. Great attention to detail where this is concerned. Also the hygiene in general is excellent. One would hope that would be the case, particularly at a fish café.
There are many things to choose from the menu. And it's updated every season to suit... besides the signature dishes which stay on the menu year round. There are a number of fresh market fish on the daily blackboard. You can choose how you like it cooked, and select one of five garnishes to compliment your fish. OR you can select from an array of wonderful dishes on the a la carte menu. If you don't have food intolerances, a few must have signature dishes:
STARTERS
Salt and Pepper squid (GF + DF!) Best I've ever had anywhere! (Also comes main size)
Oysters (always fresh. Choose how they come)
Scallops! (Mouth watering)
MAINS
Snapper pie! (Oh my!)
Fish curry! (South Indian curry is incredible!)
Or any fresh fish from the board.
DRINKS
Apple martini (Just like a traditional apple pie! Delicious!)
42 degrees south (white wine)
Beer/wine of the month (a great way to sample different boutique beers or wine each month)
The place is buzzing with atmosphere and is usually full most nights. However, if you do an early dinner (from 6pm) or a slightly later dinner (8pm) you get around the rush.
They're also open for breakfast and lunch. I highly recommend their breakfast. Absolutely delicious! Lunch is the same menu as dinner so you can't go wrong.
It's sometimes difficult to get consistently good, reliable coffee at places. I've never been disappointed at Garfish. Their coffee is excellent!
Experienced and fully qualified baristas, bar staff and wait staff make the front of house experience a pleasure. The back of house staff are also approachable and highly skilled. The kitchen is open and well organised. Oh, I love watching the kitchen plate up our meals on the flat screen.
If you're after a cocktail that's not on the menu, the bar staff will do their best to create what you're after.
Whether you're looking for a place to take your first date, celebrate an anniversary, a group get together or corporate function, Garfish is ideal.
I'd best describe the décor as casual upmarket trendy fish café. (Seating is comfortable and the tables are a good size). It's far from pretentious - you could get away with wearing thongs and a singlet for a quick coffee, or dress smart casual with heels (for the ladies).
Bonus, they're open 7 days and nights!
Management are to be commended. The system is bulletproof and we know exactly what to expect each time we dine there.
You will love Garfish - it will become your second home, like it is ours. You just can't go past it. read more