Fish City review in GNI Magazine’s 2022 Pride Issue
Fish City on Ann Street has become a firm favourite to diners from it was established back in 2013, over the past 9 years they have won many prestigious awards including being named the UK's healthiest and most sustainable fish and chip restaurant, with accolades like this and personally being somewhat health conscious I was super eager to get in a sample the food.
This family run restaurant has an ethos worth shouting about, sustainability is so important so much so that they are the first retailer in Ireland to be certified by the Marine Stewards Council (MSC) in over 20 years. Those not familiar the MSC are part of the global effort to keep our oceans healthy and full of life. As their name ‘Fish City' suggests the vast majority of their menu is based around Fish/Seafood although do not fret it fish isn't your thing, you can most certainly dine with family/friends as in both the Starter and Main Menus have alternatives including Chicken, Beef and Vegetarian dishes. 'Though today for me is not about alternatives I fully intend to dive and try what the restaurant does best.
Go, so let's talk about the evening and food. We arrived as agreed at 5.30pm on a Tuesday night, in honesty I was so surprised at just how busy the place was, there were so many more dinners that I would expect then also a large group of around 20 people arrived, I am unsure if this was a pre arranged private function though regardless it was great to see so many people dining, this is surly a testament to the food and service we were about to receive.
We were swiftly seated, presented menus and ordered drinks. As first impressions go, I have to give a massive tick for the beautiful decor both inside, also to the service/speed of the waiting staff.
Being a planner I had already looked at the Menus online and was already 90% decided on what I was going to order.
To start I went with the Salt and Chilli Squid, it is one of my favourite dishes also I was keen to see how it was cooked, so many times I have ate out and the Squid has been over, thankfully this wasn't the case today, it was cooked to perfection, so crispy and moorish, served with Lime & Ginger Slaw and the most delicious Chilli Jam, I adore spicy food and this had a nice wee kick to it.
My guest Julie ordered the Grilled Halloumi to start. I didn't try it though she assured me it was lovely, it came with Field Mushrooms, Baby Leaf Salad and a Balsamic reduction.
For my main I was sold on the Fisherman's Curry, I have honestly never eaten a more flavorsome curry, this is so far removed from something you would get in a Chinese restaurant, this dish alone will have me back, it was packed with fresh fish and loads of veg including Prawn, Mussels, Tenderstem Broccoli and Green Beans, it was came with a portion of Basmati Rice. I left only a tiny amount though had I not over indulged on the starter I would have devoured the lot. If spice is your thing you really need to try this, I let my friend try it and it was a tad too hot for her though it was perfect for me.
Julie, a pasta lover, decided to try the Seafood Linguine. I tasted this and it was delicious. Similar to my dish it was filled with so much fresh produce.
Unfortunately we had another commitment to attend and had not time to stay for a dessert which really pains me to say as they serve one of my favourite puds, Sticky Toffee Pudding, this is my go to when it is on any menu, this surely will be ordered when I return.
All the dishes were so well presented and I cannot fault a thing.
I must say thank you to Grainne, one of the owners, she made a point of introducing herself and checking if everything was ok, thanks to Aaron for arranging our review and also the amazing chef's who prepared such wonderful food and lastly to the attentive waiting staff.
We had such a wonderful time. Bravo!
Fish City is on 33 Anne Street, Belfast.
If you wish to make a reservation you can email events@fishcity.com, call 02890231000 or reach them across social media, they are on all the usual platforms including Facebook and Instagram.
Review by Daniel May
GNI Magazine: https://www.gnimag.com
ISSUE 52 - Pride 2022 - Steps: https://issuu.com/lambpromotions/docs/gni_mag_52