Café Fish - 36-40 Rupert Street, London, W1D 6DW
Being English we know a good portion of fish and chips when we see one. But perhaps the thing to look for in a restaurant serving seafood, is the absence of that fishy fragrance when you first walk in. That’s how you know it’s all fresh. Reassuringly there’s no such smell in Café Fish - even 
though the first thing you notice when you cross the threshold of this roomy restaurant are the generous plates of lobster, crab, cockles and mussels being handed over the counter from the kitchen. Being at the front there’s no disguising the chef’s antics – they’ll even shoot you a smile if they find a spare second between frying, dicing, shelling and slicing those oceanic delights. Mmm, my mouth was watering before I even sat down!
It’s hard to decide on a starter once you’ve been served a basket of freshly 
baked breads and salmon pate to tease the tastebuds. Our own little spot last night was at the base of a giant ship-shaped wall in the corner of the back section – the perfect place to people-watch and observe the live jazz pianist in action. After an uuuming and aaahing session, during which we downed half a bottle of Chardonnay, I decided on the scallops and Thai noodles (squidgy and soft, yummy with the sesame seed sauce). Dan chose the crab fishcakes, which were a little crispy on the outside and warm and fluffy in the middle – a bit like him, really. They worked a treat with the dipping sauce (and another half bottle of wine, of course).
We liked the way the tables were situated quite close to each other, so that everyone could stare in envy at their neighbours’ food! It made the place quite an intimate and enjoyable escape from the usual West End Theatre haunts. As we guzzled our mains of Mexican style monkfish and giant tiger prawns with crunchy mange tout, it looked as though everyone else was more than satisfied with their menu choices, too. We watched plate after plate of delicious seafood arrive and vanish as the restaurant buzzed with a holiday atmosphere – perhaps it comes naturally with the seaside theme?
We loved the shiny bar and bar stools against the white-washed walls and flickering candles. Backed up with the jazz, Café Fish held a laid back Rat Pack ambience, easily romantic and definitely relaxed. Plus, the prices (especially with the special offer through lastminute.com) were more than justified for the size and quality of the food. Oh, and if you’ve never tried strawberries soaked in balsamic vinegar, make sure you give it a go. Trust me, it’s a taste sensation I wasn’t expecting at all.
Get a three course set menu with a complimentary glass of wine at Café Fish for just £15.95
Tried going to Cafe Fish before when there was a special offer on and found the staff very unfriendly. When I asked for the special offer I was looked upon as a second class citizen. Although the pianist was ok the atmosphere wa very dull.
Posted by: Jon | 05/07/2006 at 04:38 PM