Nicola Jenvey

Owner Frank Sykes is a Springbok fisherman, translating his passion into a commercial initiative that has swiftly become the neighbourhood’s go-to fishmonger for knowledge and freshness as well as the restaurant recognised for its seafood, platters and vibey buzz.

Food
Fresh fish, shellfish, calamari and mussels accompanied by chips and/or salad or vegetables are the anchor dishes for this restaurant. Specials can change daily depending on what fish Frank has secured via his fishing contacts – and if tuna is available, the starter course tuna chevise of finely chopped tuna, red onions and tomatoes has locals-in-the-know arriving in droves.

While there is a formal menu presented on the table, the more popular choices are on the specials blackboard or the whiteboard where patrons can build their own dish. There is a basic dish – seafood platter with hake, prawns and calamari as an example – and then addition of starch and/or vegetables becomes an add-on, effectively limiting the costs. The salads are mouth-watering combinations of fresh ingredients and seafood because they present the best of everything this restaurant offers.

Desserts are not a feature here with ordering a Dom Pedro or Irish coffee being the best options.

Drinks
The Fat Fish is not licensed so bring your own drinks and ask for a bottle opener. Non-alcoholic soft drinks are available.

Service
Despite being tiny, service can be erratic with an over-harassed waitress sometimes not being aware of which table next deserves service. However, when pointed out, every measure is made for rectification.
Booking over weekends is essential. The restaurant is literally the size of a small retail outlet and the tables fill swiftly. An alternative is ordering take-away or buying fresh and cooking at home.

Ambience
Casual, fun-loving and honest to its representation of the sea, The Fat Fish is unpretentious with its faux fish models and fishing nets as décor and blue and white colour scheme reminiscent of Greek holidays. This is the neighbourhood’s local fresh fish haunt that never fails to deliver on expectations.

Best for...
Undoubtedly known for its fresh seafood, The Fat Fish will suit a private function like a surprise birthday party or year-end celebration.

(2018)

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