AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Atlanta Fish Market

SIMPLY THE BEST FOR FRESH SEAFOOD

The big fish has long been a part of the Buckhead skyline. Most know where it is and what it means; it’s all about the fish and it’s the freshest Atlanta has to offer!

As you may already know from a previous blog on Pricci, another jewel in the crown of Buckhead Life Dining Group, my husband and I really enjoy the summer dine around experience that they offer this time of year. Check out their website and sign up!

They give you a card to use each month during summer for $25 towards a dinner for two on any night but Saturday. We usually head out on a Friday after taking in a gallery opening. This time it was Atlanta Fish Market and we were looking forward to it.

MARTINIS WITH CROP VODKA AND BLUE CHEESE OLIVES

Opting for the more energetic atmosphere of the bar, it was pretty busy for 8:30 on this Friday night. I was glad the bartender was chatty and didn’t mind me asking lots of questions and taking pictures of everything.

Having asked for the bar vodka, I was pleasantly surprised when it had the sort of botanical finish that reminded me of cucumbers or melon. The blue cheese olives were simply the best I have ever had so I asked about both.

The vodka is called Crop and is an organic gluten free artisanal brand that you need to check out. The olives are literally called Filthy, not just dirty, and the brine is delicious. Not overly vinegary like American brands -more European. I find the the European palate seems to understand the use of vinegar and sugar in condiments in a way we don’t here in the US.

Pro Tips: Bar offers energetic vibe with TV screens; order a well bar martini with filthy olives

MOVE ON TO SUSHI AS A STARTER

Every seat at the bar was pretty much full and it keeps the bartenders hopping since they are also acting as waiters. They do a nice job with prompt service and attention throughout.

Most folks like us were eyeballing the sushi menu for apps or even dinner. We decided on a spider roll as my husband adores soft shell crabs. It was presented quickly while our neighbors tried three different types for their dinner.

All the rolls were beautifully plated and I snapped a quick photo of ours. The neighbor noticed and asked if I wanted a pic of theirs; I jumped right in and took a close up. How nice of them right?

It was just heavenly; I have not had better at a Japanese restaurant. Flavorful, fresh and just the right amount of crunch and texture from the crab balanced with the buttery smoothness of the avocado-exactly what you want from sushi.

Let me say, none of that pink stuff you get in other places that tastes more like chemicals than ginger-the real stuff thank you very much!

Pro Tip: Start with sushi, continue with sushi and end with sushi

THE MAIN DINING ROOM

While the bar has an energetic vibe, the main dining room is more chill but can get noisy with high ceilings and hard surfaces. It is designed to feel like you are enjoying the breezes, fish tanks and palm trees of some lush tropical get away.

Because they offer your choice of fish in your style of cooking with appropriate sides, many people browse around the display cases to pick out just what they want for the evening. They always look delicious!

The display cases are well labeled and the product is presented in the cut as it will be prepared for you. Fish choices include Yellowfin Tuna, Boston Lemon Sole, Chilean Sea Bass, Atlantic Mahi Mahi, Georgia Rainbow Trout and Scottish Salmon just to name a few.

Cooking styles offered include broiled, sauteed, or blackened with olive oil, lemon, fresh veg and mashed potato. I love the flavor and presentation of the Hong Kong style served with sherry soy, scallions, ginger, spinach and sticky rice; luscious melt in your mouth bits of goodness.

You say Oysters, Shrimp, Clams, Crabs or Lobster are more to your liking? Check. They serve those too in a variety of yummy ways along with classics like Chowder and Gumbo. Fish not your thing? Yes, there is beef and surf and turf.

Pro Tips: Dining room a tropical chill vibe with beautiful fish, crab and lobster displays

MAIN COURSE DELIVERS AS WELL

In our usual style, we stuck with appetizer plates in order to try as many things as possible. The Tuna looked so beautiful in the cases we couldn’t resist ordering the Yellowfin carpaccio for one of our mains and it did not disappoint.

Spicy Pow Pow Shrimp was next up. Marinated in a sweet sauce with a pop of heat in the back of your throat; the crunchy noodles on the side were the perfect accompaniment. I could highly recommend both dishes to anyone.

Pro Tips: Hong Kong style for fish, Tuna Carpaccio and Pow Pow Shrimp deliver

CONCLUSION

Final thoughts on our return visit to Atlanta Fish Market? Hands down, it is the choice for fresh seafood. Consequently, it gets really busy. Luckily, there is a very nice porch area with tables and chairs and a little secret garden to walk around in while you wait if the bar is too busy.

You will also enjoy knowing that throughout the week, they have a small retail fish market where you can run in and buy the best to take home to fix for you and your family. Most of the seafood available in the restaurant is also available in the market along with some prepared items and sides. Check out the short review below for other pro tips.

If you enjoyed reading the review on this classic Atlanta restaurant, you might also enjoy reading other blogs under Edible Fare and Explore the World. Hey, don’t be a stranger! Let me know if you have been to the Fish Market and what you thought about it. Give me some feedback on what you might like to read about as well OK? Got any hot tips for new restaurants for me? Bring it on! Until next time…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

Follow me on You Tube, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram & Twitter