Akeema R.
Yelp
Anastasi Seafood was the first place I was taken on a date when I moved to Philly. It was a wonderful experience and I've dined quite a few times since. It's a seafood market as well as restaurant, ensuring the freshness of the food.
It's probably better to take a taxi there unless you're lucky enough to find parking or want to pay the exuberant fees of the nearby garages. Depending on where you're coming from. But it's very slim pickings. Pat's & Geno's is close by, as well as a host of other restaurants and bars. It's located right in the middle of the bustling Italian Market. Though I heard they moved recently to make way for more capitalism.
The decor is minimal. Inside looks like a standard fish market with different, fish, crustaceans, shellfish etc on display on ice. It does not smell bad or fishy etc. considering your dining in a seafood market. It is however very cold. So bring a sweater or jacket for sure. There's a full bar on one side. Tables with chairs diner style , the menu is written on blackboards in different color hues hanging above the seafood display counter and bar. It can be cramped and I hate the tables near the restroom or the swinging doors where servers are coming in and out with your food. No frills, you don't need to dress up, not romantic. But the food and service is exceptional.
The first time I dined, we had the seafood bruschetta and calamari to start. The bruschetta was delicious shrimp, scallop, avocado, tomato, onion and Parmesan cheese. You get three pieces. The bread is toasted but gives way to soft center. The calamari was typical fried tubes you get. They were tender and with a squeeze of a lemon and dipped in the marinara tasty just not my preferred way of having them. My date got the shrimp & scallop Marsala, I got a soft shell crab special served with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. I liked his entree over mine. But both were good. The Marsala was tasty with its rich umami flavor, subtle sweetness and herbaceous. The soft shell crab was flaky, crunchy, buttery slightly sweet soft meat. The sides however were uninspired. The mixed vegetables reminded me of school cafeteria and the mashed potatoes were a little to stiff for my liking.
The next time I dined I had the shrimp & crab chowder to start. It was heavenly. Creamy, rich but not too heavy, full of crab and shrimp and they're not stingy with the oyster crackers. A hint of spice would take it over the top. For entree I got the pescatore it contains shrimp, mussels, crab and clams. I got it in the white sauce, can't go wrong with garlic, shallots, white wine and butter. I got some bread to sop up the broth. The red sangria is delicious and the watermelon margarita is my favorite cocktail when available.
On other occasions I got things from the market and the prices were reasonable and the always fresh.
I'll definitely be back when blue crab is in season.