Phillip Z.
Yelp
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Fish Shop on Washington's waterfront, and I have to say, it exceeded all my expectations. A friend tipped me off about this new spot, and given its origins from Scotland -- rumored to even have King Charles III as a fan -- I was curious to see what all the fuss was about. Plus, knowing it's run by Artfarm, the same high-powered art world hospitality group behind my favorite LA spot, Manuela, only made me more excited.
From the moment we stepped inside, I was blown away. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with stunning art, including some pieces on loan from the Hauser & Wirth Gallery. Those colorful pom poms hanging from the ceiling are such a fun and vibrant touch -- it's like dining inside a living art installation. I appreciate how everything in the space, from furniture to decor, is locally sourced and eco-friendly. Even the tables are made from recycled yogurt lids, how cool is that?
The staff couldn't have been more welcoming or attentive. They shared the restaurant's mission to support local artisans and sustainability, which honestly made the experience even more special.
Now, onto the drinks--definitely a highlight! The Champagne A. Bergere Blanc de Blancs ($32 a glass) was worth every penny. It's pricey, but wow, what a way to start the evening. Later, I ordered their signature Hardy Negroni, topped with a large ice cube and little edible flowers. It was perfection -- balanced, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
But the real star of the night was the food. We kicked things off with the Maryland blue crab crumpet -- an addictive, one-bite snack that I had to hold myself back from ordering multiple rounds of. The grilled sourdough, served with whipped butter, was simple yet delicious. The blue crab salad, topped with apples and cucumbers and tossed in green goddess dressing, was stunning--served in a crab shell and displayed on a bed of ice and greens, making it almost too pretty to eat.
For our main course, we shared the whole grilled fish, topped with butter and a baby leaf salad ($120 for two). The fish was deboned and prepared tableside, and I can honestly say it was some of the freshest, most tender seafood I've had--coming from someone who's notoriously picky about seafood. The portion was huge; we only managed half, so plenty for leftovers.
Our sommelier recommended a glass of Sancerre from the Loire Valley ($24), which paired beautifully with the fish. She was spot-on with all her suggestions, including the Salt Mist cocktail--cucumber, lime, soda, and Arrete Blanco--surprisingly refreshing and perfectly balanced.
No meal is complete without dessert, and Fish Shop delivered. My partner couldn't get enough of the citrus custard, and I was thrilled to see the Smith Island cake on the menu. I'm slightly obsessed with this layered yellow cake with chocolate frosting -- it's Maryland's official dessert for a reason. It's rich, decadent, and just the right ending to a fantastic meal.
Overall, Fish Shop is an incredible addition to DC's waterfront scene. The combination of art, locally sourced everything, outstanding seafood, and creative cocktails makes it one of the best restaurants in the city right now. I'd recommend going sooner rather than later -- this place is going to be a hot ticket!