The Fish Market & Bistro

34 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 289236
Tel: 6467.4950
Hours:
Fish Market 11am – 10pm
Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm
Dinner 6.30pm – 10pm
Closed on Mondays and PH

Atmosphere [rating:4/5]
The restaurant has both outdoor and indoor seating – the latter located behind the small fish mongers at the entrance. We opted for the aircon.

The tables are a comfortable size but there is little space between them – which can add or detract from the atmosphere according to your bent. The acoustics were poor – it was difficult to hear ourselves talk amongst the banter coming from other tables. I found the small space and the comings and goings of staff, including chefs heading to the front of the restaurant to select fish from the fish market, added to the hustle and bustle giving the place a lively feel.

Service [rating:2.5/5]
The restaurant seemed understaffed and it was difficult to get our menu and place our order. Our waitress was not that familiar with the menu and didn’t let us know what daily specials were on offer nor that some desserts should be ordered in advance due to the lengthy preparation time. As for the Maitre D’, he was completely clued out and didn’t recognise me from one minute to the next as I stood waiting for our table. Nevertheless the staff was pleasant and were clearly working hard. They were simply young and lacked adequate numbers and training – a common problem in Singapore.

Cleanliness [rating:2.5/5]
Generally the place seemed clean however the brown liquid seeping from the back wall (reminiscent of The Shining) was extremely offputting as was the fact that a woody mushroom was growing out of the wall next to our table. Strange but true.

Food [rating:3.5/5]
The cuisine was western seafood. There was a selection of pasta, seafood and fish dishes including main lobster. Some of the usual offerings were absent from the menu (where was the prawn cocktail?) but there were likely other dishes available that our waitress didn’t tell us about (I’m sure we saw cocktail sauce when we walked through the fish market…).

For our appetizers we ordered the lobster bisque (flavourful) and the escargots (served with hollandaise sauce in what appeared to be kuay pati shells – a terrible combination). For our main course we enjoyed the flounder (served with hollandaise AND terriyaki sauce… odd but passable) and the house fish and chips (excellent). For dessert I had the apple crumble (which turned out to be a piece of apple pie). The food was good but not memorable save for the unusual snail concoction. I enjoyed my meal and will be back for the fish and chips – just keep me away from the scary wall.

Value [rating:4/5]
Appetizers average $15 per person and main courses start at $20 per person but can run to $60+ if you are going for a lobster dinner. Before wine budget minimum $40/person for a two course dinner. A pretty good deal for the freshness of the fish and nice selection.

Other Reviews:

• Travelling Hungry Boy
• Simply Underwhelmed
• Nibble and Scribble