Hooked on excellence…
Returning to Fish City, Belfast
GNI Magazine • May/June 2025 issue • Daniel May
Three Years, Countless Awards and One Fabulous Evening Later… When a restaurant racks up awards like some people collect houseplants during lockdown, you can't help but take notice. It's been three years since I last reviewed Fish City on Anne Street, Belfast — and in that time, they've gone from local gem to national treasure. So, naturally, I had to get back to see (and taste) what all the fuss is about. With theatre tickets in hand (TINA at the Grand Opera House was calling), my guest Tammy and I arrived on a sunny Wednesday evening, ready for a fast but fabulous feast.
A Warm Welcome and a Menu That Reads Like Poetry
We arrived just before 6pm on May 7th, with the sun surprisingly on its best behaviour we decided to dine al fresco. A warm greeting awaited us from Grainne, one of the lovely owners, and Aaron, our fabulous server for the evening. The hospitality was immediate, genuine, and relaxed, the kind that makes you feel more like a treasured friend than a booking with a curfew.
We sipped our drinks while perusing the impressively extensive menu: a crisp and elegant Sauvignon Blanc for me, and a cocktail (of course!) for Tammy. Honestly, choosing a starter felt like an episode of Sophie's Choice, everything sounded divine. Thankfully, Aaron sensed our shared food FOMO and went above and beyond by offering us a Mini Fritto Sharing Platter, usually reserved for the lunch menu. Consider us officially spoiled.
Starters That Deserve Their Own Standing Ovation
The platter was a crispy, golden dream featuring Soft Shell Crab, Calamari, Cod, Scampi, Tiger Prawns, Tartare Sauce, and a cheeky side of chips, because, let's face it, chips belong with everything. Each item was coated in a light, perfectly seasoned batter, crisp without a hint of grease. While everything was outstanding, the Soft Shell Crab had me at hello. Honestly, next time I'm ordering a bucket of them and calling it self-care.
As if that wasn't enough, we also sampled the Barbecue Teriyaki King Prawns, and let me tell you they were next level. Beautifully charred with a sweet, sticky glaze, presented around a bed of fresh salad and dressed in a rich, umami-packed sauce. Every bite was balanced, bold, and utterly addictive.
Main Courses That Stole the Show (Sorry, TINA)
For mains, I went full steam ahead with Strangford Mussels in a white wine and cream sauce, accompanied by garlic ciabatta that was born to mop up every last drop. The mussels were plump, fresh, and cooked to perfection— and the sauce? Liquid gold. I'd have drunk it straight if I had no shame. (OK, maybe I did mop it up with my finger at one point.)
Tammy chose the Prawn Tacos, which she declared "unreal" before I could even pick up my fork. Naturally, I had to try them myself for journalistic integrity. The prawns were juicy and flavour-packed, the soft wraps were fresh, and the side of chips was again essential.
I particularly loved the tangy garnish of (what I believe was) pickled red onion, the kind of little touch that shows the kitchen really cares.
Dessert? Oh, Go On Then...
Now, at this point we were both very full, very content, and very much planning to skip dessert. But Aaron, being the dessert whisperer that he is, gently insisted we try the Sticky Toffee Pudding, and let me just say — I have never been so happy to be swayed.
It arrived in a bowl of utter decadence: soft, rich sponge soaked in buttery toffee sauce, topped with a scoop of dreamy ice cream. It was warm, indulgent, and tasted like a hug from someone who can bake. We devoured every last bite like two people who definitely hadn't just demolished a small seafood buffet.
A Place That Knows What It's Doing (And Does It Beautifully)
Fish City isn't just a restaurant, it's a masterclass in how to do hospitality right. The atmosphere is welcoming without pretension, the menu is ambitious without losing its soul, and the team genuinely cares about what they're serving.
Everything from the sparkling seafood to the small but significant garnishes is executed with pride, precision, and a little bit of flair.
It's easy to see why they've been hoovering up awards left, right and centre. And even easier to see why people keep coming back. Fish City has evolved, yes — but it's done so without losing the warmth and authenticity that made it special in the first place.
Thank You, Fish City
Huge thanks to Grainne and Aaron for such a memorable evening. You made us feel completely at home (even while feeding us like royalty). The food, the atmosphere, the service— all 10/10. And for anyone who hasn't yet experienced Fish City what are you waiting for? Just be sure to book early, bring an appetite, and leave room for dessert. Trust me.
Fish City Belfast
33 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 4EB
028 9023 5000 | www.fish-city.com
Words by Daniel May
