Pesto was a bit too herby... But shrimp was plump and good. Still sad to see this place go. thank you for your
M Ne
Saying goodbye to another great old eating place in the bay area. The fish market was predominant in the bay area, as far south as San Jose. I remember the days when players from the SF 49ers would come here for meals after practice and after games.It was good times at the Santa Clara fish market. We would sit at the oyster bar, and my friends Bob and Pedro would cook us up a storm. A nice house chardonnay, some cheesy bread, oyster shooters, Rockefeller, mexicana, on the half shell. Pesto pasta, shrimp linguine. Dungeness crab, salmon, trout. The list goes on.Now the days have ended here for the fish market restaurant in the bay area. They have announced the closings of the last 2 fish markets here in northern California. San Mateo on 9/20 and Palo Alto on9/13.Visit while you can. By far the atmosphere at the San Mateo restaurant is more homey and relaxed. We love eating by the water. And this location is by the water.Gone is the oyster bar, you can no longer get some of the items I mentioned above or just abbreviated food items. If you like oysters, the only item they have left are the Rockefellers.No half orders anymoreOn this day we sat at the bar. I had oysters Rockefeller (only 4 per order now). Clams and mussels in a wine garlic sauce, garlic cheesy bread and a glass of anchor steam beer (2). Also closing shop after over a hundred years in business. Another story to be told thereAs always the cheesy bread melts in your mouth. The bread is covered with cheese and garlic. We got a double order, so we could take some home, still good the next day, all you had to do is warm it up slightly. I think they skimped on giving you shellfish. I remember the bowls having more quantity of clams and mussels.All in all a great visit. We will visit again before they closeThe location in San Diego is overlooking the bay at the naval base, near a huge statue of a navy sailor kissing a woman(ala life magazine) and the USS Midway. I very relaxed venue.Visit while you can, just like when San Francisco lost "aliotos". Although it became very touristy.
Larry R
Got seating on patio with great views but got a bit chilly in the evening.Starters were great, loaded Rockefeller oyster, quite small piece of octopus for $19. Had halibut which was very good but pricy for what it was $42.Service was outstanding.
Steven Nguyen
Everything about this place is great! I made reservations for a large party and had no issues with it. When we got there it wasn't crowded at all. Happy hour had great prices and we sat for dinner. Service was great and attentive just enough.
Indra Singhal
This review is bitter sweet - we received an email after I registered as a frequent diner... I didn't know they had such a program. Sweet because the food was as good as ever - I've been a patron for decades. Bitter because...This San Mateo branch of Fish Market is closing for good on September 20th. The Santa Clara branch was our favorite - that closed last year. The Palo Alto branch is also slated to be shuttered Sept 13th. Fish Market is retracting to their SoCal roots leaving NorCal for good.Change is constant - doesn't mean I have to like it. This is very sad. I will surely miss Fish Market.
Sheena Y
The New England clam chowder was great! The fish and chips were also good. The fish didn’t have thick batter on it and the fries were crispy. The cole slaw, however, didn’t have much dressing and only tasted like shredded cabbage. The strawberry short cake was good but there weren’t enough strawberries for the size of the biscuit.
Nelli G.
Very nice place ☺️I wish they had more dishes without fish. My partner is allergic to fish, I'd love to see in the menu something for people like him Otherwise it's an awesome place ???
Meander39480541724
Great seafood restaurant with good service and atmosphere for business, date night, etc Expect to spend more than average for better than average everything. Environment was suitable for intimate conversation. Service was attentive and helpful. Food was very good. Going on the list of must must eat at when in the area.
sideways38
Thanks Simon.. He has turned this restaurant arounf & much improved..All was good. For sure will return
Kevin L
Went here with a bunch of coworkers for a team lunch and was pleasantly surprised. Based off the rating I was a bit skeptical but I don’t think it reflected with our visit. We started off with the cheese bread which was a hit. I got an order of their garlic prawn linguine.The cheese bread was really good. I’m generally a huge fan of bread, this one definitely hit the spot. The linguine was good. It started off bland but once I mixed in the cheese and a touch of salt, it was great.We had a nice view of the lake. That made the experience better. Finally, the service was really good. Our server was attentive and got us everything we needed.If I am in the area, I’d come back and check out their other items.
Came here with a friend for dinner and we ordered two fish dishes (mahi mahi and swordfish), both of which came with sides. This place is pretty spacious and the menu items are slightly pricy. I think the taste was ok and feel like the table where we sat at would have nice views during the day.
Nanette P.
We came in at 3:00 on a Saturday and service was slow. That being said I think our server had lots of tables so we were patient. Our food came out quickly. Combo fish and prawns, not a big fan, beer batter was a bit strong. Parmesan encrusted sole was really good and the Brussel sprouts were my fave. Pretty setting for this restaurant. Clean and welcoming.
Matt C.
Hello, I'm not a person who complains a lot. This is actually my first review I have ever written, and I must say that this place is horrible! Just lacking in taste and commitment. Clam chowder- solid not bad Cheesy garlic bread- bland Roasted garlic crab- no seasoning or taste at all. They just threw a crab in a pot and boiled it. Scallop potatoes tasted like toes. I had to spit back out the potatoes and my fries were brown and not golden. Fish and chips combo- prawns and fish that were fried left a grimy taste in our mouths. It seems they need to change out the oil that they use to fry. I'm pretty sure it's old and making the food taste bad. I felt like I got robbed and they took $100 of my dignity. I was so close to dine and dash but I didn't just because our server was so nice. This place is closing down soon and good riddance. They definitely DGAF and their food is overpriced AF. Please stay away, it use to be a good place but not anymore. Take care.
Patrick P.
I left a 5 star for the waitress as she was awesome but I had to come back and leave one for the restaurant as I was so upset about how the duke their customers by slipping in a 4 % fee on top of your bill for them to off set the cost of doing business. Be transparent and just raise your prices and not a surprise to your customers when the check arrives at your table.
Irene L.
Friendly staff and they have happy hour. They can custom make some veggie dishes for ppl who don't eat fish or meat. I'd come back again for the view and food.
Pesto was a bit too herby... But shrimp was plump and good. Still sad to see this place go. thank you for your
Saying goodbye to another great old eating place in the bay area. The fish market was predominant in the bay area, as far south as San Jose. I remember the days when players from the SF 49ers would come here for meals after practice and after games.It was good times at the Santa Clara fish market. We would sit at the oyster bar, and my friends Bob and Pedro would cook us up a storm. A nice house chardonnay, some cheesy bread, oyster shooters, Rockefeller, mexicana, on the half shell. Pesto pasta, shrimp linguine. Dungeness crab, salmon, trout. The list goes on.Now the days have ended here for the fish market restaurant in the bay area. They have announced the closings of the last 2 fish markets here in northern California. San Mateo on 9/20 and Palo Alto on9/13.Visit while you can. By far the atmosphere at the San Mateo restaurant is more homey and relaxed. We love eating by the water. And this location is by the water.Gone is the oyster bar, you can no longer get some of the items I mentioned above or just abbreviated food items. If you like oysters, the only item they have left are the Rockefellers.No half orders anymoreOn this day we sat at the bar. I had oysters Rockefeller (only 4 per order now). Clams and mussels in a wine garlic sauce, garlic cheesy bread and a glass of anchor steam beer (2). Also closing shop after over a hundred years in business. Another story to be told thereAs always the cheesy bread melts in your mouth. The bread is covered with cheese and garlic. We got a double order, so we could take some home, still good the next day, all you had to do is warm it up slightly. I think they skimped on giving you shellfish. I remember the bowls having more quantity of clams and mussels.All in all a great visit. We will visit again before they closeThe location in San Diego is overlooking the bay at the naval base, near a huge statue of a navy sailor kissing a woman(ala life magazine) and the USS Midway. I very relaxed venue.Visit while you can, just like when San Francisco lost "aliotos". Although it became very touristy.
Got seating on patio with great views but got a bit chilly in the evening.Starters were great, loaded Rockefeller oyster, quite small piece of octopus for $19. Had halibut which was very good but pricy for what it was $42.Service was outstanding.
Everything about this place is great! I made reservations for a large party and had no issues with it. When we got there it wasn't crowded at all. Happy hour had great prices and we sat for dinner. Service was great and attentive just enough.
This review is bitter sweet - we received an email after I registered as a frequent diner... I didn't know they had such a program. Sweet because the food was as good as ever - I've been a patron for decades. Bitter because...This San Mateo branch of Fish Market is closing for good on September 20th. The Santa Clara branch was our favorite - that closed last year. The Palo Alto branch is also slated to be shuttered Sept 13th. Fish Market is retracting to their SoCal roots leaving NorCal for good.Change is constant - doesn't mean I have to like it. This is very sad. I will surely miss Fish Market.
The New England clam chowder was great! The fish and chips were also good. The fish didn’t have thick batter on it and the fries were crispy. The cole slaw, however, didn’t have much dressing and only tasted like shredded cabbage. The strawberry short cake was good but there weren’t enough strawberries for the size of the biscuit.
Very nice place ☺️I wish they had more dishes without fish. My partner is allergic to fish, I'd love to see in the menu something for people like him Otherwise it's an awesome place ???
Great seafood restaurant with good service and atmosphere for business, date night, etc Expect to spend more than average for better than average everything. Environment was suitable for intimate conversation. Service was attentive and helpful. Food was very good. Going on the list of must must eat at when in the area.
Thanks Simon.. He has turned this restaurant arounf & much improved..All was good. For sure will return
Went here with a bunch of coworkers for a team lunch and was pleasantly surprised. Based off the rating I was a bit skeptical but I don’t think it reflected with our visit. We started off with the cheese bread which was a hit. I got an order of their garlic prawn linguine.The cheese bread was really good. I’m generally a huge fan of bread, this one definitely hit the spot. The linguine was good. It started off bland but once I mixed in the cheese and a touch of salt, it was great.We had a nice view of the lake. That made the experience better. Finally, the service was really good. Our server was attentive and got us everything we needed.If I am in the area, I’d come back and check out their other items.
Restaurantji Recommends
Came here with a friend for dinner and we ordered two fish dishes (mahi mahi and swordfish), both of which came with sides. This place is pretty spacious and the menu items are slightly pricy. I think the taste was ok and feel like the table where we sat at would have nice views during the day.
We came in at 3:00 on a Saturday and service was slow. That being said I think our server had lots of tables so we were patient. Our food came out quickly. Combo fish and prawns, not a big fan, beer batter was a bit strong. Parmesan encrusted sole was really good and the Brussel sprouts were my fave. Pretty setting for this restaurant. Clean and welcoming.
Hello, I'm not a person who complains a lot. This is actually my first review I have ever written, and I must say that this place is horrible! Just lacking in taste and commitment. Clam chowder- solid not bad Cheesy garlic bread- bland Roasted garlic crab- no seasoning or taste at all. They just threw a crab in a pot and boiled it. Scallop potatoes tasted like toes. I had to spit back out the potatoes and my fries were brown and not golden. Fish and chips combo- prawns and fish that were fried left a grimy taste in our mouths. It seems they need to change out the oil that they use to fry. I'm pretty sure it's old and making the food taste bad. I felt like I got robbed and they took $100 of my dignity. I was so close to dine and dash but I didn't just because our server was so nice. This place is closing down soon and good riddance. They definitely DGAF and their food is overpriced AF. Please stay away, it use to be a good place but not anymore. Take care.
I left a 5 star for the waitress as she was awesome but I had to come back and leave one for the restaurant as I was so upset about how the duke their customers by slipping in a 4 % fee on top of your bill for them to off set the cost of doing business. Be transparent and just raise your prices and not a surprise to your customers when the check arrives at your table.
Friendly staff and they have happy hour. They can custom make some veggie dishes for ppl who don't eat fish or meat. I'd come back again for the view and food.