Jumpin' Jay's Fish Café

I was very disappointed with my meal the scallops were cold and it was overpriced for what was served. Very disappointed

When you get tired of the clam shacks and fish fries, check out this place for elevated seafood experience.

Great experience in downtown Portsmouth! We both had the lobster bisque soup to start and it was delicious. I had the Thai halibut and my partner had the swordfish Au Poivre. . We both really enjoyed the fresh fish and the plates were beautifully plated. We didn’t get dessert but several sounded delicious. Great staff and overall positive experience! Would definitely go back if we visit Portsmouth again. The only issue eas parking downtown on a Friday night. But that is not the restaurants fault. Very busy downtown area.

Mother and I went there. Really excited to try it because we heard good things. The calamari appetizer was basic. Went on a weekday around dinner time. Waited about an hour for our entrée and it wasn't what we ordered. The waitress offered to correct it but it was too late to wait any longer, I wouldn't recommend it.

Food is excellent. As locals, this is one of our go-to restaurants. Unfortunately on our most recent visit our waitress forgot about our table. Perhaps she was stretched to thin? Service was poor this time, which is not our usual experience. We will be back, our friends (also local residents) might not ... this was their first time and the poor service colored thier experience.

Maybe it was an “off” night. This was a first time for four us, on a Wednesday evening. The staff was terrific; atmosphere, kind of funky; we liked it. Now the food: the prices were ridiculous, outrageous. We knew that the prices were high before we sat down, but we thought that a good, fresh piece of fish would be worth it and we wanted to give the café a try. Basically, I paid for a small piece of overcooked swordfish plopped on a big Caesar salad. So, I paid $39. for a salad. My husband had the Maine scallops. He paid $41. for a few scallops, but mostly potato slices. Our friends feel the same way. We had cocktails, appetizers and desserts…..dry sticky cake.
We will not be returning. On a positive note, the pot of tea at the end of the meal was very good: freshly brewed mint leaves in a brightly colored red cup and served with hot water in a good-sized pot. A proper cup of tea. $200. plus, per couple!

Five stars all day.

Excellent fresh fish and friendly staff. Fish was cooked perfectly; sides could be a little more creative instead of mashed potatoes and green beans for some of the dishes. Found the atmosphere a little peculiar and unclean. Layout, lighting and decor does not match the quality of the food for a restaurant “experience.” Fly buzzing around, sticky menus (please wipe them down), server’s fingers touching inside of appetizer bowl, bathrooms could be cleaner, etc. Hard part of finding a great chef is done; please improve the atmosphere.

Cannot recommend this place enough. Everything was absolutely incredible and exactly what we needed at a long day of traveling.

Shout out to the management and staff, they all did a fantastic job.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Outstanding service, everyone was happy and friendly. I ordered Haddock Picata I substituted pasta instead of mashed potatoes. My wife had Caesar salad and Crab Cakes. Food was cooked perfectly and flavorful and arrived hot. Nice evening out. We will return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Haddock Piccata

We went here based on the reviews, but it was unfortunately a pretty poor experience. The highlight was the kind staff and solid service, but the food was very disappointing. Ordered the Lobster bisque and the mussels, it was very obvious all the seafood was not freshly cooked and was taken out of the freezer, which is especially disappointing given the price. Normally I'd chalk it up to a busy night, but it was a Friday on labor day weekend and we were one of the few tables there. We intended to order more but stopped after the appetizers.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 4

The risotto had no flavor. Beef medallions were supposed to be medium rare. Two of them were barely cooked. The asparagus was mostly stems. Very few buds.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café is one of my favorite spots for a great seafood meal in a laidback, friendly setting. The fish is always perfectly prepared, the cocktails are expertly crafted, and the staff is professional, friendly, and not overbearing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Steamed P E I Mussels, Nice Piece of Fish

Consistently excellent food and service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell, Tuna Tartare, Salad