I rarely write negative reviews, but this one really deserves it.
I went to Hot Fish because I love grilled fish and wanted to treat myself. Before ordering, I carefully asked the waiter which fish has the fewest bones — I just wanted something easy to eat and enjoy. Without hesitation, he told me “striped bass.” Trusting his advice, I went with that, even though it was almost $60, noticeably more expensive than the basa fillet.
When the dish came, it was full of bones. Later, I checked the menu and realized that the basa fillet is the boneless option — and much cheaper. It became obvious that they either didn’t know their own menu, or worse, were trying to upsell me.
What frustrates me most isn’t just the money — it’s the feeling of being misled. I asked politely, I trusted their recommendation, and instead I got a dish I didn’t enjoy. Food should be about honesty and hospitality, not manipulation.
The flavor itself was average, nothing special to justify the price. The service felt rushed and indifferent once I pointed out the issue. Overall, a disappointing experience that left a bad taste, literally and figuratively. I won’t be coming back, and I hope they can learn that honesty is part of good service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Ruth Leff
I ordered 2 lunch meals. Chicken with hot peppers. There were 4-5 pieces of chicken, the size of my thumb nail and 100 pieces of hot peppers! Not a meal!! Generous portion of white rice. The second meal was string beans. Good taste but had clumps of salt! A generous portion of white rice. Hot and sour soup nicely spiced but missing mushrooms. A Very Bad and pricey meal!👎👎
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Om Vaghasiya
I have gone to Hot-Fish multiple times and honestly this place is really good, their dry hot pot is really good and the thing i like about is that you can bring extra tofu and they can put it in your meal. The food tastes really good my fav is the crisp potatoes. Sometimes the hard part is talking to the servers but everything else is amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
LaKeisha Smith
The food was fresh and delicious. We tried several dishes: sliced beef with peppers, snap pea leaves, beef tendons and the boiled fish in hot chili oil. Everything was flavorful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Xiaobo Liu
Amazing food!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Humphrey De Guzman
Easily a gem of north Jersey for spicy Chinese food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Seiji Matsumoto
This place serves truly authentic Chinese food that reminds me of meals in China. The grilled fish is a standout, and the Laziji is especially delicious. It’s a favorite spot for my wife’s family when they visit. Highly recommend for anyone craving genuine Chinese flavors nearby.
KAI YAN Lo
This place is good to go if you like some spicy Szechuan flavor. They even have dishes that’s good for non-spicy water as well. Too many to listed but overall all dishes are tasty. Good service, good seating, no long wait for table.
Yu Chen
The nuts plate was great for keeping our toddler busy while the rest of the food was getting prepared. Food was really good and only minor nitpicks.
Lauren Falleti
Best local chinese food. Very nice eat-in atmosphere.
Nice authentic Chinese/szechaun food. Family style dishes. The dry pot was good. Everything else we ordered was also good. We got the beef flat noodles (they call it drunken noodles), bassa filet, and snow pea shoots (not pictured). Would definitely be returning if I'm craving Chinese food.
Smit Golakiya
Service and food was very bad when i ask for payment they said no credit cards
Ivy ni
food is fresh and tasty. It's not too salty. very delicious
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Lian (Julia) Zhu
Some of the best Chinese food I’ve ever had. ?
Max Matrix
Hot Fish Sichuan Restaurant in Hackensack offers an authentic Sichuan dining experience. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with friendly staff and a well-organized menu. Must-try dishes include the spicy fish fillet, mapo tofu, and cumin lamb. The flavors are bold and true to Sichuan cuisine, with just the right amount of heat. While the service can be slow during peak hours, the delicious food and reasonable prices make it a great spot for a special meal or casual dining.
I rarely write negative reviews, but this one really deserves it.
I went to Hot Fish because I love grilled fish and wanted to treat myself. Before ordering, I carefully asked the waiter which fish has the fewest bones — I just wanted something easy to eat and enjoy. Without hesitation, he told me “striped bass.” Trusting his advice, I went with that, even though it was almost $60, noticeably more expensive than the basa fillet.
When the dish came, it was full of bones. Later, I checked the menu and realized that the basa fillet is the boneless option — and much cheaper. It became obvious that they either didn’t know their own menu, or worse, were trying to upsell me.
What frustrates me most isn’t just the money — it’s the feeling of being misled. I asked politely, I trusted their recommendation, and instead I got a dish I didn’t enjoy. Food should be about honesty and hospitality, not manipulation.
The flavor itself was average, nothing special to justify the price. The service felt rushed and indifferent once I pointed out the issue. Overall, a disappointing experience that left a bad taste, literally and figuratively. I won’t be coming back, and I hope they can learn that honesty is part of good service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
I ordered 2 lunch meals. Chicken with hot peppers. There were 4-5 pieces of chicken, the size of my thumb nail and 100 pieces of hot peppers! Not a meal!! Generous portion of white rice.
The second meal was string beans. Good taste but had clumps of salt! A generous portion of white rice. Hot and sour soup nicely spiced but missing mushrooms.
A Very Bad and pricey meal!👎👎
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
I have gone to Hot-Fish multiple times and honestly this place is really good, their dry hot pot is really good and the thing i like about is that you can bring extra tofu and they can put it in your meal. The food tastes really good my fav is the crisp potatoes. Sometimes the hard part is talking to the servers but everything else is amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
The food was fresh and delicious. We tried several dishes: sliced beef with peppers, snap pea leaves, beef tendons and the boiled fish in hot chili oil. Everything was flavorful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Easily a gem of north Jersey for spicy Chinese food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place serves truly authentic Chinese food that reminds me of meals in China. The grilled fish is a standout, and the Laziji is especially delicious. It’s a favorite spot for my wife’s family when they visit. Highly recommend for anyone craving genuine Chinese flavors nearby.
This place is good to go if you like some spicy Szechuan flavor. They even have dishes that’s good for non-spicy water as well. Too many to listed but overall all dishes are tasty. Good service, good seating, no long wait for table.
The nuts plate was great for keeping our toddler busy while the rest of the food was getting prepared. Food was really good and only minor nitpicks.
Best local chinese food. Very nice eat-in atmosphere.
Restaurantji Recommends
Nice authentic Chinese/szechaun food. Family style dishes. The dry pot was good. Everything else we ordered was also good. We got the beef flat noodles (they call it drunken noodles), bassa filet, and snow pea shoots (not pictured). Would definitely be returning if I'm craving Chinese food.
Service and food was very bad when i ask for payment they said no credit cards
food is fresh and tasty. It's not too salty. very delicious
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Some of the best Chinese food I’ve ever had. ?
Hot Fish Sichuan Restaurant in Hackensack offers an authentic Sichuan dining experience. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with friendly staff and a well-organized menu. Must-try dishes include the spicy fish fillet, mapo tofu, and cumin lamb. The flavors are bold and true to Sichuan cuisine, with just the right amount of heat. While the service can be slow during peak hours, the delicious food and reasonable prices make it a great spot for a special meal or casual dining.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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