Fsh review

A while ago I reviewed Winesense in Kalk Bay. I quite enjoyed my visit but it seems they didn’t have that ‘X’ factor that separates the successful restaurants from the unsuccessful. They have closed and replaced by a restaurant called Fsh (not sure what the deal is with the name). Partly owned and run by the Codfather guys, one can expect that they will have a quality seafood offering.

I went there for lunch with a friend on a beautiful summer’s Saturday and tested all three courses. Fish has the same basic layout that Winesense had, except the outside area has been expanded and there is the ubiquitous Codfather styled seafood counter inside. We had a table close to the road and it was surprisingly noise free. The traffic is audible but not intrusive, apart from the occasional loud vehicle. Big umbrellas also offered some welcome protection from the sun.

We decided to start with some sushi, so we shared a dragon roll (R35 – 4pcs) and I tried the salmon roses (R33) while my partner tried the Rainbow roll (R35). The sushi was good, not Just Sushi standard but good and well presented, as you can see from the pictures. I torn between having sushi as a starter or a salad because the salads have to be the most interesting salads I have ever seen. For instance, the Seasonal salad (R36): Freshly sliced avocado, papino with baby leaf greens, peanut brittle and a paw-paw or balsamic vinegar dressing. Or the FSH salad (R55): Ginger steamed prawns, sliced avocado and mango with Japanese dill mayonnaise and lime wedges. Next time I am definitely trying a salad.

On recommendation, we spoilt ourselves with a bottle of Hermanuspietersfontein No 7 Sauvignon Blanc (R160). I don’t usually pay so much for white wine but I think I might start because it was fantastic. It was easily the best white wine I have ever drunk although I must admit I’m more of a red wine drinker. The wine list is fairly extensive and broadly priced. For mains we decided to try a few of the fish on offer at the seafood counter. The menu will apparently change daily, but the seafood counter will always be available. We both tried a piece of Kabeljou and I tried the Cape Salmon while my partner tried the Yellowtail. The pieces were medium sized and cost around R40 each. They were served with rice and chips and a trio of sauces (lemon, garlic and peri peri – none of which I was particularly excited about). The fish was lovely, obviously fresh and well prepared.

For dessert I had the chocolate and banana spring rolls (R36) which was nice but heavy on the banana. My partner’s dessert was way better, possibly one of the best desserts I have tasted and she enjoyed it thoroughly: The Affrogato (R38). They bring a milkshake style glass of vanilla ice cream, on the side is a shot of espresso and a shot of melted chocolate. You pour the espresso and chocolate into the ice cream and dig in. Wow, it was amazing.

Our waiter was very good, although apparently new to the profession, you could see he was taking it very seriously and enjoyed serving people. Ask for Dijon (yes, like the mustard – won’t be difficult to remember), and hopefully enjoy the service we received.

Kalk Bay has many nice restaurants, I think that the unique offering of FSH is the al fresco dining and the level of food. It’s not mind blowing but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you end up there (especially if you avoid the fish sauces and have the Affrogato for dessert!).

FSH Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Main Road, Kalk Bay
021 788 1869