Overview
Despite the straightforward name, Fish Shop is not your standard fish and chippery. Run by the team that brought us Fishbowl (namely, founders Nathan Dalah, Nic Pestalozzi and Casper Ettelson), the new Bondi restaurant has positioned itself as 'fine-casual', which means patrons can expect sustainably sourced seafood from local Sydney suppliers and fun cocktails at affordable prices. It's what you'd get if you crossed a fish shop with a bar.
Located just a couple of blocks back from Bondi Beach, Fish Shop opened its counter-service digs in early February. The north-facing venue is part of the area's new Sevenways retail hub and looks out onto the precinct's brand new park — and across the road at bagel favourite Lox in a Box.
Head chef Joel Bennetts (Three Blue Ducks and Peppe's) is in the kitchen whipping up a range of market-fresh seafood alongside veggies, salads and sides. You can grab ocean trout, barramundi and battered fish and chips for less than $20 — and snapper, swordfish and king salmon for just a couple dollars more — including sauce. Ditch the tartare classic for options like eggplant caponata, cherry tomatoes and olives; tomato sauce and capers; almonds, raisins and molasses; and a lemony olive oil and oregano sauce.
Kitti Gould
To pair with the fish, there's cauliflower with tahini, raisins and pistachios; charred cabbage with ginger, shallots and nori; and carrots with dukkah, yoghurt and salsa verde. Plus, sides and salads like rosemary-salted sebago potatoes, radish and feta tabouli and rocket topped with fennel, orange and candied walnut. Snacks also span rock oysters, anchovy toast and cured fish plates.
Of course, takeaway is also a focus, with four pre-packed boxes including your choice of main with a sauce, salad and side. There's also the lunch box (choice of hot smoked trout, cured salmon or tuna confit with labneh, salad, crostini and pickles) and classic fish and chips boxes ready to go.
If you're too lazy to walk the few blocks down to Bondi (or don't want to deal with the seagulls), patrons can borrow a picnic blanket and enjoy their feast in the newly minted park — though you'll find us dining in for the all-Australian natural wine list and cocktail offering.
Find Fish Shop at 87-89 Glenayr Avenue, Bondi Beach from 12–10pm daily.
Images: Kitti Gould