Manhattan Fish Market

I was actually introduced to this place by my gf because she is a fish lover. So we made our way down to try it on a nice couple date, 7th July 2007 (07072007). Contrary to its name, the Manhattan Fish Market (MFM) franchise actually originated from Malaysia in 2002 and its first outlet in Singapore is the one situated at Plaza Singapura. The first thing this restuarant brings to mind is its direct competitor, Fish & Co (F&C), which has been in Singapore for a far longer time than MFM. So how does its food really fare, you know the drill by now. Read On!

Address: 68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura 6th floor

Contact: 68359300

Price Range: $25 per head (inclusive of 1 soup, 1 starter and a seafood platter)

Manhattan Fish Market Table Mat

The Menu and The simple interior

For serving only fish, the menu does contain a pretty good selection of items ranging from fish to mushrooms to squid and all manner of friendlies from the ocean. I have to say i was impressed with the service attitude of its staff from the moment i stepped in. They seemed a jovial and happy lot unlike some other establishments where their staff seemed to have been placed there with a gun to their backs. When we entered, it was rather early, around 6.30 pm, and were quickly shown to a couple seat found hidden to the right corner of the restuarant. It came with a tv and simple cushioned seats, but was sufficient nonetheless. The service staff were also very attentive and i never had to raise my hand for a glass refill. Very impressive indeed, especially when the crowds started to appear, my glass was still filled! Talk about service. Bravo!

Manhattan Seafood Soup

The Manhattan seafood soup was surprisingly tasty and full bodied. A single scoop can easily net you a spoonful of fish meat, crab, scallops and even a little squid! For $4.90, this really surprised me as i was expecting something much less worthwhile. A good way to start the meal.

Fried Country Mushrooms

My gf told me this was a must try dish at the place and i must say, its really very good. I couldn't quite make out if the mushrooms were shiitake or small portebello mushrooms but they were really juicy when you bit into it. The fried layer of batter was thin and crispy, coupled with the juicy and soft mushroom, it was just a match-made in heaven. ($9.90)

Mayonnaise, Chilli and Chopped Garlic

I'd call this a multi purpose combination that really went well with everything offered in this little cozy establishment.

Hot Fiery Action!!!

Ordering a seafood platter also gives you a small demonstration of what the staff would do to your face if you tried to flee without paying. Nah, just kidding. He's just torching the layer of mayonnaise and cooking the prawn.

Seafood Platter for Two

The main event. This monster really did us both in. Well, me anyway, since i did most of the eating. Worth mention is the rice which tasted a little like Hainan Chicken Rice and as with all things in this restuarant thus far, simply fitted in well with everything. There were 3 fried oysters, 4 scorched prawns, dozens of squid , 1 huge piece of fish fillet and loads of fries and rice. Couples on a diet? Stay away!! But honestly, this was really good and the portion much bigger then what you can get from F&C. The squid was fresh and had a sour taste that whet your appetite and really mixes well with the rice. The oysters tasted like the mushrooms mentioned above and was simply great. The fish was normal and lacked anything i could complain about except that it tasted like any other fish fillet. The prawn and scorched mayo deserve mention. Definitely eat the mayo with the rice, its really good, i wonder if we could ask for more mayo next time. And the prawn with mayo is great, i could complain a little about freshness but for the price, its pretty decent. ($29.90)

Bill

Total bill came up to $52.60. Reasonable given the quality of food and service. I'll be back for more on this place.

Score:

Ambience: 7.5/10
Food : 8/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Service : 8/10
Overall: 7.875/10

Last Word:

I like the place. Reasonable price. Big servings. Good food. Laid back atmosphere. Great service. Which is more than i can say for some insanely priced hotel outlets. This is one place thats filling on the tummy and easy on your wallet. Do swing by for a meal if you are in the vicinity and like fish.