I’m back on track with more of Dublin to devour! For this instalment of this Where to Dine series, I go back to basics with a lovely lunch at Fish Shop.
Fish Shop on Queen Street is a tasting menu oriented restaurant that seems to have taken Dublin’s food-erati by storm. Alas, it wasn’t open when I had a chance to visit, but its slightly younger sister outlet – a supremely simple chip shop and wine bar about a block away on Benburb Street – was. So I went there – and had what I reckon will go down as one the very best meals of my year.
Setting (austere but comfortable) and format (short menu based on what’s seasonal and sustainable) appealed immensely. And, more importantly, the food as delicious.
I started with a small plate of smoked haddock croquettes (£4) with fresh mayonnaise and followed that up with an amply proportioned Fillet O’ Fish Shop fish burger with chips (£12.50). Both were a dream when paired with a glass of citric and saline 2016 Albarino from Albamar Rias Baixas (€8.90). The burger was all about crafting a comfort food classic with top quality ingredients (battered hake on the occasion with gem lettuce, crisp slaw and mayonnaise) served big on a roll and big with a steak knife stabbed in its centre. Handy! Handcut chips were the epitome of chippiness: crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
Prices rather defied the “cheap as chips” idiom but size, flavour and quality made the meal well worth the bill.
Barman working the shop during my lunch was informed, prompt and friendly.
Fish Shop, Benburb Street is located at 76 Benburb Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 X3PN. Find out more at fish-shop.ie.
Keep an eye out for upcoming suggestions on Where to Dine in Dublin.
