With a successful sister restaurant in South Africa, Cape Town Fish Market has come to the capital to show Londoners how seafood is done, Cape Town style.

The Venue
There’s absolutely no mistaking that this is a fish and seafood restaurant. At the entrance a mannequin dressed up as a fisherman (complete with a bright yellow raincoat) balances on the edge of an enormous aquarium, which is chock full of brightly-coloured fish darting in and out from amongst rocks and coral. The bright blue lighting around the walls and the sushi bar further establish the whole nautical theme – the flushes on the toilets are even engraved with anchors.

The Atmosphere
Although it’s fairly busy, the Cape Town Fish Market doesn’t feel hectic, perhaps due to the calming lighting. The staff are charming and knowledgeable about the food and wine – be sure to ask for recommendations – whilst the clientele seem young, well to do and trendy, especially the ones gathered around the sushi bar. Most convincingly, there’s absolutely no scent of fish in the air – the best sign that the fish on offer is as fresh as possible.

The Food
The menu goes on for pages and pages, with options ranging from Japanese favourites to traditional fish dishes and South African specialities. Particularly recommended starters include a tender and flaky salmon teriyaki, coated in a sweet ginger sauce and accompanied by a tangy side salad of thinly shredded cucumbers sprinkled with sesame seeds. A slightly more unusual option is the snails, which are chewy and smothered in garlic butter and Parmesan cheese and accompanied by thick slices of French bread.

One of the most popular mains is the Sizzler, a combination of seafood served with a Peri-Peri sauce on a hot skillet. The mussels, squid and prawns are deliciously fresh and interspersed with chunky morsels of the catches of the day, such as sea bass and marlin. It’s all mixed together and served with a scoop of rice and a rich red Peri-Peri sauce, which is delicious but could be a bit spicier. Fish fans should go for the stacked fish of the day, a generous piece of fish which comes layered with feta, prawns, sun dried tomatoes, spinach and an olive tapenade. Get the sea bass, if it’s available, as it’s well seasoned but still simple and uncomplicated and, of course, very fresh.

Another popular option is to create your own meal out of the fish and seafood displayed by the aquarium - choose from the catches of the day, prawns, mussels, oysters, calamari and lobster. And if you’re not big on fish and seafood, there are a few chicken and beef options on the menu, although it’s safe to say that this isn’t a place for vegetarians.

Desserts include solid pudding favourites like cheesecake, banoffee pie and brownies, chewy and chocolatey and accompanied by chocolate sauce, bright red and sweet strawberries and vanilla ice cream. The creme brulee special, with a crisp, sugary top and lovely creamy texture, is also recommended.

The Drink
The wine list is long and very reasonably priced, with choices of wines from across South Africa as well as a few bottles from the annual Nederburg wine auction, which range in price from about £20.00 to upwards of £60.00. Particularly recommended is an Eagle Cliff chenin blanc, a pale wine with a subtle, fruity taste.

The Last Word
Cape Town Fish Market is a welcome addition to London’s array of fish restaurants. Comfortable, friendly and deliciously fresh, it’s a definite catch.

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