Fish Face

6 Average

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  4     

The fish is undoubtedly superb. My Sydney Rock Oysters and King Fish with gnocchi and garlic as perfect as I have ever had. Two entrees, two mains, one side dish and two glasses of wine came to $183. For this money I also expect first class service and beautiful surroundings. On both counts this restaurant lacks allure. The quality of the vegetable side dish suggests that the focus is solely on the seafood and not the overall experience. 13/20. Not particularly recommended.

Apr 28, 2013 

5.5 Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  5      Value  7     

Been in and out of this place for a long as it's been here... was better back four-five years ago, luckily hodgo still has love from the media because he aint churning out what he used too! His fish is definitely not the same quality. He knows his fish but he doesn't know as much as what people thinks he knows...he knows what he knows and it's excellent. I just think this place is a little overrated now, it's old news but I guess a bit of institution. I also have a problem with his big, loud mouth whilst i'm trying to eat. It's just food brother, I grew up with it and I know it is. Thank you for doing what your doing but your washed up...

Oct 03, 2012 

3.3 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  4      Service  4      Value  2     

This was my third time at the restaurant, but never again. Quality has dropped substantialy over recent times.

For $36 they should not leave any flour lumps in the batter for the flathead and the chips should be crispy and hot or at least quite warm, not almost stone cold and limp!

As for the $42 trevally, it was raw and had to be send back with the waitress yelling in a winging voice "he wants it cooked more" to the cook. It came back Ok but with no sorry or apology, not good form!

Jul 30, 2012 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

Perfect raw plates, we had a 2nd order of it as the freshness was amazing.
Hapuka for main course was cooked perfectly and melted in the mouth, simple side orders of green beans with beetroot and crispy chips made the meal simple perfection! As was the kingfish.

Dessert was also simple but very good. Service was quick and friendly, overall a bit exspensive for a midweek night but the quality of produce is very clear to see. Will be back!

Jul 09, 2012 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

One of the best fish places I have been to anywhere! The fish is amazing, always simply and beautifully cooked, and fresh, fresh, fresh! The service is professional but friendly and approachable and they have a great selection of wine to compliment their dishes. A must try if you are the vicinity.

Mar 15, 2012 

5.3 Average

Food  8      Ambience  2      Service  6      Value  5     

This place tries very hard to be "casual" but it only makes for an uncomfortable dining experience. While the food is excellent (and so it should be considering the price) it is hard to relax when you are sitting on a high stool trying to eat from a tiny table with waiters brushing past you every minute. Not to mention the noise from the kitchen.

Oh and corkage is $7 pp... which is ridiculous if you ask me.

Dec 22, 2011 

6 Average

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  4      Value  6     

I'm an on and off customer of this little restaurant - Today will most certainly be the last visit. Kitchen staff/senior staff was incredibly unprofessional as he conducted a loud and personal conversation with a friend at the front of the restaurant, in the meantime our meal was being prepared in a second rate manner. Fish was served cold and chips arrived upon completion of the meal. A short comment to the waitress about the late arrived chips was met with a contemptuous comment 'you can have them at no charge'.

I'm sorry as someone who can afford a nice meal I really don't care about a "free" bowl of chips, what I expect instead for a $200+ lunch is simple professionalism and respect for the customer, chips and fish should arrive at the same time. The two earler visits to this restaurant met this criterium but very definitely not on this occasion.

For the record we have been visiting this restaurant for 6+ years on and off - and to be frank have been unhappy before. We won't give it another chance.

Oct 30, 2011 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  10     

I don't think people realize that this is indeed Value for money. The freshness and high quality of this food as well as the cooking flare of Stephen Hodges makes this one of the best fish restaurants in Sydney. With some of the best seafood products around for a reasonable price. I think he should increase his prices on some menu items, I know sound crazy but I like to think everyone benefits including the chef.

May 20, 2011 

6.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  5     

Bloody nice piece of fish though... With flashes of Ramsey on and off the plate, this fiery chef is sometimes as entertaining as his food. I have visited fish face a number of times over the past four years, and with every visit I have walked away remembering the food and the $$$. The quality of the food has always been worth the money, as the chef is quite skilled at balancing simple, but elegant flavours, while never boring.

The Service has been a hit or miss affair though, at times the hostess has been welcoming and friendly, while on other visits we've been left feeling like the puppy, caught with the manolo's still in mouth. The staff as a whole, are of the vintage where the knowledge of their product, and their craft is second nature. With the only real disappointments being caused by the attitude rather than the available skill.

After all this is said the truth is; I will be back time, and time again, for the attitude, the food, and the floor show.

May 20, 2011 

6.5 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  5      Value  5     

There is absolutely no doubt the food is phenomenal. The only issue is value for money, if cash is not a problem then come here now and order plenty, if you're on a bit of a budget and have a decent appetite then look elsewhere, get the omelette for sure, big serving relative the rest of the menu.

May 09, 2011