We had been looking forward to trying this restaurant. We were not disappointed in the delicious food, served promptly and efficiently by busy staff. (I did have to ask for a toothpick three times, however). Unfortunately, our eating experience was spoiled by the prolonged and extreme anger, with abusive and profane language of, I presume, shown by the senior staff against his staff, clearly audible in the space diners share with the kitchen. He ought to have concentrated on fixing the problem not venting his spleen without self-control in front of patrons. I will not eat there again on principle.
My 3rd visit here and it really is outstanding. There aren't too many places that serve up Fish this skillfully. The flavour combinations are superb. The wine list is small, but I have to say what I have sampled has been excellent.
Small, simple and not too crowded. There were 2 wait "persons" on when we were there. One was outstanding, the other while somewhat attentive was rather unenthusiastic, but this would be my only complaint. It is expensive, but if you appreciate good food, then it is totally worth it!
Genrally we enjoyed the meals. Overall, however, I would say that I would not go back.
Meals - I had one of the specials a prawn ravioli with a shellfish bisque. The ravioli was very good but the bisque had a definite burnt taste to it (they would argue that's how it was but it didn't add to my meal and the other person who ordered it felt the same). The person who had the ocean trout filo for main enjoyed it, however, did not feel there was $39 worth of value due to the size of the dish.
We were not offered wine and then had to ask for it as our glasses were about to be taken away. We had to ask for them to be re-filled. Cost $233 for 5 entree-sized meals, 1 main, 1 bottle of wine plus sparkling mineral water.
The service was quite friendly but rushed. I felt they wanted us out and as we were chatting too long the bill was brought to our table without us asking (we booked for 7 pm). I could then hear the wait staff discussing which tables they might have as they were pointing to potential tables that were finishing. I didn't enjoy the atmosphere at all. It does not live up to the price it charges. We were disappointed.
Food was good, but truly ridiculously priced ($40 for a small piece of snapper?!), wine list was extortionate, with mark ups of up to 1000% for some really ordinary wines (Yalumba Shiraz-Viognier for $58 or $8 in the bottle shops...), obviously catering for those with too much money and/or no dependents!
Another valentine's day gone. When I checked here to see the rating of Fish Face for dinner tonight, I have to say I was a little disappointed with the 6.5. I first heard about FF in SMH Good Food Guide. After dining there tonight, I have to say the rating is around 2-3 points shy of what they deserve. We had the 3 course Valentine's day special (each course had around 5 dishes to choose from).
Cost - $69 pp. It was exceptional value and the food was fantastic. Entrees we chose Snapper Carpaccio and 6 Wallis Lakes Oysters. Mains were Snapper with this amazing nut oil and carrot puree. Desserts were scrummy cream brulee and an equally yummy berry (something). Staff were fabulous. My advice to you, ignore the rating, this restaurant deserves better.
I am 60 and live in the CBD. I eat out a lot. I like the occasional fish and chips. This was the worst fish and chips I have eaten/seen in a long time. It looked like pluto pups, bright corn yellow, thick batter (slightly undercooked inside) and cool, limp chips. We shelled the fish out from the casing and ate it (we were really hungry after a very long wait for the food).
At meals end, our plates were piled with what looked like shredded kitchen sponges which the staff viewed but studiously ignored. Oh god! I felt like I'd eaten sludge. @ $64 for two servings we were expecting edible. In retrospect we should have refused to pay.
This food is fabulous! I love that its small, give an amazing buzz. Service is fine, nothing great, just busy waiters attending to you. Value not too bad because the food is so fabulous! Did I mention that the food is fabulous!
This place cooks fish in a consistently outstanding manner. Second to none in my experience. Took me a while to get over the fact that they no longer accept Amex, now I won't go as often but I still have to go.
If you can get over the fact that you're paying top dollar for a cramped atmosphere which is more like a cafe/fish and chips shop, then go and be prepared to really savour every mouthful cos that's how good their dishes are!
I usually go for the snapper but last time I tried the blue eye trevalla, absolutely divine with a thin potato crust. Watercress salad with radish and a light mustard dressing was a lovely side. Interesting selection of wines and I love a place that permits byo any night.
If you love fish and you don't mind paying for a unique experience, add Fish Face to your list.
Do not go on a busy weekend night unless you plan on not eating for an hour or so. The maitre d' woman with the short brown hair is very disorganized and service was laughable, except we weren't laughing because it was my birthday and they ruined the evening. There wasn't enough staff to accommodate the amount of bookings. Yes, it costs more for staff, but better service means return customers.
We called that evening and said we only wanted to come if they had a booking soon (we were hungry). They said they had one at 7:30, well, when we got there the table wasn't ready, we gave our name for the booking to the maitre d'. They offered to let us drink our wine on the sidewalk, next to the rubbish bins just behind us. We sat on the sidewalk with our wine for 35 minutes, with the chef coughing outside near us as well.
Then we finally got a table. We asked for water, it was not delivered. Our entree finally came after 1 hour of waiting since arrival. Also during this time, I had a missed call from the maitre d' at Fish Face who obviously didn't take our booking properly.
The entree was very good (yes very small portions for the price, but I was hoping to treat myself for my birthday and expected this). We had the pasta and a cuttlefish both well cooked and great flavours.
The mains were also very tasty and very well cooked. I had the blue eye with capers and orange zest. My partner had the kingfish (?) with beetroot and pancetta, a very well designed meal. However, the chips arrived half way through our mains. It is a shame because the food was very good, but this restaurant has gotten too greedy and taken more bookings than they can handle and I will never return.
To top off the evening, I took the bill in myself because they weren't coming out to get it and was ready to get out of there and clearly not happy (I made this quite obvious). They still charged my the $10 corkage for 2 people after having to drink my wine on the sidewalk (near the rubbish bins) and waiting 1 hour for our meals with a booking.
We paid the bill in full and will never return. I suggest you do the same or go when you aren't hungry, by the time you get your food you will be starving.