When it comes to food in the big D, Texas-style BBQ, Tex Mex and margaritas, and juicy slabs of steak all come to mind. But while seafood may not be at the top of the list, you’ll think twice about that after a visit to Dallas Fish Market.
In the heart of Dallas’ revitalized downtown at 1501 Main Street, Dallas Fish Market is your new go-to for the power lunch and business dinner. For days when the standard sandwich just won’t satisfy your hunger, visit Dallas Fish Market and splurge on some tasty seafood treats at this upscale, fine-dining restaurant.
Upon entering Dallas Fish Market, you’ll want to silence your blackberry, ignore your emails and soak in the modern, sleek open space. All gleaming white and metal, Dallas Fish Market is pretty and elegant. A glass wall encloses a more private dining area from the main restaurant and bar, while the rest of the space is open.
Loyal fans rave that Dallas Fish Market has some of the best seafood in town, from the Maine lobster chowder to the foie gras wrapped in pounded tuna. Get started with the jumbo crab cake appetizer, sample the sushi and sashimi or enjoy oysters on the half shell. Other popular starters include the beet salad, mussels mixed in a lemongrass-fused coconut broth, and the crispy soft shell crab (when it’s in season, of course).
The lunch menu features some tasty lighter fare, including the Pan Fried Massachusetts Scallop Sandwich and the Hawaiian Escolar BLT – a definite upgrade over your usual sandwich to go. Popular lunch entrees include the Chop House Burger and the Marinated Fish Tacos. You can also add your choice of soup or salad and desert to any lunch entree for an additional $7.
The dinner entrees blend unique surf and turf flavors for mouth-watering results. From the butter poached Maine lobster and black truffle wrapped monk fish to the sturgeon topped with a quail egg in a tomato and caper sauce, you can’t go wrong. For hard-core carnivores, Dallas Fish market features outstanding turf choices, including grass-fed lamb and a 24oz ribeye (we’re in the Big D, after all).
The main downside to a power lunch or business dinner at Dallas Fish Market is that all the delicious food is far from free. While there are a sprinkling of inexpensive appetizers and lunch entree options, get ready to shell out upwards of $25-30 for dinner entrees.
And if you add in a drink or two (even at noon you may find it hard to resist a glass from the impressive wine, sake and Champagne lists), things can start to add up fast. (Corporate expense card, anyone?)
Unfortunately, the service as The Dallas Fish Market can also be hit or miss. Loyal diners praise their favorite servers for creating an attentive, thoughtful dining experience. On the other hand, disenchanted diners have expressed frustration over the long waits for food, uneven timing between courses and difficulty flagging down servers, which is never a good thing.
Thanks to the high prices and uneven service, Dallas Fish Market makes a better power lunch or business dinner location than a romantic date destination. Be sure to stop by the bar for a drink and appetizer after work, but you may want to think twice before dropping $100+ here for a two-person dinner.
Dallas Fish Market is a short walk (or a quick cab ride) from many downtown offices and the Dallas Convention Center. It’s also just minutes from the DART Akard Station. If you’re driving, get ready to pay $7 for valet parking (or search the streets for metered spots).
Bottom line: Dallas Fish Market creates innovative (if expensive) seafood, although the high prices and spotty service make this a better destination for a business meal than for a romantic dinner.
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