Even if Fish and Co. is relatively an old restaurant, it was only recently that I had the chance to try it. I always pass by the branch in Greenbelt but stepped back often because of the intimidating prices and the notion that it has limited choices. Good thing, I found the perfect occasions to experience it: during a reunion with a friend from abroad, and an annual Christmas gathering with office friends.

Even if it already has its reputation being under the credible arm of restaurants of Bistro Group, it still gets me curious. I wonder what it has to offer aside from fish and chips as the main star of the menu. With its sister restaurants Friday’s and Italianni’s, my expectation of Fish and Co. is a bit high.

Although I’ve experienced both branches in Uptown Mall and Venice Grand Canal Mall, I’ll focus more on the latter.

Ambiance

The theme of the restaurant is easy to spot with its nautical elements: boat paddles, sea creatures mural and frames, big net wall display and wooden fish serving board.

Leather couches and wooden chairs provide ease for comfy dining experience. The hanging lamps accentuate the dull walls. The restaurant has a maximum capacity of 30-40 people only so advance reservations are advisable for group dining. We came before the peak dinner hours so we scored seats immediately but the place got filled up quickly by 7 PM where most office workers are on their breaks.

The Food

While majority of the menu is seafood, you can also choose from appetizers, pasta, ribs and other combo meals. It’s good to know that the Fish and Chips dish is paired with different mains and sides so customers can have a range of options too.

In Uptown branch, we tried the Caesar Salad (Php 175) and Clam Chowder Soup (Php 165)as starters. The soup was thick and creamy and had hints of seafood to make me love it instantly.

The Caesar salad had crunchy Romaine lettuce topped with croutons, tamago egg and shredded cheese but the dressing was too bitin for the serving size.

Clam Chowder Soup, Php 295/Php 165
Caesar Salad, Php 295/Php 175

Dave’s order was the Salted Egg Fish and Chips (Php 295). It was topped with salted egg slices and served with tomatoes and salted egg sauce. This dish gets you sated too quickly with the nakakaumay na sauce. He was not able to finish it completely.

Salted Egg Fish and Chips, Php 485/ Php 295

My order was the White Fish with Pesto Parmesan (Php 395). It’s Cream Dory with Parmesan sauce and served with seafood rice and vegetables. I liked the combination of Parmesan and seafood rice. The taste of basil was made prominent in the steamed white fish. The sauce was balanced in terms of proportion, that the basil did not come as too overpowering. I really love this dish!

White Fish with Parmesan, Php 395

Chris’ order was the Seafood Curry (Php 465). It was not as spicy as we are expecting it to be but the sauce was creamy and well-seasoned. Curry was mixed with milk and the color of the dish looked very nice. Seafoods such as shrimps, clams, and squid were all cooked well to a nice texture. For those big carb eaters, don’t be surprised that it has little rice serving. Just order extra if you feel like you need to binge more.

Seafood Curry, Php 465

Chester’s order was the New York Fish and Chips (Php 295). It was just plain fish fillet and fries with a special dip. By the way, all their dips were good! He, Dave and Chris ordered 1 extra Jasmine rice (Php 65).

New York Fish and Chips, Php 485/ Php 295

Jhustine’s choice was the Surf and Turf’s Fish and Ribs (Php 595) Surf and Turf presents different combo of fish plus meat or chicken, with seasoned vegetables and seafood rice. These combo meals are suggested for heavy eaters, or for those who don’t want to be shortchanged with their orders by having full meals. Based on Jhustine’s feedback, she all has good words for this meal in terms of taste and proportion.

Fish and Ribs, Php 495

Final Words

Dining at Fish and Co. won’t hurt a little specially if you will reserve it for special occasions. Some find it average, some take it as too pricy. To have a decent, satisfying meal, your budget should be around Php 500 to Php 600 per person. Personally, I don’t mind because I don’t dine here frequently.

We all agree that Fish and Co.’s specialty is Fish and Chips, and they do it here differently. The fish is coated well in a special batter, maybe not exceptionally tasting but I tell you, they do the batter great. I find the three sauces interesting too — which is a big plus when you’re too tired of the same fish and chips and wanna experiment a little. To make the most out of it, I suggest you skip the Just for Me and head on to the Regular serving. Might I add, pick the rice meals as they really tend to be heavy. And yes, don’t hesitate to ask for extra dips and sauces as the staff would be willing to give you without additional charge.

Food and service are both excellent that a little dent on your wallet is no biggie. If you’re planning to roam around Venice Grand Canal Mall and looking for a decent place to dine, Fish and Co. is a good idea.

Fish and Co.
Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
Phone: +632 ‎7448514
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 10 AM to 11 PM/ Friday to Saturday 11 AM to 12 Midnight
Facebook: Fish & Co. Philippines
Website: http://www.fish-co.com.ph/
Instagram: fishcoph