Boston is synonymous with fresh seafood, and for tourists and locals alike looking for standout fish, Atlantic Fish Co. on Boylston Street is a great choice. The restaurant has been serving up some of the city’s freshest catches of the day since 1978.
On a recent visit, the dining room was bustling with patrons who seemed to be relishing the last few days of summer on its outdoor patio for some al fresco dining, while at the same time having a front row view to some great people watching on Boylston Street. (Atlantic Fish is located adjacent to Forum Restaurant which sustained serious damage in the April Boston Marathon bombings, it has since reopened).
A step inside the main dining room quickly reminds you of a classic cruising vessel with its beautifully detailed woodwork and murals that reflect the “spirit of the sea.” For cocktails, we chose a gin martini and glass of 2010 Benvolio Pinot Grigio before ordering the server suggested appetizer of crispy crab and corn spring rolls — a delicious flavor combination of Jonah crab, fresh crunchy corn, cilantro, and Boston lettuce — with a cool taste of mint and a nice sweet yet fiery chili sauce. Next up was the fresh jumbo (and they do mean extra large) shrimp cocktail served with a side of hot horseradish cocktail sauce.
Moving right along, the sea bass chowder was filled with fresh chunks of fish combined with bacon, corn and poblano, we couldn’t get enough. Additionally, the fish stew was just as good with smaller pieces of seafood in a tasty red base. The must-have dish for a main course is the pan seared sea bass with spinach with rich lobster ravioli in a lobster cream sauce made with tomato and fresh basil. Or try the grilled Florida swordfish steak which is cooked to a medium perfection and served with a side of basmati rice and grilled asparagus. There is always a listing of the day’s fresh catch, which may include everything from North Atlantic salmon, Nova Scotia halibut, Louisiana farm-raised catfish, Atlantic cod and George’s Bank lemon sole. If you can save room for dessert, the ice cream pie with peppermint stick ice cream, hot fudge and fresh cream is worth every single calorie.
