The young founders behind the Sydney salad empire FISHBOWL have announced their next venture, a brand new-concept set to open in Bondi this December – FISH SHOP. The dine in and takeaway venue will be their take on a modern fish shop, a counter-service restaurant focusing on sustainably sourced seafood paired with vibrant salads and contemporary vegetable dishes.
FISH SHOP hopes to create a new fine-casual dining experience, with the founders seeking to land on a bliss point between a restaurant and bar, and a good old-fashioned fish shop.
On offer will be a seasonal selection of sustainable and normally hard-to-access seafood from Sydney’s best suppliers, with the menu encouraging diners to pair their fish with their choice of condiments, vegetables, sides and salads. For those wanting to take-away or cook at home, customers will also be available to pick up as well as pre-order seafood online.
The menu has been designed with both dine-in and takeaway in mind, featuring a selection of ‘BOXES TO GO’ – giving choice, flexibility and a clear direction for those looking to picnic in the park, at the beach or take home. A ‘FISH BOX’ will set you back $25 and includes a choice of fish main and condiment, with any salad or side. For those after a lighter lunch option, a ‘LUNCH BOX’ ($19) includes a choice of FISH SHOP’s own hot smoked trout, salmon gravlax or tuna confit with any salad, crostini, pickles and house-made labneh.
Founder Nathan Dalah said the concept of FISH SHOP came about due to a desire to find a place to eat healthy and fresh seafood with a nice vibe and without breaking the bank: “We figured – people love food when it’s simple, clean, healthy and feels great. Could we create a new restaurant experience whereby instead of a traditional menu we simply feature market-fresh seafood paired with chef-driven condiments, salads and vegetables? It’s simple, clean, healthy and delivers insane value”.
Dining in, consumers can enjoy the north-facing venue and all-day sun, pairing their meals with an all-Australian natural wine list and a short and sharp cocktail menu. For snacks there will be freshly shucked Appellation rock oysters, anchovy toast and cured fish plates.
Leading the FISH SHOP kitchen will be Head Chef Joel Bennetts (PIER, Bistrode CBD, Three Blue Ducks, Peppe’s). With over 14 years’ experience and learning from some of Sydney’s best chefs, Bennetts has collaborated with Dalah, Pestalozzi and Ettelson to design a dynamic and health-driven experience for consumers. Bennetts’ direction for the menu is approachable and offers seasonal food inspired by the Mediterranean and coastal Middle East – the perfect summer food for a meal after a day at the beach or a long day at work.
When deciding where to open the first FISH SHOP the team couldn’t look further than Bondi, a suburb that welcomed their first FISHBOWL with open arms back in 2016. The new venue will be located on Glenayr Avenue’s Sevenways precinct, with FISH SHOP fronting directly onto the new park. With the option of the takeaway, FISH SHOP encourages customers to dine in or embrace the beautiful sunshine outside – even providing the picnic blankets to do so.
Dalah further comments: “It is all about the vibe! People make the place and there’s no better place for a concept like ours to cut its teeth than Bondi. The locals are discerning, knowledgeable and recognise value, quality and passion when it’s served up to them. That’s exactly what we’re going to deliver and we’re doing it in a beautiful setting with sun all day and a tight selection of natural wine and cocktails”.
With their immensely successful FISHBOWL becoming Australia’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant, Founders Nathan Dalah, Nic Pestalozzi and Casper Ettelson hope they can replicate the success and find a new restaurant lane with FISH SHOP.
FISH SHOP is set to open week commencing 21 December 2020.
FISH SHOP
87–89 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Open 11am–10pm