Starting life as a fish and chip shack in Blackrock Market, Fish Shop is a brilliantly-conceived fish and chip shop-cum wine bar by Londoner Jumoke Akintola and Tramore man Peter Hogan. The couple moved to Co Waterford in 2020 to open their new Beach House restaurant in Peter's home town - but, while they decided to close one of their two Dublin restaurants (Queen Street), fans were delighted that the Benburb Street outlet nearby continues to delight.
The setting is simple and perfectly comfortable, if a little chilly in winter. The welcome, however, is warm and the smells enticing... Definitely not your average fish & chipper, the offering is very much a cut above - and, to accompany the short daily-changing menu of the freshest of locally caught fish, there's an exceptional wine offering.
They only serve fresh Irish seafood; there’s nothing frozen nor imported on the menu. The range of fish offered as traditional fish'n'chips includes prime fish such as turbot as well as excellent haddock, hake and plaice (lightly beer battered and cooked to order in rapeseed oil), while other favourites include the 'Fillet O'Fish Shop' beer-battered hake served in brioche with fennel slaw, and classic mussels with chips. The sides are also a bit different, including not only chips, bread & butter and tartare sauce or garlic mayo, but also green salad and pickles.
The wine list runs to over 100 bottles, which includes carefully selected natural wines and can be purchased to take away or ordered online for collection; many are available by the glass, and there are also plenty of Irish beers on offer.
A simple dessert, like a deliciously sticky almond cake, with cooling mascarpone and pear will round off a meal here perfectly.
The relaxed service, super ingredients and honest cooking make this an absolute gem in the heart of Smithfield.
