Oyster happy hour and Glasgow’s tastiest catch of the day: Spotlight on Cafe Fish

You may recognise Cafe Fish by their previous name, Ollie’s Bistro, but sitting pretty on Pollokshields’ Nithsdale Road, Cafe Fish has made a new name for themselves in all aspects of the meaning. Sister venue to the beloved Ralph & Finns, Vroni’s Wine Bar, and Malo, the hospitality family has a forty-year history of running establishments in the city, so it’s safe to say they know their stuff.

Operating solely based on that day’s freshest ocean catches, the menu is ever-changing as the chefs work alongside Andy Bell from The Fish People to bring Cafe Fish’s diners the freshest seafood possible – meaning you’re always in for a surprise when you book in. This isn’t one for those who shy away from seafood and fish. The menu is bursting with classic faves; if you’re craving bang-up fish and chips, crab and crayfish linguine, tuna sashimi, fish tacos, or mussels in a creamy white wine sauce, this is the place in Glasgow to go.

Amid all the classics, you’ll find more dishes that may intrigue – such as their Cullen Skink (smoked haddock and leek), Grilled Langoustines in a garlic butter, Salmon en Papillote in a soy, ginger, coriander, pak choi mixture, or their Smoked Mackerel Pâté to start. The reassurance of fresh catches leaves your mouth watering for any and every dish on the menu if you’re seafood lovers like us!

Perhaps our favourite section of the menu is Cafe Fish’s unorthodox happy hour. From 4-6 pm daily, shuck back half-price fresh oysters. Their Scottish market oysters are as fresh as can be, and equally tasty, served with mignonette sauce, tabasco, and lemon. Paired with a glass of Lorentz Cremant, Zero Dosage for the full effect.

Of course, Cafe Fish caters to all. Their vegetarian menu boasts dishes that may just catch the eye of an omnivore eater because they’re just that good. Avocado tacos brimming with tomato salsa, coriander, chili, mayonnaise, a fresh Radicchio Salad bursting with juicy pomegranate seeds, Sunblush Tomato Linguine, Foraged Wild Mushroom pearl barley and mascarpone, and tempura cauliflower – a crowd pleaser.

Cafe Fish’s sides aren’t to forgo a mention, exciting us as opposed to adding one on for an obligatory serving of vegetables. Broccoli & Toasted Almonds, Glazed Carrots, chunky Hand Cut Chips, and the quintessential British seaside dish of mushy peas.

Dessert is less of a question and more of a must at Cafe Fish. Fresh seafood straight from the sea offsets the usual heaviness of a main meal and leaves room for one of the restaurant’s tantalising desserts. Our pick will always be the Sticky Date Pudding with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce, while the Callebaut chocolate pot is a very close second, drizzled in a cherry sorbet. For something fresh and cleansing, the Lemon Posset has your name on it, while the selection of Thortonhall ice cream is hard to pass by (we can have more than one dessert, right?).

With such a relaxing holiday vibe to begin with, Cafe Fish has an immaculate cocktail menu to match – having handpicked all our favourite classic cocktails to make up their drinks list. Mai Tais, French 75s, Margaritas, Espresso Martinis, Negronis, Watermelon Collins, Aperol and Elderflower spritz, and Bloody Marys are all on the menu – truly a ‘something for everyone’ kind of bar.

If wine is more your go-to when you’re dining on seafood, Cafe Fish has you taken care of with a wide variety of international whites (from a Spanish Sand Boy Albariño to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc), as well as bubbly, rosé, an orange wine from France, and plenty of red (don’t worry, there’s no sacrilege to ordering a red with your fish here!).

The rest of the drinks menu tackles IPAs, lagers, and ciders for something a bit more refreshing on a hot summer’s day.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to help pair up your dining choices with the right drink!

The summer seaside vibes are year-round at Cafe Fish. Picture yourself on a glistening waterfront in Australia or New Zealand with the eatery’s relaxed contemporary theme. Green grass planters along the perimeter breathe life into the space, with comfy chic seating inside and out, an open indoor space and a bistro feel.

Whether you’re looking to make this your local date night spot, or entertaining a large group of seafood lovers, Cafe Fish does the trick with their warm and inviting energy. Tables for all sorts of experiences makes this our number-one seafood spot when we’re in Pollokshields.

You’ll find Cafe Fish at 122-124 Nithsdale Road, Pollokshields G41 5RB. Find out more and book your next visit right here.