I’d heard a few rumblings around Facebook and Twitter about a new fish restaurant on South Frederick Street called Bite. New. Fish. Restaurant. All words that make me very happy.
Jim offered to treat me to dinner and I jumped at the opportunity to check out Bite. One of the good things I’d heard about was their Lobster Burger, €24.95. This shellfish lover was more than a little excited. So, in we toddled on a Monday night. We were brought to our table via a series of corridors and kitchens and terraces, all very nice to look at but a slightly strange layout. I asked about the burger straight off as I’d noticed on their website they’d added “subject to availability” and was disappointed to be told that it was only served on Fridays and Saturdays, not much use to two weekend workers and information that came a little late given we were seated and already drinking a bottle of sparkling water. I see they’ve amended this on their website now but, still, weekday diners want Lobster Burgers too! Life is HARD.
We ordered Prawns Pil Pil, €7.95, to share as a starter. They were pleasant enough but the portion was very small and they were frozen tiger prawns which have always left me a little cold. For mains I ordered Haddock Fried in Vodka & Beer Batter, €14.95, and Truffle & Parmesan Fries, €3.95. Jim ordered Grilled Seabass, €16.95, and Duck Fat Fries, €3.95, we shared Mushy Peas with Pancetta, €3.95. And therein lies my problem. Almost twelve quid extra for sides, that you should be getting with relatively expensive pieces of fish in the first place!
The food was nice but certainly didn’t excite me in any way, and the portions were a tad on the meagre side. I don’t like to only focus on the negative with a dining experience but I came away from this meal feeling ripped off, and I wasn’t even paying for it!
We shared a starter, skipped dessert, only drank some sparkling water and the bill came to over €60 including a 10% tip for our super chirpy, slightly intrusive waitress. It’s a shame to say but I won’t be back, not even if they offer me a midweek Lobster Burger!