Fish Central

Time Out says

Fri Oct 19 2012

A smart restaurant and takeaway in a nondescript shopping precinct in the no-man’s land between Barbican and Islington, Fish Central defies all expectations. It’s a treat to eat in the white-painted dining room, whether you’re having lobster (a perfectly cooked beast, with plenty of juicy flesh) or hake and chips (one of many blackboard specials, with nicely bronzed fries and flaky white fish encased in just-so batter). Staff are busy but attentive, and diners receive little extras such as refreshing watermelon (to finish) or moreish own-made houmous and bread.

Full-on starters include fish soup, prawn cocktail and greek salad. Fish (cod, haddock, plaice, skate, and so on) can be deep-fried, grilled or cooked in matzo meal; dover sole and salmon can be chargrilled, as can steaks and lamb chops. Sides are good too; we plumped for mushy peas over rocket and tomato salad.

Booking is strongly advised – the place was buzzing on a Tuesday night, and we just managed to snag a table next to a large family group. The crowds are deserved: Fish Central tries that little bit harder than most.