These ain't your average greasy, newspaper-wrapped fish and chips. From the team behind the Fishbowl empire comes Fish Shop, a new, high-casual eatery that combines the takeaway ease and comfort of their first venture with a touch of understated, North Bondi elegance.
In its basic structure, Fish Shop is just like your seaside local – you pick a main from snapper, ocean trout, barramundi or King Ora salmon, as well as a market fish, then add a condiment and tack on a side – but after that, it goes off-script. Add on sugo with capers, salsa verde or tangy ladelomono, a Greek-style vinaigrette of lemon and oil. Sides are less along the lines of floury chips, and more in the vein of freekah with apricot chopped through, or fagioli bianchi with herbs and lemon. Joel Bennetts (formerly of Bistrode CBD and Peppes) heads up the kitchen, shining a light on sustainable seafood and cuts that aren't so widely available.
The counter service-style eatery is designed to shapeshift according to locals' needs. Date night? Grab a bar stool by the window and a glass of cloudy natural wine (the list is all-Australian). On the go? Pick up a burger for the ride. Want to make the most of a Bondi sunset by the beach? Take a box of fish and chips down to the shore, picnic blanket in tow. You can also just grab snacks free of any fish main, from freshly shucked Appellation rock oysters to anchovy toast and plates of cured trout. Pair a bite with your choice from the punchy cocktail list for a post-work pep-up.
Fish Shop is now open. Find it at 87 Glenayr Avenue, North Bondi.