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Hours
Sun
12:00 - 16:00
Mon
12:00 - 21:00
Tue
12:00 - 21:00
Wed
12:00 - 21:00
Thu
12:00 - 21:00
Fri
12:00 - 21:00
Sat
12:00 - 21:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Seafood, European, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
CUISINES
Seafood, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
648 reviews
Excellent
415
Very good
159
Average
45
Poor
14
Terrible
15
Sandra
22 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
It is 2 years since I was last in George and revisiting this super restaurant. The food is outstanding and the service always with a smile! We started with a vegetarian sharing plate which was just enough to go with the wine before the mains - my guests had tuna, kingclip with delicious crust and a fish curry. I can also recommend the rose meringue dessert!
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Dear Uktrqceller
Thank you for the wonderful review and welcome back!!! There is nothing more complimentary to a restaurant than a returning guest. So thrilled you enjoyed the experience. Quite agree - that rose meringue is quite something.
Do hope it won't be another two years before we get to see you again!
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 16 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riki1502
George112 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Our second visit to the Fat Fish in George and we ordered prawns. R200 for 6 small prawns with a small portion of rice or chips. Although very tasty and well presented, it was no better than anywhere else. Still hungry after mains, we ordered dessert, which looked and tasted good. The service was good though and the atmosphere very nice.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Dear Riki
Thank you so much for taking the time to review The Fat Fish and for the wonderful compliments regarding the desserts, service and atmosphere.
We are so sorry you were disappointed with the portion size on the Prawns. Will be sure to pass on your feedback to management.
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 15 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RJP
Chesterfield82 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Having been recommended this restaurant by our hostess where we were staying we were able to walk to it, although we were advised to take our car if it was going to be dark when we returned.
Very visited every day we stayed at George and each time we had booked prior to our visit. The food and size of the portions were excellent and the cocktail barman was an expert and it was a delight just to watch his expertise.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicolaash75
Dear RJP
Thank you for the wonderful review and for your support during your sty in George! Always so wonderful to hear when a recommendation is met with such a positive return. Will be sure to let our barman know that his skills were cause for such delight. He will be thrilled.
Many thanks once again!
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 1 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Colleen M
620 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
I had prebooked a table for the four of us.
When my husband and I arrived I informed the waitress I had booked a table for 4 in my name. She replied as they weren't busy, we could pick any table, which we did. We ordered drinks but explained we would wait for the arrival of our friends before ordering food. When my friends were late I sent them a message to ask if they were on their way. Imagine our surprise when the reply came back that they were already there! I had had a quick look around when we arrived, but after receiving the message, I did find them tucked away in the back of the restaurant. Several separate rooms are involved so it is relatively easy not to spy someone. When our friends had arrived they also mentioned the table was booked in my name and they were given the same option to pick their table. So, quite a bit of miscommunication between staff involved.
We found the food to be on the pricey side and, despite the manager pointing out the number of items on the menu, we thought there was a limited choice. Maybe, looking back, it turns out there was a limited choice on reasonably priced meals.
However, I must say my choice of tempura Prawn salad was very tasty with well cooked Prawns. The battered fish was also perfectly cooked. The blokes did point out that their draught beers were not the full measure on each occasion they ordered.
Service was friendly and efficient (except for the mix up upon arrival!)
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Dear Colleen
Oh dear! We are so sorry about the mix up regarding the table. This is something we will definitely have to be wary of as different front of house members seat guests arriving and as you said there was a lack of communication letting everyone know half your table were already there! Thank you for letting us know.
Unfortunately, the price of sourcing quality ingredients especially fresh fish and produce is undeniably high. We could use bulk, frozen product and reduce our pricing but the end result would not match the standards we have set for ourselves.
So glad you enjoyed your meal. Will be sure to let management know about the draught beer - apologies for that.
If you like prawns and want to get enormous value for money be sure to visit us on a Friday night for our prawn BBQ which includes a sharing platter for 2 and has 20 prawns, grilled flatbreads, rice, salad and a glass of wine.
Thank you once more for the valuable feedback. Do hope we will get to see you again!
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 15 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MonaKola333
London18 contributions
Jan 2022 • couples
Lovely Venue & service.
Shannon our waitress was super! We asked so many questions and she handled them
Like a pro.
Great service, lovely clean bright restaurant.
The grilled calamari was lovely, the coleslaw could be better dressed as all dressing at bottom not much flavour on top.
Chips were lush
Sesame calamari maybe an option to have without sesame? This may exist and we just didn’t ask.
Peri peri sauce lacked flavour and spice - I added Tabasco & salt - then it was the bomb
Local gins and attention to detail with the fruit & herbs on served is excellent .
Raining today but the garden looks divine for a warm evening.
Recommend
Written 25 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Dear Monakola333
What a delightful review! Thank you so much for all the wonderful compliments, recommendation and feedback regarding all the dishes you enjoyed. Do hope we get to see you again soon!
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 22 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Foodie935
Johannesburg234 contributions
May 2022 • friends
This is a firm favorite every time we visit the area. We are grumpy spoilt customers from Gauteng, so we are demanding. Fat Fish blows us away every time. Interesting menu, lovely wine and exceptional service. We sat outside close to the lovely trickling water feature - Impi was our waiter, it was just the best afternoon. We each had had the seafood platter for one - highly recommended, and the bobotie spring rolls for starters. All round great experience and well done for your consistency over the years
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Dear Foodie935
We so love grumpy Gautengers! Can't thank you enough for this super feedback which we will pass on the team. Consistency is key and it's always such a thrill to receive confirmation that all the hard work maintaining standards is recognised. Thank you for your ongoing support. Kind regards, The Fat Fish
Written 29 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LizanneSchmidt
Mossel Bay10 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
Service, food, menu, atmosphere.... everything was exceptional.
My husband and I opted for the "winter special" - a 3 course dining experience where you could choose between various starters, mains & dessert. We ended up with 6 different dishes between the two of us and we struggled to decide who's was the best!
We are not vegetarian, but I noticed several vegetarian (or vegan?) options that looked quite appetizing.
Portions are generous. Food is plated beautifully and each food element on the plate compliments each other. You could see the chef put a lot of thought into creating the various dishes but it is not pretentious. Simple ingredients, but served in the best way possible.
They also offer a wide wine selection, various gin and other drink options.
We can't wait to go back!
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Dear Lizanne
Thank you so much for that wonderfully detailed review and the super feedback! Will be sure to share with the team and Chef Enrico in particular. Our Winter Set Menu is always such a winner and firm favourite with locals. Thank you for the support. Kind regards, The Fat Fish
Written 26 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James
George30 contributions
Mar 2019 • family
We decided to give The Fat Fish a shot on their opening night after lockdown.
The startes were good, especially the calamari.
The mains came and we had high hopes. My food was good (parmesean kingklip) but the portion was quite small, it's a gamble on the size of the fish.
My parents said their parmesean kingklip was not up to the usual standard.
Other than that, it was a good evening.
Written 10 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicolaash75
Dear Dagan0605
Thank you so much for joining us and supporting The Fat Fish on our first night back in business following the hard lock down.
Will pass on your feedback to the chef regarding the Chilli Kingklip. Apologies that it did not meet expectations - will be sure to follow up. As you can imagine - our team is under immense pressure with our staff contingent halved due to physical distancing but we are doing all we can to get up to speed and back in the swing of things again.
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 13 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jamie
George70 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
We four elderly gentlemen lunch at various restaurants in and around George and the
Southern Cape on a monthly basis. We were happy to return to The Fat Fish and savour an excellent "Three Course Set Menu". The meal was well up to the high standard we expect and the service beyond reproach. Well done Far Fish for going that extra mile to satisfy us.
Written 5 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Dear Jamie.
Wow! Thank you for the super feedback made all the more special knowing you four are regulars on the Garden Route restaurant scene. So thrilled you enjoyed your time with us. Will be sure to share this fabulous review with the whole team.
Looking forward to your next visit!
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 9 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mags Fo
Johannesburg13 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Wow, wow, wow. Had dinner at the Fat Fish last night and I will be back. Probably as soon as possible. The location is cozy. The staff are awesome. The food is exceptional. Please do yourself a favor and go have a look for yourself. You will not be disappointed. I would personally recommend the dum sum (vegetarian) or bobotie spring rolls (sounds strange, but are absolutely morish) to start with. For mains, the fish and chips (they have a great lunch special running on that on Tuesdays and Thursdays FYI), the Burmese curry (a fish curry and, I would really recommend) or the fish and sesame crusted calamari (side note: order some fries, they're awesome). For dessert we had the banana malva (great!), the amaretto brulee (my personal favorite, perfect balance of flavour, texture and sweetness) and the Panna cotta. I could list a dozen more items that honestly delivered across the board. An impressive feat to accomplish both excellence and consistency thoughout.
Written 3 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Dear Mags
Can't thank you enough for this incredible feedback. Have share with the entire team in George - truly lifted their spirits. Thank you for the detailed review - so appreciate the time and effort taken! Looking forward to your next visit!
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 4 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeanette B
Bloemfontein1 contribution
Mar 2021 • couples
Had the most amazing dishes..seafood is amazingly flavored but still the original flavours of the calamari and mussels are right there. Service, ambience and professionalism top class. An amazingly lovely evening. Thank you Simon and Pieter
Written 18 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Dear Jeanette
Thank you for the super feedback - the team will be over the moon with your response. Chef Debbie and her team are really pulling out all the stops in the kitchen - will be sure to pass on your compliments to them and to Pieter in the front!
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 23 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marizle V
Mbombela6 contributions
Aug 2024 • friends
We took friends to The Fat Fish to experience the great service and food we had the previous time we visited the restaurant. We were very disappointed in the food and the service. First they had our food order wrong and they insisted that it was the correct order! After a while the manager came to our rescue and rectify the situation. Our experience was definitely not the same as the previous time and the food quality is not up to standard for the price we paid.
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightsee61895303953
3 contributions
Dec 2021 • family
Beautiful restaurant with exceptional food and great service.
The starters (prawn; fried calamari) were delicious and really something special. Not only a feast for the tongue but also the eye.
Main dish was kingklip with fries. Flavourful crust with a touch of chillie.
Would definitely visit again!
Written 20 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Thank you so much for the fabulous review! Our team are over the moon with your response. Have a super festive season and many blessings for the 2022! Kind regards, The Fat Fish
Written 22 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JimGoodridge
Eastleigh101 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Definitely worth finding this restaurant just off the Main Street but worth it.
Great menu and service, staff super helpful.
Great choice of dishes and if you don’t want seafood there are plenty of other options.
Wine menu is just as good with a great selection to compliment all dishes.
Super friendly and great value for money.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicolaash75
Dear JimGoodrdge
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! So glad you found us! Hopefully, we won't stay hidden for long.
Our team will be over the moon with the feedback.
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 29 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glenda G
Port Elizabeth9 contributions
Jan 2023 • none
Excellent fish, not overcooked, with interesting sides (delicious coleslaw with a twist). Only criticism is "packet" frozen chips. Authentic fresh chips would make a world of difference.
Waiters are well-trained and knowledgeable.
Written 11 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola A
Dear 847glendag
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback and compliments all round.! Our team will be thrilled. Unfortunately with the volumes we do at both our restaurants, handmade wedges or chips is simply not a possibility - certainly not though peak seasons and busy times! So wish we could - everyone prefers them but someone would literally have to spend their day just prepping chips!
So appreciate the support.
Kind regards,
The Fat Fish
Written 21 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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