Please note, Simply Fish has now closed. Time Out Food editors.
People who suffer from decision fatigue, or who prefer to leave the construction of their dishes when dining out to professionals, might find the DIY dish-building of Simply Fish a bit enervating. This new Camden restaurant and takeaway has taken the risk that no such customer will get as far as their mildly exasperating menu.
The task is to choose a fish, cooking method, sauce and accompaniment from wide range of each on offer; hundreds of permutations are possible, though not all are advisable. Specials come in the more traditional pre-conceived format – you order a dish, they bring it – and a handful of small plates and platter options complete the menu.
On our visit, which admittedly was soon after opening (some wiring and fire alarm was getting a spot of last-minute testing), the kitchen was a little disappointing. Three small pieces of tempura-battered cod seemed like a measly portion for £12.50, but the fresh cut chips were very respectable. Spiced sea bass had been pan-fried well, but served in a bowl with fried aubergine, tomato sauce and steamed rice, the whole dish was a rather mushy combination.
The location though, about two minutes’ walk from Camden tube station, might secure it some repeat customers.