No 7 Fish Bistro & Wine Bar — Restaurant in England

We booked this restaurant for my birthday based on what appeared to be good reviews. The guy we spoke with when we booked sounded like he was doing us a favour. That should have been a red flag. We were told to get there early we soon found out why. We arrived 15 mins early and entered the restaurant only to be left standing there in between the tables for some time being completely ignored. Eventually we were told we had to wait upstairs and get a drink in the wine bar. Second red flag. We entered the wine bar and were asked what we wanted to drink. Wine prices were elaborately chalked on a blackboard which were very expensive. We normally just split a bottle with dinner but now we are £20 into drinks we didn't want. Eventually we are ushered downstairs to the restaurant and given a table. After about 10 mins we were asked if we wanted a drink. This was nearly half an hour after the time the table was booked. Not a big deal had it not been that we were told to arrive early and if late we would loose the table. Eventually we got some menus and the theatre began. We were shown some unimpressive assorted fish on a tray and left to decide. I had the fish/seafood soup and the fish and chips as I didn't want anything fancy just a good meal. Well, the soup was disgusting. It wasn't a nice broth with a few edible pieces of fish or seafood. It literally was the rubbish probably all the bone and leftovers with the odd mussel. If you've ever had good fish/seafood soup you would have been as appalled as I was. Then the fish and chips. Firstly the portion was very small but worse the fish was thin and mushy. It was revolting and I guarantee you could get far better in any fish & chip shop. The mushy peas were dry and tasteless and the chips average. My wife's meal was no better and that went back. Basically it was an extremely disappointing night out. I would not recommend this restaurant /wine bar under any circumstances and where it gets it's reviews from needs...

Now, I will be firm but fair about this restaurant. I know the great reputation for food it has and in the main, i agree. However, the salmon main dish desperately requires a tasty sauce to accompany it. Bit bland without that but good size fillet. The salmon came with “veg”. Really not sure what the veg was in this case, awful looking and poor taste. Everything was chop suey. I like my veg to be clear, not all chopped and mixed together. Curry Prawn starter was fantastic, really was. Def recommend this. One of us had Turbot. So small it was unreal and shared the awful tasting veg with me. One of us had fish and chips. The batter was so greasy and wet we had to peel it all off and just eat the fish inside (which was nice but not what was expected). Service, now for me this is the real killer… the owner/manager is the most rude, abrupt and devoid of personality individual I think I’ve ever seen, its untrue. Barks at you for drinks and food orders, speaks at a million mph and is clearly in his own world of personality disorders. For me, when I eat out at expensive places, its the ENTIRE experience I’m looking for, not just the food. This means GREAT warm, friendly and efficient service and outstanding food (along with great presentation). This place just doesn’t meet the mark for me, wouldn’t rush back. There’s so much choice locally in Torquay, if you want good fish, eat here but if you like a very positive entire experience, eat elsewhere and spend your money with...

What an Amazing Place to eat.

Brilliant food, great atmosphere awesome choice of Fish.

There is a large choice of starters and Mains available from the Menu and The Specials Boards.

The staff on duty that lunchtime were brilliant and so knowledgeable of the menu and the fish. Paul, Harry and Emily.

Paul is very busy, very punchy and has a great sense of humour if you listen.

There is a great wine choice available too and the staff are easily able to recommend for you if you so wish.

The food came in good time and was of exceptional quality, both starters and mains.

The dessert of apple crumble was also of high quality.

This is a brilliant restaurant with high quality service and exceptional food.

So worth a FIVE STAR review.

Do not believe some of the rubbish written elsewhere, I understand we are all different, this is a place you should visit and you will surely enjoy the quality of your meal too.

Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

I will be returning in September 2021 when next in Torquay.

Brilliant restaurant backed up with brilliant service and food and wine choice and quality to match.

Returned again in September 2021 and January 2022 and the food and service was exceptional again.

A further visit in May 2022 again the food and service is absolutely top class.

Visited the cocktail bar upstairs which is a lovely setting to enjoy a view and a nice drink or 2 before your meal.

This is a must visit restaurant if you...