The Fish Market Restaurant — Restaurant in Birmingham

Stopped in on a Wednesday for lunch and what I thought was going to begin as a questionable experience turned out to be justified in my 5 star rating and I'm glad I stopped in and enjoyed it fully. My party was seated and as each server passed our table we was greeted with friendly smiles and service. Our server and a manager possibly (?) apologized for the wait we experienced and everything they did from that moment makes me think for once in my life, I was treated as royalty.

We dined on a smoked salmon dip that won the day! But a word of quick caution, the olives they use in all dishes are pitted so don't bite down on them hard. And you will fill up on this magnificent appetizer! It was a decent amount for 2 people.

Our main entrees arrived and due to the wait we experienced to begin, we had to order the ticket and to go boxes right away. Our server was kind enough to ensure we was served so we could get a few bites in before we had to package it up. We enjoyed the new dishes, Seafood Au Gratin and George's Seafood Pastichio. These meals were wonderful and also we enjoyed a quick and delicious seafood dinner warmed up the next night.

I am glad we chose this restaurant for our lunch and I recommend the establishment for anyone. I for one will certainly return if in the neighborhood without question!

Notes on location ;

They have parking for guests but caution you not to try and leave your vehicle there. We was visiting the Kirkland Clinic and thus we used their parking deck. The restaurant is within walking distance.

They offer a covered patio, dine in, an oyster bar or casual dining (pretty sure I'm mistaken on the names of these) Your host will explain the different options upon your visit. The patio was nice and if the weather is right I'm sure that would be a comfortable option. We chose to be seated inside with a server. The server was also very educated in the dishes and offered us excellent overviews of the choices we made.

The location has a kids menu.

The prices seemed fair for the quality of food I enjoyed. The owner has a photo of the current menu posted in the reviews with pricing. This is not a cheap option for lunch and I would suggest not having a time limit altho they made sure we was on time for our appointment that followed lunch. Just be open with your host and server.

Didn't use the restroom there... but the dining area's were clean. Handicap accessible. It's all "ground floor". There is a tv, it wasn't loud, was quiet, one can visit along or bring a large party (you may need to call in advance for parties over 6).

Hope you and your party can find an experience just as I have at the downtown...

Great overall experience! Our server, Apollo was AMAZING! Very knowledgeable about the menu options, friendly, and quick. We ordered fried green tomatoes as an appetizer. They were fried to perfection but there was no seasoning in the batter. The Fried Green Tomatoes was served with ranch. I ordered the Seafood Au Gratin with a Greek salad (yes, add feta). The salad is served in the place of two sides. This meal waw really good. Very rich in flavor. I tasted shrimp and fish with the cheese in the dish. There was also rice in the dish. Of course I had leftovers. My boyfriend ordered fried Snapper with a side of french fries and extra hushpuppies. Lets talk about the hush puppies! They are delicious! Seasoned well and fried well. The fish was seasoned well. Overall good experience. Our server made it the best!

Update: October 2023 We're back! For an appetizer we tried the Baked Spankopita oysters (spinach and feta). For entrees we had the grilled whole sea bass with a Greek salad (add feta) and hushpuppies. This time My boyfriend ordered the VIP Snapper (grilled fish with onions, tomatoes and potatoes) with fries and hushpuppies. Yep... extra hush puppies! Great dinner tonight too!

Update: November 2024 The Oysters Dino is a great appetizer! The flavors pair well together! The Tuscan Salmon is also very tasty! The calamari is good as well! It is lightly fried and the sauce pairs perfectly!

Update: October 2025 Red snapper medallions are great! Seasoned blackened and Cajun over a...

Giving 2 stars just because it’s one of the only seafood restaurants in town that is somewhat fresh and I'm a local. I've been going to this Fish Market since I was a kid back in 89. Food is usually good... Service is lacking.

Last night we had a party of 10 and because we had 10 we were not able to have a waiter due to it being too much trouble splitting the checks. Granted we would only be splitting 4 ways... so we had to order through some Togo/cafeteria line and all food(salads, apps, and main course) showed up at the exact same time. One couple from our group ask that everything be staggered, but it turns out that everything was made as the same time but was just staggered to be served. Meaning, everything was cold.

If you wanted drinks, you could walk to the bar, or ask your bus boy, who had no clue what you were talking about.

Note: this serving style was suggested/mandated by the manager on duty because we had 10 people. Regardless of how the checks would be split. If I wanted to eat cafeteria style then I would have went to a cafeteria and paid cafeteria prices. Manager wasn’t concerned or willing to be of any assistance when I brought all of this to her attention.

This is normally a place I eat at weekly, and tonight I had friends in town so I suggested Fish Market.. I will add that the main bar staff were excellent last night and are always on their A game.

Deeply saddened at the direction the Fish Market has turned over...