Columbus Fish Market — Restaurant in Columbus

— Long review ahead, but please take the time to read, as I hope this feedback is taken into high consideration —

Overall, my family and I were grateful for the opportunity to spend time together at the Fish Market on Father’s Day. We shared drinks, appetizers, entrées, desserts, and, most importantly, meaningful conversation. In that sense, the evening was valuable to us. However, we did leave the restaurant feeling disappointed, and we believe the overall experience could have been much better—especially given the occasion and the cost.

We understand that holidays like Father’s Day can be incredibly demanding on restaurant staff. Long hours, back-to-back tables, and high expectations can take a toll, and we empathize with anyone working under that kind of pressure. That said, we also believe that customers shouldn't bear the weight of those challenges in ways that impact the quality of service or food.

Our server was kind and tried to remain attentive, but it was clear he was exhausted. It showed in his expression and body language, and we found ourselves holding back at times—trying not to ask for too much at once for fear of adding stress. While we care about the well-being of staff, it also made us feel uncomfortable and unsure about how to engage throughout the meal. Ideally, customers shouldn't have to second-guess their requests in a dining experience.

Additionally, we had a moment with a floor manager (a woman) that left us feeling a bit unsettled. When our entrées were brought to the table, she didn’t acknowledge us or offer any verbal cues—just silently placed the dishes in front of us, reaching across the table without a word. At one point, she took away my dad’s silverware but didn’t explain she’d be replacing it. When he asked, she responded sharply. Perhaps she too was overwhelmed or tired, and if so, we can understand—but the lack of basic communication and warmth unfortunately added to our discomfort.

As for the food, it sadly didn’t live up to expectations. After a long wait, my cod arrived partly cold, with the broccoli overcooked and burnt on one side. My husband, who works in the restaurant industry himself, noticed his steak had clearly been sitting under a heat lamp for some time. My dad found his fish under-seasoned and the mashed potatoes inconsistently prepared, with large chunks throughout. For a special menu at $49+ per person, we hoped for a higher standard in both presentation and taste.

We sincerely hope this isn’t reflective of the Fish Market’s usual service or kitchen standards. We understand that tough nights happen—but it’s especially important on high-traffic days to make first-time guests feel welcomed and well cared for. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case for us, and we left feeling disheartened. While we don’t plan to return or recommend the restaurant at this time, we do hope this feedback helps the team reflect and reset for future...

Date night w/hubby. YELP/GOOGLE reviews were mostly negative, OpenTable reviews were more reliable. So I'm writing this to let people know how our SUNDAY date night dinner went. Thank heavens I didn't go by the negative reviews!

Recommend reservations!!!! But Sundays, there were plenty of tables/booths before 7pm!

Started at bar on SUNDAY w/happy hour 4-7pm. Wines were $6 per glass, ($5 cocktails & half price select appetizers) nice bar seating 2 seater booths there. * Happy hour $6 Chardonnay at bar was great! Crisp, fruity and smooth.

Dinner was at table in dining area (booth or table could have been had), and our server was "LEE", who was stellar in his service, recommendations and accommodations with requests.

Had a bottle of "Rodney Strong Chalk Hill '14" with dinner (excellent buttery notes, dry) $48, server sealed leftover wine for travel home Got the seared Ahi Tuna appetizer $14 to share, nice! served w/cucumber, sticky rice, wasabi & ginger. Nicely done. *Titanic Wedge Salad $8 we split (it was huge) and was plenty for two people. Blue cheese dressing with nice chunks of cheese & creamy tasty dressing, smokey thick bacon and perfectly cooked egg were excellent! Perfect wedge! Sourdough bread loaf w/whipped butter on side crispy crust, chewy dense inside, great portion & was super tasty!

Waters were kept filled Main dish for hubby was Market Trio $29, served with a dill sauce on side that was awesome! Generous crab cake, skewered tasty shrimp & broiled salmon served w/andouille sausage Jambalaya rice, corn hash of some sort (tasty) and instead of asparagus, got the baby bok choy w/mushrooms. Husband said it was an EXCELLENT meal and lots of food on his plate!

*I opted for "Crab stuffed flounder" $24, w/white wine & garlic sauce. Sauce was VERY light, not overpowering, crab shown through well, nice portion, along with tender buttery flounder. Opted to sub smashed potatoes & asparagus for Stir Fry Veggies & Sticky Rice. Veggies were PERFECTION and tasty. Crisp tender & flavorful, sticky rice was perfect, served in triangle shape.

Hubby had coffee at end, bold, dark & strong.

We were both STUFFED & extremely pleased w/food and service! Husband said when we come here from now on we'll ask if "Lee" is working, he took care of us very very well. 5 star night! Glad they let us make substitutions and catered to our wishes.

The Columbus Fish Market is definitely a 3 dollar sign price tag ($$$ out of 4), and we feel that we got our money's worth, and after dining at some more expensive venues, we believe the prices were fair and a good value for the quality that we received in food & in service. Bravo! I'm so glad we didn't listen to all the negative reviews! We'll most definitely be back!

Be...

I have not been back to Columbus in about 20 years and found myself here again, landlocked, and looking for seafood. I made a reservation for 8 on a Friday night anticipating a crowded house. The last time I was here was truly indulgent and I was looking forward to having some great food and unwinding after a long week. Needn't have worried about the reservation, this place was dead. First red flag, but meh, who knows?

Our server came out grudgingly to take our order. In an empty restaurant she seemed to have better things to do elsewhere and couldn't wait to get away from our table, literally walking away as I was trying to order some oysters to start. "Private party?" I mused to my date, but she was looking over the menu. Our server found her way back to drop off drinks and take our order. Tried to order crab legs but they were completely out. On a Friday, with six cars in the parking lot.

Very well then, lobster tails, my date got the salmon, shrimp something, basically three fish dishes, and I got the bacon wrapped shrimp to round it out (how can you go wrong with bacon wrapped shrimp? Spoiler, if you try hard enough it's possible). Also ordered a salad and got the spinach and broccoli with my lobster

Good God. The lobster tails were common frozen fare that were overcooked, the chef had gone with the bold move to simply serve me steamed spinach and broccoli. And nothing else, no garlic no salt no pepper no attempt to turn it into anything that tastes good.

The shrimp, oh my the shrimp. Go to Aldi, get bacon wrapped shrimp, put it in the oven and call it a day and you will be miles in front of this sad plate of soggy bacon and overcooked shrimp, swimming in a small lake of off brand BBQ sauce

Tried to wash it down with another vodka but our server was attending to more important business elsewhere.

My date graciously declared her meal to be "ok". She refused to touch the shrimp. Oysters were also ok, but the mignonette was awful.

Never got the salad I ordered but just paid my bill and made a quick exit, hoping to rescue the night with a nightcap someplace, anyplace, else.

Never going back, I would not recommend going here unless you are deliberately looking to make a terrible...