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Bahary Fish Market and Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Bahary Fish Market and Restaurant
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Bahary Fish Market and Restaurant doubles as a seafood counter and modest dining room where whole grilled fish, fried platters, and mezze-style sides lean Mediterranean. Regulars treat it as a neighborhood option for fresh, halal-friendly seafood dinners that feel more home-style than fancy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole grilled branzino, Fried seafood platter, Shrimp kebab plate
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Seafood-focused Mediterranean spot where you can choose your fish from the counter and have it grilled to order.
Who should go: Seafood fans wanting fresh, halal-friendly fish without white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Evenings before the main dinner rush for the best selection of fish.
What to order: Whole grilled branzino, fried seafood platter, shrimp kebab plate.
Insider tip: Ask which fish came in most recently and let the kitchen suggest grilling or frying based on freshness and texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on nearby residential blocks but can get tight after 7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed attire fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during dinner but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak fish selection hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but solid — mezze sides, salads, rice, and vegetable plates work well as a full meal.
Vegan options: Very limited — a few vegetable-based sides and salads only.
Gluten-free options: Good options — most grilled fish, kebabs, salads, and rice plates are naturally gluten-free (confirm fried items).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, low-pressure date than something romantic — the casual market vibe keeps things easy and unpretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, most nights you can walk in, but arriving before 6:30pm improves your odds during busy weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids do well here thanks to simple fried fish, shrimp, and rice platters, though there's no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, made-to-order whole fish at neighborhood prices with a halal-friendly menu and counter-selection experience.
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth service, polished ambiance, or a wide vegetarian/vegan-focused menu.
Bahary Fish Market and Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Bahary Fish Market and Restaurant doubles as a seafood counter and simple dining room where whole fish are cleaned and grilled to order. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, with halal-friendly platters that feel more like home cooking than polished fine dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole grilled branzino, Fried seafood platter, Shrimp kebab plate
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Seafood-focused Middle Eastern spot where you pick a whole fish to grill.
Who should go: Seafood lovers wanting halal-friendly grilled fish and platters.
When to visit: Early evening for the broadest fish selection before crowds.
What to order: Whole grilled branzino, fried seafood platter, shrimp kebabs.
Insider tip: Choose your fish at the counter and ask for extra lemon and tahini.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; moderately available on side streets, but can be difficult directly on 5th Avenue after 6pm.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday streetwear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate — active counter noise and dining room chatter, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak dinner hours, faster if you arrive before 6pm
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — mostly sides like salads, rice, and mezze-style items
Vegan options: Very limited — a few vegetable-based sides but little protein-focused options
Gluten-free options: Yes — grilled fish, kebabs, rice, and salads are naturally gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic ones. It’s functional and food-focused rather than intimate or atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t common here. Most guests are seated on a walk-in basis, especially before peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — plenty of families bring kids, especially for early dinners. Fried fish, rice, and simple grilled plates work well for younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Choosing your own fresh whole fish and getting it grilled to order at lower prices than traditional seafood restaurants.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale service, a polished dining room, or a romantic seafood experience.
Bahary Fish Market and Restaurant
7.9
Bahary Fish Market and Restaurant operates as both a small fish counter and casual dining room where you pick a whole fish and have it fried or grilled. It leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, with simple platters that emphasize freshness over elaborate presentation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole grilled fish with rice and salad, Fried shrimp platter, Mixed fried seafood with tahini and lemon
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Fish market-counter hybrid where your chosen fish is cooked to order.
Who should go: Seafood fans prioritizing freshness and value over decor.
When to visit: Early evening for widest whole-fish selection and shorter waits.
What to order: Whole grilled fish, fried shrimp, mixed fried seafood.
Insider tip: Ask which fish just came in and have it simply grilled.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on 4th Avenue and side streets; can be difficult after 6pm, especially on weekends
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely fine
Noise level: Moderate — steady kitchen and dining room noise but still easy to hold a conversation
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — a few side dishes like salads and rice
Vegan options: Minimal — possible to piece together sides but not a full entrée-focused menu
Gluten-free options: Yes — many grilled whole fish and seafood platters are naturally gluten-free if ordered without breading
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic ones — the focus is on food and speed rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates largely as walk-in dining and counter ordering, especially during lunch and early evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple fried seafood, quick service, and casual seating make it easy for kids and families.
Best For
Better for: Fresh whole fish cooked to order at budget-friendly prices with fast turnaround
Skip if: You want plated fine dining, a romantic atmosphere, or a long, leisurely seafood experience