ZipPicks Awards
Best Trendy Restaurants in Financial District
Master Critic Review
Fishmarket Restaurant
8.0
This rowdy South Street bar-restaurant pairs Chinese-leaning seafood stir-fries and fried fish with pitchers of beer and late-night energy. It’s less about polish and more about blown-out flavors, big portions, and a packed room of regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt-and-pepper shrimp or calamari, Chili crab or whole fried fish, Garlic-butter clams over noodles
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A no-frills, seafood-heavy hangout where Chinese-style plates and cheap drinks fuel loud nights.
Who should go: Groups prioritizing big flavors, portions, and beer over polish.
When to visit: Busy evenings when the music and crowd are in full swing.
What to order: Salt-and-pepper seafood, chili crab, garlic-butter clams.
Insider tip: Come with a group and share a mix of seafood plates—solo diners should grab the bar to avoid long waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on nearby blocks can be tough after 6pm—budget extra time or consider garages along Pearl/Water Streets.
Dress code: Very casual—tees, hoodies, and sneakers blend right in.
Noise level: Loud and lively—conversation can be challenging during peak evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for groups; bar seats move faster but fill early.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait, especially before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—mostly sides or non-seafood appetizers.
Vegan options: Minimal options—likely restricted to simple vegetable sides.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated menu or prep space; some seafood plates may be adaptable, but cross-contact is likely.
Best For
Better for: Blown-out seafood flavors, big portions, and wallet-friendly group drinking compared to more polished Seaport spots.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet dining, refined seafood presentations, or strong vegetarian/vegan accommodation—nearby sit-down restaurants will suit better.