As it is owned and operated by the same team that handles Abe & Louie’s just down Boylston Street, it may be little surprise that Atlantic Fish Co. does for seafood what Abe & Louie do for steak. But Atlantic Fish is so much more than just a great seafood restaurant! With its library-warm woods punctuated but not overwhelmed by impressive ship models and sea-worthy pieces of nautical artwork and its high ceilings centered on a ship-shape vault that enhance the open and airy feeling and absorbs some of the friendly chatter that permeates the place, Atlantic Fish is part country club, part yacht club, and all classy and comfortable. Flanked on each end by giant windows that open into the creative kitchen or the bustle of Boylston Street, the space also offers a carved and mirror-backed bar (flanked with two flat screens if you want to catch the game), one of AF’s various white cloth and fresh flower-topped table and booth options or (weather permitting) on the sidewalk patio. No matter where you sit or what you eat, however, your experience is sure to be a pleasure from start to finish!
Every piece of that-day-caught fish is hand-cut by Executive Chef Danny Levesque and is presented in artistic ways that are worthy of Pinterest (if not the MFA!). From prepared specialties like the sautéed Atlantic cod, a huge hunk of hand0cut tuna seared in sesame seeds and sprinkled with soy, shrimp and scallop risotto (one of many fresh and flavorful pasta-based dishes) of the overstuffed Captain’s Platter (which features fried shrimp, scallops, swordfish and mussels with hand-cut fries) to daily catch options that, as the name implies, vary everyday but are always consistent in their freshness and customizability (available grilled, broiled, fried, pan-seared, blackened or baked), Atlantic Fish offers the last word in fish. However, their fish options are in many ways just the beginning! In addition to their scale-tipping scaled suggestions, Atlantic Fish also offers a Davy Jones’ locker-full of shellfish options, including chilled shellfish platters and skyscraping towers, a raw bar that features an array of oysters and other savory shuckables, and an entire lobster and crab menu that ranges from 1.25-3 lbs. and fra diavolo to rolls, as well as jumbo crab cakes and a lobster feast for two (minimum) that includes all the pleasure of a beachside lobster bake without the sand. For those landlubbers who want to stick to the shore, Atlantic Fish also offers surf and turn with fliet mignon, a NY strip steak, and chicken piccata with rice pilaf, asparagus, and fresh tomatos, as well as their famed “Carpetbagger” combo of steak and friend oysters that is sure to please any appetite.
Before digging into the off-shore sensations, diners can enjoy fresh-baked sourdough and other glutened greats as well as a selection of soups and salads that includes clam chowder and stew, sea bass chowder with bacon, corn and poblano pepper, lobster bisque, or lobster and scallop salads, as well as more common but never “common” Caesar and mixed baby green options. The “app” list is worth putting down your iPhone for and includes crab and artichoke dip with gruyere cheese, crab and corn spring rolls, lobster ravioli, fried oysters, sushi-grade tuna tartar, and calamari Milano with olive oil, hot peppers, ginger and other spicy sides. Speaking of sides, Atlantic Fish offers such tempting treats as grilled asparagus, English peas and a corn pudding that could double as dessert! Before you decide you are done, however, be sure to give the dessert card a look, as it includes a flourless chocolate/espresso cake, a housemade vanilla cheesecake, and a peppermint ice cream pie that may make you say “Ooh!” (Ed. note: as I did!].
If the lunch and dinner sounds like it may be too much or if you want more time to enjoy, Atlantic Fish also offers a “signature” weekend brunch from 11-3:30 that features lobster omelets, banana/chocolate chip pancakes and other weekend wonders that make it tempting to come back more than once in a week! No matter what you eat, AF’s selection of wines and cocktails are always a good choice. From their Tavistock Reserve Collection to other top picks from California and France, many wonderful whites, beautiful blushes and robust reds are available by the glass, making finding a new favorite easy and fun! The Back Bay Sangria with Stoli Razberi, its pink sister with DeKuyper watermelon, and the House Martini with Ketel One are also great options, as is the anti-oxidant-packed blackberry mojito.
So whether you want a seafood smorgasbord or a simple slice of swordfish with a side of snap peas, Atlantic Fish Co. is set to serve!
Atlantic Fish Company
761 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-267-4000
www.atlanticfishco.com