The Wet Fish Cafe

I had a lovely dinner with my boyfriend and his parents. at the wet fish cafe.

The waitress was very friendly but professional and respectful, and she knew the menu very well and helped us choose our meal and wine.

My crusted goat cheese with green beans was so delicious, and now the menu has changed I miss it even more! The apple crumble was bit sour, but the home made ice cream was lovely and heavenly, so was the chocolate cake!!!

Great music and the vive was just perfect. We had such a lovely evening. Thank you Wet Fish Cafe!

I recommend this place to anyone for any occasion- whether it's a special one, or big group dining, or romantic meal for two, or brunch by yourself! I often wonder why there aren't that many places in London where people can sit alone comfortably and have lunch or, even dinner.

Oh, don't forget to drink coffee after your meal. It puts smile on your face it's so good!
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, May 22, 2008

Breakfast is never a good time to keep people waiting... Unfortunately not only did my partner and I have to wait 10 minutes before menus were even unceremoniously placed on our too small table - it took over 20 minutes & a request before our order was taken. Too many people had been crammed into this seemingly popular cafe and we were asked to move to accomodate larger groups. When my breakfast finally arrived, 8 minutes before my partner recieved his scrambled eggs, my muesli was a little on the burnt side (supposedly "toasted"). Paying West Hampstead prices, and then the "optional" service charge" for a poor saturday morning breakfast experience really put a sour note on the day. Friendly staff are let down by sub optimal food, disregard for service and far too many tables... Definitely will not be returning to Wet Fish.
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Bailey (NW6)
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Sunday, May 18, 2008

I went to the Wet Fish cafe for dinner with a friend last week. Having lived in West Hampstead for 4 years and having only ever admired this place from the outside before (previously put off by the higher prices than other options on West End Lane), we decided to treat ourselves. Sadly, the food was not up to the standard we would have expected for the price of the meal (total bill £68). Starters of soup and a beetroot/feta salad were very bland. My main course (fillet of sea bass) was completely raw in the middle and had to be sent back. The waitress did not offer to keep my friend's main meal warm whilst this was being dealt with - and it took 15 minutes for my meal to return (having chased three times and my friend having finished his dinner during the wait). No apologies were offered. The atmosphere of the place is nice, but I'm afraid I won't be returning. There are plenty of far better options within 100 yards of the WFC.
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Kate
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Pretentious.
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Rob
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Saturday, March 01, 2008

I took a women there on a date and was sorely disappointed to not see an ounce of fish available to eat. Not doing what "it says on the tin". If you want fish go to a restaurant called the "red meat and absolutely no fish on the menu" cafe!

The food that we got though was quite good, notably the bread and butter pudding which brought back many happy childhood memories.
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Dino
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, January 09, 2008

I love The Wet Fish Cafe. The carefully thought out decor which acknowledges the space's original setting as a 'Wet Fish Shop' with its Victorian tiles, wooden floors and beautifully re-created sash - windowed frontage first drew me inside a couple of years ago.

The menu is refreshingly original - no London cafe staples here. For breakfast my favourites would have to be the wonderfully decadent French toast or the scrambled eggs with chorizo and refried beans. Beautifully made with high quality ingredients. Freshly squeezed orange juice and the best coffee in London.

In the evening the menu changes and always offers up something unexpected and challenging to the taste - buds. In winter -time the Lamb stew with prunes, chilli and coriander and two potato purees is a favourite and the selection of fish on the menu is great - monkfish with clams and a pistachio sauce for instance. The desserts are, frankly , delicious - fig and pistachio cake with J.D. creme anglaise for example.

The atmosphere is always relaxed and friendly. the music tasteful and unobtrusive and in the evening the decor by candlelight really is warm and romantic.

I have always enjoyed the service for its relaxed informal approach - no, its not the Ivy and nor should it be. Its a local cafe/restaurant that offers a little something extra special on a street that is filled with run of the mill cheap cafes and fast food eateries. Go into the "The Wet Fish Cafe" and enjoy the atmosphere the decor and food as it should be - leisurely - and you will have a great experience and will want to go back again and again. Long may it thrive.
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Ben
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Friday, January 04, 2008

Apparently The Wet Fish Cafe opens at 9am. Can someone please tell the chef as at 9:30am we were told that our order would not be taken until the kitchen was ready at 9:45! Thirty minutes later I finally had my scrambled eggs, but the arrogant service ruined my meal and I was left feeling more of a hinderous than a valued customer (the only customer that morning). The ambiance is usually lovely, the food good (although prices keep increasing) but the service and management is unorganised and very poor.

This place used to be on top of its game a year ago, come on Wet Fish pull your socks up and get yourself together.
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Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Thursday, January 03, 2008

I also live in west hampstead, and frequent this cafe.

I read the below reviws, and can say each one is true to some extent. The service can be very very slow - so this is not a place to have a meal if you are in a hurry. The staff can sound "rude" because of their English level. But I can safely say they do not mean to be mean to you.

I had my birthday party here with 5 of my friends. The service was so slow, but as they knew it was my birthday, the waiter gave all of us a cup of free hot chocolate.

I guess this is a perfect place to go to if you and your mates have a free eveing, and when you want to enjoy each other's company over lovely food and wine.

The place is so romantic. And it is rather rare to find a place where they do not play music loud - they always play something tastful softly. For me, this is good enough! I normally have a light meal and wine here and move onto The Hollybush in Hampstead for their wonderful cheeses and more wine when I am with someone I like to spend some qulity time.
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Hiro
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Monday, December 24, 2007

I spotted The Wet Fish Café while out hunting for a place in West Hampstead for me and a group of colleagues to go for a meal. I was attracted to The Wet Fish Café by its atmosphere & ambience. Before making my reservation I looked at these reviews and was genuinely concerned about the service so I spoke to the owner of the restaurant and conveyed my concerns. Last night I took a group of 15 people there and we had a lovely time. The owner and the staff were very helpful in organizing our meal, food was most delicious, and service was friendly & good. I shall have no hesitation in returning to this place in the future.
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Abu
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, December 13, 2007

I'm sorry to hear of complaints about the service.

I'm a regular at the Cafe and have never had a complaint.

The staff are attentive and they actually seem to enjoy their work.

(that is enjoy helping customers rather than enjoy jjust chatting amongst themselves)

The food and drink are good but the atmosphere is the real winner.

The place has bags of class and style and is gently cool while still being welcoming .

It's my favourite cafe in West Hampstead.
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Jeremy
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, November 13, 2007