The Seafood Bar

My cravings for seafood are…constant, and my curiosity about The Seafood Bar has been growing and growing. Finally, I made it there for dinner a few weeks ago, after trying to get a reservation for ages (hint: if you’re going with 4 people, plan in advance).

We were welcomed by friendly faces showing us to our table (a window one, yes!). On our way, we passed the food bar, where you can see most of the seafood that will end up in your plate. It looked fresh, just as they claim.

The menu is full of choices, so I find it hard to believe there is anyone out there who would not find something they like at this place.

The night began with complimentary bread and butter. For starters, Hayden, my parents and I shared the Squid From The Plancha and Pulpo A La Gallega. They were both very nicely made, full, tender, and came with a delicious herbs sauce. Tried to save some of the sauce for my main and failed. Thankfully, I received another one. Crisis averted.

I opted for the Fruits De Mer plate: combination of cold crustaceans and shellfish; mussels, cockles, razor clams, periwinkles, amandes, North Sea crab, shrimps, home made salad, seaweed salad and 2 oysters, served on crushed ice.

Some of the foods can be a bit of work, like the cockles, crab or the shrimp (you know, as usual), but I enjoyed every single thing on that plate.

I have to admit I was mostly excited about the oysters, as this was my first experience with them (they’re becoming a trend, aren’t they?!). Loved them, will explore this food further, probably at The Seafood Bar’s oysters and cava Friday nights! The plate can look overwhelming at first, but the food is light. You will not leave hungry, you will not leave stuffed.

Hayden used to be quite against seafood that was not fried until recently. I think our holiday in Croatia changed him – and I get that. He chose the Fillet of cod, to my surprise, and said he was more than satisfied with it. His portion looked small in comparison to mine, but Hayden claims it was well made and filling enough. Of course, the fries helped with the filling part.

My parents shared the Plateau Deluxe. Presentation did not disappoint for this one either. It consists of trout fillet, shrimps, North Sea crab, two types of salmon, prawns, tuna salad, snow crab and langoustines. They worked on the platter for about an hour – the Snow Crab can take a bit of work too, as you may expect.

Parents were happy with the quality of the food. Worth mentioning my father worked for a long time on seas and oceans, thus his standards are high.

We all shared a bottle of Rosé, Château d’Ollières, a light wine that fit the dinner.

I had high expectations for this place, and I was not disappointed. From the friendliness of the staff, to the presentation of the dishes, to the taste and freshness of the food. Oh, and they let me take home the pretty shell the bill comes in (thank youuu).

We’ve spent a great evening and will return for more oysters, and this other meal that caught my attention: the French Style Mussels with white wine, garlic and cream. Mmmm.

Value for money: 9

Food Quality: 9

Location: 9 (Spui 15 is their largest venue; Ferdinand Bolstraat 32, Van Baerlestraat 5 )

Service: 9

Website: https://www.theseafoodbar.com/

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