A new chain restaurant has opened in Ikebukuro recently, the Manhattan Fish Market, which features American-style seafood in a fun and casual dining experience. It’s a Halal-friendly business, which means it’s a non-alcohol, non-pork eatery that is following Halal restaurant standards. The establishment is currently applying for halal accreditation and even offers prayer space for its patrons. Plans are in the works for a second branch in Tokyo.
With over 50 restaurants across eight countries, the Manhattan Fish Market is well known for its innovative offerings such as on-the-spot flaming of the Manhattan Flaming Prawns. Other delights on the menu include fish and chips and seafood platters. The establishment draws its inspiration from the reputable Fulton Fish Market, which was once located below the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
On a recent lunch trip there with friends, we shared a number of dishes. We started with the seafood chowder (¥450 for regular size), garlic herb mussels (¥680), chilled seafood mix (¥680) and the fried country mushroom (¥580). For mains, our table ordered regular-size fish ‘n chips (¥980) with dory fish (there is a choice of two types of fish), spicy baked fish (¥1,180) and the small-size “Flame”, which comprised of grilled prawns and dory fillet over a bed of garlic herb rice and flamed at the table (see photo, ¥1,680). To finish, we tried the sizzling brownie with ice cream (¥780). The spicy baked fish was truly spicy as promised from the menu and the “Flame” was exciting to watch. The appetizers and soup were also of high quality and fresh. It was a great place to share dishes.
The eatery does not serve alcohol. However, they do offer a good selection of mocktails, milkshakes (a rarity in Japan), floats, coffees, soft drinks, and alcohol-free beer (the price ranges from ¥250 for an espresso to ¥680 for a milkshake). Some of us tried the lemongrass cooler (¥600) and that was cool and refreshing.
Overall, the Manhattan Fish Market offers a good selection of fresh seafood at prices that rival other casual dining places. It offers a fun and relaxing dining experience, and is definitely a good choice for large parties, since they offer many dishes for sharing. Interestingly, since its inception, the Manhattan Fish Market has won numerous awards and accolades in the food and beverage industry; such as best brand in product branding (western seafood category) under the BrandLaureate SME Chapter Awards, a branding foundation that aims to improve branding practices and standards throughout the world.
