Chubby Fish

I had dinner there on Tuesday night (12.12.23) with my daughter and some friends. It is the best! All the food was amazing, but the caviar sandwiches, raw oysters, and chili garlic shrimp were highlights. Kate and the rest of the team took great care of us. We try to eat there every time we visit Charleston. It was my third dinner there, and I can't wait to go back. Thank you!

Chubby Fish is an absolute gem, well worth any wait you might encounter. My sister and I arrived at 5:30 PM, just as they were opening, and even though there was an hour's wait, it turned into an opportunity to explore the neighborhood. We discovered the charming Tipplin House wine bar right across the street, which was a delightful way to pass the time. The highlight of our evening was getting seated at the chef's table. It wasn't just about watching the chefs at work; it was about connecting with them, which truly enriched our experience. I mentioned I hadn't tried an oyster in ten years, and, overhearing this, one of the chefs kindly offered me one on the house. It's this kind of personal touch that sets Chubby Fish apart. The seafood here is exceptionally fresh, and the culinary techniques they employ bring out unique and tantalizing flavors. My experience was nothing short of delightful, and I wholeheartedly recommend Chubby Fish to anyone looking for an extraordinary seafood dining experience. It's a must-try spot that goes above and beyond in both food quality and dining experience

We ordered entirely from the raw menu. Everything was delicious, creative, and perfectly balanced. Our favorite oysters were the Seaboat Creek - super fresh with a nice amount of saltiness. And our favorite raw bar dish was the Tuna Belly Toast - surprisingly smokey and filling! The waiter would check in regularly without being overbearing. She was somehow always there right when we needed her! We got in line at 4:20 and were seated at 5:00. Will 100% be back. Keep in mind that you must put in your entire order at once, and they bring the food out as it's made!

Worth the wait! A highlight of our visit to Charleston. We were getting pretty hangry by the time a table was ready for us, but the host helped us get a spot at the standing table asap to get an order in. Extremely chill and good service to go with incredible food. The blue crab tagliatelle with crème fraiche and Calabrian chili was a favorite, and the tuna crudo was probably the best I’ve had. Basque cheesecake really topped it off.

Finally tried the renowned Chubby Fish, and while you do have to time your visit just right (small space with no reservations), it truly is worth the wait. Predominantly seafood focused with various selections from raw bar, small plates, and larger entrees, each dish has an inventive approach and nothing really disappoints. Beer and wine only and a frequently updated menu. Bright atmosphere and large community table. Would definitely recommend if you want to try something new and atypical of traditional downtown dining.

Food was delicious and tasted very fresh. I ordered bluecrab tagliatelle under “large plate” and the celery salad. The waitress suggested one large plate for two people, and we went with that suggestion. However the large plate was pretty small for two people. Which is my only reason for four stars instead of five… prices are high and portions are small.

The Warning:  No reservations.  Beer and wine only.  Wait for a table can be long and the wait list can be chaotic.  Dining area is small, and turnover is slow ('cause the food is that good!).  Many dishes tend to be appetizer sized, delivery is as prepared, so order with the idea of sharing.  If you are hungry, order accordingly, even for the large plates. The review:  Our dining selections were grilled oysters with crab fat curry and cashews.  Grilled grouper with tomato butter, zucchini, and trout roe.  Bone marrow with shrimp tempura and spicy mayo.  Presentation of each selection was excellent.  Each selection tingled our taste buds, we were quite satisfied with our dining choices. Pictured is the menu this evening, I forgot to take a picture of the oysters, dug into the grouper immediately when it arrived, and had the presence of mind to take a picture of the bone marrow prior to digging in. Back in Charleston any time in the future?  We are there!