Fishbowl Restaurant

Poor service. It seems that we had a pleasant welcome but soon as our server found out that my mother was drinking water we did not get the service we deserved and paid for. Thank god I did not bring the kids and the service I would have received. Table next to us were getting refills on drinks and added attention by the server. My mother had to wave the server over and ask for a refill of water. Water did not come so I got involved and waved the server over and asked for water again. It finally came 15 minutes after we originally ordered it. The ALL YOU CAN EAT greasy fish and chips did not sit well in both my mothers and my stomach. Hospital visit and stomach pumped would have been the best solution. Very upset with this restaurant and tired of trying to find restaurants in Barrie that provide Excellent service and good quality food. Best advice is to cook your own meals at home.
I did not appreciate receiving another customers bill at the end of my meal, from $35 to $61 difference. (Sever did resolve the issue but come on. I also did not appreciate being served Rickers Red when I ordered Robert Simpsons.

This restaurant lives up to its name in that they really know how to cook seafood.

The service was attentive, but not annoyingly so. Empty glasses were promptly refilled, we weren't rushed out the door, but everything was brought to the table and taken away promptly. They greet you at the door in a cheery and welcoming way, and they say good-bye when you leave, too.

The decor was really attractive. It gave a seaside-like feel without being over the top or kitschy. The only quibble I have is that the music interfered with my ability to hear my companion across the table. The seats were comfortable and the tables generously sized.

The calimari was tender and perfectly seasoned. It almost melted in the mouth.

The fish and chips were the Platonic ideal of the species. The breading was crisp and flavourful without being too thick or preventing you from enjoying the tender, flaking filet inside. The chips were fresh cut with just enough skin. The dish was served with malt vinegar and salt, as God and the U.K. intended.

The scallops were carmelized to perfection and the portion was enormous. The rice was a pleasant side, and the grilled seasonal veggies were also cooked to tasty tender-crispness (and not overcooked - as these things often are).

The halibut was poached in a white wine sauce and again, it was cooked perfectly. The sauce was a smooth, savoury accent to the flavour of the fish without overwhelming it. The baked potato was huge, and done just right. They are generous with the toppings and sides for the potato as well. No fear of running out of butter or sour cream or whatever you wish before you finish (IF you can finish. Like I said, it was huge!) My fellow diner had to prevent the waitress from bringing too much butter - which is pretty unusual.

Overall, the experience was great and I can't wait to go back and sample some more of the menu.

The restaurant is beautiful. Trendy, clean, and fashionably chic decor. We went on Saturday night and made a reservation but we didn't need to. The hostess and wait staff were attentive but discrete (didn't hang around but was there when we needed something).

The menu is varied with lots of choice. For fish, you get to pick which fish you want (ie. salmon, pickerel, trout, tilapia, etc.) and then how you want it cooked (pan fried, grilled, poached, fried, etc.). There are also salad, pasta, chicken, and rib dinner choices. Shellfish are also present.

I had the pan fried pickerel and it was fantastic. Not hard but just crispy enough to hold the fish together. Very nice flavour. Very nice portion size. Loved the french fries! My friend had the deep fried halibut and said it was the best she'd ever had.

The melonball cocktail was tasty but had too much perrier in it.

I would go back in a heartbeat and recommend it to everyone looking for something classy which is not Moxie's or Milestones. Great for nights out with the girls, a date, or an impressive business dinner.