Get Your Fish Fix
Words By Sam Lauron Photo by Samantha Rushing and Ashley Haguewood
There’s no dish as light and refreshing during the heat of the summer than fish. While Austin’s proximity to the ocean may be less than ideal for some, luckily you don’t need to make a beach trip to enjoy tasty seafood. Instead, try these menu items from local restaurants who are doing fish dishes right.
Tuna Tostada, Grizzelda’s
Founded by owners of next-door-neighbor Jacoby’s, Grizzelda’s is best known for their Coastal Mexican fare with a menu that includes ceviche, fish tacos, and tuna tostadas. Featuring cubed chunks of Ahi tuna topped with avocado, chile aioli and crispy shallots, the tuna tostada is a light, yet flavorful, way to kick off any meal. Enjoy their lunch, dinner or happy hour for a perfectly coastal meets Tex-Mex experience. 105 Tillery St. | grizzeldas.com
Moules Frites, Justine’s Brasserie
When you think of late night dining and French cuisine, seafood might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But at Justine’s, Moules Frites—a popular French dish that consists of mussels cooked in white wine and olive oil with a side of fries—is well-loved for its simplicity and authenticity. While there, enjoy escargot, another classic French fish dish. 4710 E. 5th St. | justines1937.com
Smoked Salmon, Bento Picnic
The Japanese-style bento boxes at Bento Picnic make it easy to enjoy a meal that’s jam packed with equal parts nutrients and flavors. All of the meals feature five colors, tastes and elements, a Japanese menu design that’s meant to enhance any diner’s eating experience. For a fish fix, try their smoked salmon in either a garden or rice bento. Whether it’s served over salad or rice, each salmon bento is dairy and gluten free and comes topped with seasonal veggies, house pickles and creamy tamari sauce.
2600 E. Cesar Chavez St. | bentopicnic.com
Fish Collar, Kemuri Tatsu-ya
When the owners of Ramen Tatsu-ya opened the doors of Kemuri Tatsu-ya, a Japanese izakaya with Texas influences, a new kind of restaurant appeared in the Austin dining scene. Of the many flavor fusion menu items, like the brisket ramen, a must-try is the fish collar: a smoked fish collar with lemon and yuzu salt. Its crispy texture and smoky flavor will have you coming back for more.
2713 E. 2nd St. | kemuri-tatsuya.com
Shrimp Torta, Austin Daily Press
ADP is beloved for their tortas, and the Dewey is no exception. The fried shrimp torta is topped with smoked corn aioli, beet hot sauce, red cabbage salad, and fennel and comes on telera bread from Bellows Bakery, which is made in-house from scratch daily. For a gluten free alternative, try it served over jasmine rice. Swing by their new location on East Cesar Chavez (or their MLK Boulevard location) to taste an extended menu that includes a new tapas section.
4620 E. Cesar Chavez St. | austindailypress.com
Raw Bar, Monger’s Kitchen + Market
While everything on the menu at the “neighborhood fish market and kitchen” will satisfy anyone’s craving for fresh seafood, the Raw Bar is a wise choice if it’s hard choosing between just one dish. Customize the meal by choosing from a rotating selection of fresh oysters, shrimp, crab, daily crudos, ceviches, and even poké. The options are seasonal but are always fresh and Gulf-focused.
2401 E. Cesar Chavez St. | mongersaustin.com
