Restaurant Review: World Famous Islamorada Fish Company

I would venture a guess that when you think of premium places to enjoy delicious seafood, you typically conjure up an image of a restaurant that is attached to a retail store, or even a mall for that matter. Your thoughts probably instantly go to high end (and hence, highly priced) food, right?

Well, the World Famous Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant, located in Bass Pro Shops in Garland is going to change the way you think about great seafood dining.

When you first walk into the restaurant, the really cool ambience is the first thing you notice. And while it definitely compliments the theme that Bass Pro has as a whole, it also brings about a really great warmth with it as well. Because of the great feel of easy transition from casual to more formal dining, a multitude of events and parties could be held there from simple birthday parties or anniversary celebrations to wedding events, corporate parties and non-profit fundraisers. As a matter of fact, when we were there for this review, they were setting up for a fairly big event in the private dining area that overlooks beautiful Lake Ray Hubbard.

When we sat down and began to peruse the menu, the first thing that our eyes went to (because we love them so much) were the clam strips featured on the appetizer menu. It is fair to say that we order clam strips at nearly every seafood restaurant that we eat at, so we like to classify ourselves as connoisseurs of sorts. And I would have to say that the flavor, and the batter used on these clam strips, was some of the best we’ve experienced. They weren’t greasy or overdone to that rubbery state either, which scores huge points with us. But, if you’re not as big of a fan of clam strips as we are, no worries, you can also have some Venison Stuffed Mushrooms, Calamari, BBQ Chicken Nachos, or for the more adventurous types, Alligator served up.

We then made our way from appetizers to salad which was crisp, fresh and simply lovely, and also was accompanied by some of their signature bread, which has a yummy bit of honey sugar on top, which played very nicely with the flavors in the salad.

When selecting our choice for the “main event” of our meal, I have to say it was a tough one due to all of the amazing choices in front of us. However, Pan Fried Trout with seasoned new potatoes and onions, plus corn that was seasoned to perfection with a house blend of seasonings, was the winner. Again, everything was extremely well prepared. The taste and texture of the trout was very good, and the way that they blend their own seasonings, really compliments everything else on the plate so well.

And for those who may be dining with you, but are not really feeling a seafood meal, the Fish Company also has some great “land” choices such as Rotisserie Chicken, Steaks, Ribs and some Cajun Chicken Pasta that looked like it was to-die-for (someone next to us was enjoying it!)

In conclusion I would have to say that I was more than pleasantly surprised at both the food and atmosphere of the Fish Company. I would certainly recommend it for both casual dining, as well as for events, functions, celebrations, date nights or just a meal after coming in from the lake. The food is fabulous and prices are quite reasonable.

Islamorada Fish Company is located at 5001 Bass Pro Drive, Garland, TX 75043. Call them at 469-221-2501. Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Restaurant Review shared by Savvy Texas Magazine/Dining, April 25, 2012.

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