Fishwives - Pasadena

4.5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyed every single thing in this visit, everything was so delish and so fresh. We opted for a whole Maine lobster $29), a dozen oysters $41) and a crown city cioppino $35) to share. Crown city cioppino: Really good! Wehonestly loved the cioppino there, the broth was flavorful but not overly salty. And, the fish in the soup was so delish, theywere tender and buttery. This dish reminds me of bouillabaisse that we had in Southern France, probably one of the best we havehad. Maine lobster: It was delicate, tender, and sweet. It was served w/ cocktail sauce and grated horseradish, but I didn'tthink that it paired well w the lobster meat. A bit too overpowering in my opinion. I think it paired better w/ mignonette ormelted butter added paprika and some salt and pepper by choice), would recommend asking some from the restaurant. Oysters:Each oyster is around $3.50-$4, we opted for the chef's dozen oysters sampler, which came with 4 different kinds. They are Mistypoint VA), Coromandel NZ), Haven golds VA), and Beausoleil CAN). My fav was the Beausoleil from Canada, it was exquisite,mild brine and had a good hint of a cucumber note. Both Misty point Briny and earthy) and Haven golds fat as butter) werereally good too. We enjoyed the dozen sampler. Nicely picked. Not the cheapest but VERY satisfying! All in all, love thefreshness! The only suggestion would be the serving order, I just wish we could get the raw dish first instead of the cookedones. Will be returning soon. Tips: Ask for a booth seating if available, they are more comfortable than sitting at the bar orthe regular tables.

As a fan of Cioppino, I must say this was an outstanding dining experience. The Cioppino is perfectly balanced, and I really appreciated the inclusion of salmon, which is not something you usually see. The broth is generous, and the garlic bread served alongside is just right. The oysters are incredibly fresh and delicious. I found the cocktail sauce provided to be an affront to such beautiful oysters—don't even bother with it! The dining area is clean, open, and bright, and the staff is excellent. I'm struggling to find anything to criticize, but honestly, everything was just perfect.

This is a cozy spot located near downtown Pasadena. The fish dishes here are simple yet unexpectedly good. The lobster roll and temaki roll are both excellent. The clam chowder is tasty, and the shrimp and oysters are fresh and well-prepared. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. There's a small sign outside, and there's a parking lot available.

We weren't allowed to sit outside, which led to us being forgotten for about half an hour without anyone assigned to our table. If you choose to wait for an indoor table, you'll at least be able to flag someone down. When our order finally arrived, the food came out quickly, but it wasn't worth the wait. The oysters were quite small, and the rest of the dishes were just mediocre. The salmon temaki was overly salty, reminiscent of a soggy combination of soy sauce and fish and chips.

Absolutely fantastic! While this restaurant may not have an extravagant exterior, it more than makes up for it with exceptional food and service that don't require any embellishments. I ordered the Maine lobster roll along with a mixed seafood platter and enjoyed it with a chilled beer—it felt like a little slice of heaven. This place is a must-visit when you're in Pasadena!