Far Below Expectations
We ate at this restaurant on March 29th, 2003, and had a very disappointing experience. The dinner started off positively when we were seated immediately after arriving at the restaurant just shy of the time our reservation was for. The problems started when our waiter arrived at the table. He was slow, lacked personality, was not knowledgeable about the menu, and just seemed pissed off that he was even there.

We ordered some drinks from the bar (which were all mixed well), and several appetizers. To be fair to the restaurant, most of these; specifically the Crispy Calamari, All Jumbo Lump Crabcake, and Jonah Crab Spring Rolls, were good. The other appetizer ordered was the Sushi appetizer and was sub-par. In fact, if there is one overwhelming conclusion that I came to about this restaurant, it is that this is not somewhere that you should go for sushi. The size of each piece of fish on the nigiri pieces was really small (especially for the price), and the rice not flavored well at all. In addition, it wasn't any fresher than several other sushi bars that I have been to in the area, all of which were cheaper.

After a lengthy wait for the entrees, they arrived, and our first impressions were with the presentation. Simply stated, all were presented very well. Four different entrees were ordered; the Gulf Mahi-Mahi (Grilled), the Stuffed Flounder (Goldfish Style), the 1 and 1/4 Pound Maine Lobster, and the Yellowfin Tuna. The Yellowfin Tuna and Grilled Gulf Mahi-Mahi dishes were enjoyed, but offered poor value for the money paid. The Stuffed Flounder (Goldfish Style), and 1 and 1/4 Pound Maine Lobster were not very good, though. The Flounder dish had potential, but was overcooked, therefore severely limiting how much the dish was enjoyed. It was not worth complaining over, but not very good to say the least. But, the lobster was so tough and rubbery that it was sent back. When the second lobster was served to us, it had the same characteristics (being tough and rubbery), that you could be fairly sure it was frozen and then thawed before being prepared. One of the assistant managers assured us that it was never frozen, but we are still skeptical. Whether it was or not doesn't really matter (although, for the price being charged it should definitely be fresh), it was of poor quality and that's the point. The only items in all of the entrees that were good were the vegetables. All in attendance agreed that they were excellent.

After the entrees, the service went further downhill. The server had concluded that we were not worth his time. Desert menus were thrust in front of us, but by this point, none of us had any interest. By the time the check came around, we were all ready to leave.

So, in conclusion, I would strongly recommend against eating here. Although some of the food was good, the seafood entrees were poor, and if that is what you are going there to eat, choose another restaurant. Of course, if you are willing to pay $20 to $35 for good vegetables, by all means, go here.    [05 Apr 2003 21:22:19]

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Recommended Dishes: Crispy Calamari, All Jumbo Lump Crabcake, and Jonah Crab Spring Roll Appetizers - No Entrees Are Recommended

     ­Anonymous   

Great Service
I'm a once a week diner at Goldfish and have been for over a year now. Sunday nights are our favorite with Dollar Sushi and first 2 fusion martini's free for myself(females). But even when we pay full price we always enjoy our experience. The sushi is always good and comes in decent size portions. My boyfriend has gotten sick from sushi at quite a few other Atlanta Sushi restaurants but never Goldfish. The service, especially in the bar area, is exceptional or we wouldn't go back. I would recommend the bar area unless you are bothered by noise- low ceilings.    [03 Jun 2003 14:32:19]

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     ­Anonymous   

Terrible!
The staff is too "hoity-toity" for me. The food is pretty good, but their service is just awful! Not to mention that I arrived there for lunch one afternoon with my husband who is allergic to seafood, but came along with me because I had a craving for their tomato gaspacho soup (it's so good!) and they denied us anything other than sushi. It doesn't take that much trouble to cook something in the kitchen whether they're preparing for a dinner shift or not. Everything is STILL in the same place and they ingredients are STILL the same. I was outraged. I will never go again! It's a shame.    [04 Jun 2003 01:33:47]

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Recommended Dishes: tomato gazpacho & blue point oysters

     ­Anonymous   thaiangei at Aol dot com

Worth every penny
My boyfriend and I have been to Goldfish on two occasions. Being from Seattle, we are very picky when it comes to seafood. We were both very impressed with not only our servers on both occasions, but the other staff as well. Our water glasses never went empty and we never had to wait to order or receive our food. We eat out several times a week at various Atlanta restaurants, but Goldfish is close to the top of our list. I only wish they would open one downtown.    [07 Feb 2004 18:55:35]

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Recommended Dishes: Calamari, lobster bisque, and stuffed flounder are excellent.

     ­Anonymous