Fishmonger Illovo
Johannesburg's premier seafood destination, renowned for its incredibly fresh catches, impeccable service, and charming coastal vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Fishmonger Illovo
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Johannesburg's premier seafood destination, renowned for its incredibly fresh catches, impeccable service, and charming coastal vibe.
"Probably the top seafood dining experience in Johannesburg."
Book Ahead
Reserve your table in advance to guarantee a spot, especially during busy times.
Wine Pairings
Consider the Babylonstoren Chenin Blanc or Bouchard unwooded Chardonnay for excellent meal pairings.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Phone
+27 11 268 0068
Address
Thrupps Centre, 204 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Seafood Feast
Dive into a diverse selection of the ocean's finest, from succulent prawns and calamari to the catch of the day.
Impeccable Service
Experience attentive and knowledgeable waitstaff who elevate your dining journey with their professionalism.
Coastal Ambiance
Relax in a charming, coastal-inspired setting that offers a delightful escape from the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reserve your table in advance to guarantee a spot, especially during busy times.
Wine Pairings
Consider the Babylonstoren Chenin Blanc or Bouchard unwooded Chardonnay for excellent meal pairings.
Visit Off-Peak
For a more relaxed dining experience, opt for off-peak hours.
Seafood Focus
Vegetarian options may be limited; this is a seafood lover's paradise.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reserve your table in advance to guarantee a spot, especially during busy times.
Wine Pairings
Consider the Babylonstoren Chenin Blanc or Bouchard unwooded Chardonnay for excellent meal pairings.
Visit Off-Peak
For a more relaxed dining experience, opt for off-peak hours.
Seafood Focus
Vegetarian options may be limited; this is a seafood lover's paradise.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Fishmonger Illovo is lauded as a top seafood destination in Johannesburg, praised for its consistently fresh and flavorful dishes, generous portions, and vibrant atmosphere. Diners frequently highlight the impeccable and attentive service, with staff often going the extra mile to ensure a memorable experience. While the price point is noted as higher, the quality of seafood and overall dining experience are widely considered worth it. Occasional reviews mention food safety concerns and inconsistency in preparation, but the overwhelming sentiment remains highly positive.
"My whole extended family had an absolute delicious dinner. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal. Service was excellent. The atmosphere was also perfect. I personally ate the Queen prawns which were grilled to perfection.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT"
Ivan Levinrad
"Probably the top seafood dining experience in. Johannesburg. You get what you ordered. The food is always fresh and the atmosphere always vibrant. Professional, mature staff who go out of their way to ensure that your experience is pleasant and memorable for all the right reasons."
Buyisiwe Shongwe - Varenzakis
"It was not our first option, but because I like a wine with my dine... the original restaurant unfortunately was not an option as they don't serve wine 😢. We decided on our 'norm restaurant' and on the way out we saw the fishmonger. Wow, wow, wow... Boesman had the prawns, I had the salmon. The food, the atmosphere and the service is nothing less than excellent! Thank you ever so much. Ps: the food comes so fast out, 🏃♂️, have a chat with that someone special before you order 😉. 5 stars 🌟 for you thefishmonger illovo!"
Ryan van der Merwe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is celebrated for its outstanding seafood, including prawns, calamari, kingclip, and linefish of the day. Sushi platters and seafood platters are also highly recommended.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book a table in advance, especially during peak hours, to avoid waiting.
The Fishmonger boasts a coastal-inspired ambiance, creating a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere that transports diners to a seaside retreat.
While the restaurant is seafood-focused, some limited vegetarian choices might be available. It's best to inquire directly.
The Fishmonger is considered an upscale dining experience, with prices reflecting the high quality and freshness of the seafood.
Yes, takeaway meals are available, although one review noted the food arrived cold and some dishes had too many bones.
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Seafood Restaurants In Johannesburg | Ultimate Guide
For some of the best seafood in the city, be sure to head to your nearest Fishmonger. You’ll be able to find their Gauteng branches in Rosebank, Bryanston, Illovo, Mulbarton, Centurion (Pretoria) and at Sun City if you’ll be paying the Pilanesburg a visit. Their menu is crammed with a wide variety of freshest seafood, including fresh Linefish daily, tender calamari, moreish Mozambique Prawns, delicious Langoustines, luxurious Lobster, and much more.
Top 5 Seafood Restaurants in Joburg
Located in Illovo’s Thrupps Centre, The Fishmonger was the first of the national Fishmonger restaurant franchise. Perhaps, in comparison to the other restaurants on our list, Fishmonger doesn’t quite match up in terms of sophistication or elegance. However, their reputation as one of Joburg’s top seafood eateries is well-founded and places them comfortably among any of the other restaurants.
Johannesburg Top Family-Friendly Restaurants
Head straight to The Fishmonger in the trendy suburb of Illovo. With a reputation for serving up some of the freshest seafood in the city, this restaurant has been a firm favourite among locals for years. The main menu (there’s a separate menu for the hungry kids) boasts a wide range of options, from succulent shellfish to sushi and fresh line fish.
12 Finest Fish and Chips in Johannesburg with African Flair
For a seafood delight, Fishmonger Illovo is one of the best places to dine. Their menu highlights fresh, high-quality seafood, featuring everything from shellfish and line fish to expertly crafted sushi. I rarely eat vegetables, but I made an exception with Fishmonger Illovo’s fish and chips.
Where to get delicious fish and 'tjips' in Jozi
Quick and efficient service, and a wide range of seafood options available on their menu, Fishmonger is certainly worth the visit. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12noon to 10pm and on Sunday and Monday from 12noon to 9.30pm. View this post on Instagram
Best restaurants in South Africa on a budget
The Fishmonger in Illovo, Johannesburg, is arguably one of our favorite restaurant in the entire world. In the past, we have traveled to Johannesburg just to go to Fishmonger, Illovo. In fact, we will not go to South Africa, without going to the Fishmonger.
10 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Johannesburg, South Africa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Fishmonger Illovo promises to serve the best seafood in the city. If you are craving for a fine dining experience with the kids then this restaurant is a great choice.
The Best Seafood Restaurants In Gauteng In 2024
With multiple locations across Gauteng, The Fishmonger is a favorite among seafood lovers. Known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes, this restaurant offers a wide range of seafood options, from grilled fish to seafood pasta.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit