Fish Market in Old Town Alexandria is a warm, casual restaurant, and a welcome reprieve among the higher-end options that line King Street. Reservations are not accepted and the friendly staff is helpful. I was recently there for a tasting event and loved everything I tried, which makes the Fish Market stand out when deciding on Old Town dining.

A media group was welcomed into a second-story room overlooking King Street. The bartenders were on point with their strong-yet-balanced Hurricanes. The restaurant’s manager, Jesse, shared a bit about Fish Market, and let us know that it occupied an old ship building warehouse. On the menu were: Redfish Etouffee, Oysters Rockefeller, Lobster Tail, Peel-and-Eat Shrimp, Shrimp Skewers, Salmon with Vegetables, and the masterpiece, a gorgeous Seafood Tower. The tower consisted of oysters, clams, crab legs, lump crab, lobster, and shrimp cocktail. Watching the staff build this tower was pure art.

Everything was delicious. Freshness is always a concern with seafood, but there are clearly no issues here. The Fish Market knows good, fresh fish. It’s hard to choose a favorite. The Seafood Tower is the obvious winner. The crab legs were so sweet and succulent and lump crab was super flavorful. The lobster was eventually cut and served and you can never go wrong with lobster. However, the Peel-and-Eat Shrimp were the tastiest version I have had in this area. Usually, this dish is a bit bland, but Fish Market perfectly seasons and cooks the shrimp. The other dish I was wowed by was the Redfish Etouffee. The redfish has a somewhat meaty texture that holds up well with the rich etouffee sauce. Served over rice, this dish was hearty and satisfying.

Fish Market was generous enough to take us next door to Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, which is in the same building and has the same owners. I did not go, as I was way too full for dessert, but I am a long-time fan of Pop’s.

I left quite impressed with the offerings at Fish Market and ready to return when I am in Old Town.

-LEM (Lia)