Serving the freshest seafood with minimum fuss and maximum flavour, Fishers provides a relaxed, gastropub-style atmosphere in which to enjoy some of the finest seafood.

The Venue
At the top of St Clements Street, opposite the busy Magdalen roundabout and surrounded by bars and continental delis, its location is one that suggests a lively atmosphere.

The jaunty red and blue nautically themed decor (including posters of fish biology in the bathrooms) furthers the sense of fun, reminding you that this experience is, first and foremost, about the delights of the sea.

The restaurant is fairly small, but feels cosy rather than cramped, and the red gingham tablecloths and blackboards advertising wine, desserts and specials lend a homely, rustic feel.

The People
Fishers is the place to go for excellent seafood in comfortable surroundings. Whether you are surrounded by jovial parties tucking into huge plates of fish and chips, or couples gazing misty-eyed at each other over expensive seafood platters, you will probably feel just as relaxed as you would in your local pub.

It somehow manages to feel both elegant and special, ideal for a romantic date, and it's cosy and cheerful and well-suited to dinner with friends. Staff are friendly and welcoming, always keen to ensure you are enjoying your meal and, more importantly, are equipped with the correct seafood-eating implements. However, service can err on the slow side during busy periods.

The Food
Fishers offer a range of menus to cater for every taste. There is the a la carte lunch and dinner menu, which changes daily to reflect the day’s catch bought from fishermen and markets throughout the country. There are also set lunch (£8.50 for two courses) and an early dinner menu (one course £6). Fishers occasionally offer special set-menus, such as the summer offer of £19.50 for three courses.

Starters such as deep-fried calamari, battered tiger prawns or grilled Cornish scallops will please any seafood lover, though there are options for those less enamoured by the fruits of the sea, such as carrot and toasted almond soup, or deep-fried brie. All starters are reasonably priced between £5 and £7.

For the real seafood lover, the hot and cold platters (£22 each) are a must and are ideal as sharing starters. Magnificently presented on a basin of ice and lemon are delicacies such as smoked salmon, langoustines, crayfish, oysters, clams and prawns, accompanied by tartare sauce and a bucket of fantastically nutty brown bread and butter, a perfect accompaniment to the sweet shellfish. Various implements are provided for extracting the shellfish; the hands-on experience gets conversation flowing and the effort required makes the end result even more delicious.

Main courses range from the traditional – haddock and chips (£11.50), Scottish salmon fishcakes (£10.50) or kedgeree (£9.50) – to the more exotic. Try grilled marlin steak with a red onion confit (£12.95), a ribeye steak and tiger prawn ‘surf n’ turf’ (£22.50) or Canadian lobster thermidor (£18.50). The lobster is rich and delicious, served with excellent thick-cut chips, though its sweet flesh is somewhat overpowered by the rich sauce.

Pan-fried turbot with mash and a mushroom cream sauce exemplifies this restaurant's attitude to food: high quality fish, simply adorned in order to let its flavour shine through. The skin is crispy and seasoned to perfection, the mushrooms providing a perfect earthy note. There are various side salads available to complement the dishes – tomato and basil, buttered spinach or peas, Greek salad and mashed potato or chips, all at around £2 to £3.

Although after feasting on the sea’s delights you may not need a dessert, but there are some appealing treats such as creme brulee, sticky toffee pudding, and vanilla ice cream, as well as a nod to the fish and chip shop classic, banana fritters (served with toffee ice cream). Desserts range from £4.95 each or around £6 for sharing desserts and are advertised temptingly on boards around the restaurant.

The Drink
Fishers select their wines to complement their dishes, and a list of those particularly recommended is displayed on blackboards. The wine list favours white over red and they're organised into recommended, light and dry, full and rounded and aromatic.

Bottles range from £12.95 to £26.50, though most are offered by the glass. There is also a good selection of beers, priced at £2.95 to £3.50, aperitifs, champagne and soft drinks.

The Last Word
For thoroughly enjoyable seafood and a fun and warm atmosphere head to Fishers. The range in price makes it ideal for both dinner on a budget, and for those ardent seafood-lovers looking to splash out on that extra-special platter or turbot. Whatever you choose, the food will be simple, hearty and full of flavour.

venue information venue map view oxford review user reviews (2)