Hythe Bay Fish Restaurant

Having booked a table on line we were looking forward to dining here as we do not eat meat. We were staying within walking distance of the restaurant and hoped to dine there on several nights of our weeks stay in Hythe. We went into the restaurant at lunch time for a drink and to check our table reservation, on being told it was table 8 in the window area we were looking forward to our evenings meal. When we arrived in the evening the manager John told us our table no was 20 near to the Jazz group, on telling him of our dissatisfaction on the table change he told us we did not have to eat there. Having stood our ground we were given a table in the window area. I wish I could say the meal was great but it was not my wife had fish and chips for her main meal the fish was grey looking and not good, the chips are the best part of the meal. Needless to say we did not return.

A beautiful table in the window overlooking the promenade and the sea. What a pity the eating experience doesn’t match the setting. The tables in the window were crammed together and it was very difficult for diners to get in and out of their tables. The food was very mediocre and the portions small. I had Seared Scallops, which were supposed to come with Sautéed Potatoes, Roasted Vine Tomatoes, Grilled Asparagus and a Lemon and Dill Sauce. I received- 4 very small scallops – which were served with a couple of small boiled spuds and three undercooked asparagus. no tomatoes or lemon and dill sauce – cost £17. The Seafood Tagliatelle was appalling – watery and almost inedible. We then had to wait half an hour for our puds, whilst the staff discussed their social life. Most of the staff appeared to be about 16 and had no idea how to serve us. The coffee was produced from one of those machines you get in Tescos cafe and was undrinkable. A restaurant having the aspirations that this one appears to have should at least be able to afford a decent espresso machine. Anyone who rates this restaurant 4 stars must be easily pleased. A very disappointing experience and I will never go there again or recommend it. It is obviously getting business because there is no other seafood restaurant in the area with similar sea views, and the British are prepared to put up with bad food and service.

Wonderful location but the food was poor. In particular the scampi batter was soggy and the scampi just did not taste of anything – not a hint of a fish flavour of any kind – just bizarre. Whitebait was ok but also a bit limp and not crisp. In terms of flavour and quality of food it was about the level of a cheap pub meal, however it certainly was not cheap! Would I go there again – well definately not for another expensive but tasteless meal. If you want to experience the location sit outside on their seafront tables and get a drink, then find a fish and chip shop and enjoy some flavoursome fish for a tenth of the price. Its a real shame as the location is great.

Just eaten here. Scampi tasted of ABSOLUTELY nothing and the batter was flacid. Potted shrimps were also fairly tasteless. I would recommend that the chef or owner actually tries the crab and chips meal for themselves, as it just does not work on any level. The crab was OK but as a meal it was pretty awful. All in all apart from the view the whole thing was fairly disastrious. For £50 for lunch (we also had a couple of beers) I would definately not recommend this place.

We decided to try this restaurant and then read the mixed reviews. My partner and I went for it. On arrival we were welcomed and treated attentively by the bar and waiting staff alike. As we got there early we had a drink at the bar. Even though our table was ready, at no point did we feel rushed to take our places. We ordered and were served in a very quickly even though they were fairly busy. On eating the food, sardines, oysters, lemon sole and halibut all were fresh and cooked beautiful . Again the young waiting staff were attentive and polite without being overbearing throughout the evening. We certainly did feel that we got value for money and had a fantastic night. Would we go back? Without a doubt! Would we recommend it to others?