Order the WHOLE fish!

July 28, 2023
SheWolf's whole fish

Photo courtesy of SheWolf

When you think of unique culinary experiences, there are certain foods and dishes that immediately come to mind. One of those is the preparation of and serving a whole fish to your table. While it may seem strange at first to have the entire fish on a platter, the flavors and texture a chef is able to achieve by keeping the fish whole creates an entirely different experience from simply having a filet of fish. If you’re looking to expand your horizons, you have to check out these Metro Detroit restaurants serving a whole fish. 

Sylvan Table

1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Table is a farm-to-table restaurant that sources many of its ingredients from its own sizable farm, which sprawls over more than three acres. Their menu changes frequently based on the availability of seasonal ingredients, with a focus on simple, rustic dishes that showcase the flavors of the ingredients. A whole trout is featured on their dinner menu served with jasmine & wild rice, green garbanzo bean, orange, spring onion, garlic, and pine nuts.

 

Whole fish from Sylvan Table
Photo courtesy of Sylvan Table

Flowers of Vietnam

4440 Vernor Highway, Detroit 

From market trips to weekend getaways, the Chevy Trax’s versatile cargo space ensures you’re always ready for life’s adventures.

Flowers of Vietnam is a must-try restaurant in Detroit if you love Vietnamese and Asian-inspired food. Their CÁ CHIÊN SỐT CÀ is a whole-fried seasonal fish served with tomato, banana blossom, forbidden rice, and cilantro. The presentation is stunning and the whole dish is served to you tableside. If you’re hoping for something smaller, give the whole fried skull prawns a try. 

Photo courtesy of Flowers of Vietnam

SheWolf

438 Selden Street, Detroit

SheWolf has made a name for itself in the Italian food scene in Detroit as chef Anthony Lombardo makes all of his dishes from scratch each and every day. Their menu includes so many incredible dishes but the Orata is a showstopper. Plenty for sharing, it’s a whole roasted Mediterranean sea bream served with eggplant caponata. To further enhance your experience, try it with a wine pairing.

SheWolf's whole fish
Photo courtesy of SheWolf

Oak and Reel

2921 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit

Oak & Reel is where Italian cuisine meets seafood from all over the world for a dinner experience you won’t soon forget. They feature three different types of whole fish on their menu and you’ll want to try them all. First is Langoustine, which is like a cross between a shrimp and a lobster, served by the piece with arugula and salsa verde. Next is a Whole Branzino which is salt baked and served with salsa verde and seasonal garnish. Finally, the whole Dover Sole is pan-roasted and served with bagna cauda and seasonal garnish.

Joe Muer Seafood

Bloomfield Hills and Detroit

Joe Muer Seafood has been a fine dining destination for more than 90 years in the Detroit area. They have two whole fish options on their menu. First, is a Whole Crispy Montauk Black Bass served with sweet pepper slaw, charred tomato, and avocado crema. Then they have their Whole Roasted Mediterranean Branzino served with quinoa tabbouleh, preserved lemon, and a citrus kale stuffing.

 

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