456 Fish Awards

456 Fish Restaurant Review:

Given its appellation, it’s not surprising that this restaurant owned by a brother-sister-husband team puts an emphasis on fish. A wall of cool glass separating the bar area from the wood dining tables, the wrought-iron ceiling fans operated by a belt system, and the framed prints of old Norfolk all add to the charm of the place. For starters, there’s fried calamari with pomodoro sauce and basil aïoli, buttermilk fried diver scallops, and crab spring rolls. Undecided? Relax and get the Chef’s Appetizer Sampler. As for entrées, fish picks such as grouper filet with fried plantains and cashew-encrusted mahi over creamy coconut risotto with a guava reduction are first-rate. But plenty of dishes are available for those who are not interested in seafood, including chargrilled filet mignon and grilled chicken breast with rosemary pan gravy. Even a vegetable napoleon. And if you want to sip and nibble only, check out the bar menu. Desserts may well include chocolate sin torte or warm bourbon-raisin bread pudding, all proving that this downtown sophisticate has your number.