Ambiance is all about creating the perfect environment for an exceptional dining experience and Firefish, situated at the apex of Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront couldn’t be placed in a more exquisite location to serve a bountiful selection of spectacular seafood cuisine offered up by our cool Cape waters.

In signature Kove Collection style, Firefish is all about neutral interiors which leverage off a stylish décor emphasized by the art of simplicity to deliver a serene harbour-side space to dine outdoors, or inside, in relaxed elegance with friends and family.

Overlooking the quay, which jostles with buskers, music and harbour-side activities, Firefish hands out front row seats to the V&A Waterfront’s cosmopolitan ‘sunset strip’ where all things inspired are celebrated between Cape Town’s iconic mountain silhouette and the deep blue Atlantic sea.

The Firefish welcome is about sunshine and sea breezes, and when the sun sets, the twinkling of luminous lights which play backdrop to the Waterfront’s sophisticated glamour, renowned as an international playground for wining and dining on any day of the week.

While it may be challenging for some restaurants to stand out above Cape Town’s plethora of cosmopolitan restaurant offerings, it is not so for Firefish, which has won the balance between fine and family dining by lending itself to international standards of relaxed and elegant lifestyle eating and sharing with a modern contemporary menu featuring a blend of fish and grills with delectable dishes on offer for everyone.

Peruse the day’s freshest catch available for viewing at the ice counter where diners may choose their own individual tastes in seafood to pair with the perfect views; or select from the Firefish To Share and A La Carte menus which travel from freshly shucked oysters, to sushi and salads, vegetarian dishes, fish, meat and chicken dishes; to individual dessert choices, each irresistible in their own right whether you consider yourself to be a sweet-tooth or not.

Using the freshest ingredients from both ocean and land, a chef’s sleight-of-hand comes into play by capturing the flavours in the protein cuts on Firefish’s state-of-the-art hybrid Josper Charcoal Grill, which operates at an ultra-high temperature to grill, sear, roast and crisp while still preserving and enhancing the most delicate of food flavours.

Tease your taste buds with any one of their signature starter dishes which include a local Cape fare-with-flair favourite in the unfussy fish cake; this time rendered in a Firefish combination of hake, salmon, horseradish, crème fraîche and garden herbs. Another artistic approach to a familiar favourite are the poached prawns served with avocado, Bloody Mary aioli and cress. The inclusive carpaccio of beef is served with Parmesan and rocket or for a more progressive approach to your main meal attempt to decide between the fried goats’ cheese with sweet chilli and apple or the grilled halloumi with lemon and walnut salsa verde.

Classic sushi lovers will want to take note of the signature sushi offerings, such as the 911 tuna sashimi, a spicy tuna with hot sauce or the crunchy crab served with avocado, tempura soft shell crab, wasabi, mayo and unagi or just head straight for the Rolls Royce, a tempura crayfish, with mayonnaise and flying fish roe.

Capturing the essence of the sea, for main course, the extra lean flesh of the well-textured Sea Bass is grilled and served with clams, olives, tomato, thyme, fennel, baby new potato and a splash of lemon delivering a colourful and satisfying midday meal or early evening dinner. The grilled Norwegian salmon also offers diners a twist of citrus rice and fennel combination. For a classic of the genre settle on Firefish’s seared tuna Niçoise or branch out and try another South African favourite the roast fillet of trout, this time served with a spicy couscous, lemon and coriander. Unswerving ‘pesce’ lovers may also adventure into a tasty punch delivered with the legendary pan roast swordfish which sees a thrilling addition of chorizo, tomato, basil and baby new potato.

To add to your menu-indecision, and possibly worthy of a second aperitif while you take your time deciding, muse over Firefish’s truffle fillet, aged rib eye served with avant-garde Cafe de Paris butter and fries, or a grilled sirloin with walnut salsa verde and charred shallots. Completing the meat category is a choice of sweet and spicy barbecue baby back ribs or lamb cutlets with a traditional rendering of rosemary, thyme, lemon, garlic, olives, chilli and baby new potato.

For families and groups dining with younger gourmands, Firefish offers established favourites across fresh seafood, tender meat and trendy sushi dishes to appeal to newer taste buds.

Dessert is always a trip through heaven’s gates and Firefish has word direct from the angels. Try them all if you can, or order zesty citrus, lime soil and mango coconut panna cotta. Alternatively, the baked cheesecake with pineapple sorbet and a pineapple and coconut salsa is a crowd-pleaser. Another goodie is the to-die-for chocolate pots de crème with oat crumble, strawberries and vanilla ice cream or; a cheeky tweak with the vanilla Crème brûlée of strawberries and olive oil sponge, beautifully presented and soon to disappear from the plate.

One thing is guaranteed, you can expect your food journey at Firefish to live up to Cape Town’s finest views enjoyed while sipping on a selection of cocktails or with some of the Cape’s finest wines to pair with your customised seafood or steak selections. Firefish is just as happy to let you off the hook when you follow up a delectable meal with cognac, port or expresso served with the subtle flavours of a perfect grappa.

Whether family celebrations, anniversaries, corporate lunches or romantic dining for two, you will find your trending-hot Firefish experience located at shop 154, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Waterfront, Cape Town, open Monday to Sunday from 12pm-10.30pm. For more information and bookings visit www.firefishrestaurant.co.za or call (021) 286 4933. Follow @firefishcpt on Facebook and @firefishrestaurant on Instagram.