Little Fish Restaurant B.Y.O.B

Don't mess with the little fish in the pond. After all, piranhas may not be the biggest in size, but they certainly have one mean bite. At Philly's Little Fish B.Y.O.B, the same concept applies: small size, huge taste.

This gem of an eatery resides in an artsy Philadelphia neighborhood where quaint bistros and vivid murals are quite pleasing to the eyes and spirit. Bustling shoppers enter in and out of tiny shops and storefronts, taking in the ambiance that is Catharine Street.

Little Fish is a 23-seat establishment that is as intimate as a dinner-on-the-town gets. Soft candlelight and colorful sea life artwork surround you as you prepare to indulge in Little Fish's fresh seafood entrees. The atmosphere is quiet and even homey-- the epitome of perfect for a romantic dinner date.

To start your Little Fish experience, try the Peeky Toe Crab appetizer with cucumber, avocado and black radishes. Another excellent option is the Blue Bay mussels with coconut, panang curry and lemongrass, finished off with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro.

Entree choices include items like Mahi Mahi with crab fregola and tomato vinaigrette; Sockeye salmon with ceci, cauliflower, chili and lemon-caper vinaigrette; halibut with gnocchi, fava bean, chanterelle mushrooms and truffles; and striped bass with little neck clams, fingerling potatoes, Merguez sausage and roasted peppers.

You can't skip dessert at Little Fish, either. An espresso creme brulee is creamy enough to satisfy even the most scrutinous of dessert lovers, while the chocolate truffle torte with raspberries is a slam-dunk for chocoholics. If you need another reason to visit Little Fish, look no further than the vanilla bean panna cotta with sliced grapefruit-- it's a sinful combination of sweet and sour.

Reservations at Little Fish are extremely helpful due to the small size of the establishment. Dress is business casual.

- by LeeAnn Mullen, Philadelphia Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

LeeAnn Mullen

LeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.