The Ark Fish

We arrived without a reservation to find a huge queue inside. It seems to be a regular occurrence as it’s extremely popular with locals and there is a system in place where you sit at the bar with your name on a list to be called out. We came at peak times so waited for roughly 40 minutes. The mains do seem a bit expensive compared to other fish and chip shop type sit in restaurants, but when it came out the fish was large, fresh and batter crispy and light. Chips were OK, albeit slightly soggy. I would come back more often if it was a little cheaper. (Visit — 25/​07/​2015 Dinner)

Anniversary dinner. We thought it was a good sign that the place was bursting to capacity when we arrived. We got the last table for two. (They don’t take reservations). Had the calamari starter and grilled cod for the main. They have a nice reasonably priced set menu Tuesday– Thursday. The fish was fresh and tasty. The service wasn’t great. Actually the service was better when the restaurant was full! As people left and there were empty tables, the service got worse. We waited about 20 minutes for our dinner to be cleared and we could order dessert. No one asked if we were enjoying the meal, or if we needed more drinks (which we did). What stated out as a really positive experience was marred by the poor service at the end. I would probably go back again, but not for awhile.

Great for a relaxed Friday night!
Like to go here for a Friday night dinner.
Guaranteed fresh fish, lovely staff and relaxed atmosphere. Our new regular hang out.

I’ve been in better restaurants than The Ark. A two years ago it was better, the staff has changed and now the food is not that good. But still if you are in the area you can try the fish and chips and a pint.

Agree with mammasheen, staff are generally miserable and the food portions and standard varies. Avoid lunchtimes as it is full of mothers who should be at home with their babies and todlers not in a smelly fish shop letting them run riot and scream. West End prices for a mediocre restaurant that seems good because all the others in the area are even worse!

if you like fish you’ll love this place. a converted pub, is mostly open plan, airy, but with a nice buzz about it. i had mussels to start which were plump, juicy and tasty. my fellow guests finished off the juice that came with, all agreed an excellent starter. then the lobster — beautifullly succulent and well presented with the right utensils to get all the meat out. others had a regular favourite of theirs the smoky fish pie — a brilliant choice. i can’t wait to go back.

Really nice fish restaurant. Its not on the high street and it doesn’t take bookings, so don’t venture here unless its a quiet day/​or early evening or you could face a long wait. The menu doesn’t change very often so its not worth frequent visits, but still good quality nice place and would suit even those ‘funny with fish ’ people. décor is wooden chairs and bland, not comfy which says to me that they don’t want you to stay too long! i’m being picky though, this place is well worth visiting.

How curious (1^st one star review). I’ve eaten there several times (although not for a while) and one of the features of the place is they don’t take bookings. Suits some, doesn’t suit others. Fish is good and fresh, chips are real. Prices mount up for a local restaurant tables are a bit crowded, service gets patchy when it’s busy but without doubt it some of the best food in the area. Applebee’s in Wanstead is probably even better fish — and more expensive.

As a family, we used to visit The Ark as a special treat, and as such, we have had some really excellent meals with excellent service. However, on 2 occasions, when the lady who runs the table bookings service was absent from the ‘front of shop’, the standard of service dropped considerably, to such an extent that after the last visit, I refused to go there again. On that occasion, the service was extremely slow, and one of the staff was actually rude to me in front of the family, which should not be tolerated by anyone. I am sorry that The Ark is no longer on my list, because the standard of food was really very good, and now I cannot experience this any more.

I have triedthis restaurant a couple of times and I will not again. The staff are rude and brash and the restaurant itself is incredibly loud.
The food is average and portion sizes vary from visit to visit.
Disappointing to say the least

There are not that many fish restaurants in the local area and this has to be the best in my opinion. It always gets very busy so get there early. There is a huge choice on the menu and what I like about it is the fact that you can pick whatever fish you want, choose how you want it cooked and also choose what you want to go with it e.g. chips, potatoes. There are many tables but as it is so busy there is always people standing at the bar waiting for tables it also gets fairly loud. Overall good food and atmosphere.

Fresh fish from Billingsgate every day, and an ever-​changing specials menu make this a popular spot. This is the fifth or sixth restaurant to run from these premises in the last ten years, and finally looks like a long-​term resident. There is always a crowd at the bar waiting for a table, but that’s part of the fun. Efficient and friendly staff make this place a joy to visit.