Tucked away in a local Charleston neighborhood, Chubby Fish serves some of the freshest, most sustainable seafood in town. At 5:00 p.m. sharp, the blue velour curtains are pulled back to reveal a cozy jewel-box of a restaurant, decked out in blues, whites, and natural woods. The laidback vibe belies the serious culinary prowess of Chef James London, whose focus on local, sustainable seafood makes Chubby Fish a seafood lover’s paradise.
What’s the Crowd Like?
"Packed" is an understatement. The nightly line starts forming long before the doors open at 5:00 p.m., and on weekends, people will start queuing as early as 2:00 p.m. If you show up right at opening, you’re rolling the dice on whether you’ll snag a table before the restaurant closes. The crowd is full of seafood enthusiasts, both locals and in-the-know visitors, ready to dive into unique and inventive dishes that go way beyond the standard fried seafood fare.
What Should We Be Drinking?
The wine list is designed to highlight the seafood and is your best bet. There’s also a well-curated selection of beers and low-key cocktails, but the wine pairings are the true standout here.
Main Event: The Food
James London’s menu is a constantly evolving masterpiece, dictated by what local purveyors bring in each day. The dishes fuse flavors and techniques from across the culinary spectrum into something distinctly Charlestonian. Here’s a taste of what you might encounter:
Steamboat Oyster: A smoky, savory sauce replaces the traditional mignonette, elevating the briny oyster in unexpected ways.
Caviar Sandwich: Buttery, salty, and slightly creamy with a hint of lemon. The soft, fluffy roll provides the perfect balance to the crunch and salt of the caviar.
Bigeye Tuna Belly Toast: Crisp toast topped with nutty seeds and fresh veggies for crunch. A drizzle of oil was perhaps unnecessary, but the flavor overall was phenomenal.
Wagyu Tartare: Tender beef, sharp mustard, salty roe, and crispy nori served over rice. A creative twist on a classic tartare.
Grilled Oysters: Enhanced with cilantro, curry, crab fat, and a satisfying crunch of cashews and puffed rice. A rich, buttery dish with layers of flavor.
Celery Salad: A mix of crunch, acidity, and creaminess, balanced with potato chips, purple potatoes for starch, and a lingering background heat. While delicious, it’s a bit tricky to eat.
Snapper Tempura: Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a soy beurre blanc and a splash of lemon to brighten the flavors.
Blue Crab Tagliatelle: A delicate yet decadent dish with tender noodles, bright lemon, and a satisfying crunch of panko. The fresh crab truly shines.
Chili Garlic Shrimp: A standout dish. The shrimp are sweet, perfectly cooked, and paired with a garlicky, citrusy, spicy sauce that lingers beautifully on the palate.
Bone Marrow with Tempura Shrimp: A rich, indulgent dish with jalapeño, cilantro, and soft-yet-crispy bread that perfectly balances the fatty richness with acidity.
And the Service?
The staff here runs a tight ship. Courses are perfectly timed, and servers are gracious, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food. Even with the sheer volume of people passing through, service feels polished and professional.
What’s the Real-Real on Why We’re Coming Here?
Chubby Fish is a temple to seafood, where you can expand your palate with expertly crafted dishes like grilled oysters and blue crab tagliatelle. If you’re the type to nerd out over tilefish or appreciate the subtleties of seafood done right, this is your spot. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience.
Pro Tip: If you’re determined to dine here, plan ahead and come early. If you can go on a weekday - do it. The line will be a bit shorter, with people arriving around 4PM - rather than the 3PM you'll see on a Friday and 2PM on a Saturday. Even in Charleston’s rare snow or freezing temps, people will wait hours to eat here— so don't be surprised when you see a line flowing out the door, no matter the hour or weather.
