Crazy about this newly-opened seafood restaurant?

Crazy Fish in DIFC offers creative twists on classic Italian dishes in a fine dining setting. Here's what else you need to know

Crazy Fish is undoubtedly a  fine dining establishment. You can see it in the decor - white tablecloths, long stemmed glasses and golden lighting. And you can see it in the service (the way the waiter holds out your chair and brings a holder to hang your bag). And yet, effort has been made to ensure the place is young, friendly and welcoming. Quirky artworks dot the walls and there's even a DJ. Not to mention a 'fish bar' on ice near the entrance, if you fancy picking your meal.   
This is the second branch of the restaurant (the first is in Monte Carlo) and it's been brought to the UAE by Italian businessman Flavio Briatore who understands the importance of freshness; the fare is flown in thrice a week from the Mediterranean Sea!
We got started with a mix of hot and cold starters. The Tuna Tartare was served with aplomb within a smoky cloche, and interestingly had a bed of mashed potatoes - a must try! Other stand out dishes were the Seabass and Prawn Rolls (crunchy thanks to the carrots within), a deliciously light Seabass Carpaccio, and the Mixed Fried Seafood. After a hearty dish of Seafood Gnocci, we were stuffed. But dessert, a smorgasbord of fruit on ice, sliced and filled with sorbets, was too good to be missed. It's creative, quirky - and crazy - enough to impress. 
TASTE
With the cuisine being Italian, dishes are simple, flavourful and, most importantly, fresh. Almost all the seafood was cooked to perfection (although we found the Gnocci a tad oversalted). Dessert made up for it, with peanut, banana and strawberry sorbets tucked into frozen fruits and nuts. 
AMBIENCE
Crazy Fish is a fine dining establishment for true seafood lovers. Enter and you'll find their 'fish bar' along with live lobsters in a tank. White tablecloths and long stemmed glasses add formality to the place, but the DJ and quirky artwork keep it from becoming hoity toity. 
SERVICE
The attention to detail from the servers was impressive indeed. They were happy to offer suggestions and recommendations, made sure glasses were never empty and took pleasure  in serving dishes at tables, often with elaborate demonstrations. 
PRESENTATION
All the dishes were well presented, with elements that were put together at the table. We especially liked how the Tuna Tartare was brought. Another table ordered the catch of the day in salt crust and got a demonstration at their table, complete with fire. Enough said. 
VALUE FOR MONEY 
At the end of the day, Crazy Fish is a fine dining establishment that specialises in seafood and is obviously priced on the higher side. Considering the quality of the ingredients and the ingenuity with which it's cooked, it's worth it. Perhaps save this one for an occasion! 
janice@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Food and Dining