The Real Seafood Company at the Docks was a pleasurable dining experience on a recent visit. On a busy night and despite low staffing issues as many other restaurants, the service was prompt with no wait to be seated or for our food to be served.
A time to relax
Beginning with cocktails, an appetizer order of calamari and the eatery’s signature rolls (if you have never had those rolls, it is reason enough to visit) we were served quickly and the crisp calamari was cooked perfectly, among the best we have had.
We were provided with an opportunity to relax before ordering dinner and our server was knowledgeable concerning the menu, answering any questions regarding ingredients and preparations. We selected some of the fresh seafood and enjoyed our parmesan encrusted flounder, grilled swordfish and Bay of Fundy Salmon. The fish tasted fresh and each dinner was perfectly cooked. The salmon and swordfish were tender and flaky while the encrusted flounder had a crispy crust with a soft interior.
The blue cheese-vinegar coleslaw or, for a small upcharge, house or Caesar salad offer a nice refresher before the fish arrives. Meals include a side dish, including choices of a baked potato, white cheddar cheese hash browns, stewed tomatoes and a nicely flavored ancient grain pilaf.
Due to the generous serving sizes, we requested “to go” containers and were too full to try the offered desserts that include key lime pie, New York style cheesecake, strawberry sorbet and other tempting treats.
The dining room is attractive with an open fireplace and wall coverings with art glass as a nod to Toledo’s heritage. The dining room has an old world, yet modern feel. Even when busy, it does not seem crowded as it is divided into many small areas. Tables and booths provide inside seating and there is ample patio seating, weather permitting, with a beautiful view of the river and city skyline. Live music is available in the bar on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm. Happy hour prices for limited cocktails, wine and beer are offered in the bar until 9:00 on weekdays.
Prices are acceptable. Shared plates (appetizers) run from $12-15. Fresh catch selections range from $23-33, with specialties running a few dollars more. Desserts are typically $4-9. Cocktails are pricey but what one can expect to pay at a lovely restaurant.
The Real Seafood’s reputation as a place for birthday celebrations, where a discount is provided based on the number of guests dining with the celebrant, should not go unmentioned, but please remember, if you are celebrating to bring a state issued piece of identification with you. They do not accept the word of family members and they do not violate the rules regarding proof of the birthday.
With that in mind, the Real Seafood is a place worth visiting.
The Details:
Address: The Docks, 22 Main Street
Hours: 7 days a week 4-9 or 10 on weekends.
Contact: (888) 456-3463; realseafood.com
Reservations: Yes and recommended
Accessibility: Dining room, bar and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Special Diets: Fish and steak preparations are determined by guests.
Cleanliness: Very clean.
Lighting: No problem.
Nose: Quiet
Kids: Welcome. There is a kid’s menu.
Parking: Plenty and free.
