Kingfish Seafood is king of the hill
By Patricia Nugent
Merriam Webster defines kingfish as “a large, colorful sporting fish,” and “a person regarded as an authority figure, influential leader or boss,” which makes perfect sense for Kingfish Seafood—the upscale dining destination atop Restaurant Hill in Montrose. The colorful new eatery serves as the undeniable local leader in coastal cuisine.
Before sinking your teeth into fresh-caught blue point oysters or sweet-succulent Maine lobster, the first taste of your nautical experience here is a feast for the eyes.
Reminiscent of a charming coastal New England home, the exterior is as crystal blue as the waters your meal recently called home. A 20-foot swordfish statue majestically beckons visitors from its perch above the building. The seaside splendor continues inside with a seductive mermaid mural.
Nautical navy leather seating punctuated by wooden slat backs lends the perfect perch to check out the giant clam sculptures next to the pearly marble bar, restored wood-plank flooring and reclaimed materials, from fishing nets suspending lighting to lackadaisical sea anemones creeping up the wall.
Best of Haul From Maine to Carolina
Kingfish is the newest dining destination run by the locally owned and award-winning Hospitality Restaurants. The kitchen is under the expert direction of the group’s corporate executive chef, Marc Standen, who has supervised their nationally acclaimed Blue Point Grille in downtown Cleveland for the last 10 years. Marc grew up spending summers on the East Coast, wallowing in authentic coastal cuisine. Honoring those early influences, he has orchestrated a menu that includes a daily variety of fresh oysters, pan-seared big eye tuna, Maine lobster noodle casserole and a spicy Creole shrimp stew.
“The New Bedford scallops have quickly become a signature dish, with jumbo scallops served alongside Brussels sprouts, smoked bacon and hazelnut-laced sweet potatoes,” says Chef Standen.
In addition to fruits of the sea, the menu includes a full array of hand-cut steaks from Certified Angus Beef, a maple glazed Duroc pork chop, and house-smoked lamb belly, which is one of the restaurant’s most-asked-for dishes. The chef has even created a separate menu especially for vegans and vegetarians that features wildly inventive dishes such as the Forest Mushroom Jambalaya.
The restaurant has a well-earned reputation for hosting the hottest happy hour in town. General Manager Eric Kennedy reports they have recently expanded hours on Sundays to 1 to 8 p.m., with all-day Happy Hour drinks and specials from a menu featuring apps such as Three Shrimp Cocktail and Smoked Fish Dip & Chips, and cocktails, from Moscow mules to classic martinis.
The Spot for Posh Parties, Meetings
Kingfish provides the ideal backdrop for every occasion, from date night to family dinners to corporate functions.
“At every seat, at every angle, your eye will land on something special to see,” says George Schindler, president of Hospitality Restaurants, who designed the elegant space.
“Of course, the 18-foot hammered metal wall sculpture of a barracuda commands attention, but there are small and intriguing touches, too, such as the wavy, watery glass partitions separating the bar and restaurant.”
For private parties and corporate functions, the Harbor Room is grounded by a chandelier of crystal “bubbles” cascading downward toward the custom-built 14-seat table, carved in the shape of a ship’s hull. Circular mirrored wall art mimics the feel of portholes and even the carpeting depicts bubbles.
You can almost breathe in the salt air.
Kingfish Seafood is located at 115 Montrose West Avenue in Copley. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-8 p.m. Reservations are available at 330-777-2005 or visit KingfishAkron.com. Other Hospitality Restaurants locations include Blue Point Grille, Salmon Dave’s Pacific Grille, Delmonico’s, Cabin Club and Rosewood Grills in Hudson, Strongsville and Westlake.