If you’re observing Lent this year, you’re probably already planning your next meatless Friday fast. With Easter right around the corner, it’s easy to run out of ideas to keep your strictly seafood meals exciting.
So whether you’ve found yourself in a fishy rut eating the same seafood Friday after Friday, or if you're just simply looking for your new favorite seafood spot, let this list of local meals inspire you. Here are five fish dishes you should eat in Louisville right now.
1. Maker's 46 Barrel Plank-Smoked Salmon
River House
3015 River Road, (502)897-5000
Image: River House
Chef John Varanese has created yet another local masterpiece with his brand new restaurant, River House. From the looks of this signature entree, it goes without saying that you don't have to observe Lent to enjoy this delicious Maker's 46 barrel plank-smoked salmon. The thick piece of fresh salmon is marinated the only way Chef Varanese knows how: uniquely, and to perfection. Enjoy it with a glass of wine from River House's impressively extensive beverage list of more than 60 wines.
2. Baked Icelandic Cod Platter
The Fishery
3624 Lexington Road, (502)895-1188
Image: The Fishery
If you're looking for a family-friendly dinner restaurant for those meatless Friday nights, The Fishery is it. First-time guests are sure to find love at first bite after sinking their teeth into this restaurant's locally-famous baked Icelandic cod. This fish is seasoned to perfection and flaky in the best kind of way. We recommend it on a bed of rice with one of The Fishery's signature hushpuppies.
3. Louisville Roll
Oishii Sushi
2810 Taylorsville Road, (502)364-3474
Image: Carly Garcia
If fried fish isn't really your thing, why not consider it served raw instead? Oishii Sushi's original Louisville roll combines three types of raw fish, white rice, and slices of fresh jalapeno on top to add an extra twinge of flavor. These roles are easy to share with their extra large portions. Friday date night, anyone?
4. Super Whitefish Sandwich
Hill Street Fish Fry
111 E. Hill Street, (502)636-3474
Image: Yelp
If you can’t stomach another salad for lunch this Friday, make a quick stop at the Hill Street Fish Fry for a local fast food experience like no other. This small Old Louisville staple’s specialty Super Whitefish Sandwich is stuffed with generous pieces of crispy fried fish and creamy house-made tartar sauce on white bread. It’s one fast food fish sandwich you’ll be craving even after Lent. If you can’t make it out of the office on your lunch break, Hill Street Fish Fry offers delivery through a local service, Arrow Food Couriers.
5. Baja Fish Taco
El Taco Luchador
938 Baxter Avenue, (502)583-0440
Image: Yelp
What's more exciting than observing Lent with beer-battered cod? Observing Lent with beer-battered cod tacos! This Highlands's taqueria packs this signature taco with plenty of original spicy aioli, a generous pile of pickled red cabbage, and a thick piece of freshly beer-battered cod. We highly recommend a side order of fries topped with El Taco Luchador's sweet mole sauce. With tacos this delicious, you'll be tempted to eat fish every Friday of the year.
Image: motional.net/BradWoodard
