Alper Tekin and fiancée, Sarka Hessova took over one of Felixstowe’s landmark buildings nine years ago to create the Fish Dish and with a second face lift all done and dusted, they are ready for the summer season.

The freshly painted frontage of what was formerly The Old Millars restaurant, has stood beaming over The Pier forecourt watching thousands of residents and visitors come and go for over a century.

Previously 13 years in Whitby, Alper and Sarka brought a traditional method of cooking their fresh fish and chips with them and continue to double cook their chips in beef dripping to seal in that succulent crunch with every savoured bite. Sizzling sustainability from their MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified fish down to the paper and cardboard packaging – everything is considered.

Thin and crispy batter and the freshest fish are obviously popular favourites, and a trip to the Felixstowe seaside really does call for our national dish, but there’s also a variety of burgers, pies, salads, chicken skewers, vegetarian dishes plus another ‘import’ from the north of England: The Parmo. A most indulgent chicken, white sauce and cheese arrangement, and there’s a whole menu section of them.

Mushypeas with your fish dish? They are made from scratch, on site, as is the thick and tangy tartare sauce.

The potatoes are all UK sourced, largely Suffolk and Essex, as are many of the soft drinks and the sauces you will recognise from local condiment legends – Stokes, from just up the road in Rendlesham.

The restaurant is light and airy with room for larger groups.

Views out toward The Pier and waves beyond. Adjacent to The Leisure Centre and the prom means you are perfectly poised for a little retreat before deciding which way to go next in Felixstowe.

Fish Dish is dog friendly; you might even find a treat for Fido on the counter and at least a bowl of water. Talking of liquid refreshment, there’s everything from a good wine list to local soft drinks from Apple Tree Hill in Suffolk (Pear and Quince juice anyone?) as well as Adnams favourites, refreshing Efes (classic Turkish beer) and, of course, a freshly brewed pot of tea or coffee.

Alper talks with pride about his team and his ethos of authenticity, respect, and sustainability. He is keen to call Fish Dish a restaurant with take away service available. There is nothing ‘fast food’ at Fish Dish. Everything is cooked to order and the team are always pleased to see you.

Find Felixstowe Pier and you’ll find Fish Dish exactly opposite.