The Pelican Restaurant

We have been there 3 times since the new owners have taken over. It is our new favorite place to go, it gets really busy on weekends, make a Reservation. Sea Bass, Ahi tuna, zucchini crab cake - all delicious! Service friendly and good!

Pros: Not one complaint

Cons: None

Posted 05/07/09

Our group of 5 tried the Pelican tonight and all left saying we would definitely be back! After a pleasant greeting by the hostess, the waiter greeted us at the table and asked if we had a bottle of wine (BYOB) that needed opening. From there, he told us of the many specials of the night and gave us sufficient time to review the extensive menu while enjoying our wine. Each of us got a different dish including: scallops, zuchinni crab cake, salmon with lump crab meat (my choice & excellent), fresh fish of the day, and crab imperial. The fresh fish was all touched with a nice olive oil flavoring. A nicely prepared salad and fresh bread with herbed olive oil were also served with dinner. Only two went for the chef made desserts but both the New York cheesecake and creme brulee were excellent. This is a must try restaurant. I am sure if you try it you will be back just as we will be!

Pros: Fresh fish, great service, nicely prepared

Cons: None

Posted 04/09/09

My wife and I have been a longtime customers of Pelican Fish Co. When it first opened, it was wonderful. The restaurant has had some ups and downs over the past few years, but in the past 6 months, had seemed to be consistently improving and was serving some absolutely delicious food. That seems to have changed with the newest and latest owner though. My wife and I visited just last week for dinner, and ordered two of our usual staples - the broiled combo and seafood risotto. My risotto tasted nothing like it had in recent months. It was watery and bland, and was definitely not the rich, creamy, flavorful dish that I had grown to love. The rice tasted old and dry. My wife's broiled combo was even worse. The shrimp were horribly overcooked and the tilapia was FOUL. It tasted like soap or some other sort of cleaner. We informed our waitress, who was very apologetic. She returned a short time later and told us that the chef said there was nothing wrong with the fish, but they would take the entree off our bill. Ironically, the two ladies sitting next to us both ordered the broiled combo and sent theirs back with the same complaint as well! The fish was definitely either spoiled or had been mishandled in some way. How the kitchen didn't realize this after multiple entrees had been sent back is beyond me. My wife and I didn't even bother with dessert and have decided that we will not be returning to The Pelican. Obviously the other reviewer that is raving about the new owner/chef must have either been paid to write a glowing review or have a serious problem with their taste buds! Here's hoping you don't get sick from your next visit... I say bring back the old owner and chefs!

Posted 03/26/09

Pelican has made a regular out of me. My wife and I are forever hooked by the most awesome fish and steak dinners we ever had. My wife had the black bass special (which she stingily shared) It was fresh and flavorful - it just melted in our mouths! I had the filet gorgonzola which was tender and grilled to perfection. The great food and great service has made regulars out of us. We're going back next week with family and I bought a gift certificate for friends! Definitely make reservations for the weekend. The place fills up quick!

Pros: Great food. Great service

Posted 03/26/09

I have finally found the best seafood restaurant in south jersey. The Pelican Restaurant (hey, no longer Pelican Fish Company) has arrived and is taking South Jersey by storm. The new chef/owner (as of 02/09) is Bill Fischer, the former celebrity chef from Caffe Aldo Lamberti and the Fretz Kitchen on CN8, has finally ventured out on his own. His Chilean sea bass was the best I ever tasted and the pan seared scallops were also fabulous. Other famous favorites included Zucchini Crab cakes and Sesame Ahi Tuna, both recipes were popular specials that aired on the Fretz Kitchen on CN8, and are now popular favorites on the Pelican menu. Fischer is a former native Cape May commercial fisherman and Chef, has brought together his amazing culinary talent and his sixth sense for fresh fish. Every dessert was homemade, the ambiance was very relaxing and romantic, the service was upscale but the prices were very, very reasonable. By far the best BYOB restaurant to ever come to south jersey! Check it out for yourself, you'll be glad you did!

Pros: Best Seafood in South Jersey!

Posted 03/20/09

We went to the Pelican last Saturday with two other couples. We made reservations for 6:30 and were seated right away. The restaurant was warm and cozy and the menu was out of this world!

We loved the tuna appetizers! My favorite was the artichoke & crab dip! I ordered the Chilean Sea Bass for my entree and it was the BEST sea bass I have ever had. My husband had the seafood combo and our friends tried the crab cakes and tuna. Everyone in our party was THRILLED with their meals. I can't wait to tell everyone to go for lunch!! Thanks for bringing great dining to Washington Township!!

Pros: Fantastic Food & Great Service

Posted 03/16/09

I called for a reservation and was told they would call me back. An hour later I called and was told there were no reservations left. I admit hanging up on the man I spoke to. I was angry that I waited an hour only to be told no.A woman called me back (after the hangup) and said there was a reservation after all,did I want it? I did as it was getting late.
We were seated immediately as there were only two couples in the dining area. Our waitress was very attentive though you could tell she was training for the job.
The food was wonderful with delicate flavorings that mingled well. I loved everything though I thought the mini crab cake was a bit doughy. I would still order the same dinner again.Broiled seafood platter.
We enjoyed the atmosphere of the dining area. Low lighting,soft music,loud chef. I thought he was trying out for the america version of Gordon Ramsey minus the curse words.Listening to him explain the various foods and their way of being cooked was informative.
The only thing I did not like and my husband agreed......The bus boy didn't give you a chance to finish your meal before he was asking to take your plate. I didn't mind as much as my husband who had his fork in his hand getting ready to spear a shrimp when he was asked. We felt as if we were being rushed out of the place. I don't know why, over half the tables were empty.
Anyway,we both would return. I want to try the crab and vegetable adriane and hubby wants the crispy fried clam.

Pros: Food,ambience ,parking,service

Cons: too fast bus boy.

Posted 12/30/08

I have to agree with what others have said-this place is amazing! Service, ambience, and the food itself are all awesome. We had the sea bass and seafood sampler and both agreed that they were 2 of the best seafood meals we have ever had. We were too full for dessert but will try to save some room next time! Also, the fact that Pelican Fish is a BYOB is another pro! Don't be misled by it being in a strip mall-the inside atmosphere more than makes up for the outside. It can get crowded there though, so next time I will make a reservation!

Pros: food, byob, great service

Cons: none

Posted 01/26/05

GREAT food....one of the best seafood meals I've ever had. And the beef filet is equally impressive.
+ Great menu selection (we tried the seared sushi grade tuna), even better daily specials (cedar plank salmon & tile fish)!
+ The value can't be beat
+ BYO...and a large one at that
+ excellent service
+ dimly lit inside (read: romantic) , but also family-freindly (several couples with small children, but not overrun with kids)
- the only minor con is the location...a strip mall in Jersey, but if you can get past that, you're in for a real treat!
I HIGHLY recommend The Pelican Fish Co.

Pros: BYO, great value

Posted 10/24/04

The Pelican Fish Co. is a simply awesome resturant. The service was nothing short of outstanding, our waitress Ruth was the best. Don't be fooled by the storefront facade, this place is very nicely decorated inside, very romantic yet modern and chic. The menu is very large and prices are fairly reasonable considering this is such a great place. I'm sure everything on the menu is great but I gotta recommend these menu items: Appitizer: Crab Cakes, Soup: Drunken Seafood Bisque, Entree: Parmesean/Walnut Crusted Grouper, Desert: Key Lime Pie (BEST EVER!!!) I can go on forever but PLEASEEEE give this place a try, I've eaten at many gourmet/ no so gourmet resturants but this is honestly one of the meals ever!

Pros: Food, Staff, Atmosphere

Cons: No Bar

Posted 07/07/03