I live nearby and know the history of this restaurant, from the time it first opened to the place it is today. The original owner was one of the best chefs for seafood that you could ever hope for and packed his house most nights. At the top of its popularity it was sold and rather than maintain the high quality product the new owner tried to cut corners and its reputation suffered. Now we have the present owner who has recaptured not only the idea of high quality food but holds the price line at a fair level.

The interior is still a step backwards to 1950 or so with formica topped tables with chrome edges and matching chairs. And, from the outside it still presents the same face to Lombard that it did when it first opened. I suspect some folks pass it on by without a second look, but that is fine with me as it remains a hidden jewel of N. Portland cuisine and still accessible to the neighbors and those of you that read these reviews.

I doubt you will find, or order, a dish on the menu that will not totally please you. However, with that broad endorsement comes a couple of suggestions. The clam chowder has large pieces of clams so you can chew a bit on your chowder. I am a fan of dumping in lots of oyster crackers and this time I like the chowder so well I skipped the salt kick from the crackers - although they were served with the chowder and I didn't have to ask for them. (nice!) I prefer my chowder to be a bit thinner, and while very creamy and not filled with potatoes, this is a very thick version.

My only complaint was with the greens served with the scallop dinner. They were literally covered in red pepper flakes and burned. A tiny bit of those goes a long way, so ask your server to omit them from your dinner. Also, order scallops on the dinner menu. If you order ala carte you get the small scallops (nickle sized) and the dinner serving is silver dollar sized scallops and about 7 of them.

While it is a premier seafood restaurant, you can also order a hamburger, salads, and desserts.

Thinking of fish for dinner tonight? Don't miss this restaurant, but save a table for the neighbors!

I love this place, with good reason. Been going here for years--and the quality of the food just keeps improving. Talk about the hidden gem. This is the best cut diamond ever. Fish is super fresh, and seasoned to perfection. Had the marlin tonite and it was so good. Also did the dungeness crab louie.
Lots of crab, housemade dressing. Yowza. Keep it up peeps, this place rocks. ADDED bonus, Tuesday is half price bottled wine nite--how can you go wrong. Don't go wrong, just go here!!!!!

Looking for someplace to have dinner, ran across the TripAdvisor review for Fishwife. Between the existing reviews and the posted menu, we just had to give this place a shot.
Heading down Lombard Street into a neighborhood that we would least expect to find this place in, we see the Fishwife sign over the restaurant.
Walking through the doors into the restaurant, there is only 2 empty tables (which have to be cleared) and we are asked to wait for seating. This place is packed.
Once at our table, service is quick and friendly. The menu is loaded with a variety of fish and seafood, beverages and desserts along with several daily specials that sound fantastic. The Mrs. opted for the Seafood Combo that was sauteed and grilled and I enjoyed the Halibut Bleu, both were fanastic.
The food was prepared perfectly, service was spot on, prices were great and we left happy and full. Think we just found our favorite spot for seafood in Portland.

Is now a regular spot for lunchwhen in North Portlad. Friendly help consistently good food and good value for the money. They have the desire to please the customer rare in todays world especially in smaller restaurants had oysters last trip grille perfect and my guest had the cajun fish filet sandwich which they raved about. Do yourself a favor and stop by when your in the area

Went on a crowded Friday night. The wait was short, everyone was friendly and even with a crowd the food was served relatively quickly and well prepared. I appreciated that, as the choice of appetizers was very limited, when I asked for something not on the menu I was immediately accommodated with no issue (and not gouged in price as some restaurants will).

I was impressed and will return.