What happens when fish market marries fish restaurant? You get three different seafood experiences in and around Baristaville.
At Whole Foods West Orange, I'm a fan of their salad bars and Indian food, but tend to forget about the Seafood Shack fish and raw bar, situated near the beautiful display of fresh fish that I long to buy, but whose prices give me pause. Which is one reason ordering at the sleek stainless steel bar is appealing - fresh grilled tilapia escabeche, bacon and oyster po'boy, and ahi tuna sandwich - all generous portions at $10.95 - seems like a bargain. The oyster po'boy was a shocking amount of light, beer battered gems, applewood smoked rashers of bacon, heaped in a roll with lettuce and tomato.
Ever since Chef Michael Ventura opened his bistro-market, "At The Market" last August in Nutley, readers, like JN, have been urging, no, insisting that we give it a try.
There is a new fish restaurant in Nutley that is wonderful. The prices are downright cheap, the service efficient and friendly. In an effort to be healthy, I'm trying to go every Thursday night for dinner. So far I've gone 4 times and each time has been perfect.Last night was fish n chips which were done to perfection. I've also had Tilapia made "Caribbean" style with black beans and mango which was light and flavorful. The coconut shrimp appetizer is to die for. The swordfish was perfectly cooked. There is nothing my friends and I didn't like about this place. There's easy parking available behind the restaurant.
We ventured. The sight of glistening fish on ice greets you along with bright white subway-tiled store that gives the market an old-world retro look. There's a cozy dining room in the back.
Lunch items we tried include the grilled salmon BLT wrap, Prince Edward Island mussels in a piquant Tunisian-spiced broth, beer battered fish and crab cake. The crispy beer-battered fish was exactly the texture, flavor and taste you hope for, but I'd give the deviled crab cake with chipolte aioli a miss. Call me a purist, when it comes to crab cakes, I only want one flavor - crab. Dinner items - seared tuna bites with wasabi and seaweed, grilled diver scallops with Mediterranean grains, or selecting fish cooked to order from the fresh catch of the day in the case sounds appealing, in a choice of Mediterranean, shanghai, Cajun or Caribbean style. At The Market is at 358 Passaic Avenue, Nutley, 973-667-0400.
Caldwell Seafood Market and Cafe has a small, unassuming dining room with murals of fish that surround you in seascape. A new lunch menu features wraps, salads and special platters, including a perfectly cooked grilled Cajun swordfish sandwich. Another score -- the hefty platter of of grilled salmon and crab risotto, as well as a generous portion of sushi-grade pepper-coated tuna over balsamic-dressed field greens, both a bargain at $11.95 each. We were less enthused with the lobster salad and lobster bisque. 
At the aforementioned fish market, glistening slabs of fish, including Branzino, are displayed like jewels from the sea. Prepared fish dishes, such as cod stuffed with spinach and cheese, or stuffed shrimp, are available, as well as fish dinners with fries and cole slaw after 5 pm to go. The market prices are not for the faint of pocketbook, just as you'd expect for flawlessly fresh fish. Caldwell Seafood Market and Cafe, 390 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell. 973-226-2031.
I have not had a chance to eat at the other two yet, but I can definitely say that “At The Market” has phenomenally fresh and delicious food. I’ve eaten there at least once a week since September (either dining in or taking out). They have a great fish selection and there always seems to be something new on the market catch board. I’m hooked on their cajun style preparation with horseradish mashed potatoes -- it’s not too spicy but has a nice little kick. My other favorites are the seared tuna wrap with wasabi and seaweed salad and their fish and chips. It’s well worth the drive to Nutley to give it a try.