Why Catch in Weymouth is a Culinary Masterpiece
It’s not often you get to say this about a restaurant – but Catch at the Old Fish Market is a hidden culinary treasure. With a focus on sustainability, locally sourced ingredients, and a constantly evolving menu, it offers a delightful dining experience at an unbelievable price. The passion and skill of Mike Naidoo and his team, including his talented pastry chef wife Tija, shine through in every dish.
This lunch at Catch, combined with the unexpected beauty of the seaside town of Weymouth, made for one of the happiest afternoons of my life. Weymouth itself is a delightful destination – the town is a picturesque seaside gem, with a lovely beach, promenade, and charming buildings. The real highlight, though, was Catch, which elevates it to a must-visit for all foodies.
Located above a fishmonger, Catch is a beautiful, light-filled dining room with wooden ceilings and an open kitchen. The restaurant focuses on sustainability, using locally sourced ingredients and offering a constantly evolving set menu.
Sebastian, our knowledgeable server, introduced me to their concise but impressive English wine list. My husband and I started with a glass of Furleigh Estate Dorset Chardonnay, which had a light nose but a fuller, peachier finish.
The four-course £45 menu began with delightful amuse-bouches: a warm croustade filled with local shrimp and a mackerel and beetroot cracker. The first course featured perfectly grilled Houghton Springs trout with a crisp crust, accompanied by warm potato salad and house-made brioche that was simply outstanding.
Next came a creative take on a Vietnamese spring roll, using a shaved Granny Smith apple leaf to encase tuna, topped with salmon roe. The “Poached Day Boat fish” course showcased barbecued gurnard flakes and morels in a light, crispy pastry case.
The main course, “The Catch,” was a beautifully cooked turbot with a clever pesto of smoked almonds, garlic, and broccoli. When we asked how they managed such quality at such a reasonable price, the executive chef and co-owner, Mike Naidoo, explained that having their own boats helps keep fish costs down.
Dessert was equally impressive: a ginger cake base supporting a mascarpone mousse, topped with a ginger crisp and pink peppercorn gel, alongside a lemon compote.
The entire meal, including two glasses of wine, coffee, and petits fours, came to just £69. The quality of the cooking is easily Michelin star level. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay nearby, we recommend this beautiful and newly refurbished Weymouth Airbnb from the team at Beachideaways called the ‘Salt House’.
