One thing is certain, restaurants come and go. If they have the right location, market wisely and deliver what they say they’re going to deliver, then there is a chance of maintaining a sustainable business. The generation of a loyal customer base will drive owner’s to promote the business to attract a greater market share. Us. I wonder if Bill Paul in 1946 had this in mind when he opened Paul’s Seafood on Gouger Restaurant located at 79 Gouger Street, Adelaide?
I suspect in his own way he did, but I’m sure he would be ecstatic that his dream restaurant has become an Adelaide seafood icon, which has stood the test of time.
There is not much fanfare when it comes to the shop front, it has a dated, but neat frontage with protected side-walk dining for those warmer nights. The interior of the restaurant reminds me of a timber fishing cabin or the poop deck of an old pirate ship. It has two dining levels with wooden tables and cushioned seating.
We were quickly shown to our table near the bar, they must have known we are partial to that odd glass of wine. The waitress who was looking after us was fantastic. She understood the menu, the wines and her bubbly personality and friendly advice encouraged us to purchase more than we originally intended. Her incredible talents are a huge asset to Paul’s Seafood on Gouger restaurant, so hopefully they will be able to hold onto staff like this.
Paul’s Seafood Restaurant’s food and wine menus are large. There is a full range of fresh seafood available to view in the front counters refrigerated section. After a little consideration we decided to try the Seafood Platter for two for AUD$76.90 between two people and the Kilpatrick Oysters (AUD31.90) which the waitresses enthusiasm convinced us to order. We also ordered some Petaluma ‘White Label’ Sauvignon Blanc, once again recommended by the waitress to match our meal.
Our order started to arrive within ten minutes and the Kilpatrick oysters were delicious. The fresh tasting Coffin Bay oysters were small by comparison to others we’ve had, but excellent. The seafood platter was stacked with garfish, prawn and scallop skewers and calamari. Because there was so much the salad and roasted potatoes were brought out on separate plates.
We opted for the healthier grilled version of the platter which was a little dry in some places, especially with the prawn skewers. Unfortunately that can occur when you are opting for the healthier choice. The battered seafood platter would be the way to go when ordering this dish. Saying that, the grilled platter was still good.
Overall I think Bill Paul would be proud of the restaurant he created 70 years ago. Paul’s Seafood on Gouger is definitely worth trying, so if you are in the city head down Gouger Street and check out what fish he has on offer. When your there remember to tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
Paul’s Seafood on Gouger Rating: 1-10 (1=very poor, 10 = excellent)
Decor = 7
Atmosphere = 7
Service = 10
Price = 8
Food =8
Overall = 8
