The Codfather Rosebank

The Codfather Rosebank is a long-established seafood and sushi restaurant in The Firs, on Cradock Avenue in Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng. The restaurant's defining feature is its iced display of fresh fish and shellfish, from which diners choose their own fish and decide whether it is grilled, fried or prepared as sushi. That hands-on approach is the emblem of the Codfather and the reason many regular guests return. The menu mixes fish selected from the display, sushi platters, prawns and Mediterranean-style meze starters, so a table can mix Japanese-style and grilled dishes in one meal. Portions are generous and suited to sharing. Because Johannesburg is landlocked, the freshness of the seafood is a common talking point, and staff will explain what is best on the day and how each fish is best cooked. The dining room is bustling and informal rather than hushed, with a business crowd at lunch and families and groups in the evening; the noise level is moderate to lively. Smart-casual clothing is typical. Wine is available by the glass and bottle, with white wines from the Cape a natural match for the seafood, and the bar also serves sake and cocktails. Prices are in the upper-middle range for Johannesburg, and the cost of display fish varies with weight and species, so it is worth asking before ordering. Listed opening hours are Monday, Tuesday and Sunday from 11:00 to 21:30 and Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 21:45. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on Friday and Saturday, and can be made by phoning +27 11 447 2320. The Firs is a central Rosebank complex with parking, close to Rosebank Mall and the Gautrain station, which makes the restaurant convenient for an early dinner after shopping or a meeting.