When do restaurants get fresh fish

Also, even though Anthony Bourdain says this is no longer the case , it's been a long-held "insider secret" that you should never order seafood at a restaurant that does not specialize in fish on Sundays or Mondays. At that point in the week, the fish may already be several days old since restaurants generally make their orders at fish mongers on Thursdays — before the busy weekend.

There are certain fish that are more prone to being farm-raised, like catfish and tilapia. Farm-raised seafood as opposed to wild-caught is oftentimes injected with antibiotics and chemical treatments. Farm-raised seafood is also more likely to contain trace pollutants. A restaurant that knows about and supports wild-caught, sustainable fish is better for the environment and, most likely, your health in the long run.

A good restaurant will place their seafood-sourcing information directly on the menu. But if that's not the case, you should ask. These are often raised in less than ideal conditions.

You can't check out a cooked piece of fish as you would a raw filet in the supermarket, but you can still evaluate it for freshness. When the plate comes to your table, smell the seafood.

If it smells fishy, or of ammonia, it's not fresh. More on behind-the-scenes stories at restaurants: the sad story of the lemon wedge floating in your drink , and why some baristas might be messing with your latte. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders. It often indicates a user profile.

Log out. US Markets Loading H M S In the news. Jessica Orwig. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Stay up to date with what you want to know. Loading Something is loading. Email address.