Off the back of its success in Mordialloc and Elsternwick, this month Windsor welcomed Tommy Ruff to the heart of Chapel Street, a fish bar that’s all about premium seafood backed by a family of hospitality gurus.
While guests can feast on traditional fish and chips, it’s Tommy Ruff’s diverse range of unexpected seafood delights that are proving to be popular amongst south-side locals and beyond.
Fish wings, fish ceviche, paddle crabs, mussel pots and seafood chowder are just some of the must-tries, along with Tommy’s famous burgers, including the spiked southern fried barramundi, salmon burger and crab claw burger.
For the indecisive, there’s Tommy’s impressive chef platter, bundling all the good stuff into one generous tray of seafood heaven. It sees tacos, oysters, grilled fish, prawn skewers, calamari, fish wings and chips unite, ideal for tucking in as a couple or group.
Tommy Ruff is the brainchild of a family entrenched in the world of seafood. Owners, John and Helen Stamoulis aimed to change the perception of traditional fast food with a focus on flavour, fresh produce and healthy ingredients.
Growing up on the Greek island of Samos, John’s father lived and breathed the ocean. Upon migrating to Australia he worked at a fish and chip shop and was hooked ever since. Following in his footsteps, John and Helen dived into the hospitality world, but decided to give the humble fish n’ chips a fresh twist.
“While you’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t love traditional beer battered fish and chips, we wanted to let the entire ocean shine, to hero the sea in a way that’s healthy and delicious,” he says.
And if that’s not enough, the team at Tommy Ruff have developed their own line of wine, craft beer and cider. With a focus on bespoke beverage offerings, Tommy’s Victorian Scully Wag Pinot Gris or Marlborough White Pearl Chardonnay are the perfect seafood accompaniment, along with the Kraken and Whale draught beer and Kiss of the Mermaid pear cider. There’s also an ever-
changing cocktail menu, ideal for after work drinks or a cheeky mid-day sip.
Designed by Studio Equator, the coastal-themed space sees a pastel colour palette and oak-wood furnishings adorned with Tommy Ruff’s signature graffiti and unique interior quirks. A giant neon skull greets guests upon entering, while fishing nets and ropes dress the walls. Light bulbs hanging from fishing rods and giant fish water jugs are just some of the design stand-outs.
#EatWithTommy or take-away from 11.30am – 10pm daily at 121 Chapel Street.
