Wu’s Fish House Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

By Lexi

July 28, 2026

9 min read

We Caught Our Own Dinner… Then They Cooked It!

📍Wu’s Fish House
1783 Route 27, Suite 102
Edison, NJ 08817

Years ago, before COVID, there was a restaurant in New York that offered a similar experience, and I’d always wanted to go. Unfortunately, it closed and never reopened, so finding Wu’s Fish House in Edison, New Jersey felt like discovering something we’d been missing. After hearing so many people rave about both the food and the experience, I figured it was the perfect excuse to plan a family lunch and see if it lived up to the hype.

As my loyal readers know, I’m always on the lookout for restaurants that offer more than just a good meal; they offer an experience. So the moment I found out there was a place where you could actually choose your own fish straight from a live tank, I knew we had to check it out. I already had a feeling my daughter would absolutely love it.

First Impressions

From the moment we walked in, Wu’s Fish House felt clean, bright, and welcoming. We arrived around 4:30 p.m., well before the dinner rush, so the restaurant was quiet and relaxed. It gave us plenty of time to look around, settle in, and let the kids explore without feeling rushed.

The space has a modern look with hanging greenery, large fish displays, and an open dining area that feels comfortable for both families and small groups. While I wouldn’t necessarily call the atmosphere a destination on its own, it was clean, well-kept, and made for an enjoyable dining experience.

One thing to keep in mind if you’re visiting with little ones is that there isn’t a dedicated kids’ menu. That wasn’t a deal-breaker for us, but it’s something parents may want to know before visiting. They do offer kid friendly meals, including fish and chips, however.

Overall, my first impression was simple: clean, comfortable, family-friendly, and relaxed, especially if you visit before the evening crowd arrives.

Atmosphere & Aesthetics:

⭐️ Rating: 3.5/5

Wu’s Fish House has décor that is fairly simple. Aside from the hanging greenery on the ceiling and the live fish tank, there weren’t many design elements that stood out or made the space feel especially memorable.

If you’re looking for a trendy, Instagram-worthy restaurant with elaborate décor, this probably isn’t it. But if you’re here for excellent food, the simple atmosphere lets the meal take center stage.

The Experience Everyone Comes For

Here’s one important thing to know: don’t assume you’ll automatically be offered the experience to pick your own fish.

When we arrived, no one mentioned the live fish tanks or told us we could choose our own fish. The only reason I knew it was an option was because I’d seen videos of it on social media beforehand. So prior to us ordering, I simply asked if my daughter could pick out our fish, and they happily said yes.

At the time of our visit, the tank contained Barramundi only (also called Lates Calcarifer). The restaurant offers two size options—small or large—and the price is based on the size you choose.

Once we walked over to the tanks, the staff brought out a large net and a metal bowl and guided her through the process. They stayed right beside her the entire time, making sure everything was safe while still letting her do the fun part herself.

At first, she was a little nervous. She was convinced the fish was going to flop out of the net and onto the floor! But after a little encouragement, she scooped it up, carried it over, and dropped it into the bowl all by herself. The smile on her face afterward said it all.

Watching her realize, “I actually did it!” was easily my favorite part of the entire visit. It turned an ordinary lunch into a memory she’ll probably remember for years.

If you’re a visual person, here’s the moment she caught her very first fish.

A few things to know before you go:

You may need to ask if you’d like to choose your own fish—it wasn’t automatically offered during our visit.
At the time of our visit, the live tank contained Barramundi only.
The fish is available in small or large, with pricing based on the size you select.
The staff was patient, encouraging, and made the experience fun and stress-free for my daughter.

The Food

Let’s get straight to it—every single thing we ordered was delicious.

There wasn’t one dish that disappointed us, and that’s honestly pretty rare. Everything tasted fresh, was served hot, and arrived in generous portions. If you’re planning to share family-style, this is definitely the place to do it.

Pickled Cabbage Fish Soup With Lates Calcarifer (Large) • $57.75 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was the star of our meal. The clear broth was light but packed with flavor, and it came loaded with fresh vegetables, scallions, a bit of noodles, shrimp, and the Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer) we caught ourselves. The portion was huge; Kenzie and I both had at least three bowls of it, and still brought leftovers home.

Scallion Noodles • $6.25 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

These noodles were simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. Tossed in a savory soy-based scallion sauce, they were the perfect side to balance the richer dishes on the table. They were also my toddler’s favorite—he happily kept reaching for more until there were barely any left.

Cucumber in Garlic Sauce • $5.95 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️

This appetizer was crisp, refreshing, and full of bold garlic flavor. It had a mild kick from the chili peppers, but the cool cucumbers balanced the heat perfectly. If you enjoy fresh, flavorful appetizers with just a little spice, this is an easy one to recommend.

Shepherd’s Purse Pork Potstickers • $12.95 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you love dumplings, don’t skip these. They were juicy, flavorful, and disappeared from our table in minutes. They were an easy favorite for all of us.

Squirrel-Shaped Branzino with Sweet & Sour Sauce • $29.75 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was one of my favorite dishes of the entire meal. The fish was perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender and flaky inside, and the sweet and sour sauce added just the right amount of flavor without making it soggy. It paired perfectly with the steamed rice and our scallion noodles, and I’d happily order this dish again on my next visit.

As a bonus, my toddler was completely fascinated by the fish head, it gave us one of the funniest moments of the day when he picked it up and tried to take a bite!

Drinks

Kenzie ordered the Mango Bubble Tea ($5.95), and it was an easy 10/10. Sweet, refreshing, and exactly what you’d hope for from a good bubble tea.

I ordered the Passion Fruit Lemon Soda ($3.25), and I honestly wish I could’ve taken an entire bottle home. It was light, refreshing, and the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy. If I ever go back, I’m ordering it again without even looking at the menu.

Desert: Fried Steamed Bread $5.95 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For dessert, we ordered the Fried Steamed Bread.

It reminded me of an incredibly soft, fluffy biscuit with a lightly crisp exterior. It came with a side of sweetened condensed milk for dipping, which made every bite even better.

It was warm, fresh, and the perfect way to end the meal without feeling overly heavy.

Is It Kid Friendly?

Overall, yes—I would consider Wu’s Fish House family-friendly, but probably not for the reasons you might expect.

The restaurant isn’t designed specifically with children in mind. There isn’t a designated kids’ menu (although simple meals like fried fish and French fries are an option), play area, or colorful decorations meant to keep little ones entertained. If you’re looking for a restaurant with activities throughout the meal, this isn’t that kind of place. Families with younger children will be glad to know that highchairs are available.

However, the atmosphere was relaxed, the dining room was spacious, and we never felt out of place bringing our kids. The staff was kind and patient, especially while helping Kenzie catch her fish, and they made the experience feel fun instead of rushed. Once that part was over, though, the restaurant settled into a calm dining experience.

If your child enjoys trying new things or loves animals and sea life, they’ll probably think catching their own fish is really cool. If they’re expecting an interactive, kid-themed restaurant, they may lose interest once the meal begins.

Our Family Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

The fish-catching experience earned the extra star. Without it, I’d probably rate the restaurant a little lower from a child’s perspective.

Let’s just say… not everyone was intimidated by the fish head

Would We Go Back?

Absolutely.

Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. And after trying everything, I left feeling like there are still several dishes on the menu I’d love to come back and try. It’s one of those restaurants where you leave already thinking about what you’ll order next time.

Our total came to $136.27 before tip. Considering the amount of food we received and the unique experience of choosing our own fish, I felt it was money well spent.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy quality Asian cuisine with a unique twist, I’d definitely recommend adding Wu’s Fish House to your list. Whether you’re visiting for a date night, or a family meal, I don’t think you’ll leave disappointed.