The Little Tuna That Could
Written: Apr 30 '04 (Updated May 19 '04)
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Pros: Great seafood and steak dishes in a casual atmosphere.
Cons: restaurant is a little cramped, but food is worth it.
The Bottom Line: One of the best BYOB's in the Philly area, offering great seafood and steak.
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| martytdx's Full Review: The Little Tuna |
When my wife and I first started the Atkins Diet, we quickly came to the realization that not many restaurants had us in mind when they set out their menus (go figure). So, when we decided we wanted to go out with friends for a nice dinner, we struggled to find a place that would be sufficiently tasty and Atkins-friendly (even if they weren’t doing it intentionally). Enter The Little Tuna in Haddonfield, NJ. We’d heard nothing but good things about the restaurant and decided NOW was the time to take the plunge. In the end, we liked it so much that we returned there for our Valentine's Day dinner.
[ • the RESTAURANT • ]
The Little Tuna is located along Haddon Avenue in a small shopping strip far from the center of town – don’t blink or you might miss it! There is a simple, green awning and some iron chairs and tables out front to catch your attention, but unless you know what to look for, you might not notice it’s there. Luckily, owner Marcus Severs has done enough with his food that word of mouth has gotten the restaurant noticed and people quite aware of where it is.
When you enter the restaurant, you find that the simple design carries through to the dining room. A small entryway (maybe 4 adults can fit) leads to the small hostess stand, separated from the dining room by a curtain – a nice touch to keep the dining room somewhat ‘protected’ from those waiting for a table. Once through the threshold, the dining room is somewhat underwhelming – smallish, with only about a dozen tables (less if there is a large party), but with a charming quality borne of the quaint surroundings. The tables are set with nice linens and plates, while the walls are adorned with photographs from a local photographer (which are for sale). The candles on the table provide some additional lighting, although the room is pretty well lit to start with.
The kitchen doors are fairly close to the dining room – watch out for approaching waitstaff while heading to the restrooms. Although small, the restaurant never feels cramped and the décor gives it a happy, friendly feel from the start.
[ • the FOOD • ]
The Little Tuna is a steak and seafood restaurant, and they do both extremely well. Their styles run the range from Asian- and Mexican-influenced dishes to good, hearty American-style steaks. They handle all of the styles with equal aplomb and owner/chef Severs does a good job of giving a great collection of both seafood and other dishes.
In both of our visits, the food was good, although it was better overall on our first try (chalk that up to the second being Valentine’s Day, and much of the menu being pre-prepped. Our first experience – guided by Atkins – started with a shared bowl of Maryland Crab Soup($3.25), which came as an average-sized bowl full of crab and veggies, and had a nice spicy taste to it. We also ordered some of their Asian-Seasoned Shrimp ($6), which were served with a spicy southeast Asian barbecue-like spice and a hint of lime. Delicious!
Our friends running late, we decided that we needed to order the next appetizer, and opted to splurge on the Three-Tier Appetizer for four ($45), and it was a GREAT choice. A three-tiered display plate (hence the name) was topped with a bevy of seafood, enough for four people to enjoy as a meal, let alone an appetizer. Topped with lime-marinated scallops, clams and oysters on the half-shell, the bottom two sections where what got my attention. A large helping of Alaskan King Crab Legs and Spicy Dungeness Crab Clusters filled the bottom section with delicious crab to both of our delight (our friends are lucky we left them any!). There was also a healthy portion of shrimp available, which were cooked just about perfectly, although they were a little cold by the time we had finished the crab. The appetizer (more like a meal) came with melted butter and a trio of dipping sauces – a spicy marinara, a hearty horseradish sauce and a good tartar.
By the time our wayward companions showed up, we were nearly stuffed – but there was still too much food that looked good on the menu. My wife ordered their 8 oz. Center-Cut Filet ($21), which came out sizzling and cooked to perfection. The seasoning was mild enough to let the filet’s own flavor come through but still gave it an accent that impressed me. However, I was eager to dive into my entrée, the Seasme Crusted Tuna ($19) – a large, barely seared piece of sushi-grade tuna served with a sesame ginger soy broth. The tuna was fantastic without the sauce, although the sauce did add a hint of spicy flavor that was very good. Either way, I was in heaven. My tuna came apart easily and was succulent with its own flavor mixed with the sesame seeds that coated it.
On our second visit, we were in more of a romantic (i.e. subdued) mood, so we only ordered the Three-Tier Appetizer for two ($30), which is the same as the larger version but with, obviously, less food. We weren’t as impressed with it this time – the crab legs were watery and bland, obviously having been cooked earlier and sitting in water for a while. They weren’t bad, but if this had been my first impression, I wouldn’t have ordered it again. We also ordered one of their Valentine’s Day specials, Miniature Crab Cakes with basil and pancetta ($7.50), which were fantastic.
For our meals, my wife once again did the filet, but this time I ventured into the beef direction, ordering their 12-oz. New York-cut Stuffed with Crabmeat ($22). It was simply amazing – succulent, huge pieces of jumbo crab meat stuffed in a tender steak, seasoned with a mix of spices that sizzled in my mouth as each entire delicious bite was eaten. It came with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans – the beans were good, but the mashed potatoes shined – a great complement to the steak/crab combination.
On this occasion, we did order a desert, and tried the delicious Pistaschio-crusted Fudge Brownie with Raspberry Sauce. It was decadent, thick fudge brownie covered with whipped cream and a mild raspberry sauce – but it WAS Valentine’s Day, and the Sam Adams Chocolate Stout was already gone.
[ • the MENU • ]
In addition to the appetizers I’ve already described, The Little Tuna offers up several other appetizing starters. From the simple (Spinach and Artichoke Crab Dip - $9 and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail - $10) to the more daring (Rosemary, Ginger and Lime-Marinated Shrimp - $8), Little Tuna provides a bevy of mostly seafood apps to whet your appetite. Our favorite is still the Three-Tier Smapler, but Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops ($8) and BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp ($10) - also caught my attention. They also offer a small selection of raw bar items.
For all of Mr. Severs’ expertise with the ‘small stuff’, he finds a niche with the real meals that far exceeds what he accomplishes with his starters. Whether you want steak, seafood or a combination, there is something for almost everyone. Filets can be served by themselves, or combined with a Jumbo Lump Crabcake ($26) or Roasted Garlic-Butter Shrimp ($24). Or get yourself a classic Surf and Turf (8 oz. Filet and 7 oz. Lobster Tail for $34).
The seafood side of the menu is larger, and offers a wide variety of interesting features. Broiled Stuffed Flounder with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat ($19) and Broiled Brazilian Lobster Tail ($24) lead the familiar, but for something a little more unique, choose from dishes like Almond and Panko-Crusted Opah over sweet potato mash ($21), Pistaschio and Basil Butter Crusted Salmon Filet ($18) or even a Crab and Asparagus Baked Casserole ($19). They also offer 6 Tuna selections (including Pan-Seared Wasabi Tuna ($19) and Tequila and Lime Charred Tuna ($18), and a small selection of crab legs. If you are so inclined, they also will provide fried meals, including butterflied shrimp, Long Island Oysters, or whole clams ($17, $18 and $16, respectively).
Deserts are limited but all you really need to know if about that brownie.
The menu offerings range in price from $15-35, although most are about $22. Specials – as is usual – will tend to be a little pricier. The Little Tuna is a BYOB restaurant so bring your own wine or beer and they will take care of it for you – although they did seem a little unsure of what to do with a 750ml beer…
[ • the SERVICE • ]
Both times we have had excellent service, particularly the first time when we held the table for quite a while as we waited for our unfashionably late dinner companions. They checked on us frequently, offered helpful suggestions about which meals were coming out the best that evening, and even offered us a bit of humor from time to time. They took our bottle of Sam Adams and brought a bucket of ice for us, as well as some water glasses to drink it – although they were surprised to find out that we were having beer instead of wine for Valentine’s Day (hey – I’m a beer snob, remember!?). Our wait from the time we arrived until we were seated was minimal both times, and the hostess was very friendly.
The restaurant is open Tuesday – Saturday for lunch and dinner, and for dinner on Sunday (although they sometimes have special Sunday brunches on holidays). They do accept reservations for parties of 6 or more, and accept major credit cards. Parking is at a premium on the street, although if you don’t mind walking a block or two, there is plenty of street parking nearby.
[ • final THOUGHTS • ]
Everything we heard about The Little Tuna was untrue – it was better than we had heard. Chef Marcus Severs has done a great job with this little spot to create a wonderful steak and seafood restaurant that we have already made plans to visit again. Rumor has it that they are thinking of moving to a larger location down the street – and getting the first liquor license in this dry town – but until then, this little secret is just fine where it is.
[ • for more INFORMATION • ]
The Little Tuna
403 N. Haddon Ave.
Haddonfield, NJ 08108
856-795-0888
no website available
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Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations The New York Cut Stuffed with Crabmeat is excellent, but make sure you try the Three-Tier Appetizer!
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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Epinions.com ID:
martytdx
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Marty
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 481
Trusted by: 180 members
About Me:
Doing what I can to try new places, restaurants, books and beers.
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