“The Codfather is all about fresh fish cooked simply. Sauces are always on the side. The fish is the hero.”

These are the words of The Codfather owner, George Sinovich, when asked to describe his brand. And George should know. He has been in the fish business for over 35 years. “My father had a small coal transporting company in Pretoria, which I joined. As a side-line, I started transporting fish and then opened a fish wholesale business,” explains George. “I would sell a Tinker for R5 and offer to cook it for an extra 50c.”

Fish is George’s business, and that’s why the fish counter is the focal point of each of The Codfather restaurants. You can choose any fish or any combination of seafood and get it cooked straight away and delivered to your table. “We grill the fish and make sure we retain all its flavour. We don’t modify it at all, and it’s always the freshest fish you will find,” says George.

The Codfather menu is extensive, and there is something for everyone, including meat lovers, vegans and especially sushi enthusiasts. “We have a Spanish Josper charcoal oven in each restaurant to cook aged meat and grilled chicken with that unmistakable smoky barbeque flavour. We also have live oyster and lobster tanks to ensure the freshest seafood.”

George opened his first The Codfather in 1993. Today he owns three The Codfathers, including his new stylish restaurant in the Polofields Crossing shopping centre in Waterfall. But how does The Codfather stand out amongst other fish offerings in SA? “Consistency and quality,” explains George. “I started in the fish wholesale business and have been dealing with the same fishermen for 35 years. I have a history with them, so that’s why we get the best fish.”

The Codfather at Polofields Crossing offers the same delicious cuisine, great staff and comfortable space as his other restaurants, however, it has taken its offering up a notch.

“We chose Polofields Crossing because there are no fresh fish retailers or fish restaurants in the area, and we hoped to follow on from the success of the Riboville Boutique Hotel (which George also owns) situated in the Waterfall Equestrian Estate,” says George. “Waterfall is a fantastic residential and commercial area with a diverse demographic and great people. It is certainly one of the best up-and coming areas in South Africa, and of course, it has some of the best views.”

The Codfather Polofields Crossing offers a space that is airy and light, contemporary and stylish. The seating is all about comfort, and every table showcases the famous views. A beautiful shoal of wooden fish is suspended above the dining area. They were sourced locally and depict one goldfish swimming upstream against the rest. This has a special meaning so be sure to ask your waiter about it. “I’m pleased with the design – I feel comfortable in this restaurant. I especially love the view from upstairs,” adds George.

Chris Padachides is the designer behind the new look and feel of The Codfather at Polofields Crossing. This design will be rolled out to all The Codfather restaurants when revamps happen in the future. George has partnered with Café Rider, a coffee roastery from Dubai, and hopes to open a branch of The Codfather in the Middle East next year. “And then London after that,” laughs George. “COVID was good for us. I spent a lot of time chatting to the owners of Café Rider, who now invest in The Codfather, and we want to take the brand global.”

In fact, you will find a Café Rider roastery in all The Codfather restaurants and, as it’s the number two coffee brand in Dubai, you can expect an excellent cuppa. You will also discover a new Italian brand of ice cream George is making and selling on site. Enjoy it in the restaurant or take it home with you for a decadent dessert.

The Codfather is famous for its wine list, and the Polofields Crossing branch is no different. “We have one of the largest selections of SA, French and Italian wines. We also have a highly qualified sommelier on site.” But if cocktails are more your style, Thare Human will wow you with her exceptional mixology skills. “She is a world-class mixologist and one of SA’s top cocktail makers,” adds George.

George has an eye for detail, and even the uniforms, crockery and cutlery for The Codfather are bespoke pieces. All uniforms are designed by David Tlale. His flagship store is in the Riboville Hotel, and he will design all uniforms for the brand going forward. The store’s cutlery and crockery have been specially created by Jenna Clifford, an old friend of George’s. “Jenna is designing an exclusive Codfather range soon. This will be on sale exclusively for The Codfather diners and Riboville guests.”

Food and décor aside, it takes a fantastic team to keep the nuts and bolts running smoothly in a business empire like this, and George puffs up with pride when he describes his staff. “Thato Grie is my GM. He is from the Saxon Hotel, and so are most of my managerial staff members, which means they are all very well trained, and they make me look good.”

One of the most popular aspects of The Codfather here in Waterfall is its fishmonger. “We have built a section in the back from where we make raw fish sales. You can buy your raw fish from us directly. You can phone us for our daily specials, or you can place an order. Buy your fish as is, or we can marinate it ready for cooking,” explains George. “We can also come to your home and cook it for you. We can supply fish braais, sushi chefs and mixologists for your home or business events.”

Aside from conquering the international gourmet world, George is planning a special private dining and lounge area at The Codfather Polofields Crossing. Plenty is happening in the world of The Codfather, so while you are enjoying the freshest fish in town, watch this space.

Contact details: Tel: +27 10 745 0680

Email: reservations@thecodfatherpolofields.co.za