The Catch — Restaurant in Riga

Two stars is harsh, I know, but this place has decreased in quality ever since it opened.

First off, the restaurant has quite a polished presence online and in terms of graphic design. It definitely gives off a “posh” and high-end feeling, with their staff dressed in all black and clientele oozing with mid-high socioeconomic status, you expect quality.

Now first off, service was amateur hour. We were three people, they mixed up our orders and came back to re-check what we ordered. Second of all, the food simply does not match the hype.

Their raw fish, nigiri and sashimi is solid, no complaints. But the rolls are frankly uninspired. Bluefin roll lacks anything of note to accent the flavor of the fish, kamchatka roll is intensely expensive, with the crab sporting an avocado coat. While looking trendy, the combination is slightly boring and even a bit lazy with the tobiko mayo trying to piece it together.

Starters are pretty basic, nothing to write about. Standard scallops/wakame/small salad/kimchi package. Boring.

Bowls are fine, but again, there’s nothing that makes them stand out. Octopus was cooked too chewy. Red prawns are okay, but basic and doesn’t feel like a real main.

So what do get as the whole package? We get a restaurant that has managed to market itself as haute cuisine, while maintaining an atmosphere to draw in a slightly more deluxe crowd. But the food? It’s standard Japanese fare done in a style that’s not just your generic “Philadelphia and miso soup” experience, but it’s far from inspired.

Overall, overrated. It’s great there’s a more varied Japanese option in Riga, but I feel it plays off from its presentation and fancy impression. But with waiters looking like they’ve been instructed to present a smug grimace and an overall dining experience that feels rushed and inspired, I don’t feel The Catch is something to get hooked on. Throw this one...

Our evening at The Catch unfortunately did not live up to our expectations. We had taken the step of calling ahead to ensure there was available seating. Upon our arrival, my girlfriend reminded the waitress of our prior call, only to be told there was no room. When I tried to clarify, the waitress blatantly ignored me. Frustrated, I went inside and sought out another staff member, who, in stark contrast, promptly provided us with a table. While we were grateful for this assistance, the entire episode came across as poorly managed and confusing.

The issues continued. The demeanor of the waitresses throughout our stay left much to be desired. And after spending a considerable amount at the restaurant, we discovered a discrepancy in our bill. We were erroneously charged for a bottle of water we never received. Instead of an uncomplicated correction or a simple apology, we were met with resistance. It took an undue amount of discussion before the error was reluctantly acknowledged.

Paying a significant amount for an evening out encompasses more than just the food; the overall experience is paramount. While The Catch may draw patrons with their culinary offerings, their service on this occasion was deeply lacking.

We genuinely hope other patrons fare better. As for us, a revisit to The Catch...

My evening at The Catch in Riga was truly exceptional, a delightful exploration of Japanese cuisine. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance – stylish and contemporary yet inviting and comfortable. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and helpful, expertly guiding us through the drink menu and offering thoughtful pairings for our chosen dishes. His recommendations enhanced the entire dining experience. To begin, we shared the Hamachi, Beef Tataki, and Scallops. The scallops were absolutely incredible! They were paired with a butter sauce that was to die for. It was like a symphony of flavors that left me feeling incredibly satisfied. After that, we tried some rolls: Tuna truffle, Spider, Hamachi, and prawns tempura. Each roll was meticulously prepared and bursting with flavor. The prawns tempura stood out. The cocktail selection was equally impressive. I started with the refreshing YuzuZuzu. However, the Electric Bazzer stole the show. This unique cocktail was different from anything I've tasted before, with a secret ingredient that added an intriguing and delightful twist. It's an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a memorable...