A'Nets Katch — Restaurant in Knightdale

So-so food and spotty service (pre-covid).

First visit, Amber was wonderful in helping me decide what I wanted to order, and ensuring I made a good choice of fish, even though I rushed in at 7:43pm. When she initially greeted me, I said I know they closed shortly, so I may not order anything. I had to at least come look at the fresh fish, but I may get a to-go. She looked at her watch and was like, "No, no, we 'actually' stay open until 8, so take your time. Just let me know how I can help - my name is Amber."

I appreciated not being rushed out like at every other place!

She was exceptionally attentive the entire time, asked if I wanted to taste one of the salads as I was trying to decide on a side, and even gave me a hug before I left! Who does that! The cook even talked to me from the back.

The food was average. The grilled catfish was very bland; tasted like water, not the sea. Grilled scallops very bland (and cooked too long), and OYSTERS WERE SO GRITTY. 7 out of the 10 in my platter had shell pieces and/or grit(!), like they hadn't been rinsed before cooking? Usually no more than 2 or 3 per plate are like this - I've never had this amount of grit before. I didn't feel like driving back to Knightdale to take them back.

The "seasoned" green beans tasted like they'd just come out of the can. No discernible flavor. The steamed broccoli was very good, though, seasoned well and doused in butter.

I loved their wide variety of sides. I could actually get vegetables with my meal! They also give you a choice of three different bread (although they FORGOT to put my cheddar biscuit in the bag........).

Prices reasonable. I especially appreciated the $2 upcharge per PLATE for oysters and scallops (as opposed to, for instance, the exorbitant $3.99 per ITEM upcharge at other places nearby), so I was able to get both without spending $20+ on a meal for one.

FYI, there is a small charge for cooking the fresh seafood there that they didn't mention.

Because the service was so friendly and helpful, the sides and bread choices varied, and the oyster/scallop upcharge fair, I'd try them again on the fried seafood (but not the flavorless grilled). And I would ask for the freshest seafood, as mine had little flavor. I'll also mention about the oysters & bread, wonder if they'll do anything on the next visit.

**UPDATE (PRE-COVID):

Second visit, packed our to-go order badly - steamed broccoli and butter POURED IN THE BOTTOM OF A SECTIONLESS STYROFOAM BOX, covered with A SHEET OF WAX PAPER, and biscuits, okra, and fried food layered on top of this. Of course the biscuits were dough and EVERYTHING except the top fish fillet was drenched and soggy by the time we got it home. Hole in the wax paper when we tried to lift it up.

Fail.

What took the cake though was 3rd visit, when I told them about the oysters and asked if they would rinse them before cooking this time. The cashier seemed "whatever" about it and asked the blond cook with dreadlocks... who just shook her head no. I'm not asking for any customization or reimbursement, just that you RINSE my food I'm about to buy. "No." I'm like, so what if they're gritty again? Then I'll need to bring them back bc they were barely edible. The cashier said I could get something else, but stressed - repeatedly - ONLY if I gave the food back... Like I'd be trying to get over and lie about the oysters to get a free meal.

Note that I never brought the originals back or asked for any form of compensation, right? Just that they'd rinse my oysters so I wouldn't have the problem in the first place?

After this third lackluster experience, we haven't been back since. Amber was never there any time after that, or the nice cook who spoke to us the first time. Guess it's hit or miss here. More misses than hits.

To be fair, updating unfortunately makes it seem like this was recent! It wasn't. Maybe the unconcerned employees are no...

My husband and I finally got around to trying A'Nets after recently moving to the area, and I wish we would have tried it sooner.

We were immediately greeted by the sweetest lady who made us feel at home. I have never been to a restaurant like this, where every single person went out of their way to be kind and asked if we were okay or if we needed anything. All smiles, friendly attitude and a down home, non stuffy vibe. 🖤 I can not rave enough on excellent service.

We ordered the (6) garlic oysters for an appetizer. Now, these weren't tiny oysters. They were huge and fresh, warm, and oozing with butter. Absolutely delicious!!

For our entrées, I ordered founder stuffed with scallops and crab meat, and topped with the most delicious veggies and cream sauce with red potatoes and slaw, and my husband had fried shrimp and flounder with fried okra and red potatoes. I love some good seafood, and this did not disappoint. The flounder was buttery and flaky and full of flavor. I love how they slice the potatoes very thin with butter and old bay, and the slaw was perfect.

The star of the show, hands down, were those hush puppies with honey butter.. OMG.. it reminded me of funnel cake batter, such a treat!!

Hubby's food was just as good. Perfectly fried fish and shrimp with just the right amount of seasoning. I hate okra with all my heart and soul, but I could eat the heck out of their fried okra, all day, every day - fried just right and NO slime!!

Their homemade tarter and cocktail sauce hit differently in the best way possible!! I literally dipped everything in the tarter sauce, plus I could have eaten it with a spoon by itself (LOL). Cocktail sauce had a kick with the horseradish, but man, it was so good with the shrimp.

The atmosphere was peaceful and relaxing, and every part of the restaurant was clean. Yes, even the bathroom. They have a wide variety of salad bar options, which I'll have to try next time. And they offer market style, where you can purchase all kinds of fresh seafood to take home.

In all, A'Nets Katch is a hidden gem in Knightdale where you get amazing service and quality food for a reasonable price. We can't wait to...

Been wanting to try this place for a while. It did not disappoint. It was a little confusing at first, as it's not a full blown restaurant. It's closer to "fast casual" style in that you order and pay at the counter and then sit down, although a waiter will occasionally check on you. But never mind how the food gets to you -- how about that food? OH YES. This is the real deal. Everything we ordered was immediately impressive and continued to satisfy throughout. Once again, it is not fancy for sure. You won't even get real silverware, just plastic forks and a paper towel roll. But you won't care. Just dig in. The crab dip was sublime. Just this real deep, rich flavor, not overpowering and salty, but just right. The fried catfish -- smooth as butter, fell apart on the fork. A tiny bit of hot sauce (always available on the table) kicks it up a little extra if you're so inclined. And it comes with more than enough tartar sauce, a special blend that feels just north of remoulade. Our only mistake was ordering a little too much. This was because we (understandably) had no idea how big the shrimp & grits would be. Take a look at a picture and you'll see why. But they've got you covered; they give it to you in a To-Go box right off the bat. Well played. The flavor on this is just unreal. The green onion, red onion, and bacon are DEEP throughout this thing. It's a joyous savory bomb. Our only disappointment was the side of mac & cheese. I briefly tried it but it was immediately obvious that it didn't deserve to be on the same plate as the other stuff. No harm done, better luck next time. The staff were all incredibly friendly. From what I've heard of the place, they're all treated well, and it shows. You feel the love the whole time you're in there. This was our first time, but it definitely won't...