Chula Seafood Uptown — Restaurant in Phoenix

I embarked on a casual culinary adventure today, debating between the fresh, Mediterranean allure of Cava and the promise of oceanic indulgence at Chula. Being rarely near a Chula location, I leaned toward the lure of seafood—a cuisine that, when done right, is an unparalleled sensory experience. Chula, in its prime, was always a beacon of consistency, delivering seafood that transported you to the salty breeze of the coastline. Sadly, for the second time in as many months, that reputation has faltered.

The limeade was a bright spot—refreshing, tangy, and a rare note of excellence in what became a disappointing meal. But the sashimi, the heart of any seafood venture, was heartbreakingly lackluster. It arrived cold to the point of numbing, suppressing the natural, delicate flavors that make raw fish such a delicacy. Its texture was similarly uninspiring: dry, tasteless, and lifeless, evoking memories of budget-friendly grocery store sashimi meant for casual snacking rather than a crafted dining experience.

This isn’t the Chula I once knew, a place where every bite reminded you of the ocean’s bounty. Instead, it seems to have succumbed to the unfortunate fate of many expanding chains: the dilution of quality in the pursuit of growth or cost savings. As someone who once celebrated Chula’s offerings, it’s disheartening to witness this decline. A restaurant, like any artisan, should honor its craft, and Chula’s recent missteps feel like a betrayal of its potential.

Today, Chula wasn’t a journey to the sea; it was a quiet, melancholic drift toward mediocrity. $50 lunch for one simply not worth...

DISCLAIMER: this is only based off their seafood plates. Absolutely expensive for such tiny portions, I'm talking about 8 regular sized shrimp for 18 dollars and a small handful of fries: and a tiny slab of fish for another 22 dollars all on a huge rectangular tin plate. I couldn't believe it, I honestly thought they were joking or laughing at me in the back. On top of that, it really wasn't that tasty. A lot of the flavors were just empty and just didn't taste like the price. (I've had better shrimp at Red Lobster and thats not even a real seafood restaurant) I get that it's 'fresh' ok sure, it was somewhat fresh; but you couldn't really tell with all the bland seasonings on it. If you're from Az and have never eaten actual fresh seafood, you're gonna love it here. But if you actually appreciate good seafood with fair prices, do not come here. I can go to a sushi restaurant and order a rainbow roll for less and get more fish. There are other things on the menu like sandwiches and stuff, I would have gotten one of those instead, but they come with a side of Potato Chips instead of fries (like they should) Totally missed the selling point there. Other than that the staff was great and super friendly, and of course they are, they're making a killing of us I would sure hope they're friendly. TL:DR Dont get the seafood plates. If you enjoy real seafood, don't come here. If you have the stomach of a 4 year old (and taste buds), this is the...

Where to start?

$18 for a tuna melt.

Quality is very important. The food quality is top notch. Growing up along the coast, it’s easy to discern the difference between fresh and frozen seafood. Chula is great in that regard.

The display case sales seem intuitively appropriate. Trying to be a lunch/dinner spot or dine in is where there is a HUGE disconnect. The service is TERRIBLE. Some of the staff are snarky, most look and act like they would rather be elsewhere. I looked at the expressions on the staff while we waited 20 (twenty) minutes for our walk in take out order… they mostly screamed “shoot me now”. Absolutely no joy, no sense of urgency. Almost disdain toward we patrons.

Exceedingly unattractive.

As we departed, and delighted to try our meals at home, we were met with greater disappointment.

We went for the lobster roll. My birthday weekend and they are tough to find here. Of course they were sold out. No real surprise though naturally disappointing. I settled for the tuna melt. Too spicy. And $18. 🤣🤣🤣

My friends scallop dinner, $27, pic below. They even cut a full scallop in half!! In order to? What? Meet the weight requirement? Talk about stingy and overpriced?!!?

If it weren’t for the food quality, I’d label this place a BAD joke.

Do NOT waste your time and money.

I can buy dry pack scallops online. I can buy Maine lobster on dry...