California Fish Grill — Restaurant in Sacramento

TLDR: Food is okay but terrible customer service. Not worth returning to. Order was not made upon my arrival at the restaurant even though I ordered pick-up. I waited 20 minutes after checking in just to be told by the employees (or so they claim) that the order was stolen by another customer and told me to leave the restaurant ("wait for orders outside" but my order wasn't made or being made???) without refunding me or making me another order until I persisted.

I cannot believe the audacity of the employees at this restaurant to basically tell me to go away indirectly. Out of every single restaurant I have ever visited, this is the ABSOLUTE WORST customer service I have ever received. No matter how the food tastes, I refuse to return to a restaurant who ignores and shoos away customers. This is my first time entering the restaurant for pick-up. I placed the order online from Postmates at about 6:30pm. The order supposedly was ready for pick-up at 6:50pm. I arrived at the restaurant at 7:10pm and checked in with a cashier. I told her that I placed an order online for pick-up through Postmates and the name for the order. She could not hear me through the barrier and mask but instead of asking me to repeat myself or verifying the order, she told me to wait outside of the restaurant and they would bring me the order. They never did as I watched customer after customer walk out of the restaurant with their orders. They did not have any signage stating a limitation of how many people are allowed inside nor any signage regarding pick-up policies besides that anyone who enters must wear a mask (which I was).

I waited outside of the restaurant for 20 minutes and returned inside and asked again about my order. I spoke to the same cashier and she checked in with an older male employee with white hair who appeared to be handling the packaging of the takeout/pick-up orders. I informed him that I placed an order for pick-up through Postmates and showed him the name of the order and the order itself on my phone. He turned around to check the monitor that showed takeout/pick-up orders and told me that all pick-up orders were placed on the tables close to the entrance (yes, there was signage) but I had already checked them and told him my order was not there and he said that it was probably stolen by another customer. He turned around to look at the monitor again so I assumed he was checking for mine, but instead, he continued to work on other customer orders and completely ignored me so I kept waiting at the counter until I received a response. I didn't because the next time he spoke, he asked everyone who was waiting for their orders to exit the building and wait outside. Again, no signage stating their policies and I know he was directing it towards me because no one else was waiting for their order yet he was unable to look at me even though I was standing right in front of him across the counter.

He turned his back to me again and at this point, I was very frustrated but luckily, the only competent employee at the front counter approached me to ask what the issue was. I told her that I placed an order an hour ago through Postmates and it should have been ready for pick-up at 6:50pm but instead, I kept being told to wait without ever receiving my order. She told me she will see what she can do and left but briefly returned to inform me that the order was completed but another customer probably had stolen it. Instead of just leaving me hanging, she immediately told me that she can have an order made for me since I didn't receive my order but that it would take 15 minutes. At this point, I've been at the restaurant for 30 minutes so I told her I wouldn't mind waiting and thanked her. She asked me to wait outside and brought the order to me, apologizing about my experience and included two Chewy Marshmallow sweet treats.

I felt like I was being polite and direct so I don't understand why I received such harsh and unfair treatment so needless to say, I will not...

The reviews don't lie on "California Fish Grill" as they are one of the most consistent and delicious seafood eateries in the area. I have been an avid fan of this place ever since this location opened its doors back in late-2018. Situated at the very busy Howe Bout Arden shopping district, this location is tucked directly under Punch Line Comedy Club and adjacent to Arden Way. They also opened a second location in early-2019 on Sunrise Blvd. in Citrus Heights at the Sunrise Marketplace.

There are several words that come to mind to describe this place; fresh, friendly, filling, consistent, affordable, and delicious. As I have eaten at their sister store in Citrus Heights which is much closer to my home, the first time I ate at the Arden location was on Saturday 9/18/2021 at around 6:00pm. One thing about this place is that it is very spacious, clean, and inviting. There are several tables for large parties as well as fairly generous outdoor patio seating for the more comfortable Sacramento days.

The menu itself is quite extensive as they focus primarily on healthy, fresh seafood options that includes salmon, swai, Mahi Mahi, tilapia, shrimp, ahi tuna, calamari, catfish, and rockfish. For the non-pescatarians, they do offer grilled/breaded chicken, fries, street corn, asparagus, & Brussels sprouts. Best of all, their drink options include a self-serve Stubborn soda station (try saying that 5 times) as well as a few beer & wine options to compliment your meal.

I ended up ordering a healthy low-carb option that included their "Salmon & Swai Combo" with a side of cauliflower rice & grilled rosemary zucchini with a drizzle of garlic butter Swai sauce. Since my friend is not a big fish eater, he ended up going with their "Grilled Chicken Breast" while choosing fire roasted street corn and pinto beans as his sides. They handed us a buzzer (which lights up and vibrates when our order is ready) that only took us roughly 10 minutes to receive our food.

The food itself, they don't skimp at all on the portions. Everything is seasoned to perfection while the sauce is nice addition to the first. My Swai and salmon combo was tender, moist, and paired up beautifully with my cauliflower rice and grilled zucchini. The flavors definitely all came together well as this meal was fresh, healthy, and succulent. I also sampled a bite of my friends meal and this chicken had a nice smoked flavor to it. Overall, both our meals were excellent.

When it comes down to it, "California Fish Grill" is as good as it gets when it comes to high end "fast food". Service has always been above average, prices are very decent for what you get, ambiance is wonderful, and of course the food never disappoints. When you factor all of these elements into play, I am giving this place a perfect...

California Fish Grill in Arden has quickly become a favorite dining spot for seafood enthusiasts, and for good reason. From the moment you step through the door, the inviting ambiance and the tantalizing aroma of freshly grilled seafood set the stage for a delightful culinary experience.

One of the standout features of California Fish Grill is its commitment to using high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. The menu boasts a diverse selection of fresh fish, including salmon, tilapia, and mahi-mahi, all sourced responsibly to ensure a positive impact on the environment. This commitment to sustainability not only reflects a dedication to ethical practices but also contributes to the exceptional taste and freshness of the dishes.

The star of the show at California Fish Grill is undoubtedly the grill itself. The chefs skillfully prepare each dish to perfection, grilling the seafood to bring out its natural flavors while maintaining a succulent and tender texture. The customizable menu allows diners to choose their preferred fish, seasoning, and preparation style, ensuring a personalized dining experience that caters to individual tastes.

The variety of side dishes and accompaniments further enhance the dining experience. From the quinoa salad to the sweet potato fries, each side complements the main dish, providing a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The attention to detail in both the main dishes and sides showcases the culinary expertise of the chefs at California Fish Grill.

Another noteworthy aspect is the restaurant's commitment to providing a health-conscious dining option. The grilled cooking method, coupled with the emphasis on fresh ingredients, makes California Fish Grill a go-to choice for those looking for a delicious and nutritious meal. The menu includes gluten-free and low-carb options, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.

The friendly and attentive staff at California Fish Grill adds to the overall positive experience. From the moment you enter, you're greeted with warm smiles and helpful suggestions, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages diners to feel at ease. The efficient service ensures that your meal is served promptly without sacrificing the quality of the dining experience.

In conclusion, California Fish Grill in Arden is a standout dining establishment that deserves recognition for its commitment to sustainability, quality ingredients, and exceptional culinary execution. Whether you're a seafood lover or simply someone looking for a fresh and flavorful meal, California Fish Grill is a must-try destination that consistently delivers a memorable...