Service Delays and Lack of Attention Upon being seated, it took 15 minutes for anyone to acknowledge my presence and fill my water glass. Such delays set the tone for the evening and detract from the dining experience. While I could share the timeline in detail (even via timeline breakdown), the overall impression was one of poor service coordination. Suggestion for Improvement: Allocate more staff to ensure timely acknowledgment and consistent table service.
Issues with Specific Dishes Escargot: Served without the appropriate silverware or accompanying bread, which delayed consumption and allowed the dish to cool, diminishing its flavor and appeal. Chilean Sea Bass: The portion size was notably small and not reflective of industry standards, leaving me to consider this was a partial serving. To compound this, the fish was undercooked—a significant culinary oversight. Asparagus: A little of discoloration with an unpleasant texture, which is unacceptable for a high-quality meal. Mashed Potatoes: The texture and flavor resembled instant potatoes rather than fresh, creamy mashed potatoes.
Table Maintenance and Silverware Throughout the meal, there was a lack of sufficient silverware provided for the various courses. For instance, I was expected to reuse my spoon from the mashed potatoes for dessert, which was neither sanitary nor pleasant. Additionally, used silverware and dishes were left unattended on the table, creating clutter and detracting from the dining ambiance. Suggestion for Improvement: Ensure all tables are adequately stocked with appropriate silverware for each course and train staff to maintain tables proactively a.k.a Table Maintenance.
Wine Pairing Knowledge My server lacked familiarity with proper wine pairings for the dishes. This is a fundamental part of fine dining and reflects directly on the chef and management team. Suggestion for Improvement: Provide training for servers to enhance their knowledge of wine and food pairings.
Pricing and Value For a flat-rate meal of $85, the portion sizes and quality were far below expectations. It’s crucial to ensure that pricing aligns with the value and experience offered.
Positive Note The only redeeming aspect was the generous portion size of the wine, which was much appreciated given the rest of the evening's shortcomings.
Recommendations for Owners and Management: Hire additional staff to reduce delays in service and improve overall efficiency. Train staff on customer engagement, table maintenance, and menu knowledge. Reassess portion sizes, presentation, and preparation standards to align with industry expectations.
To the Chef: Attention to detail in food preparation, plating, and overall dining experience is critical. Reevaluate portion sizes, ensure proper cooking of proteins, and maintain the freshness and quality of all side dishes. Additionally, equip your team to provide a seamless dining experience by ensuring servers are knowledgeable and prepared.
Overall, the experience was disappointing and not reflective of the price point or expectations. I hope these observations and suggestions help address the gaps and improve future dining experiences for others because I will not be...
Read moreNestled in the heart of San Francisco, Catch French Bistro is a delightful gem that effortlessly blends charm, flavor, and hospitality. From the moment you step inside, the decor and atmosphere captivate you—think classic French elegance with a modern twist, warm lighting, and an inviting ambiance that makes you feel both relaxed and sophisticated. It’s the kind of place where you could linger over a meal for hours without realizing it.
The wait staff elevate the experience even further. Their friendliness and attentiveness strike the perfect balance—never overbearing, always genuine—making you feel like a welcomed regular, even on your first visit.
Now, onto the food, which is where Catch French Bistro truly shines. The beets salad is a vibrant starter, bursting with earthy sweetness and a harmonious blend of textures that awaken the palate. The duck leg, tender and succulent, is a standout, its rich flavor complemented by flawless seasoning and preparation. And then there’s La Marmite—a hearty, soul-warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, packed with depth and taste that lingers long after the last bite.
To wash it all down, the Fraise Mojito is nothing short of perfection. It strikes an impeccable balance with just the right amount of tangy zest, refreshing and bright, making it an ideal companion to the meal.
Catch French Bistro is a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic yet approachable French dining experience in San Francisco. With its stellar atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu that delivers on every promise, it’s a spot that leaves you...
Read moreIt was our first time here under the new management (same as Chou Chou in Forest Hill so expectations were high) & they exceeded💯 👩🍳😘
We did the Prix Fix - 3 courses for $65. As of now, there were no restrictions on your options - just pick one from each section.
OMG where to start? I had the French Martini - delicate & delish! French Onion Soup hit all the marks - umami, onions, crusty cheese! Mussels & frites - perfect! Boeuf Bourguignon was rich and filling- a great winter, cold night meal. Black cod was possibly the best fish I've ever had. Served in paper, marinated in leeks and veggies. Melts in your mouth! (almost forgot the crusty warm bread - mmmmmm) ✨🍸🥣🧅🧀🥖🍷🥩🐟🍌🍮🥂✨
DESSERT: The Crepe Banana Flambe slayed so hard. Delicious crispy bananas & crepe (& apparently rum liquor now that I look at the menu.). 🎆1,0000 *🎆 Brioche & French Pudding was like a warm hug. 🤗 Opera Cake was lighter but exactly how it should be - coffee with some chocolate. Chocolate Mousse was so light and creamy yet chocolatey. It dissolved like a cloud.
Ambiance: I love that they kept much of the OG Catch. The Quilt project is still on display & the fireplace 🔥 is still warm & cozy. ☂☂☂
I can't wait go to back for happy hour (3-5 pm 7 days a week) or 1/2 bottles of wine with dinner...
Read more