Pacific Catch — Restaurant in Sunnyvale

One Step Below Red Lobster:

Overall Rating: 2 Stars

This is one disappointing restaurant with a decidedly chain feel lacking any character whatsoever. Had drinks/dinner with two of my colleagues and was some of the worst money ever spent on dinner. Now for the details of my review:

Space/Ambiance - It's industrial and simple. The space is OK, and reflects the newness of the building and new developments in downtown Sunnyvale, but I couldn't detect a theme and the horrendously bright lights and the massive space made it feel like a cafeteria or a fast food joint. Definitely not unique or interesting and not indicative of a high-end restaurant. Rating 2 Stars: **

Menu - Cocktails/Beer: Pretty standard cocktail fair and a short uninteresting beer list. I think the happy hour had 4 choices on tap for and 6 for regular. Bottle/can choices were limited and typical of a chain restaurant in bed with Inbev-AB. Completely lacked a creative cocktail menu and any focus on local breweries. Rating: 3-Stars: *

Menu - Food: My colleagues and I could never figure out what the focus was or what cuisine was supposed to be. There were ceviches, fish dishes, tacos and poké bowls and burgers with some surf and turf. There are mentions of Thai, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese, but oddly placed among sides and other items. In my opinion restaurants that try to do too much tend to not do anything well and this is what is happening here. If the restaurant reads this review, please pick a lane and try to do that well. Rating: 2-Stars: **

Service: I can't complain here although service was a bit scattered and confused. We had 3 different people take orders and more than that bring food, and get us the Bill. The food and drinks were brought in reasonable time and all the folks were super nice. Rating: 4-Stars: **

Food: We ordered a ceviche appetizer with three meager portions of ceviches, some tortilla & wonton chips, 2 leaves of lettuce, some mystery flavorless runny white sauce and 2-3 slices of cucumber. Fish was mushy and 2 of three (so boring I can't remember which we ordered)were flavorless. We did get one with Serrano but the spice of the pepper was the only saving grace.

For dinner we ordered the fish of the day which was halibut that comes with two sides and some really side unseasoned but cooked (probably steamed?) veggies (4-5 pieces) that we pitiful. Halibut is actually a difficult fish to prepare and these guys blew it. It was dry and chewy (very overcooked) and completely flavorless. Probably some of the worst halibut I've had in my life. My sides, Crab Mac N Cheese, was pretty good and Curry (unidentifiable style of curry) veggies was really awful didn't add to, complement or support the leading lady (fish) in any way. Not sure why the choices are those but it made no sense. Rating: 1-Star: *

Value: This place is pricey. I think our bill was $153 for 2 mains, 1 app, 1 cocktail, and 2 beers. Absolutely not worth it. Rating: 1-Star: *

Total stars/categories: 13/6 = 2.166 stars...

This restaurant is a lovely open space where you can actually carry on a conversation because you are not surrounded by televisions and yelling sports fans. Food choices are excellent and all are prepared with care. servers are friendly and efficient. Be sure to say hi to star waitress Charmy (who previously worked at the wonderful but now defunct Fish Market.). Unlike some other restaurants, the appetizers are as high-quality as the meals – – tho can be too much food if you order both them and a meal – – generous portions. The salad is both creative and healthy, and the miso soup is excellent. I’ve enjoyed rainbow and shrimp tempura rolls, Baja-style fish tacos, fish and chips (really like that I can choose how many pieces of fish or how many tacos.) Surprising is the quality of the hamburger in a seafood restaurant—one of the best I’ve ever had – – cooked perfectly, medium-rare (as requested.) and exactly the right condiments. In addition, the bartenders pour a great drink, whether you want something frou-frou or something standard, like a fine martini. Until recently, I would also have given a five star to the choice of desserts, however, someone at the corporate level made a very bad decision and replaced the delightful Malasadas with pineapple upside down/right side up cake – – didn’t anyone tell them that that pineapple cake is from Kansas and has nothing to do with the Pacific Island vibe that Pacific catch is trying to create? Not only other clients, but staff as well could make no sense of the elimination of the Malasadas as a unique dessert that was always in high demand– – bring it...

Great food and great service! Our server was Victor, so friendly and gave great recommendations. His time and tempo while serving was on point!

We also had a great chat with he manager Noah, he was also very friendly and knew so much about the menu even though just being there for a month or so. You can really tell he enjoys working there and has pride in what he does.

The only thing I didn't like was the surcharge the restaurant chain put on the customer to help pay for the workers to serve them... to take 3% of the total bill to help you pay for your workers is nuts. You are literally taking money from the server themselves... you know if you don't take that 3% off, the customer will take that out of the 20% tip... also the time for the server to explain why that 3% is there.... then bring the manager over to explain it again.... I bet money, they have to do that at every table. Waste of everyone's money and time!!! Maybe you should do a study if it is even worth having it on there.... just another way of taking money away from the working class.

Well other than the bill at the end having that 3% on it....