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oChef » Pacific Catch – San Diego
Pacific Catch - San Diego
Photo from Pacific Catch
Pacific Catch at a glance
San Diego University City
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#384 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#5 Seafood Restaurant out of 10 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
586
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh seafood
- Great ambiance
- Pet friendly
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Pricey items
- Portion size
The restaurant Pacific Catch welcomes you to a delightful seafood experience in San Diego’s vibrant University City neighborhood. This seafood restaurant offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You can enjoy healthy options alongside coffee and alcohol, making it a versatile spot for various dining preferences. Whether you prefer to dine-in, grab takeout, or have your meal delivered, Pacific Catch provides convenient service options for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Pacific Catch
Pacific Catch offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its inviting atmosphere and comfortable seating. Many guests appreciate the fresh, flavorful dishes, making it a solid choice for those seeking quality seafood in a relaxed setting.
However, while the service can be quite friendly and attentive, some diners have noted inconsistencies. The overall value, particularly for certain menu items, has also been a point of discussion among visitors.
Good
7.3
out of 10
586
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
135
negative
24
neutral
427
positive
Pacific Catch earns a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.3, complemented by a good Customer Satisfaction rating of 72.9%. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 586 customer opinions, with 427 positive remarks outweighing 135 negative ones, indicating a generally positive sentiment.
Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8) stands out as a strong point, creating an enjoyable setting. The Food (7.4) also receives good marks for its quality and taste.
While Service (6.8) is generally good, some experiences vary. The Value (5.4), however, falls into the average category, suggesting it might not always meet expectations.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Dog-friendly patio
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Perceived high prices
- Small portions
If you’re seeking a spot with a pleasant environment and reliably good seafood, Pacific Catch is certainly worth considering. The strong Ambience and consistent Food quality contribute to a positive experience, reflected in its 7.4 Recommendation Score.
However, be mindful that the overall value might not always align with expectations, and service can occasionally be a mixed bag. It’s a good option for a casual meal, but perhaps not for those on a strict budget or expecting flawless service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pacific Catch
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like a pretty solid bet! With a strong score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at a healthy 76.8%, many diners rave about the creative, flavorful dishes and generous portions. Out of 336 comments, 258 were positive, frequently praising the fresh ingredients and delicious meals.
However, not every dish hits the mark. About 67 comments pointed out issues like inconsistent quality, with some items being undercooked or having small portions. A few found certain dishes subpar or even fishy tasting, suggesting some room for improvement in consistency.
Food
336
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
67
negative
11
neutral
258
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative flavorful dishes
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Small portions
- Not always fresh
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by outstanding food and promise of service. The atmosphere was relaxing, with music that was not loud, allowing for great conversations without having to raise my voice.
- seafoodThe service was decent; our server was busy with other tables. Overall, this is a great place to get some good seafood, and they have a full bar! I'll be back to try the other menu items when I'm in the area again!
- FoodFood was amazing
- cevicheThe original poke and both ceviches are great.
- fish and chipsonly the fish and chips were memorable
- broccoliniMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! We tried several dishes, including the barramundi sea bass with broccolini, the kimchi fried rice topped with an egg, and the salmon with Asian chimichurri style with asparagus. The fried rice had a nice kick, and both the salmon and sea bass were super moist with excellent salt seasoning.
- calamarithe calamari and the wagyu burger which were really good
- cocktailsEveryone in our party tried a different dish, and we all raved about how amazing the food was. They also offer a good variety of tasty cocktails.
- drinksThe food and drinks are consistently good
- food qualitythe food quality was great
Frequently criticized
- portionsI found the fish dishes to be good, and the service was also good. However, it was a little overpriced for the small portions. Overall, it was a nice experience.
- avocadoWhile I can't comment on the poke itself, the salmon was moist and tender, and the sauce on the rice was tasty. However, the avocado was a bit underripe. I also enjoyed the calamari and the wagyu burger, which were really good.
- fishthe fish was extremely bland
- foodthe food was below average
- lobster rollThe (east coast) lobster roll was vile. Atrocious.
- ricemore than half of bowl was rice
- shitake miso soupThe shitake miso soup was more shitake soup
- sushiyuck. Only sushi roll I’ve ever had with two layers of seaweed inside
- FoodFood:2
- French friesabsolutely ignored my request
Overall, the food here is generally well-received and worth trying for its creative and fresh offerings. While there might be an occasional miss, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, making it a good choice for a satisfying meal.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
Youll often find a warm welcome here, with 87 positive comments out of 140 total highlighting the staff and service as friendly and attentive staff. Many guests praised the speed of service, contributing to a good overall score of 6.8. However, its not always smooth sailing.
With 49 negative comments, some experiences fell short, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 62.1%. Issues like long wait to be seated, slow service, and waiter attentiveness were noted, with some describing interactions as atrocious or inattentive.
Service
140
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
49
negative
4
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inattentive staff
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceIt's a definite standout! The ambiance is both relaxed and vibrant, the service is friendly, and parking is easily available, which is a significant plus in this area. If you're craving fresh, flavorful seafood at a fair price, Pacific Catch is the ideal destination.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a SOLID option for a great price that can fill you up. The staff is always wonderful, and the restaurant is in a great location.
- serverMy favorite was the calamari, which was perfect with beer. The server was friendly, and it's a kid/pet-friendly place :)
- ServiceService was 10/10
- customer servicerecognize his great customer service!!!
- waiterour waiter accommodated the changes to the items I ordered
- DeliveryService:Delivery
- Great serviceGreat service
- Hostess and waitressHostess and waitress were super helpful, polite, and provided excellent service!
- JacobJacob is always very attentive and kind
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe restaurant had maybe 5 patrons with several staff. I had to go to the counter to get my ticket, and when I commented that we never got service, he threw it at me. I asked for to-go containers; for soup, he gave me 2 square boxes.
- trainingThis left us feeling extremely uncomfortable and frankly, discriminated against. I hope the restaurant can provide better training to ensure all guests are treated equally and respectfully.
- waiterWe arrived on a weekday before busy hour, and wanted to sit outside. The waiter only offered us two small options: one facing the entrance and one right next to it. When we politely asked if we could sit at a larger table (at least 3 were empty, and some guests were just finishing up), he refused, saying they were reserved for larger parties.
- ServersServers were like functional AI bots
- ServiceService:3
- WaitstaffWaitstaff… not good
- billrude to bring out the bill when it hasn’t been asked for
- bussing staffeducate the bussing staff basic dining etiquette
- checkwas delayed with our check
- customer serviceWe spent $125 in total. While I found the food to be delicious, the customer service could be better, especially considering the price.
Overall, service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. While many enjoy friendly and quick interactions, be prepared for potential waits or occasional inattentiveness. If you value attentive staff, you might have a great experience, but patience could be key.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8 and leaving a whopping 84.5% of customers satisfied. With 71 positive remarks out of 84 total, guests frequently rave about the atmosphere, terrace, and overall cleanliness.
Many appreciate the beachy vibes/decor and the fantastic dog friendly patio for a relaxing dining experience. However, its not all sunshine and roses. The 9 negative comments point to a few snags, like concerns over noise level making conversations tough, and occasional parking difficulties.
Some guests also mentioned discomfort from minimal heater on cold days or even pesky fruit flies disrupting their meal.
Ambience
84
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Clean, modern decor
- Dog-friendly patio
What people don't like
- High noise level
- Parking can be tough
- Occasional fruit flies
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of pleasant and disappointing. I enjoyed the nice atmosphere, especially sitting on the terrace. However, the coleslaw was not too good, and the portions for the breaded fish seemed smaller than expected.
- ambianceI recommend the sushi taco trio and ceviche. There’s always plenty of seating with great ambiance and service.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- dog friendly patioThey have a very dog friendly patio
- placeThe food is great, and Jacob, our server, was consistently very attentive and kind. I highly recommend this place.
- seatingSimply put, this establishment did NOT disappoint. The food was fresh, the service was fast and friendly, and the seating was comfortable. My older son also loved his meal, which is always a bonus!
- decorThe decor inside and outside patio is really nice.
- dog friendlyDog friendly -- a separate patio and pup menu!
- experiencethis was a definite 5-star experience for us
- noise levelmusic was not loud, was able to have great conversations
Frequently criticized
- cutleryOur cutlery was also dirty at the start with old food
- fruit fliesa bunch of fruit flies bothering us
- heaterIt was cold with minimal heater
- larger tabledenied larger tables
- noise levelthe noise level made it difficult to hear conversations
- outside patioIn summers not my favourite to sit outside as it’s too hot 🥵
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- seatMy seat was constantly jostled
- tableI came in by myself to try and get a table, and although the restaurant was empty, the hostess said she wouldn’t seat me anywhere but the bar outside or near the open front door when it’s like 50 degrees outside. I literally looked around at the empty restaurant, and she insisted there was no room.
If youre seeking a place with a great atmosphere, especially for outdoor dining or with your furry friend, this spot is worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential noise or parking challenges, and perhaps bring a sweater if its chilly.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 42.3%. However, many guests appreciate the fair price for entrees and the happy hour menu, which is often described as a solid deal. Folks also rave about the large portion sizes, making it a great value for the price, as noted in 11 positive remarks.
On the flip side, the overall score for value sits at 5.4, indicating theres room for improvement. Some diners found certain items, particularly appetizers and drinks, to be quite expensive or even overpriced, leading to comments like not worth it or a total waste of money'. These concerns were highlighted in 10 negative comments out of 26 total opinions.
Value
26
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Solid happy hour
- Reasonable entrees
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Pricey apps/drinks
- Overpriced items
- Paid parking
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was overall not bad for the price. The atmosphere was casual and clean.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- entreesMy only minor gripe is that, especially if you order an appetizer and drink, the place can be a bit expensive for what you get. The entrees were reasonable, but apps and drinks were pricey. Still, this was a definite 5-star experience for us.
- fair priceThe ambiance is both relaxed and vibrant, the service is friendly, and parking is easily available, which is a significant plus in this area. If you're craving fresh, flavorful seafood at a fair price, Pacific Catch is the ideal destination. Highly recommended!
- great pricea great price
- happy houra great happy hour
- happy hour menuTheir happy hour menu is a solid deal
- tipI paid more than 25% of my bills because I really think he deserves it
- valuedelivers on value
- value for the priceI found the food to be incredibly fresh and delicious 😋. I also really appreciated the large portion sizes, which made it a great value for the price.
Frequently criticized
- priceDefinitely not worth the $17 they charge for it
- appetizer and drinkMy wife and I will definitely be returning to dine here whenever we're back in the UTC area. My only minor gripe is that, especially if you order an appetizer and drink, the place can be a bit expensive for what you get. The entrees were reasonable, but apps and drinks were pricey.
- apps and drinksapps and drinks were expensive
- billCheck your bill
- overpricedOverpriced by at least 50%
- parkinghave to pay for parking
- tipMolly S. Physically blocked our exit and questioned us about the tip, implying it wasn't 20%. Being stopped and questioned at the door over a tip felt inappropriate and pressured.
- waste of moneyA total waste of money.
If youre looking for a good deal, focus on the entrees and happy hour specials, as they often deliver solid value. However, be mindful that appetizers and drinks can quickly drive up the bill, making it feel overpriced for some. Its a mixed bag, so choose wisely!
How are the prices at Pacific Catch?
You’re looking at roughly $36 per person – reported by 105 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is $36, the prices guests actually pay are quite spread out. Many diners spend less, often in the $21–$30 range, but a good number also go for pricier options, sometimes in the $41–$50 bracket.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering its a Seafood Restaurant, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Its a solid mid-range option for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pacific Catch
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Lovely Spot with Great Food and Service
What a nice experience! The restaurant has a lovely and spacious atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal. The food was excellent, both in quality and presentation.
Our server, Ashley, was incredibly smiley and attentive, exactly as we like it. Highly recommended!
- atmosphere9
- food quality10
- food presentation10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Lovely spot, great food and service!
What a nice experience! The place is pleasant and spacious, offering a relaxing atmosphere. The quality of the food and its presentation were excellent.
Our waitress, Ashley, was smiling and attentive, exactly as we like it. Nice!
- place9
- food quality10
- presentation10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Seafood and Diverse Plates
I normally don’t write reviews, but my experience at this restaurant was really good. The seafood was exceptional, and I had the best fried calamari I’ve ever tasted. All of our plates were very good, including the miso black cod, fish and chips, Hawaiian plate, and even the cheeseburger.
The sauces were also very good.
- seafood9
- fried calamari10
- miso black cod8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
8
Good Food, Excellent Service, Minor Miso Mishap
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with excellent food and outstanding service. I particularly enjoyed the calamari and the sticky ribs, which were both great. The service was a perfect 10/10.
However, there were a couple of minor issues with the food: the Miso soup seemed to be made incorrectly, as the base broth was not suitable for miso paste. Additionally, the Creamy Mac salad was not Hawaiian style. Despite these small points, the overall experience was very good.
- calamari9
- sticky ribs9
- Creamy Mac salad5
- Miso soup3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Seafood with Asian Fusion Flair
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. It's a nice seafood spot that offers some Asian Fusion dishes and a variety of trending items, including sushi rolls. I opted for the fish and chips, which featured fat juicy cod, perfectly batter-fried and served with a drizzle of malt vinegar.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food quality was excellent, earning a 4. Overall, a good dining experience.
- seafood8
- Asian Fusion7
- trending goodies7
What Pacific Catch offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available at Pacific Catch in University City?
When you visit Pacific Catch in San Diego’s University City, you’ll find several convenient parking options. The restaurant offers free street parking, a paid parking lot, and a free parking lot. You can usually expect plenty of parking available, making your visit hassle-free.
Can I bring my dog to Pacific Catch?
Yes, if you’re planning to dine at Pacific Catch, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are allowed outside. This makes it a great spot to enjoy a meal with your furry friend in San Diego’s University City, especially if you prefer outdoor seating.
How does Pacific Catch rate overall?
Pacific Catch holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.3 with 72.9% customer satisfaction. Its Ambience (8) and Food (7.4) are strong points, while Service (6.8) is generally good, and Value (5.4) is considered average.
What are the main strengths of the dining experience at Pacific Catch?
Diners frequently praise Pacific Catch for its pleasant atmosphere and comfortable seating, including a popular dog friendly patio. The fresh and flavorful food, particularly the seafood, is also a consistent highlight for many guests.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at Pacific Catch?
Some guests have noted inconsistencies with service, occasionally experiencing delays or issues with staff attentiveness. Additionally, the value for certain menu items, especially appetizers and drinks, has been a point of concern for some diners.