Pacific Catch has established itself as a cornerstone of the West Coast dining scene by blending the fresh bounty of the Pacific Ocean with the diverse culinary traditions of the Pacific Rim. This "Fish House" concept moves beyond traditional seafood shacks, offering a sophisticated yet accessible menu that incorporates flavors from Hawaii, Japan, Korea, and Latin America. Whether you are looking for a quick, nutrient-dense poke bowl or a multi-course grilled seafood dinner, understanding the nuances of the Pacific Catch menu is essential for making the most of your visit.

The menu is built on a foundation of sustainability, with a significant emphasis on "Ocean Friendly" sourcing. This commitment reflects in the quality of the raw bar and the depth of flavor in their grilled entrees.

Quick Overview of the Pacific Catch Dining Experience

The Pacific Catch menu is structured to accommodate various dining styles, from casual happy hour snacks to formal family dinners. Here is the primary breakdown of what you will find:

  • Signature Pokes & Ceviches: Fresh, raw fish dishes that serve as the brand’s hallmark.
  • Sushi & Hand Rolls: A creative take on Japanese classics with a California twist.
  • The Grill: A customizable section where you choose your protein, preparation style, and sides.
  • Pacific Rim Bowls: One-bowl meals featuring grains, greens, and vibrant sauces.
  • Aloha Hour: A dedicated happy hour menu with discounted appetizers and cocktails.

Starters and Shareable Platters for the Table

Starting a meal at Pacific Catch often involves the Pupu Platter, a classic Hawaiian-inspired sampler that provides a broad taste of the restaurant's range. Priced around $32.50, it typically includes coconut shrimp, Korean-style sticky ribs, sea bass skewers, and guaca-poke with house-made tortilla chips. It is a high-value option for groups of three or four.

Individual Starters to Watch

If you prefer individual appetizers, the Cabo Calamari stands out. Unlike standard fried calamari, this version includes fried lemon slices and Fresno chiles, served with a smoky chipotle aioli. The acidity from the fried lemons cuts through the richness of the batter, creating a balanced bite.

For those seeking comfort food, the Manila Clam Chowder or Salmon Chowder (ranging from $13.95 to $17.95) offers a creamy, house-made base enriched with applewood bacon and Yukon gold potatoes. The addition of lemon oil and crispy shallots on top prevents the chowder from feeling overly heavy.

The Heart of the Menu: Poke and Ceviche

Pacific Catch built its reputation on poke long before it became a nationwide trend. They use high-quality Yellowfin Ahi tuna and sustainable shrimp for these dishes.

Signature Poke Options

  • Original Ahi Poke ($14.95): This is the gold standard for purists. It features yellowfin tuna in a traditional sesame-soy marinade, served with wonton chips. The tuna is cut into substantial cubes, ensuring the texture of the fish remains the star.
  • Serrano Ahi Poke ($14.95): For those who enjoy heat, this version adds sriracha aioli and fresh serrano chiles. The creamy sauce provides a slow burn that complements the coolness of the raw tuna.
  • Guaca-Poke ($16.95): A hybrid dish that combines the Original Ahi Poke with fresh guacamole. It is a fusion of Hawaiian and Mexican flavors that works surprisingly well when scooped with their thick, house-made chips.

Baja Shrimp Ceviche

The Baja Shrimp Ceviche ($14.95) is a lighter, more acidic alternative to the pokes. Marinated in fresh lime juice with avocado and Fresno chiles, it offers a bright, refreshing flavor profile that clears the palate.

Sushi Bar Offerings and Sashimi Hand Rolls

The sushi program at Pacific Catch focuses on "Large Rolls" and "Sashimi Hand Rolls." These are not traditional Edomae-style sushi but rather bold, flavor-forward creations.

Popular Large Rolls

  • Lobster California Roll ($19.95): An upgrade to the standard roll, using real lobster salad, avocado, cucumber, and tobiko. The use of real lobster instead of imitation crab justifies the higher price point.
  • Firecracker Salmon Roll ($14.95): This roll features tempura-fried salmon, which provides a warm, crunchy contrast to the cool cucumber and daikon sprouts. It is finished with sriracha aioli for a spicy kick.
  • Shrimp Tempura Roll ($13.95): A reliable classic featuring tempura shrimp and avocado with a sweet soy glaze.

Sashimi Hand Rolls

A unique feature of the Pacific Catch sushi bar is the ability to order a Sashimi Trio of hand rolls or pick individual ones like Seared Ahi, Pacific Yellowtail (Kanpachi), or Spicy Salmon. Individual hand rolls are usually priced around $5.95, while a trio is approximately $15.95. These are served "taco-style" with a crisp seaweed shell, making them easy to eat without a mess.

From the Grill: A Customizable Seafood Journey

The "From the Grill" section is perhaps the most versatile part of the Pacific Catch menu. It follows a three-step customization process that allows you to tailor your meal to your specific cravings.

Step 1: Pick Your Fish

The selection usually includes:

  • Salmon ($29.95): Sourced from Patagonia, Chile. It is known for its high fat content and buttery texture.
  • Kanpachi ($34.95): A premium yellowtail from Kona, Hawaii. It has a firm texture and a clean, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Barramundi Sea Bass ($29.95): Sourced from Vietnam, this is a lean, white fish with a flaky texture.

Step 2: Pick Your Style

The "Style" determines the sauce and seasoning:

  • Hawaiian Sea Salt: The simplest preparation using red alaea salt and citrus oil. This is best for those who want to taste the natural quality of the fish.
  • Asian Herb Chimichurri: A vibrant, garlic-forward herb marinade that adds a savory depth to the grilled protein.
  • Macadamia Nut Crusted: This adds a crunchy texture and is served with a rich coconut-tahini sauce, leaning heavily into tropical flavors.

Step 3: Pick Two Sides

The sides at Pacific Catch are far more adventurous than standard fries or slaw. High-value choices include:

  • Thai Brussels Sprouts: Glazed in honey and fish sauce, topped with crispy shallots.
  • Kimchi Fried Rice: A savory, slightly spicy rice topped with sriracha aioli (add a sunny-side egg for $3 for an elevated experience).
  • Mexican "Elote" Corn: Fresh corn with queso fresco, chipotle aioli, and chile-lime salt.

Pacific Rim Bowls and Health-Conscious Choices

For diners looking for a balanced meal in a single bowl, the Pacific Rim Bowls are a mainstay. These bowls often feature a base of sushi rice, brown rice, or a quinoa blend.

The West Coast Style

The West Coast Salmon Bowl is a fan favorite. It combines grilled salmon with roasted cauliflower, avocado, and a cilantro-pepita pesto. The soy-tahini drizzle adds a creamy, nutty finish that ties the disparate ingredients together.

The Japanese Wasabi Style

This bowl typically features the Original Ahi Poke served over sushi rice and organic greens. It includes wakame seaweed salad, marinated cucumber, and a potent soy-wasabi vinaigrette. It is essentially a deconstructed sushi roll in a bowl format.

Feel Good Five

Pacific Catch often promotes a "Feel Good Five" selection—five menu items that are under a certain calorie count or particularly nutrient-dense. This often includes the Red Curry Noodle Bowl or the Vietnamese Shrimp Salad, providing options for those monitoring their dietary intake without sacrificing flavor.

Main Platters, Tacos, and Burgers

If you aren't in the mood for a customized grill plate or a bowl, the menu offers several hearty platters.

Taco Platters

The taco platters ($19.95 for two, $24.95 for three) allow for a mix-and-match approach. You can choose between:

  • Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with pineapple salsa.
  • Baja-style Crispy Cod or Shrimp.
  • Spicy Sriracha Grilled Steak. These are served with black beans and your choice of fries or a side salad.

The Wagyu Cheeseburger

While Pacific Catch is a seafood house, their Wagyu Cheeseburger ($19.95) is a sleeper hit. Made with 6 oz of premium Wagyu beef and served on a toasted sesame bun with pickled onions and baby arugula, it caters to the meat lovers in the group.

Miso Black Cod

The Miso Black Cod ($34.95) is one of the most sophisticated entrees on the menu. The Alaskan sablefish is broiled with a sweet miso glaze until it reaches a buttery consistency, served alongside furikake rice and sesame green beans.

Specialized Menus: Kids and Dietary Needs

Pacific Catch is exceptionally accommodating to diners with specific needs.

Gluten-Sensitive Options

The menu features a dedicated "GS" (Gluten-Sensitive) marking for many items. Because they use a lot of naturally gluten-free ingredients like fresh fish, rice, and corn, the options are plentiful. Most pokes and grilled fish preparations can be made gluten-sensitive by swapping sauces or using corn tortilla chips.

Vegan and Plant-Based

For vegans, the West Coast Tofu Bowl or the Red Curry Noodle Bowl (with tofu) are the primary options. Many of the sides, like the house salad and grilled asparagus, can be prepared vegan upon request.

The Kids Menu

The kids menu is designed for younger palates but maintains the quality of the main menu. Options include:

  • Kids Teriyaki Bowl: Choice of protein over rice with broccoli.
  • Kids Fish & Chips: Two pieces of Alaskan cod.
  • Kids Avocado Roll: A simple, kid-friendly sushi introduction.

Desserts and Sweet Finishes

No visit to Pacific Catch is complete without the Hula Brownie Sundae. This decadent dessert features a warm brownie topped with coconut-macadamia nut gelato, hot fudge, and whipped cream. It is large enough to share and perfectly encapsulates the tropical theme of the restaurant.

Other options include the Pineapple Right Side Up Cake and Crispy Dulce de Leche Spring Rolls, which offer a fusion twist on classic dessert formats.

Aloha Hour: Drink Menu and Discounts

The Aloha Hour (Happy Hour) is one of the best ways to experience Pacific Catch on a budget. It typically runs on weekdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and weekends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

During this time, you can find significant discounts on:

  • Mai Tais and Margaritas: Their house Mai Tai is a potent blend of rums and tropical juices.
  • Draft Beers: Including local West Coast IPAs and Japanese lagers.
  • Appetizers: Smaller portions of coconut shrimp, sticky ribs, and pokes at reduced prices.

Understanding the Bill: Surcharges and Pricing

Diners should be aware that Pacific Catch, like many California-based restaurant groups, applies a surcharge to help offset rising labor and benefit costs.

  • General Surcharge: Usually 3%.
  • San Francisco Locations: Often 5%. This is not a gratuity, so tipping for service should be calculated based on the subtotal.

Prices for entrees generally fall between $20 and $40, while starters and bowls are in the $14 to $23 range. While not a "budget" restaurant, the quality of the sustainable seafood and the generous portion sizes offer a fair value-for-money proposition.

Summary of the Pacific Catch Menu

Pacific Catch offers a unique intersection of sustainable seafood and bold Pacific Rim flavors. From their industry-leading poke bowls to their customizable grilled fish entrees, the menu is designed for variety and freshness. By utilizing the "Aloha Hour" and exploring the "Feel Good Five" options, diners can enjoy a high-quality seafood meal that fits both their nutritional goals and their budget.

FAQ about the Pacific Catch Menu

Does Pacific Catch have a lot of gluten-free options? Yes, they have an extensive gluten-sensitive menu. Many of their pokes, grilled fish dishes, and sides are naturally gluten-free or can be modified easily.

What is the best thing to order for a first-timer? The Pupu Platter is the best way to try several signature items at once. If you want a single entree, the Original Ahi Poke or the Miso Black Cod are highly recommended.

Are there options for people who don't like seafood? Yes. Pacific Catch offers Korean BBQ Steak, Sticky Pork Ribs, Grilled Chicken Teriyaki, and a Wagyu Cheeseburger.

Is the fish at Pacific Catch sustainable? Yes, the restaurant prides itself on being "Ocean Friendly" and works with organizations like Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch to source sustainable seafood.

When is Aloha Hour at Pacific Catch? Aloha Hour typically takes place on weekdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and on weekends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, though times may vary slightly by location.