Island-inspired eats, sustainable sips, and coastal vibes collide
There’s coastal dining, and then there’s Pacific Catch: a crave-worthy escape where seafood dreams come with a side of pineapple, passion, and serious plating game. With locations in San Diego (Westfield UTC), Tustin, and Santa Monica, this fine casual favorite strikes the perfect balance between island vibes and upscale freshness. It’s the kind of spot where lunch meetings melt into happy hour and where the cocktails rival the views (trust us, that Watermelon Margarita deserves a long weekend).
The newly launched summer menu dives even deeper into the bold, breezy ethos Pacific Catch is known for (think macadamia-crusted sea bass, peach-laced sangria, and turmeric coconut everything). Oh, and did we mention the ceviche comes with purple chips? Grab your friends, snag a patio table, and let the flavor trip begin.
Summer Menu = Main Character Energy
Every dish on Pacific Catch’s summer menu tells a story, usually one with a beachside playlist and a tropical passport stamp. Start with the “White Tiger” Ceviche, a citrusy daydream laced with scallops, kanpachi, and Fresno chili, served with purple sweet potato chips for a pop of crunch. Then, let the hand rolls do their thing.
The Lobster Hand Roll is a cool combo of creamy lobster salad, cucumber, and avocado, while the Spicy Scallop Hand Roll brings the heat with sriracha aioli. The star of the show? That Summer Sea Bass. It’s crusted in macadamia nuts, layered with a turmeric coconut sauce, and served with a corn and arugula salad, peach chutney, and a baked Okinawan sweet potato. It’s luxe but approachable, just like the brand itself.
Cocktails That Know It’s Always Summer Somewhere
Let’s be real: no one comes to Pacific Catch just for the food. The drinks are main characters in their own right. On the new summer menu, things get fruity, flirty, and slightly boozy in the best way. The Watermelon Margarita (made with Lunazul reposado, lime juice, and agave nectar) tastes like the first sip of vacation. And yes, you can order it by the pitcher (you’re welcome).
If you’re more into wine cocktails, the White Sangria is a citrusy crowd-pleaser filled with apricot and peach liqueur, fresh pineapple juice, and honey. Light, fun, and made for sharing, these cocktails are the ultimate patio power move.
Three Locations, One Coastal State of Mind
Each Pacific Catch location serves up the same menu of crowd favorites, but the energy? That shifts with the zip code. Westfield UTC brings the sleek, shopper-friendly vibe with tons of natural light and patio hangs. Tustin keeps it cozy for OC locals who crave a chill weeknight wine moment with zero fuss. Meanwhile, Santa Monica turns up the volume with sweeping views and a steady stream of sunset chasers. Every spot serves beachy interiors, warm service, and that laid-back luxury that makes you stay for “just one more” bite. No matter where you are, it feels like you’re on a mini vacation. No plane ticket needed.
Sustainability With a Side of Flavor
Behind all the bold flavors and island flair, Pacific Catch has something even better simmering: a commitment to sustainability. Their approach to responsible sourcing means the seafood you’re devouring has been thoughtfully chosen for both freshness and environmental impact. That applies to everything from the daily catch to the cocktail garnishes (hello, no-waste vibes).
The brand is also committed to traceability, which means you can feel confident about that plate of scallops or that mango-dusted poke bowl. It’s the kind of conscious dining that doesn’t try too hard; it just is. And that ease? It’s part of what keeps guests coming back for more. Feel-good food tastes even better when you know the story behind it.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
