Catch – Red Bank

Took my wife out on a date and I have to say it’s one of the best restaurants I’ve been so far great food so is the service. Definitely 5 stars will be recommending it to my family and friends.

I went here a few weeks ago. The ambience left a lot to be desired. I felt they were trying to squeeze too many people into too small a space. The restaurant was also very loud, and our waitress was not the most attentive.
The food however, was delicious. My date and I ordered the angry lobster and shrimp and lump crab meat for appetizers. Both were phenomenal. For dinner I order the scallops and he had the sea bass. Again, very delicious.
I enjoyed the restaurant but do not see myself returning.

Rarely give a 5… This place was phenomenal! Started off with the angry shrimp and lobster app. It was insanely good– spicy red pepper sauce, and an abundance of shrimp and lobster. For my entrée I had the raw tuna which melted in my mouth, my date had the bronzini fish with an olive oil based sauce (also incredible). Highly recommend this place, especially if you are huge seafood fans like myself.

4.5 stars would have been 5 except for the stale bread served with very nice olive oil.
We thoroughly enjoyed all of the food: arugula and salad, angry shrimp and lobster app out of this world good. I ordered the brick Tuscan chicken, I know chicken at a seafood restaurant?
Well I am a bit of a sea food snob and eat lots of it at home where I can guarantee the quality. That being said I trusted the quality of seafood would have been top notch but wanted to try something different. Not disappointed at all the char on the chicken with the tomatoes etc and Tuscan sauce was lick the plate good. My bride ordered the Chilean sea bass and she enjoyed as well.
Restaurant was not overcrowded and atmosphere on second floor with window seat was excellent. Chris our server was attentive and all combined made for a great dining experience.
We will be back!

Update — unfortunately I cannot maintain my 5 star review on this restaurant. We had a horrible and inexcusable experience this weekend. We made reservations about 1 month ago and explained that we will be about an 8 – 12 top. We asked to be on the second floor away from the kitchen since one of my friends was allergic to shellfish. We confirmed a couple of times to confirm they can accommodate that request and they said definitely. We arrive on Saturday and night the table that were going to sit us at was probably the worst table (right next to the kitchen). The hostess said they didn’t have any notes about our request to sit upstairs. I was concerned for my friend — so I asked to compromise and saw a table that was a 10 top a little further away from the kitchen. They again said no — that is reserved for 10 and the table we were being seated at couldn’t accommodate 10.
The manager/​owner Dominick Rizzo then came by and at first seemed like he wanted to help us by offering to get us in to another restaurant — I explained my dissatisfaction and my concern for my friend. Dominick said that there will be shellfish upstairs regardless. I explained it wasn’t about the plating of the shellfish; however more of the cooking and airborne of the allergy. He snickered and provided me with his knowledge from his multitude of allergy classes he took in culinary school. He never heard of airborne allergies with shellfish. Here is a some information w w
.
We ordered some apps — I did order 1 piece of shrimp and 3 oysters (I was sitting at the other side of the table) but again it is not about the plating. He is allergic from the airborne cooking of it. The chef called me to the back and in a sarcastic way said I do not feel comfortable serving this. This is the owner mind you — I have dined there over a dozen times and told many friends of this place. He was very condescending — this is no way to treat your loyal customers.
Anyway, the attitude of the owner is not the only issue — the seabass on a flavor scale is very good; however the size of the portion has been shrinking considerable over the past year. My friend ordered this $ 30+ entrée and he finished it in 2 bites. One of the waiters once said on another occasion, don’t ever order that at lunch because they give you a smaller portion for the same price (My buddy must have received the lunch portion this past Saturday night).
They removed my wife’s meal before she was done — She was on the phone outside with my 3 year old daughter saying goodnight to her. They did not offer to replace it; however after arguing with another manager (Dmitri) who was very nice — they took it off the bill.
Since Dominick had it for us from the beginning, he took the word of the «10 top» and kicked us out of the restaurant prior to us finishing our dinner due to a slight altercation. They had another 8 top waiting to be sat down — so he took the opportunity to open it up
Going back to that «10 top». It ended up being an 8 top.
I will never go back there — The whole fish specials, which used to be one of the reasons I went there, is really no longer an option with the exception of a red snapper. This experience was truly the worst I have had dining out. It is truly a shame since it was at one time our favorite restaurant. I guess all good things will come to an end.
I am still waiting for our call to see if we had a good time…
Review from 2015
We were there 2 weeks ago and all I have to say is that it is our new favorite restaurant. The best fish we had since Hawaii. I got the Japanese Red Snapper whole fish (wow). The sinister sauce is a must just to dip anything in. It is like a spicy lobster bisque. Remember it is BYOB. We did not know that, but rest assured the liquor store delivers to your table in less than 5 minutes!!! The service was amazing and accommodating. It was our first night out just the 2 of us out since having our 2^nd child. Can’t wait to go back.
They even called the next day to ensure we had a great time.

The food is amazing the atmosphere is great! I had the Pork chops for dinner last night and it came topped with jalapeño peppers and potatoes on an amazing sauce that make me wanna lick the plate. The chef came out and explained to us some of his other magnificent dishes. I would definitely be visiting again as I move down the shore for the summer

Overall a decent meal, but not for the price.$ 35 for a small piece of fish and a pile of mushrooms.
Service was a little slow, and both times I’ve been here they made us sit upstairs even though there were many open tables on ground level.
Main problem is the chimichurri. It came highly recommended by the server but it was pretty terrible. I’ve got a lot of Uruguayan family, and never have I tasted chimichiurri with no vinegar. This was essentially straight olive oil in a cup with a few pieces of parsley in it. I had a really hard time eating my fish because it just tasted like a mouthful of oil. Tip for chef, more vinegar, more parsley, garlic, and ¼ the amount of oil. If my mother in law tasted what I ate tonight she would’ve been in a bad mood for a week.

First time to Catch. Amazing place. Not even going to drop a star for a smaller place, but plenty of room. They have a downstairs more modernesk and upstairs gives you more of a rustic but elegant place. Service is excellent. Not pushy about any items and supportive of letting you know nearest liquor store to pick some wine up if you didnt know it was byob like myself. Food is amazing all prepared fresh, so little wait for food but worth it. Get the shrimp and lobster appetizer its worth the price. Had the ribeye there and cooked perfect and big portion. Another from our group had the chilean sea bass but not done with the pineapple glaze but rather blood orange and was perfect. Oysters were perfect and for dessert one must try the flourless chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.

I am blown away by how great their food is! I had lunch down stairs while my sisters wedding shower was going on in the upstairs room. Their chef knows his way around the kitchen. I’ll be back and telling everyone I know to try this place.

We went to Catch last week for restaurant week. Our server was pleasant enough but did not describe anything or explain the restaurant week menu, while I heard other servers doing so enthusiastically. The chalkboard oyster list featured prominently over the raw bar did not reflect the oysters of the day. We ordered 6 kumamoto oysters and reviewed the menu and ordered our first and second courses a few minutes later. We were served the oysters and appetizers at the SAME time. We had the tuna carpaccio and beef crudo. Both had truffle oil on them, as advertised. Turns out I’m not a fan of truffle oil. The appetizers were both lovely though. My DH ordered the scallops and I ordered the bone-​in veal milanese. The DH enjoyed the 3 scallops. I was NOT served bone-​in veal. I was served one tiny cutlet, pounded paper thin to about 3×5″ and deep fried. It was covered with arugula, mushrooms, and shaved parmesan. No carpaccio on the dish as described on the menu. Though it was not included in the list of ingredients, the dish was topped with truffle oil. When I expressed displeasure, our server insisted it was served as described.
Our server repeatedly walked past our table and observed our empty dishes. Upon seeing the empty oyster plate, he asked how they were and kept on going. Other tables were offered fresh pepper on their dishes. We were not.
Overall, I was underwhelmed with the experience.

I have to say this is one of the best restaurants I have been to in a while. I made a reservation on Open Table and came here for my engagement dinner. I first noticed this place is BYOB which is great! I went to the Wine Cellar to grab a nice bottle of white along with a nice bottle of Champagne. Upon arrival we were seated upstairs promptly. It was a bit noisy in the room, but you could tell everyone was having a good time there.
We ordered the angry shrimp and lobster appetizer, Ahi Tuna and Sea Bass. All three of these dished were outstanding! I could have drank the sinister sauce and the portions were at least double you would get in NYC or Philly. I finished the meal with an espresso and the couple sitting next to us insisted to share half of their dessert with us. The staff was friendly and accommodating and the other diners were friendly.
Our meal ran us about $ 110 with tax and we had a blast! This is a nice special occasion restaurant and we also saw a party of 10. We will make a point to visit this restaurant as much as we can and are still telling people to eat here. I give it a 6 out of 5 and hope to get the same service and quality every time!

This place is very over rated, they must be posing their own reviews…
Squeezed in a loud hole in the wall and expensive. Raw bar priced by the piece: $ 6.00 a shrimp, $ 3.50 a oyster and $ 1,50 a clam is the most absurd menu pricing.
For dinner I had Bronzino, which was a laughable half of fish. Never have we seen Bronzino served as half a fish in any restaurant. My wife had the salmon which was about 3 inches wide on a bed of asparagus. Small enough for an appetizer…
For a seafood restaurant, the chance of fresh fish was minimal or small. The only thing that was big was the bill, two people with tip, no dessert, $ 150.
Waiter service was slow and food wait was about 25 mins.
If you want good seafood, don’t go here, go to any other place in Red Bank. I have no clue who taught this guy how to cook or how to run a restaurant.
You wont get a Bang For a Buck here, the only thing you will get is Bent Over …

The boyfriend and I arrived in Red Bank with the purpose of having dinner at another restaurant across the street but after looking at their menu we decided to look for somewhere else. Catch was across the street and their menu seemed tasty. Boyfriend was immediately interested in the fish tacos.
We were greeted by the hostess who informed us they were «double booked» for the night but offered us seats at the raw bar. I was originally hesitant because my feet usually dangle from high bar chairs but it turned out to be just fine.
Our waiter Kevin was pretty damn awesome. He knew the menu, made great suggestions and was friendly and attentive the whole night. The manager and the hostess also came by while we were there to check on us, I’m assuming because they saw my hesitation about sitting at the raw bar.
Now for the food…
Before we could even order an appetizer, Kevin put before us a very tasty salmon pastrami dish which was fantastic and complimentary. I definitely have to find this back home.
The fish tacos were only for lunch so boyfriend ordered the Angry Shrimp and Lobster with linguine. I don’t like spicy but that sauce was yummy. It starts off spicy and then it’s sweet. I wish I could buy that sauce or make it at home.
My goal was to get something other than salmon, which I always get at a seafood restaurant, so I ordered the Sweet and Tangy Chilean Sea Bass. Although the sauce overpowered the fish a bit, it was very yummy. It was served with wilted greens and sticky rice.
It was a Saturday night and the place was full and by the time we finished the hostess was completely swamped with lots of patrons to seat.
This place gets ALL OF THE STARS. We are coming here again for the food and for the hospitality.
Update — February 20, 2016
We came back for fish tacos but missed the lunch menu again. Instead I ordered the surf and turf. The filet was perfect. They know how to deliver a medium steak. I don’t even like lobster but their angry lobster and shrimp is amazing. I wish they sold the sauce in bottles.

Last night was the second time we’ve been here and it’s pretty great. We’ve had the angry shrimp and lobster (awesome creamy sriracha sauce), the tuna carpaccio (capers and truffle make for a surprisingly awesome combo), the blood orange glazed sea bass (blood orange = perfect for sea bass), the scallops, and the lamb. Generous portions for such a trendy place.
I would say that the minor area in which they could stand to improve is in organizing the seating and reservation process. The clientele can be insufferable (big fish in a small pond syndrome, talking as loudly as they can about having been to NYC once or twice, depressingly decked out like they’re auditioning for a spot on the next Real Housewives), and it’s worse when they’re trying to climb over you to get to the hostess stand when there’s a bottleneck with seating.

Pan-​seared to perfection, the «Sweet & Tangy Chilean Sea Bass» is definitely recommended. The fish was memorable, as crazy as that may sound. The orange glaze is a great touch. The sticky-​rice served in this dish is a bit disappointing, however.
The waffles & ice cream dish was awful. The waffles were tough and tasteless, and I think chocolate ice cream should be replaced with vanilla.
Our waitress brought over a firework candle on a dessert plate, and when I asked the table, «Who’s responsible for this?,» she replied, «Well, I overheard everyone saying, ‘Happy Birthday’ when you walked in.» It was a much appreciated gesture, so thanks, if you’re reading this.

Ate dinner here tonight. First time here. Heard about it from a friend. Reservations required.
Absolutely fantastic! My wife and I had «angry shrimp and lobster» for apps. Awesome ! We also had the sweet potato soup, simply delicious!
Dinner was excellent, salmon and Bronzino were cooked superbly and both dishes were excellent with the pick your own sauce option! Wait staff and service was the best I have ever experienced! They had more than enough help both upstairs and downstairs. Can’t wait to go back!

We really enjoyed our experience at catch. It is über trendy I must says but the fish is fresh the service is excellent and its byob. I love the way the menu is set up and how the waiter took the time to explain it. The food was all excellent. It is a bit pricey but that’s to be expected with the location and décor.
Oh and they sell 7lb lobsters. $ 135. Yikes. I could eat it tho lol

Definitely a great little spot in Red Bank.
We called ahead same day on Saturday and snagged the last spot at the raw bar. If you’re more than 2 or looking for prime hours reservations are a must.
The food is expertly prepared and definitely fresh.
We started with a trio of oysters — kusshi and Kumamoto both from B.C. and then raspberry point from P.E.I. All were delicious but the tiny little kusshi was by far our favorite. Oysters were $ 3.50 a shuck and fresh as could be. The mignonettes were ok but could overpower the oysters so use sparingly.
For our mains I was torn between a fresh Maine lobster ($ 34 market price for a 1 ¾ pounder) or their catch of the day. I went with the fresh catch since the only real prep on the lobster was grilled. If I could have had butter poached I was in on the lobster. The catch of the day was sea bream and was delicious — whole roasted and I grabbed their sinister sauce which is a creamy sort of siracha sauce. Delicious.
My wife had their signature Chilean sea bass with mango sticky rice. It was cooked well and had lots of flavor. The only issue she had was that the flavor of the dish trumps the fresh fish so that could be good or bad depending on your liking.
We skipped dessert after all the food in the starter and main.
BYOB which helps with the budget. All in we got out of there for $ 120 including tip so not bad for fresh oysters and catch of the day fish.
Definitely give it a look.

Seafood restaurant right in the heart of Red Bank.
My friend and I went to Red Bank for some shopping and a small lunch. After shopping for about an hour, we decided to come here for some lunch. We made quick reservations and got seated immediately. The atmosphere is very nice, but I would suspect it would be better in the evening. The waiter was very prompt and was incredibly helpful with the suggestions.
We ended up ordering only appetizers since wanted a light lunch. The bread basket was delicious! It came with olive oils mixed with herbs and crushed black olives mixed with herbs/​spices. It was great! The bread was very warm and tasty. When our dishes came out, I ordered the angry shrimp and lobster– a winner! The portion is enormous for an appetizer dish, with plenty of shrimp and lobster meat (mostly claw meat). The coconut milk/​curry sauce was delicious– highly recommend. My friend ordered the crab cakes and they highly recommended it as well. The crabcakes were small but they were stacked on each other and were tasty. I definitely recommend Catch for anyone who wants likes seafood! Next time, I definitely want to try the main courses.

Amazing seafood. Wanted to try a new restaurant in Red Bank for my birthday. Always pass by Catch in Red Bank, and thought this was the perfect opportunity to try it out. So glad I did.
The décor itself would earn it 5 stores. I sat on the second floor, with exposed brick and artwork lining the walls, the restaurant really put a ton of effort into its appearance. But it didn’t skimp on the food either.
While we were choosing what to eat, we were served a bread basket with homemade hummus, an olive oil with herbs, and sweet peppers. My table downed everything in a second.
For the meal, we ordered the Shrimp and Lobster with «Deviant Sauce.» This was served as a bisque with pieces of baguette inside. It was creamy, but still very good. I think there was a touch of Sriracha mixed with cream, and some sort of stock (seafood maybe?) I would highly recommend. I was also eyeing the watermelon and crusted goat cheese salad on the menu, but decided to stick with seafood options.
For the main meal, I got the pan-​seared scallops served with creamy risotto. Was absolutely delicious. The serving size was ideal as well. Not too large, and extremely flavorful.
Felt like I couldn’t eat any more, but had to indulge in desert sine it was my bday. Ended up ordering crispy phylo dough with berries and cream. Was light and refreshing.
Overall, this restaurant is a catch, and I highly recommend!