There are few things better than truly fresh seafood, and PB Catch offers that and more. Critically acclaimed as the best seafood restaurant in Broward and Palm Beach, PB Catch has garnered a reputation thanks to its elevated dishes and its surprisingly slick nautical decor.
Located on Sunrise Avenue in Palm Beach, PB Catch is always busy, thanks to its two-pronged dining room — on one side sits a casual cafe-style dining area and on the other, a more formal section for its upscale clientele.
We arrived during happy hour, so as you can expect, the restaurant was positively buzzing. The dining room is sleek, complete with mood lighting, metal fish, and walls filled with wine. There's an air of sophistication you might not expect from a nautical themed restaurant, but after all this is Palm Beach.
The wait staff, however, is unpretentious and attentive. Immediately upon sitting down we were greeted by our friendly server, who talked us through the specials and recommended the perfect drinks to accompany each. And what better way to start a meal than 2 for 1 oysters and a round of dirty martinis?
By the time happy hour came to a close we were ready to eat. And it wasn’t long at all before small dishes littered our table. From the smoked mussel piperade with garlicky roasted red peppers and house-smoked fish dip, to the delicious scallop mortadella and Korean-inspired Mero sea bass jerky, each plate wasn’t just interesting, but delivered in punchy flavors.
It’s rare to find seafood restaurants that take such bold risks, but PB Catch doesn’t shy away from the quirky and unique. And for those who prefer the classics, there’s plenty on the menu to keep any traditionalist happy.
Soon after cleaning our plates, a fresh, crunchy bowl of delicately battered popcorn shrimp with a side of sweet chili dipping sauce arrived. But if you order just one thing from the menu, it has to be the crab soufflé́ cake, a wicked take on the original that’s fluffy and delectable, served with an umami white miso emulsion.
Following a round of sauvignon blanc for the table, it was time for the main. Piping hot fish and chips were served British-style with malt vinegar and sea-salted fries. The crispy batter gave way to juicy flecks of fish inside, and every bite delighted our taste buds. But the star of the night was the shrimp pasta. Key West pink shrimp, goat cheese cavatelli, fava beans, artichoke, housemade panka sausage, roasted button mushroom, heirloom tomato, and porcini madeira might sound overwhelming, but the flavors were impeccably balanced.
It’s a seafood affair here, including the live fish that entertain diners in their tanks in the modern dining room. But there’s also plenty on the menu to please those who prefer their fish in tanks rather than on their plates. With superb service, perfectly cooked dishes, and tasty drinks, it’s no wonder the tables at PB Catch fill up every night without fail.
