Passionfish

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Address:
701 Lighthouse Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Neighborhood:
Pacific Grove

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Cuisine:
Seafood

Price: $30 and under

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Passionfish Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.passionfish.net/
Email: info@passionfish.net
Phone: (831) 655-3311
Hours of Operation:
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00PM - 9:00PM
Friday - Saturday: 5:00PM - 10:00PM
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Seafood, American
Executive Chef: Ted Walter
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Beer, Farm to Table, Gluten-free Menu, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Private Party Facilities: Passionfish offers two rooms available for private dining. One room seats up to 30 persons and another up to 60 persons.
Private Party Contact: Cindy Walter (831) 655-3311

Getting there

Cross Street: Congress Ave
Parking: Street Parking

A word from Passionfish

Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award winning wine list priced… nearly retail and well below what you've come to expect. Passionfish is owned and operated by Chef Ted Walter and his wife Cindy Walter. They are vocal advocates for sustainable seafood education and were the first officially certified 'Green' restaurant in Monterey County.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Service

Diner Reviews

"We arrived on time for our early reservation and were seated immediately. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and the wine list. She was able to recommend a local white that was wonderful with the meal. We appreciated that the wines were priced at roughly retail prices. The appetizers of asparagus fries, crab and avocado salad, and smoked trout ceveche were all wonderful. We all ordered the Scallops and were delighted. We did not feel rushed to finish even though the reservation list for that evening was quite full. This was one of the most enjoyable meals we have had in several years,"
Dined on 3/8/2014
"Sustainable fish is the centerpiece of this lovely, simple but elegant restaurant. The wine list runs to over 400 original bottles, many of which hail from wineries with sustainable practices as well (indicated in the list). A lovely experience overall."
Dined on 3/6/2014
"Deep fried asparagus w/aioli, perfect! Striped Bass Crudo was the best starter ever! We are going to try and copy this at home in our own kitchen. Wish us luck! We have eaten at Passionfish several times over these past few years and every time we do, we just can't believe how wonderful the food is. Service and knowledge by the servers are great. The chef prepares every fish dish with such careful attention so the diner gets that perfect bit. We will see you next time we come to Pacific Grove. Open a restaurant in Danville."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"This is our 4th dining experience at Passionfish and we were again thrilled with the food, wine and service. Loved the crabmeat and avocado salad. My friend had scallops that were wonderfully prepared and delicious. I had the Mahi and it was just as tasty as the fish I'd eaten in Hawaii. The server recommended an "obscure" red wine (our request) and the Refosco was excellent. I just love this place and recommend it to friends who are visiting the Monterey peninsula. Even though we live in "foody" SF, Passionfish is worth spending a weekend in Pacific Grove."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"We were going to the Monterey area and my sister had heard good things about this restaurant and recommended it to us. The staff were very friendly and very knowledgeable about the food and extensive wine list. I started with the dungeness crab and avocado salad. The portion was much larger than I had expected. This beautiful salad was very light, refreshing and flavorful. For my main course, I chose the sea scallops with the tomato-truffle butter. Another excellent choice! I ate every last morsel! Before dinner was over, I told my husband I wanted to go there again the next night and have the same exact dinner...it was that good! Thank you for a wonderful dinner!"
Dined on 3/2/2014
"A simple and fresh ingredients delight the palate. We had the ceviche tostadas and the fish with cucumbers with ponzu. What an extraordinary combination if flavors."
Dined on 3/3/2014
"Great emphasis on sustainable seafood, reasonable prices for such high quality fair. Great wine selection and deserts. You can either splurge or do it on a budget. It was a pleasure"
Dined on 3/1/2014
"We had a lovely meal and the service, ambiance etc were all excellent. I just figure that the effort put into coming up with their culinary creations should extend as far as ensuring each creation is truly well flavored and capable of standing out. We ordered 4 starters, 2 mains and 2 deserts. Everything was nice, nothing blew us away. I would go there again because we had such a lovely time, but I can cook nicer food at home, just not as many dishes and not in such a lovely atmosphere and surroundings. I'd give it 8/10 as a restaurant and 5/10 for the food alone."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"Our entree took forever to arrive. My husbands lobster tail was undercooked, barely warm, and the butter was not melted on it. Everything on the plate was sweet including the mashed potatoes. My mahi mahi was average but sauce on it was not good and cucumber side dish bitter. My husband sent his lobster back and the waitress did take it off the bill. The management never came by to ask what was wrong."
Dined on 2/21/2014
"Passionfish has maintained its high standards since we discovered it 15 or so years ago. We'd especially recommend the Dungeness crab cakes, the best we have ever had; the bay scallops with a rice custard and braised lettuce; and, for dessert, the flour-less chocolate cake with passion (that word again!) fruit sauce."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"We don't get to Passionfish often...but always enjoy it when we do. Currently, there's a Brussels sprout salad that's wonderful. Any fish main course is a winner."
Dined on 2/24/2014
"We found Passionfish online when planning a trip down the coast. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. The food was fantastic! The wine list extensive and very well priced. We only wish our trip didn't take us back through Pacific Grove so that we could eat there again. We will be back."
Dined on 2/23/2014
"Always an interesting menu, adequate portions. Seasoning is just right and not over done. The staff is attentive yet not intrusive which is always important on those first dates. The only thing that seems lacking to a small degree is the acoustics which is a subjective issue. Fellow patrons always seem considerate and it makes for a pleasant dining experience. This is definately a place to bring your friends and family anytime. I have been coming here for two years and have to find it lacking."
Dined on 2/23/2014
"fish was superb, waiter was great and wine was reasonably priced."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"By 9PM on a Saturday night the kitchen was phoning it in: the food was sloppily presented, overcooked, and arrived cold. It didn't taste good and it didn't look good. The wine list is remarkable, with many thoughtful rarities."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"First time visiting the area and heard about passionfish online. Being from New England, I am incredibly critical I seafood. However I have nothing to critique here! They delivered some of the best seafood I've had in a long time! The most pleasant surprise is the prices. The dishes, and most importantly, the wine are not overpriced. Excellent wine list! A must do restaurant if you're near pacific grove."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"A friend and I had dinner at Passion Fish for the first time on Friday night. Everything was perfect (except for the noise level)! But our server was very special ... I think her name was Stephanie . She knew the menu, was patient with us and gave us the feeling that she truly likes what she does. Oh and the scallops were the best I have ever had. And the wine list is fantastic and so fairly priced. Looking forward to returning the next time I am visiting the Monterey area. Thank you! Cheers! MaryAnn"
Dined on 2/21/2014
"Although this restaurant was recommended by several people in Pacific Grove, we did not enjoy the food or the service, and will not go back."
Dined on 1/22/2014
"This was our second time to Passionfish and it did not disappoint. I had an amazing trout that is farmed with real trout food (insects and such) in the cold, high altitude waters of Idaho. The best trout I've ever had, so clean and cooked to perfection. Our server was excellent. And please don't leave without trying the delicious mud pie for dessert! We came on a weeknight when it wasn't so crowded, but I'd imagine during a busy weekend night the noise level might be much higher and a little claustrophobic if you are seated at tables between others."
Dined on 2/18/2014
"Discovered this gem while visiting Monterrey area. Imaginative menu , well executed, flawless tempo of service and priced well for total experience . Wine list was better read than the Hobbit. Only flaw: restaurant is not in my neighborhood"
Dined on 2/19/2014
"We have been to Passionfish several times, now. It never ceases to surprise me that the quality is so high and the price so low (relative to the whole experience.) My husband is a big eater, I like to sample lots of different things and we always order a bottle of wine; we rarely get our bill above $150. There are many, many high quality wines for far less than you would see in most restaurants, so choosing can be a challenge for me. The menu can be overwhelmingly delicious but I don't hesitate to ask the knowledgeable wait staff. They have never steered us wrong. Add to all this, that Passion fish has an amazing food philosophy and it really is the whole package. In an area where there are so many good restaurants, Passionfish stands out."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We have been dining in Passionfish every time we go down to the Monterey/Pacific Grove area for many years. Sometimes we'll plan a trip just to dine there. The cooking has always been excellent but in recent years have taken another notch upwards. We tend to eat smaller bites so the many small plates serve us well. The wine list is ever changing and always only just 10% above retail (often less than what you would pay for corkage). They use regional wines whenever possible although they always have the rhones less traveled and strange and wonderful reds (often from some producers in Europe). If we only saved Passionfish for celebrations, we'd never get our fill....so see you soon Passionfish. Service also has always been impeccable."
Dined on 2/17/2014
"We have been here twice for special occasions and Passionfish does not disappoint! The food is amazing, fresh and innovative and they have a great wine list with noted less mark-up than typical restaurants. They wrote Happy Birthday on our table and made a special dessert with a candle for the hubby and treated our children with respect. We will definitely return and will recommend to others as a go-to restaurant in the Monterey are - truly fit for foodies!"
Dined on 2/16/2014
"The restaurant was nice as in well maintained/trendy, a little tight on the space, food was great .. Service was excellent that said. Not the right ambiance for a romantic evening.. Would I go again yes.. They serve sustainable seafood that is cooked with care, passion and skill, very tasty.."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"One of the best meals I have ever had. It was better than many of the michelin star rated restaurants that I have been to. Considering the prices are very reasonable, it was an incredible dining experience that far surpassed my expectations. Everything we ordered was delicious and quite memorable. I don't ever remember leaving a restaurant and being so satisfied with the food and dining experience. I can't imagine having a bad meal at this great restaurant. I can't wait to come back. Easily, the best restaurant in the Monterey/Pacific Grove area."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"This was an amazing restaurant experience. Granted we were on cloud 9 from just getting engaged earlier that day but that only had a small part in what made this dinner amazing. Outstanding food, the server brought out our next plates as soon as we were done with the previous ones, she was also very gregarious and helpful with both the food and wine menus. $20 corkage is pretty normal unless the restaurant gives 50% of those proceeds towards saving the Blue Fin Tuna. Bringing excellence to sustainability."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Went here for a Valentine's Day dinner and was not disappointed at all!!! The fish was well cooked, our server was fantastic... the ambiance was cool, although the arrangement of the tables put you right next to your neighboring table's conversation - funny for us, but perhaps not as private as possible. No complaints about their restaurant philosophy, either :-)"
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Enjoyed a wonderful meal The waitress was terrific to the point she provided wine not on the list Passion Fish is a long tome favorite"
Dined on 2/6/2014
"The restaurant was recommended by a friend who usually does not like to recommend but in this case did. It is definitely worth a try especially if your care about healthy food and sustainable food practices. The food was delicious. If you are a big eater, I would suggest ordering an appetizer, soup or salad along with your entrée. The marinated lamb breast and the scallop with tomato reduction and rice pudding were a big hit at our table of four. We are not dessert eaters but the lemon verbena crème brulee would have been my choice. The restaurant has a classy flare but there are no views of Monterey bay which doesn't seem to matter to the many patrons who were there on a Wednesday night in February."
Dined on 2/12/2014
"Wine list is extensive and priced near retail. Great selection of varied wines. They even have a great selection of half bottles. The food is delicate and lovely. My only complaint is that they should have a tasting menu with wine pairings."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Unbelievable. Not often do reviews get it correct. But this time everything advertised was delivered. Will definitely return. Signed happy in PG"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We are never disappointed when we visit Passionfish. It is by far the best restaurant on the Peninsula."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We wanted something fabulous for a special occasion so returned to this favorite spot and were, as always, totally delighted. This time we tried a new appetizer--sea scallop with caper-raisin-walnut chutney over an artichoke risotto cake. Pure heaven! And since we regularly eat seafood, decided to go with two meat entrees. The duck confit was tender, crisp-skinned and served with potato cake and perfectly grilled broccolini. The German influenced beef dish with spatzle and chard melted on the tongue. Topped off with a shared favorite dessert, the panna cotta and accompanied by one of their well-priced red wines the meal was simply perfection. And special kudos to the staff--extremely knowledgable, friendly and attentive. A+ all around!"
Dined on 2/13/2014
"We were lucky enough to find Passionfish for our one night stay in the area. The food was outstanding. Unique, tasty, local, sustainable, And so many great options it was hard to decide. The wine list was notable and their small markup on wines was most appreciated allowing for a sampling of much finer wines for the dollar. The service was exceptional and personable. We dined during their bathroom renovations so that was the only negative having to use the temporary facilities. But after all, places have to upgrade sometime and winter makes sense. I only wish this restaurant was within distance to go again versus 2000 miles away!"
Dined on 2/5/2014
"Our party of 4 had delicious meals: spoonable lamb, scallops, mahi and a vegan tabbouli dinner. All were flavorful, well prepared, and more than met expectations. A small glitch in the evening was in trying to get a description of a wine we were interested in from our server. She called it "funky," and when we pressed her for more info, she extolled its natural processing and the fact that it did not contain sulfites. We asked her to describe the wine's flavors and she said she'd have to go get her tasting notes. Finally she was able to tell us that it was a lighter red. When asked to compare it with a different maker/same varietal, she again needed notes. We finally asked for a knowledgeable wine person to speak with us."
Dined on 2/13/2014
"My husband and I had an all around great experience here. Our gorgonzola salad was one of the best salads I can remember. My scallops were amazing. Don't know how I can eat any others ever again as these were the best. My husband loved his duck. Nice wine list but even though they don't put a high mark up on them, they were still on the pricier side for us. For dessert we had pear pudding and though very good I would say this was the only not entirely impressive thing we had there. The server was great and attentive but not in your face. Very lovely and quiet room though we went on the early side so only about 4 tables with couples in the room. Can't wait to go back. Do not live in area so will (alas) have to be a couple of months.,.."
Dined on 2/11/2014
"Went here for anniversary dinner. Made a reservation and didn't have to wait too long. Servers and hostess were very friendly and very knowledgeable. Our server recommended a great wine and the chef sent out an appetizer on the house because he knew it was our special occasion and we come here regularly. Crab and avocado salad was outstanding. Fish was cooked perfect. Dessert was on point. I have never had any regrets about any menu item I've tried here. Will definitely be back."
Dined on 12/30/2013
"Traveled from NC - - We always go to Passionfish during tournament week. The staff is very knowledgeable about each menu item in addition to the wines. It is always such a pleasure to talk with the server about the preparation of each dish and be able to make an informed decision. Every experience has been wonderful. The food is so fresh and orginal. Passionfish is the first restaurant we visit once we arrive in the area. This restaurant is a must!!"
Dined on 2/5/2014
"I love this restaurant. Their food is always top notch, they always have a new interesting special, and the service is great. I've come with larger groups of 6 and as just myself plus one and found that every experience is consistently delicious and welcoming. I always recommend Passion Fish to friends, it's a win."
Dined on 2/12/2014
"The waiter lacked sensitivity to my request for information about which dishes would be free of onions and garlic. He wanted me to ask about each item rather than just tell me what would be o.k. I asked him to check with the cook and he said the cook wasn't there. He came back with a nicely done menu that listed the typical ingredients that some people can't eat next to each item. . After ordering the waiter returned to tell me that even though the item I ordered doesn't list onions and garlic, it does have some. Then he served garlic infused butter with the bread. I know that it is difficult to consider allergies, but the restaurants that make you feel comfortable in ordering your meal make for a more pleasant dining experience."
Dined on 2/11/2014

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