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  5. Monterey

Old Fisherman's Grotto

4.7
4.7
1196 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Located on historic Fisherman's Wharf with stunning views of the Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a "must visit" restaurant. The “Grotto” has rightfully earned its worldwide reputation for only the finest cuisine in a superb atmosphere and service. Featuring fresh seafood from sustainable sources including Macadamia Crusted Halibut, Abalone, Hawaiian Swordfish, Ultimate Seafood Pasta, live Crab and Lobster, the Grotto also offers a variety of the finest “Certified Angus Beef”. Start with our award-winning clam chowder and finish by indulging in one of our fresh house-made desserts. Enjoy a bottle of wine from our 2014 2018 Wine Spectator Award Wine list with over 200 selections specializing in local vineyards. AAA 3 Diamond Rating, Monterey Peninsula Chamber "Business Excellence" Award Winner. 1st Place "West Coast Chowder Competition", 2004-2016 Winner "Best Chowder" 2013-2019 Winner "Best Calamari" in the Monterey County's Weekly Magazine "People's Choice Award"

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 7 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Steakhouse, Unspecified

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch and Dinner Daily 10:45 am–9:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (831) 375-4604

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Juan Ponce

  • Neighborhood

    Monterey

  • Cross street

    Scott Street

  • Parking details

    Details: Public parking adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf<br /><br />Additional Details: no highchairs, booster seats or strollers.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,196 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Seafood

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Overall

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Service

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Ambiance

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Value

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Romantic

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Seafood

Sort by

  1. Chuck

    New Orleans

    75 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    75 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Good enough higher-end place on Fisherman’s Wharf.
  2. JoanJ

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great place. Food was outstanding, we had the Dungeness crab and oysters on the 1/2 shell. All very fresh and tasty. We were able to substitute the couscous for potato. We were surprised with free dessert for my birthday. Had a lovely view (had a reservation, so I think that mattered). Our waiter Giovanny was outstanding. Attentive, made recommendations and overall made our experience even better.
  3. JessicaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious and abundant. Highly recommend.
  4. DennisB

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    No kids or strollers allowed ; yea! Excellent food n service. Great grilled octopus n seafood.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    57 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another wonderful dinner experience. We love coming here whenever we’re visiting Monterey, which is very often!
  6. CherylS

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Service was personable and attentive without being obnoxious. Food was well seasoned, presented and tasty. It was a busy Thursday night and reservations were a good decision.
  7. Team14

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Imam, our server, was attentive but not disruptive. He made good suggestions. The servings were large, so we took some home! The only down comment is the bread was just ok. All the other dishes were scrumptious! Best clam chowder!
  8. JamesL

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff was perfect. Very personable and helpful. Loved our waiter. The Cioppino was huge and very good. Very quiet upstairs where we were. Had a hard time finding the restaurant, but that was probably our fault.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An old tradition that started back in the 50’s which adds such a personal touch. I highly recommend this very special restaurant. Everything was to perfection.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We went on Mother’s Day and their specials were amazing! I got the surf and turf and it was 11/10
  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Small portions, you should get more for the price.
  12. MaryAnneN

    Central Coast

    38 reviews

    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely Mother’s Day lunch yesterday. The Grotto is a favorite among locals and never disappoints. Thank you for the wonderful service and delicious meal!
  13. Oceans19

    San Joaquin

    23 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    Over the years, many many years, the food here had always been great. Recent experience was just fair. Overly salty fish and fried calamari was way too fishy tasting. We have been coming here since the 80's but the entire wharf atmosphere has gotten a bit too trashy now. Nothing like it used to be. Staff is always still friendly and they are great but food is well over priced and not as good as it used to be.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were greeted with a friendly smile upon entry of our reservation. Once seated the waiter was friendly pleasant funny and nice! Large portions for the $. Definitely worth the $ and definitely would highly recommend! Definitely going back!
  15. lindaK

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always enjoy coming to this restaurant and we had a particularly personable waiter who took care of our every need.
  16. RachelL

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Amazing appetizers and view, and amazing service. The steak was a bit overcooked but we requested a re-do and they gladly did it! Recommend the place for any special occasion~
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delightful! Great service and atmosphere. Looking forward to returning.
  18. AWhizzy

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience4
    I was surprised by how bad the food was compared to the reviews. It’s super basic, tourist seafood. Shrimp cocktail was pretty bad. The clam chowder was really good. Shrimp scampi lacked flavor, fried shrimp were pretty gross. Too bad we wasted a meal here. Service was pretty good.
  19. KristenI

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Classic family-style seafood restaurant. Enormous portions. Fast and friendly service.
  20. MimiL

    Charleston

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    They had a special sourdough bread bowl that also had crab and a cheese sauce in it. It was incredible!! Well worth the money. We were hoping to also have the hot crab sandwich based on recommendation from friends, but we were so full we couldn't. Can't wait to go back! Service was exceptional
  21. NathanS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic service and the food was unbelievable in such a stunning setting.
  22. RLWRISK

    San Francisco

    56 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent fresh local seafood, excellent view of bay extensive menu & best clam chowder
  23. ChanthipP

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious and service outstanding. They made us feel right at home and it was a great dining experience.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was super fresh and the portions are large. We will go back when we visit Monterey again.
  25. JimU

    Kansas City

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sal was an awesome waiter! Food was exceptional with a great view of the harbor.
  26. MattInReno

    Tahoe

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brian was excellent and talked us through all of the specials. He made our 20th Anniversary very special. Our meals were cooked perfectly and the tastes were oh so decadent and delicious! The ambience was perfect and the views were amazing. My wife ordered the Tiki Torch drink, which was great, and my Peach Cream hit the spot. We highly recommend the barbecue oysters, crab cakes, halibut, mahi mahi, shrimp (grilled or coconut crusted), and salmon. The desserts all looked amazing but we chose the tuxedo cake and ate every last bite. This is definitely one of the best places in Monterey for seafood and should be a stop for anyone wanting great local seafood, relaxing yet romantic atmosphere, and great customer service.
  27. BrendaC1999

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful, relaxing, delicious, kind experience. You get a 5 Star experience with very fair pricing. We’ll come back if we are ever again in the area.
  28. Foodie

    San Francisco

    90 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every time we go to Monterey we eat here. Everything is consistently great and the waitstaff is the best always. Thank you for all the great memories!
  29. ChrisM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    Old Fisherman’s Grotto seems to see themselves as an upscale seafood restaurant, but if there is one thing missing it is a good chef or kitchen manager. The service was good, our server had limited tables and was very attentive, though uninformed on menu details. A nearby supervisor was more able to do some research on allergies, which was helpful. The food was mediocre and overpriced for the quality. The menu included something like 7 different kinds of risotto, which was basically an ice cream scoop of dry, flavored rice. The salmon was over cooked. The crab was boiled, rubbery, and bland. Marinara was very plain with soggy vegetables. There was nothing specific to complain about, it was clear that they didn’t really have the capacity to make better food. The location is good, so long as you get a window view. The wine list is extensive. My wife was also given a rose at the end of the meal. Overall, not a terrible place for seafood on the pier, but not somewhere we would go again or recommend.
  30. LettyP

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service with a beautiful ocean view
  31. SarahP

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had a great dinner, thoroughly enjoyed our food including oysters on the half shell which tasted super fresh, and a selection of fish and salad dishes. Very friendly and efficient service too. Very pleased with our choice for our last night in Monterey.
  32. Mari

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and the views were wonderful! We had a lovely meal.
  33. DaveB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely excellent. Highly recommend this place.
  34. KarlaG

    Dallas

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All the style, class, and service you could ask for and is perfect for any occasion...even if it's just celebrating another beautiful day in Monterey. The freshest seafood, extensive wine list, and decadent desserts. We thoroughly enjoyed it!
  35. KentQ

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chris and his staff made the honeymoon dinner even more special! Thank you so much!
  36. SueS

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, view and service was excellent. Our waiter, Imnan was outstanding. He recommended various foods and was very attentive. Can’t wait to come back and eat there again. We had crab cakes, scallops and seafood paella.
  37. StinNielsMusche

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A Taste of Monterey's Finest - Old Fisherman's Grotto When it comes to experiencing the best of Monterey, the Old Fisherman's Grotto is an absolute must-visit! My partner and I are delighted to share our thoughts on this fantastic dining establishment, which has consistently delivered excellent and satisfying meals throughout the years. As a couple hailing from Germany, we make it a point to dine at Old Fisherman's Grotto every time we visit Monterey. This restaurant has truly become our home away from home, and we cannot recommend it highly enough. The ambiance of Old Fisherman's Grotto perfectly captures the essence of Monterey. With its nautical-themed decor and stunning views of the harbor, this restaurant provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that we find truly enchanting. Whether we're enjoying a romantic dinner for two or celebrating with friends, the setting always feels just right. Of course, the main attraction of Old Fisherman's Grotto is its outstanding seafood. From the freshest catch of the day to the perfectly prepared classics, the menu offers a wide range of tantalizing options. Some of our favorites include the clam chowder, which is rich and full of flavor, and the mouthwatering seafood pasta, which bursts with a delightful combination of succulent seafood and perfectly al dente pasta. The service at Old Fisherman's Grotto is another aspect that keeps us coming back. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, always ensuring that our dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. We appreciate their genuine hospitality and their commitment to making each visit memorable. In conclusion, Old Fisherman's Grotto is undoubtedly our first choice whenever we find ourselves in Monterey. We wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor from abroad, be sure to make a reservation at Old Fisherman's Grotto - you won't be disappointed!
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our recent vacation brought us back to the Monterey area and we made sure to make reservations here at The Old Fisherman's Grotto. Always a Great experience with the best service and outstanding cuisine. They also surprised us with a slice of Cheesecake to celebrate our Anniversary. May I add, The Worlds Best Clam Chowder!
  39. juliek

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the most wonderful dinner with my family. Service was great and food even better!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    On vacation was there before still great place to enjoy your meal

FAQs

Old Fisherman's Grotto is rated 4.7 stars by 1196 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 7 times today
Google Map for Old Fisherman's Grotto

39 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Scott Street

  • Neighborhood

    Monterey

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch and Dinner Daily 10:45 am–9:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Steakhouse, Unspecified

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Details: Public parking adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf<br /><br />Additional Details: no highchairs, booster seats or strollers.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Juan Ponce

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
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  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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