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  3. California Central Coast
  4. Monterey / Carmel
  5. Pacific Grove

Passionfish

4.7
4.7
6385 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced 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. 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.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 PM


Booked 27 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, American

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–8:45 pm

  • Phone number

    (831) 655-3311

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Ted Walter

  • 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

  • Neighborhood

    Pacific Grove

  • Cross street

    Congress Ave

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 6,385 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Great for fine wines

  • California Central Coast

    Seafood

  • California Central Coast

    Most Booked

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Innovative

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Healthy

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Great for fine wines

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Seafood

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Most Booked

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Filters

  1. H

    Houston

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall a wonderful dining experience. Black bean and goat cheese fritters and the buttermilk biscuits were a great way to start. Both the scallop and Albacore tuna entrees were delicious. Wine list is a wine-lovers delight; wide ranging choices with an extremely reasonable markup. If only many other restaurants would approach wine in the same way! A 2017 Chave Selection Hermitage Blanche was the perfect accompaniment to the seafood!
  2. SG

    ShielaG

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food were all exceptionally good. Especially like the scallop my mom ordered. My party of three all enjoyed dinner at Passionfish.
  3. SH

    SarahH

    Sacramento

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    They definitely make good food. The only problem was that one of the things we ordered was not available for 30 minutes and we ordered coffee and it never came. The waitress was great at handling the situation, but we kind of felt neglected because we ordered coffee and dessert and coffee never came. It’s pretty expensive and they charge for everything, including bread, but the food is really good.
  4. L

    Lyanna

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food2service5ambience4
    Service was amazing but the menu is limited. Food was ok but the entrée sides could be better.
  5. DD

    DDDski

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the SEA SCALLOPS with tomato-truffle butter & savory rice custard and it was amazing. Nancy's dinner biscuit was possibly deep fried, and sinfully delicious. The STRAUS ORGANIC MINT & ESPRESSO MUD PIE for dessert, fantastic.
  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sustainably caught fish, amazing service delicious food with great wine selection that was affordable
  7. TM

    TishM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Reliably consistent quality of food, service, ambience. Never disappointed!
  8. g

    goodfood

    Chicago

    100 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    100 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    As always, Passionfish was outstanding. The fried squid and fish stew apps were great, the buttermilk muffins were wonderful (and big), and the rainbow trout and scallops mains were perfectly prepared. The mud pie dessert was a nice way to cap off the meal. The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced. The service was attentive, but not intrusive. As it was not as crowded as it sometimes is, it was quiet. We always make a point to get to Passionfish when we are on the Peninsula.
  9. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous meal at a reasonable price
  10. s

    susant

    San Joaquin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Fabulous evening at Passionfish. Food was fun, outstanding. Service was topknotch.
  11. FP

    FaithP

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Passionfish never disappoints! As always, the service was attentive without being overbearing, and the food was spectacular. I do, however, miss the outdoor dining that was available during Covid.
  12. CA

    CA95112

    Las Vegas

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    First time to Passionfish and I’m embarrassed as it’s been here 26 years. Guess I missed the memo. Fit for foodies for sure with wonderful, fresh and sustainably harvested selections paired uniquely with interesting spices that create amazing tastes. I had lightly battered (think delicate tempura) squid tubes and tentacles as a starter, a beet salad with the most amazing Gorgonzola Dulce cheese over a bed of arugula type greens, mandarin oranges and candied pecans. My entree was scallops with turnips (yep tiny little turnips) and a unique rice based custard with tomato truffle butter. So don’t wait 26 years!
  13. RC

    RobertaC

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful dinner. It had been a long time since I had been there and it was just as good if not better than what I remembered!
  14. SB

    SouthBayGirl

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for a birthday dinner. Service was excellent. Meal was outstanding.
  15. TC

    TCRa

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2022

    overall4food4service1ambience3
    Service was a bit slow and the waitress was not terribly attentive or friendly.
  16. VK

    VicKP

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the fried squid, which was my favorite. It was light and bright with a kick! You must try the buttermilk Biscuit that melts in your mouth! The crab salad and mussels were excellent and our server helped us pair the perfect wine with our meal.
  17. LA

    LosAltosMike

    San Francisco

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing food, we absolutely love this place! If you go, be sure to get the biscuits, they are mind-blowing.
  18. JF

    JohnF

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Unusually long delay between app and entrée course, but not intolerable (eaten here many times and never any problems). Seemed like a kitchen backup--the restaurant was fully seated on a Monday night. My experiences here tell me that the problem will be swiftly resolved.
  19. KL

    KenL

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Reservation are encouraged. Great for special occasions. Food always excellent. Full wine list and affordable wines. Waitresses and support table staff excellent.
  20. AD

    AllergyDiner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food and allergy friendly. Separate allergy menu and willingness to provide delicious options. Felt very safe.
  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    Off putting and uncomfortable having staff walking around with masks on. Unable to clearly understand staff, while explaining Menu.
  22. M

    Michelle

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience2
    Service was exceptional food was good ambience was mediocre
  23. OY

    OrhanY

    San Diego

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely restaurant with excellent food and service. The biscuit which appeared to be out of place at first, turned out to be fantastic. Highly recommended.
  24. H

    Hmmmmm

    Seattle

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall4food2service4ambience4
    A bit disappointed honestly - this was my third time here in a year and the first two times the food was outstanding but the menu this time was really lackluster. Every dish was weak — poor plating, not much flavor, odd pairings. Not what I experienced previously. The food was edible but not great or even excellent. Same with the wine; it was just okay. Did they change the chef?? I hope it improves, this was one of my favorites but wouldn’t go again if this is their new normal.
  25. j

    jamesp

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is definitely a gem in the Monterey area. We had the grill shrimp with cassoulet beans, the smoked trout tostaditos starter, and the mussels. All were excellent and perfectly cooked. The wine list is extensive, with a markup that is a fraction of that at most restaurants (50-80%) They also have a long list of half bottles which is great for me, since I tend to drink reds, and my wife whites. I will definitely be back!
  26. SS

    SusanS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were recommended to go to Passionfish and we’re not disappointed! The service, food, wine and atmosphere was a perfect, enjoyable experience. From being greeted and seared to the busser and our server who helped me decide on a entree. A plus!
  27. JR

    JeffR

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding on all levels, great food, excellent service, and beautiful location!
  28. BH

    BeverlyH

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Great place to celebrate my birthday. Special attention to the birthday gal was so nice.
  29. S

    Soniae

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great ambiance, service and food! Perfect for any occasion!
  30. SL

    SusanL

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    71st birthday
  31. L

    Luvgdfood

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We’ve been many times and it is consistently awesome. Can’t get enough of the biscuits, outstanding fish, rice and bread pudding. Wine list is amazing and great price point. Can’t wait to go back.
  32. m

    mcchm

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Giving 5 stars because this is the best restaurant in PG. the food is consistently delicious and the menu is interesting.
  33. LL

    LauraL

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We split the squid/calamari appetizer and then had the salad of greens. Both fantastic! My husband had the scallops and I had the trout. Again, both outstanding. We ended with the banana bread pudding which was to die for. It has a scoop of banana ice cream that was so creamy and delicious. Definitely have a reservation. It is a very popular place and we now know why. Would definitely go again when we come to visit the area.
  34. M

    Madeline

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Food was great, but had small portions. Staff was friendly, but service felt rushed. Tables are super close, you have to lean in to hear each other. For birthday folk, you still pay for your deserts. Very delicious though!
  35. L

    Leight

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We love this place even though they are so busy they have to rush a bit.
  36. A

    Amanda

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food and wine list were amazing. Our server had the best recommendations, highly recommend the fish stew and duck
  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great seafood and the wine list is unparalleled for interesting selections which are well priced.
  38. MF

    MargaretF

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was exceptional. The flavors melded together beautifully. The signature bubbly drink from the Mosel Valley is very good. Don’t miss the sea salt biscuit, every bite is delicious!
  39. RP

    RigobertoP

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    Thank goodness for this place. From the excellent dishes to well thought out wines list, including two pages of 375ml bottles this place has done it right. I’m so tired of the tired “farm to table BS” you find everywhere now with their bland localish nonsense, this place is refreshing, bold and down right delish! My only complaint is that I brought a special bottle of wine not on their list, bought a bottle off their list and they still charged me a corkage. That’s a no bueno!!
  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fabulous meal! Highly recommend.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Passionfish offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 655-3311.

Passionfish is rated 4.7 stars by 6385 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 PM


Booked 27 times today
Google Map for Passionfish

701 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Congress Ave

  • Neighborhood

    Pacific Grove

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–8:45 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Ted Walter

  • Additional

    Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (831) 655-3311

  • 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

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