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Diners' Choice: Seafood restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Seafood cuisine in Monterey / Carmel? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Passionfish restaurant

4.8

4.8 (7295)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

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 to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.

Top review

R

R

Dined 4 days ago

Delicious super fresh seafood carefully prepared, respectful of the environment and the clientele with the fair priced wines. Our server was amazing and warm!

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A photo of Sea Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Beet Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Maple-Banana Bread Pudding of a restaurant

Maple-Banana Bread Pudding

A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant

Old Fisherman's Grotto

4.7

4.7 (1731)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.

Top review

J

John

Dined 1 day ago

Best clam chowder ever. Just a hint of sweetness. Hands down the best fried calamari on the planet! The crab cake was sweet and savory and moist. And a young seal all alone in shallow the shallows just rolling and diving and slapping the water outside our window, either just playing or churning up the sand for treats. Great time!

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A photo of Neptune's Platter of a restaurant

Neptune's Platter

A photo of Macadamia Crusted Halibut of a restaurant

Macadamia Crusted Halibut

A photo of Fried Calamari of a restaurant

A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant

Sardine Factory

4.7

4.7 (5073)

$50 and over

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.

Top review

D

DavidVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great atmosphere Excellent Service, great Food Excellent Wine Suggestions

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A photo of Sardine Factory's "Sorbet on Ice Swan" of a restaurant

Sardine Factory's "Sorbet on Ice Swan"

A photo of USDA Prime Filet Mignon of a restaurant

USDA Prime Filet Mignon

A photo of Abalone Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of the C restaurant + bar restaurant

the C restaurant + bar

4.6

4.6 (1243)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Our family-friendly Monterey Bay restaurant is close to the Aquarium, situated over sapphire waters and immersed in the natural beauty of the California coast. The C restaurant features only seafood endorsed by Seafood Watch of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The delicious Arctic Char featured on Executive Chef Matt Bolton's menus is similar to salmon in taste, texture and color, but is available year-round, and is rated a "best choice" by Seafood Watch.

Located at the upscale InterContinental The Clement Monterey hotel on Monterey Bay. Every table at the C restaurant has a view of the pristine and scenic Monterey Bay. Marine life sightings abound, including dolphins, whales, harbor seals and sea otters. Enjoy the parade of sea creatures and shore birds as you savor the finest in California regional cuisine.

Top review

G

Gordon

Dined 1 day ago

My wife and I enjoy visiting Monterey. We are foodies, and love to experience and enjoy our dining choices. Tonight our Choice was C Restaurant, we were hoping to have a special meal and a view. All I can say is everything we expected was surpassed what we thought we would experience. The meals were splendid, flavors that made out taste buds dance. The view was wonder and romantic. Service was so personal and so professional. Our server Tony was the greatest server I have EVER experienced. I have been in food service for over 45 years. Tony was such an awesome person, be sure to ask for Tony to be your server when you visit C Restaurant in Monterey/ Cannery Row.

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A photo of Pacific Swordfish of a restaurant

Pacific Swordfish

A photo of Monterey Bay Calamari of a restaurant

Monterey Bay Calamari

A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Mission Bistro restaurant

4.6

4.6 (534)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Carmel

About the restaurant

Located on Mission Street between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, in Carmel California. Mission Bistro Restaurant is owned by Shaheen Alnuaimi. Our history-rich location is warm, charming, and above all cozy. We offer brunch, lunch, dinner, local, and import wines. Chef Matt Zimny sources from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches with the goal of serving what is fresh and currently available. At Mission Bistro we do Seafood and Steaks right. Cheers!

Top review

B

Bret

Dined 4 days ago

Great seafood, classy ambiance. They don't have a large menu, but what they do, they do great. highly recommend any of the seafood. The bread appetizer was really good as well.

A photo of Domenico's on the Wharf restaurant

Domenico's on the Wharf

4.6

4.6 (1672)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

That friendly salutation is an invitation to dine with us and enjoy exceptional bayside ambiance, gracious service and delicious food. Our entire staff here at Domenico's On the Wharf has extended a warm welcome to locals and visitors for more than 35 years, and we proudly present the best seafood in Monterey for your dining pleasure.
Our award-winning list of wine features the best from surrounding Monterey County vineyards, and we offer extensive selections from Sonoma, Napa, Italy, and France. The freshest, sustainable, local and Alaskan seafood take center stage in our culinary creations, and we also grill up extraordinary steaks and lovingly prepare in-house pastas and locally grown organic vegetables.
Our family style of hospitality continues to win a special place in the hearts of our guests. Let us show you to your table overlooking the beautiful bay waters with a sunny window view of sea lions and pelicans at play.

Top review

C

Cory

Dined on Apr 21, 2025

Delicious, expensive and worth it! Much better than The Fish Hopper on Cannery Row. Service was top notch!

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A photo of King Crab Ravioli of a restaurant

King Crab Ravioli

A photo of New England Clam Chowder of a restaurant

New England Clam Chowder

A photo of Calamari Steak of a restaurant

A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant

4.5

4.5 (3810)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean combined with world-class dining on historic Cannery Row, just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The newly renovated Fish Hopper, housed in an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular views of the stunning Monterey Bay from every table, including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, certified Angus beef, pastas, and live shellfish. Our seafood is either locally caught or shipped in fresh daily, and our produce is locally grown in the Salinas Valley. Some favorites include fresh Monterey Bay abalone, macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” bone-in rib eye, and fresh Dungeness crab. Start your meal with our award-winning clam chowder, and indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations or a selection from our extensive wine collection. While enjoying your delicious meal, you can watch sea otters at play and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale.

Top review

A

Allen

Dined on Apr 21, 2025

Hugo is the best server!!!! Had a great table with a great view

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A photo of Grilled Halibut of a restaurant

Grilled Halibut

A photo of Seafood Pasta Isabella of a restaurant

Seafood Pasta Isabella

A photo of Award Winning Clam Chowder of a restaurant

Award Winning Clam Chowder

A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Monterey restaurant

Chart House Restaurant - Monterey

4.5

4.5 (7007)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.

Top review

A

Albert

Dined on Apr 21, 2025

Excellent venue. Great views along with good food and service

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A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Sea Bass of a restaurant

A photo of Fishwife - Pacific Grove restaurant

Fishwife - Pacific Grove

4.4

4.4 (907)

$30 and under

Seafood

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Fishwife offers a menu of award-winning American cuisine with a Caribbean accent since 1986. With many daily specials, fresh Seafood as well as homemade pastas and dishes for children, there is something for everyone. Daily specials spotlight fresh catch and seasonal fish. Desserts are homemade as well. The atmosphere is casual with a FULL BAR and friendly service, making it a great place to visit with groups and family. Just a short walk from Asilomar Beach and Conference Center. Some of the most popular dishes are Clam chowder, Calamari, Alfredo Combo, Green Lip Mussels, Barramundi and famous homemade Key lime pie. You can also enjoy surf and turf or gluten-free options like the vegetarian bowl.

Top review

A

Anna

Dined on Apr 8, 2025

Excellent service and friendly atmosphere. A wide variety of foods. Seafood was great.

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A photo of Barramundi of a restaurant

A photo of Abalonetti Bar and Grill restaurant

Abalonetti Bar and Grill

4.2

4.2 (545)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Abalonetti Bar and Grill is one of the original restaurants on Monterey's Historic Fisherman's Wharf. Famous for Monterey calamari, we now feature more than 20 different preparations from local squid processed in-house. With ample ocean views, the Wharf's largest waterfront pet-friendly patio, a full bar, cocktail menu and local wine list, Abalonetti has been a favorite of locals for decades, providing a fun and casual waterfront dining experience.

Top review

A

amanda

Dined on Apr 21, 2025

Lovely family meal Attentive staff Lovely views Would definitely recommend

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A photo of Calamari Tacos of a restaurant

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