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Diners' Choice: Seafood restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

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 (7146)

$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 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.

Top review

D

david

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food, service was fantastic, ambience very pleasant. We’ve been here every time we visit Monterey Bay Area. This place gets better and better. Order the biscuits, you won’t be disappointed! Thank you -

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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 (1530)

$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

A

Amanda

Dined 2 days ago

We absolutely love this restaurant and it is our go-to restaurant when we’re in Monterey. Their clam chowder garlic bread bowl with crab is amazing. I highly recommend this restaurant!

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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 (4867)

$31 to $50

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

S

Scottvip

Dined 5 days ago

We have been to Monterey many, many times; however, we had never tried the Sardine Factory! What a pleasant surprise. Excellent ambiance and even better food. 10+

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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

4.7

4.7 (1199)

$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

M

Monicavip

Dined 4 days ago

We had an amazing server, Devon. So accommodating and friendly. Our food was average, fish and crab cakes were a little dry. Not our favorite meal at the hotel. The cocktails were quiet delicious.

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Mission Bistro restaurant

4.6

4.6 (459)

$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

L

Laura

Dined 2 days ago

The food, the atmosphere and the service is perfect. I highly recommend.

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A photo of Black Cod of a restaurant

A photo of Steamboat Mussels of a restaurant

Steamboat Mussels

A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Pangaea Grill restaurant

4.6

4.6 (147)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Carmel

About the restaurant

Welcome to Pangaea Grill, where culinary excellence meets coastal charm! We take immense pride in announcing that we have been honored with the prestigious title of "Best Restaurant of 2022 and 2023 in Carmel-by-the-Sea."

This remarkable achievement reflects our relentless commitment to providing an extraordinary dining experience that delights the senses and captures the essence of this beautiful coastal town. From our exquisite menu crafted with the finest local ingredients to our impeccable service, we strive to create memorable moments for every guest. Join us and indulge in an award-winning culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.

Top review

LB

LisaBvip

Dined 4 days ago

Egg rolls were delicious & Filet cooked well & flavor was outstanding. Noise level was loud & difficult to carry on a normal conversation

A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Monterey restaurant

Chart House Restaurant - Monterey

4.5

4.5 (6733)

$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

J

Jane

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

Always enjoy the dining experience here as food and service are consistently good. Love getting the bonus dollars from Laundry Club membership. Enjoyed the complimentary mud pie to observe my birthday celebration. Our wait person was personable and very attentive especially when we asked him to take our photo. The Charthouse is my favorite place to celebrate special occasions. When we celebrated my aunt’s 101st birthday, her name and age were printed on the menu! So special ❤️

A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant

4.4

4.4 (3688)

$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

D

David

Dined 1 day ago

Great staff who accommodated our dietary needs. San dabs were wonderful. Watched the seals and otters do their thing.

A photo of Domenico's on the Wharf restaurant

Domenico's on the Wharf

4.4

4.4 (1611)

$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

L

Larry

Dined on Sep 3, 2024

Delicious food with attentive and professional service. Definite place to go to on Monterey's Fisherman Wharf.

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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 Fishwife - Pacific Grove restaurant

Fishwife - Pacific Grove

4.3

4.3 (851)

$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

R

Robert

Dined 1 day ago

Best clam chowder, but the daily specials can also be good.

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A photo of Key Lime Pie of a restaurant

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