Robert C.
Yelp
Best place for breaded calamari on Fisherman's wharf in Monterey.
Arrived here on a Saturday at 430pm. Place virtually empty due to adverse weather.
Came here because we had a coupon for a free appetizer. Probably could ask for the complimentary chef's appetizer, as most restaurants have such a deal, and it's always breaded calamari.
Beautiful restaurant setting on the bay with large room with windows all around, showing the harbor and bay.
Meals come with complimentary bread, a rarity nowadays.
The $12 bowl of clam chowder was up to the high standards of the region, very creamy with potatoes and clams. At least 12 ounces in a good sized portion.
The complimentary breaded calamari came with about a dozen calamari, covered with a light panko breading, with tartar sauce and cocktail ketchup on the side. Perfect blend of just enough breading to give it taste, and chunks of cooked calamari, not rubbery.
Wife enjoyed her scampi Monterey, with at least 10 shrimp mixed in with yellow rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, and artichoke skins, something you don't see too often. Needless to say, wife loves artichokes.
I had the $20 Abalonetti calamari, very similar to the appetizer, with yellow rice and vegetables. Huge portion of breaded calamari, but I ate everything in both the appetizer and this dish. Would have preferred the tartar sauce and ketchup cocktail sauce, compared to the butter creamy sauce.
They have a $4.95 dog menu, although you would not want to eat outdoors today, as rainy with high gusty winds would freeze your fingers.