Old Fisherman’s Grotto

Hands down the best clam chowder I've ever had! We stopped by this restaurant last night and were blown away by the flavors. The crab ravioli was also a highlight - highly recommend! But what really made our experience stand out was our waitress, Tara, who was attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. The entire staff was top-notch, providing exceptional service with a smile. And the cherry on top was when Tara surprised me with a beautiful rose at the end of our meal - such a thoughtful and lovely gesture! If you're a seafood lover like me, you owe it to yourself to try this place. Can't wait to come back!

We came here on a Sunday afternoon. We had no reservation, but the wait was only 15 minutes. There's so much to see in the area to help pass the time. So it was not a big deal. I was walked to our table by Austin, who introduced himself after our brief but pleasant conversion. I told him that my hubby and friends frequented this place when they're in town, coming from the east coast. I agree that the food is delicious here! We were provided a complimentary appetizer before we even ordered! That was the first surprise. Ruben, our server, was also very attentive. We ordered the dungeness crab, ciopino, the seafood sampler, and cannoli & olallie berry pie for dessert. We wanted to try as much as we could while in town. At the end of dinner, Ruben brought me a rose - the second surprise! How lovely and unexpected! I can attest that the service and a complimentary fresh rose to top our dining experience cemented our perception of this restaurant. We'll definitely come again! Perhaps they'll open a restaurant in Destin, FL! 😉 Thank you for a great dining experience!

First we will say, we got recommended this place. We were excited to come and try there fresh calamari (and it was fresh and good) The prices for the dishes are in the high end mark for what they are. The food lacked flavor to be honest. The waiters are nice and friendly, but they offer things as if it comes with a meal: for example when I was ordering my dish they asked if I would like clam chowder as my side for that. I said yes, because as in many restaurants, you can have different sides etc. well it’s an extra $8, and neither my husband nor I got actual clam. I will say we enjoyed our drinks. The whole time we felt like it was high end prices for mediocre food. If you have tasted good seafood pasta before this won’t come close to that. Our whole meal before tip was $100+

We had the pleasure of being seated by the owners son. This restaurant ambience was so welcoming we had to stay and feast. Our waiter Giovanni was amazing so polite with plenty of personality. We ordered appetizers Fried Shrimp, Oysters on the half shell and Crab Cakes. For our entree we ordered the Grilled Combination Platter, Fish & Chips, Jambalaya and Penne Pasta Alfredo with Grilled Chicken. The food was served pipping hot, fresh and well seasoned with lots of flavor. Hats off to the Head Chef & Sous Chefs We will return when we're in the area. Thanks for sharing such an enjoyable experience.

The clam chowder here alone gives Old Fisherman's Grotto a 5 star. I would highly recommend the Clam Chowder with the garlic bread bowl (it's the best clam chowder I've ever had).The other food is ok and it can be a bit salty at times. The servers can be a bit inattentive when trying to catch their attention.

Went after hiking Point Lobos, and it hit the spot. We got a clam chowder in sourdough, the signature ($35 w/ a bit of everything, reference photo), and the Grotto’s pasta ($26). My favorite was the clam chowder and the pasta; I didn’t think the signature was worth the price. Overall, good food, fresh but expensive. I also thought the house Cabernet was sour, but I’m not very knowledgeable w/ wine so take that w/ a grain of salt :)

I found this restaurant on Google Maps, and based on the reviews, my husband and I decided to eat here. When we arrived, there was an extra 20 minute wait because we wanted to be seated by the window. If you come to this restaurant you must sit by the window. The views are beautiful. Everything that we ordered was delicious, but you must order the claim chowder. This was the BEST claim chowder that I've ever had, and I've had a lot! It was so good that we purchased some to take home. Our server was also amazing. I highly recommend it!

We’ve dined at this restaurant twice during our visits to Monterey, and both times have been great experiences. The food is consistently delicious, but this time the standout dish was the goat cheese and beet salad, it was absolutely phenomenal! The service was excellent, friendly and attentive. Plus, the views added to the overall charm of the experience. Overall, it’s a consistently great spot that we look forward to returning to!

Great environment great server great food i would recommend it. The steak was amazing. And the ultimate seafood pasta was killer.

Stopped by the Monterey Wharf to have lunch with my family - we decided on the Old Fisherman's Grotto. They have upstairs and downstairs dining, both had views of the water. We got oysters and they were plump and tasty. We also shared a cup of chowder, and it was top tier, I definitely recommend ordering it! It was large enough for all 4 of us to try. I ordered the warm crab sandwich and would definitely have that again as well. My mom got the cold crab sandwich and asked for thousand island dressing to add to it. One sister got the crab tower and it looked awesome, she also tried our moms cold crab sandwich, and I thought it would be good adding the leftover mango she had from the tower to the sandwich. My other sister ordered a special they had on the menu that was "A Taste of Monterey". It had crab cakes, calamari, sand dabs, fish and chips, and a grilled artichoke. She loved that she could have a bite of everything on one plate.

I was looking for a more fast casual situation which exists at the Wharf version of this restaurant, but our meal here was delish nonetheless. We started with the clam chowder in a garlic butter toasted bread bowl ($27.00). The clam chowder was good and satiating. Was the best I've ever eaten? No, but the garlic butter toasted bread bowl was an unexpectedly good accompaniment to the clam chowder. To keep lunch light, we also shared Neptune's Platter ($36.00). It comes with fried cod, shrimp, crab cake, calamari, and fries. This was a really good value because you get plenty of seafood for a reasonable price. Everything was lightly battered and crisped. I especially liked the cod because it's a sturdy, meaty piece of fish. This was perfect to share. Old Fisherman's Grotto's dark, moody ambiance is more suited for a nice dinner.

Old Fisherman's Grotto is located on the Old Fisherman's Wharf. Parking may be difficult here - a bit hit or miss , as it is a busy touristy area. Decent service, but expected more friendly and welcoming staff in a nicer restaurant like this. A bit busy here on weeknight, so be sure to make a reservation. We ordered the Wharf Combination (Local 1/2 Dungeness Crab, Salmon, and & Two Grilled Prawns); 10 oz Filet Mignon; and Dutch Apple Caramel Streusel Cheesecake. The crab was super fishy and the sauce did not help, while salmon was a bit hard and dry, and the prawns were just fishy as well. The risotto was not the best either and the mixed veggies were a bit bitter. The filet mignon was decent - a bit burnt on the outside though. The cake was okay, a bit too sweet for my liking. Overall, a nice experience and there was a complimentary rose at the end, which I enjoyed. We had a window booth, so that was nice as well - was looking forward to watching the sunset. Good views, but a bit cloudy / foggy on our visit, so no pretty sunset.

Service was not as attentive as past visits and my salad was not quality. The goat cheese was cold, the beats were Not roasted just out of the can, included five walnuts and two stale tiny pieces of toast. I definitely ordered the wrong salad. Surf n turf was good. So were the deserts $225 for three adults. If you live in Monterey County ask for the locals menu.

What an awesome classic spot to finally try! The service was perfect- welcoming, friendly, helpful and entertaining! We walked in at 5:15pm and got seated right away for 3ppl in the main room with a great view of the water. I loved our little booth and the old school decor. The clam chowder was very good. Not overly thick, great blend of potatoes and clams, perfect temp and perfect combo of savory and creamy indulgence. It was the garlic toasted topper option (for an extra $1) that made me wanna come back. See picture. If you like crunchy, buttery garlic bread then get this option! Everyone else food looked good and was enjoyed by all. Olallieberry pie was meh and i've had better. I highly recommend this classic stand out! Oh and the single roses for all three of us gals at the end of the meal was very much appreciated. So thoughtful! We will be back!

This place is very bustling and was beautiful during sunset as we had a window seat overlooking the water. All the food we ordered was tasty, especially the clam chowder. Service was remarkable as well.

First time at Old Fisherman's Grotto and it was surprisingly good. I thought it was going to be a major tourist trap, Over looking the water. Old school vibes. The service was really good throughout our meal. The sauce for the ravioli was too sweet. But the filling for ravioli was good. I really liked the sourdough clam chowder bread bowl. Super creamy and the sourdough bread was crunchy on exterior and soft inside. The halibut was cooked well. I wasn't a fan of the sweet potatoes. The cheesecake was light and not very sweet. Prices are about right for a seafood restaurant.

I grew up eating the clam chowder from Old Fisherman's Grotto and I have to say that I have not been able to find another chowder like it anywhere else. On my recent trip back to the area I didn't have a lot of time and could not dine in but I made sure to get multiple containers of the clam chowder to take back to Vegas. The Monterey clam chowder is rich, flavorful, and just satisfying with plenty of clams, and a really creamy consistency. Everyone there is nice and I was able to chat with Chris Shake (owner) before I left whom I've never actually met until this last visit. The restaurant is located on the wharf in Monterey and it hasn't changed much from how it looked when I was a kid which is great. It's easy to find - there is a statue outside and some neon signs and there is a "to go" market outside. I hope to be back soon so I can actually have a full meal.

We got the Clam Chowder with Garlic Butter Toasted Bread Bowl. It is rich and creamy. The Barbecue Oysters are salty and savory with garlic taste. They're grilled but still soft and juicy. The Ultimate Seafood Pasta is also delicious. The lobster, shrimps and clams are very fresh. The Crab Meat Tower looks very beautiful. The crab meat is juicy, the fruit and vegetables are refreshing, the sauce is a little bit too sweet. Allergy Alert: The Vanilla Ice Cream here contains EGG in the ingredients.

If you are visiting Monterey I highly recommend trying Old Fisherman's Grotto for some delicious seafood dishes. The crab ravioli was absolutely to die for. It had a phenomenal tomato sauce base with perfectly cooked crab ravioli and a generous portion of crab. The ultimate seafood pasta was also delicious but definitely had a milder flavor as the cream sauce was not as strong. The loads of seafood makes up for the flavor as it gives you all the delicious notes of the sea. Lastly, the olallieberry was the best dessert to end with. It was the perfect amount of sweet and tart. The restaurant has a beautiful and classy ambiance. It's a great restaurant if you want to impress a lady or man ;) The service is quick and very kind as they constantly check in on you and cater to your needs. My bf and I even had the opportunity to meet the original owners grandson, Austin, who was so kind, humble, and knowledgeable. He went around to every table to ensure everyone was having a good time and enjoying their food. Overall the food, ambiance, and service was great! I highly recommend a visit to Old Fisherman's Grotto!

Me and my partner went here for our anniversary and were seated right away. We've lived here for a year and haven't been to this wharf yet! It was amazing experience and Giovanny was an amazing waiter. The food was amazing and we were surprised with the creaminess of the clam chowder. The place itself felt very romantic and well cleaned. The tomahawk steak was amazing and perfect to share between us. We even asked for a subsistence on one of the baked potatoes and they did it no problem! We felt wined and dined here.

First time in Monterey and decided to try this place for dinner. My oh my...It did not disappoint. We arrived on a Monday and put our names on the list at 730pm. There was a good line starting to build up. The buzzer they gave us went off around 755pm. Staff is super professional and organized. Our host sat us at a booth with a nice view. We ordered clam chowder as appetizers and they arrived to the table at 8:10pm. QUICK SERVICE. Not to mention, it was probably one of top 3 best clam chowder I have ever had. DELICIOUS! I ordered the Linguini Isabella and my husband got Seafood Risotto. Solid, rich, creamy....we DEVOURED it. Loved both our choices. A nice surprise was that our server handed me a rose at the end of the meal which was so sweet!! Exceptional service, delectable food, and a beautiful view. How can you ask for a more perfect first dinner in Monterey?! Highly recommend!!

I highly recommend this place when you're in the mood for lobster tail and pasta. There are a number of restaurants on the wharf but this one had the lobster tail I was looking for plus it had great Yelp reviews. The picture speaks for itself. The lobster tail sat on top of the mound of seafood and pasta. The juiciness of the lobster was to die for as well as the shrimp and clams. Pasta was made to perfection. I felt like a Cesar salad which I haven't had for a long while. The dressing tasted good and the salad was fresh. Garlic bread was included. I got some bread and butter before my dishes were out. The waiters kept filling my water glass without me asking. They were courteous to check on me. This type of service has long died out in the bay area. I'm adding my 5 stars to this place.

Excellent, excellent, and excellent regarding the food, service, and ambiance!!! I had the spaghetti and meatballs, my family had the fried shrimp plate, the fish and chips, the halibut and we all loved it. At the end of our meal, all the ladies received roses! That was the chef's kiss to it all!

One day in SF on pier 39, I tried every clam chowder with a group of individuals, resulting as Fishermen's Grotto as the best. It stinks their OG location in SF is no longer present. Therefore, I have been craving it a ton. Elated Monterey had it instead. CARD ONLY!!! FYI, Some places on the pier has a price difference between card and cash. I ORDERED: Clam chowder 16oz (they have 32oz and 128oz!!) - strange it has red carrots (I mean have you seen red carrots in traditional chowder before?) but I understand it may be a color thing - there's a trend around that chowder tastes better with hot sauce (best with Tabasco) but I did not find this to be the case - lots of stuffing and clams! - NEED TO ASK FOR OYSTER CRACKERS IF YOU WANT THEM! (Maybe it was an off day when I went?) Garlic bread - there's also a roasted option for $3 more - matches the chowder amazingly - great seasoning - lackluster amount of garlic itself SERVICE: - friendly AMBIENCE: - has a restaurant and a grab and go - zero outdoor seating on their end if you just want the grab and go (major downfall) but there's public seating further down the pier LOCATION AND PARKING: - located on the fishermen's wharf of Monterey Bay (near the Monterey aquarium) - parking is paid if you want to park near the pier (there are multiple adjacent lots to the pier) - free 2 hour parking if you are willing to walk (more than 1 block) Definitely hit the cravings, thank you! Made me scream my blessings that I have been born and raised in the Bay Area (and if I only I can stay in CALIFORNIA foreeeevvveerrr)

I ate at this spot after getting back to Monterey pretty late in the evening having spent a full day driving south around the Big Sur area. Most restaurants had closed, but this kind of touristy one was open on the Fisherman's Wharf. I usually have grand reservations about eating at anything touristy, but there were a lot of excellent recent reviews for the place, and they list tons and tons of awards and accolades over time. So I figured why not? It was actually a really good experience. Though it definitely is set up more for eating with groups or at least couples, I had a fine experience by myself. The restaurant is roomy and the seating is comfortable. My waitress was very attentive, and shortly after sitting down I had water and fresh bread in front of me to snack on. I ended up ordering a pasta dish that came with lots of different types of seafood. Clams, shrimp, salmon, and lobster tail! All in all, each differenty component of the seafood was cooked spot on the money, nothing dry at all. The pasta bed it was on was also flavorful, with a nice rose cream sauce. I have no complaints, well done for a restaurant in a touristy spot!

We waited about 20 minutes on an early saturday evening and we browsed the fishermans warf in the mean time. The clam chowder was very disappointing and strangely thick but the macadamia crusted halibut was delicious. Ambiance is typical of a restaurant at this type of location and service was decent. Restaurant has a nice view of the water tho

Located on the pier. Make a resy! We unfortunately could not make a resy & came by on Friday night. Luckily, the wait was only 30 minutes & there are many souvenir shops to browse in while you wait. The restaurant is nice & dimly lit. They have 2 levels & we sat upstairs & had a view of the water. I bet the views are gorgeous during sunsets. Our waiter was incredible! I wish I remembered his name because he definitely made our night amazing with his friendliness, recommendations & overall service. & he gave us a rose at the end of our meal! Thank you! The food was okay. Clam Chowder: Delicious & creamy, a must order! Oysters Rockefeller: These were meh. Very chewy. Crab Ravioli: The sauce was bland.

Came in with no reservations at about 4pm and got seated immediately. We got the booth not by the window, but just on the other side where you can still see the beach. The place was very dark and busy. Our server was very nice. Please be prepared to spend at least $25 per appetizer/entree if not more. They also serve complimentary bread which was mediocre. I ordered the half crab chef special and she ordered the clam chowder in a garlic bread bowl. My crab was good, it came with couscous and veggies. Good cook, but everything was under seasoned. Her clam chowder and garlic bread bowl was very tasty.

Soooo good! We came for our anniversary trip, and we were blessed with seating right by the window, which had such a nice view! Tables were clean and welcoming. Sal, our waiter, was amazing! Kind and on top of everything, and gave us great recommendations and cleared out our finished plates quickly. Since we ordered too much food, it was very appreciated! We got the clams for our appetizer, which were great (though a little pricy for the amount). For our mains, we got the Crab Ravioli and Linguine Isabella. Both were delicious and filling! Definitely worth the price in my book. We also got a cup of clam chowder with fresh cracked pepper, which, WOW! Star of the show for us. I also received a rose at the end of our meal, which was so lovely! We will definitely be back, especially for special occasions, since the meal was definitely not cheap haha!

Excellent seafood, fresh appetizers, delicious drinks, and Giovanni's service was amazing. It was a great experience from start to finish. So glad we went. Roses were a cute ending to an amazing dinner out. Highly recommend.

We came hungry and this spot did not disappoint. Impressed that we got seated pretty quick and our server Mister Giovanni was on it for us. Service was on point and Mister Giovanni was super pleasant. Food came out in perfect order and let me tell you, nothing was left on our plates. Oysters were soo good and the Crab Stuffed Pretzel was my favorite. Cuddlefish was strong so be warned. Cute spot, wish we sat with a view but people watching was fun too.

This was our first time visiting Monterey Bay, and surprisingly, it was one of the rare occasions where my wife, my son, and I all ordered different dishes--and each one was a hit. I've had my fair share of clam chowder over the years, but this one stood out as the creamiest and cleanest-tasting version I've ever had. It didn't have that overly briny flavor you sometimes get; instead, it was smooth, rich, and well-balanced. My wife ordered a steak and was blown away. The flavors were deep and complex--cooked perfectly and packed with taste. It's worth noting this place is popular for a reason--it's the only spot in the area we saw with a consistent line, so I'd definitely recommend making reservations. Parking isn't available on-site due to the location, but since most guests stay in nearby hotels, it's usually easy to find parking within walking distance.

We had an incredible dinner here thanks to our server Brad. We didn't make a reservation so we had to wait awhile, but it was totally worth it. For our appetizer we ordered a bowl of clam chowder and the grilled artichokes. The clam chowder was delicious and the artichokes were cooked perfectly. We liked the balsamic glaze that was drizzled on top. For our entrees my husband got the captain's plate and I ordered the ultimate seafood pasta. We enjoyed both of our entrees. The seafood tasted fresh and the portions were big. I like the mix of seafood and the pasta was delicious. We had an excellent meal and the service was top notch. I informed Brad that we were celebrating a special occasion and he brought a slice of cheesecake to our table. Every table is given a red rose at the end which is a very sweet gesture. Thank you for making our evening a memorable one.

Fisherman's wharf the clam chowder soup is the best very creamy and tail !! Our fettuccine Isabella scampi was the best also, very tasty !!

Food: 5 Decor: 3 Service: 4 Came here for lunch after walking in. Overall great food and would definitely come back. Crab Cakes $22.00 Lightly breaded and grilled, served with Sun Dried Tomato Aioli, Mango Sauce and Mango Papaya Relish 5/5. Tasty crab cakes without too much breading. Complemented very nicely with the mango papaya relish and mango sauce. Chilled Prawn Cocktail (5) $22.00 3/5. Thought they were just okay. Would probably skip next time. Original 'Monterey Style' Clam Chowder Garlic Butter Toasted Bread Bowl$27.00 5/5. Garlic butter bread was delicious, and the clam chowder was very good. It stayed surprisingly warm inside the bread bowl. Service was good. Restaurant wasn't very full, so we got a booth with a view next to the water.

This place has always had the best fresh calm chowder at the wharf in Monterey Bay. The chowder is fresh and made daily and every spoonful of chowder is so delicious and savory a must try when visiting the area. Staff members have always been friendly and welcoming in all my visits here and if you decide to dine in the wait time is not to long especially since you can always just go across and browse around the souvenir shop. The restaurant has a nice view of the water if you decide you want to sit by the window must not much you will miss out on. The restaurant's lighting is dim, but overall it's nice and has an old vintage feel to it and is clean and restrooms are maintained clean.

We've walked by this place a couple times in the past but after looking at reviews we decided to drop in. Very cozy welcoming and friendly staff. Our server was lagging a bit but when she came by she was exceptional. The food was great! Hands down the best oysters Rockefeller, our daughters loved the clam chowder and we really came for the lobster roll. It was perfect. The roll was grilled to a per crisp. We also shared a cup of chowder on the side and we were full for the car ride home. We will definitely be back to try a seafood sample with plenty more oysters.

I saw a lot of people recommending this restaurant online, so I booked a table on OpenTable ahead of time. Since it was my birthday, the restaurant thoughtfully gave me a window seat with a beautiful view,I was so happy! The food was all super tasty and the portions were huge. I'd highly recommend the crab tower (sometimes it's a tuna tower, depending on the season) -- so fresh, light, and refreshing. I especially loved that dish. The grilled oysters were also really good. I ordered the lobster pasta too, and the pasta itself was cooked really well. The salmon was a bit dry for me, maybe because of how it was grilled. I personally prefer it a little creamier, but it didn't really take away from how much I enjoyed the dish overall. They even brought out a complimentary slice of cheesecake for my birthday, which was delicious. I'd totally recommend this place, definitely worth a visit!

Right in center of fisherman's wharf is the Grotto. The place was boomin' yet the service Wes amazing! We came in to try the "Best Clam Chowder" on the wharf. It's true! We got a garlic crusted bread bowl with the best clam chowder. Ambiance added to the experience, it's old gentleman style with lots of seating in huge picture windows overlooking the ocean. We will return!

NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY, DO NOT EAT HERE. And I wouldn't go back without my child after this experience. I should have seen it as a red flag when we were "greeted" with a sign asking my family if we would/could adhere to their child rules (it was myself, my husband, and our 2.5 year old daughter). We agreed because my daughter is well behaved, we come prepared with activities for her, and she dines out often/has practice on how to behave in a restaurant setting. What I wasn't prepared for was the absolute horrible service we received once in the restaurant. They sat us at a booth near the entrance that had a brisk and horrible draft. The server visibly seemed upset to have to wait on us. When she brought me my chowder she asked if I would fresh pepper, I said yes, and she frantically ran away. I assumed that she realized she didn't have the pepper grinder and was running to get it...but no. She never returned. Never apologized or acknowledged what happened. My husband's seafood risotto (pictured) was underwhelming. The lobster was tough, the salmon lacked flavor, but the risotto and shrimp were good. This is just a brief description of an awkward and uncomfortable meal. I wish we would have chosen literally any other restaurant/food offered on the wharf. Just to clarify, my daughter sat in her seat quietly the entire time and didn't make a mess. 0/5 stars. The chowder was decent, but was just as good at Domenico's where we received excellent service, and staff treated my daughter pleasantly and acknowledged the tiny human that she is. Seriously, f*** this restaurant and how they push their rating/algorithm on every site. For ambiance, it looks like an old ship inside, but I was so cold I didn't care. The view I saw through the window walking in didn't seem that great as it's just a small amount of water then shore. The view of the sail boats at Domenico's was better, but so was my table.

The food was excellent. Plus there was 25% off on the wine. Our lunch was great with the Rombauer. I have never been in the Monterey Pier before and I think this is a great restaurant to try when you come here to visit.

Great food, friendly service & nice views. We enjoyed everything we ordered: clam chowder, crab ravioli (generous portions of pasta, lots of crab, loved the sauce) & crab louie salad (generous portions of crab, fruit & avocado). The bread pudding dessert was only ok. We will definitely return the next time we're in the area.

Amazing food and nice service! Thought small plate but it was big plate. We are pretty full with three people

My husband and I took an impromptu trip to Monterey. It was our first time back since COVID. We really wanted to grab some clam chowder, and Old Fisherman's Grotto popped up on every single list I googled. We stayed at a hotel that was within walking distance, but drove the first night. Parking is vast, inexpensive and easy to figure out for paying. Upon arrival at this restaurant, around 5:30-6 pm, we were seated right away upstairs (we had no reservation), and the place was busy. From start to finish the service was absolutely STELLAR. We got clam chowder, mine just a cup as it came with my entree. My husband wanted a bowl, but didn't realize how large of a serving a bowl was. It was gigantic and served in a clam shell. Great serving size for the price considering it was generous with noticeable clam chunks in it. More importantly, it was delicious. Now we understand why it's even sold by the can here. For drinks we had an amaretto sour & Long Island. I got their fish special entree and my husband got the filet mignon. We were so full that we didn't order dessert. They even give the ladies roses at the end of dinner. Everything was delicious... so much that we went for dinner again on that same trip. From location to service to quality food... Amazing. Hands down, we will be coming back here. Again and again and again.

This is a family favorite. Being it's Easter Sunday today we thought it might be super busy and I didn't made any reservation, but we were seated under 5 minutes. Always love that it's quiet and service is on time. Our server Iman is awesome! He explains the lunch menus, such a vibrant and positive vibe from him, very courteous as well. We were craving for sea foods so I got the ultimate wharf platter while my hubby got the lobster, and of course my daughter ordered the 16 0z ribeye steak. We started with the ever delicious clam chowder in cups. The service her stays exemplary plus the ambiance that gives you an upscale feel even if it's on the wharf. Keep it up guys!

This was our second time at Grottos and it was even better than we remembered it. Booking a reservation will definitely make your dining experience smoother. I was able to request a seat with a great view for an earlier dinner on a busy Saturday. We were immediately seated and it was a great spot to watch the water and boats. We even saw a couple of otters swimming near the boats, which was so exciting! Our waiter was super friendly and welcoming. He was able to give some really great recommendations. The bread and butter were really great as it was warm and soft on the inside. We started with the appetizer platter that had a crab cake, 2 shrimp prawns, and calamari. It was so perfect as the crab cake was fresh and delicious. The calamari was crispy and thin. We also thought the shrimp was flavorful and juicy. We got the maple soy marinated skirt steak, which was cooked so well and I loved how flavorful the steak was. It was paired with creamy scallop potatoes, some green beans and brussel sprouts, and over a crispy bread. We also got the ultimate seafood that had different types of seafood of clams, scallops, shrimp, and lobster over a tricolor pasta. It was really creamy and rich, overall just fantastic with the pasta. We ended the wonderful meal with a cheesecake, which was so divine. I was even able to go home with a lovely rose. Overall, we highly recommended this place!

One of my favorite places for Clam Chowder, and I will say that it's the best I have had so far. Was in town for the Rock n Rod 2025 show and whenever I am in Monterey I have to visit Old Fisherman's Grotto for a meal. A well known and very established local place to eat. Old school charm with the best staff around. Our waiter Giovanni made our dinner experience first rate, informative and covered all the specials as well as the wine offering a house discount on bottles, which we followed his lead for our favorite Sauvignon Blanc. A great view of the bay from our booth as we settled in and started with the Clam Chowder (sorry no photos of the Chowder because we were too excited and hungry) along with their house made bread it was mangiamo time! We had the Calamari appetizer which was fresh local Calamari in a light breading and for the entree we enjoyed the local Ling cod special served with sweet corn risotto and fresh local vegetables. Everything did not disappoint and the servings are plenty, no matter what you order. We finished with the Lemon Shortcake which we had to take most of it back with us because we were so full. They also offer their Clam Chowder for purchase in cans which I have done before. This place is a great find to eat so do expect a wait during peak hours, we don't wait very long maybe 20 minutes as we sat in the bar. So when you are in Monterey and it's time to eat, skip the establishments in Cannery Row and try this local gem, you will not be disappointed. Mangiamo!

We had the pleasure of being seated by the owners son. This restaurant ambience was so welcoming we had to stay and feast. Our waiter Giovanni was amazing so polite with plenty of personality. We ordered appetizers Fried Shrimp, Oysters on the half shell and Crab Cakes. For our entree we ordered the Grilled Combination Platter, Fish & Chips, Jambalaya and Penne Pasta Alfredo with Grilled Chicken. The food was served pipping hot, fresh and well seasoned with lots of flavor. Hats off to the Head Chef & Sous Chefs We will return when we're in the area. Thanks for sharing such an enjoyable experience.

Great food and view of a little beach/harbor located in the beautiful city of Monterey. Been here multiple times and the service each time was top notch. Free bread is great too. Parking is in a nearby lot and at the time was a couple of bucks an hour. One time I came we ordered a Boat Load of Land and Sea and it was absolutely phenomenal!! Worth it if you are looking to splurge a little bit. The lobster was my favorite, but all of the seafood was fresh and delicious! Definitely plenty of food for two. Another time we ordered the grilled seafood platter and Neptune's platter. Both were plenty of food and were very good. I'm a lover of deep fried seafood and this definitely satisfied the craving! Just a side note, this is a sister restaurant of the Fish Hopper located in Cannery Row down the street, an equally phenomenal establishment!

Service: The service was excellent. The waitress gave us a heartwarming service. She explained in full detail the menu. She also explained which items on the menu she loved. She also knew her wine. She told me what wines to pair with food. Food: The food was phenomenal and delicious. Everything tasted fresh and great quality. The calm chowder was delicious. One of the best clam chowders in Monterey. The Dungeness crab, salmon, and two grilled prawns were also delicious. It was well seasoned and it was a lot of food. The crab was meaty. Finally the crème brûlée is excellent desert after every meal. Overall: Overall, people need to come and try the amazing food here at Old Fisherman's Grotto. The ambiance is great and energetic. The view is spectacular. I would definitely go back if I am in Monterey.

Wonderful lunch we had soup the classic chowder and the taste of Monterey was so good the fries and fish was good. The plates were full and had a little of everything, we had artichokes and crab cakes and calamari and rockfish and coleslaw this plate was full and more than enough for one person we were celebrating the back to school efforts getting back to the college grind the ambiance was delightful fresh butter and warm bread at the table the waiter was patient and able to explain the complete meal.the restaurant is a little dark and old school and the view outdoors was of the ocean and we were able to see fish in the water the view was the back side of the restaurant that may need a paint refresh of the backsides and guts of the r

Restaurant with history. Old Fishermans Grotto was our last stop in Monterey. We were placed in a booth with beautiful ocean views. The service was excellent. The staff were dressed in the traditional black and white, they know the menu well and are very attentive. The food was great. My wife enjoyed the twin lobster tails. I went with the Large clam chowder and an order of steamed clams. The clams were my favorite. The white wine a butter broth was so good I finished it like a soup, definitely recommend.

It's cute small place with an ocean view. They give you a rose at the end. Free sourdough slices in the beginning with butter, it was okay. - Clam Chowder 5/5 Super super yummy clam chowder. It's on the THICKER side though. A cup is enough for two. Remember, two cups with an entree is cheaper than getting a large bowl! - Pretzel 2.6/5 The crab isn't even stuffed in all the pretzel. The crab pieces are yummy, very heavy. Side of cheese is below average, and the mustard on the side is ok- cold. - Skirt Steak 1.9/5 Steak is cooked well, medium rare. However the sides are lackluster, below average. The potatoes aren't that good, the vegetable aren't that good. And the sauce that goes on top, they put EVERYWHERE. The whole dish is sweet..... Parking in lot is paid parking until 8pm. Pay through app.

I had a wonderful Monterey clam chowder here! I was seated quickly for a table of one and given water and bread promptly. I asked for a small version of the caesar salad which they brought out as a first course. It also came with a breadstick that I had to avoid, knowing I had my bread bowl coming. Lol. The toppings were generous and it tasted wonderful. Lastly, the chowder came out hot and the bread now had an amazing out crust and a fluffy delicious inside. They were also sweet enough to hand me a rose with my check. Overall great experience and friendly staff.

My partner and I were visiting the area for the night and wanted to find a great place for dinner, so glad we came across this gem! Located right on the wharf, it has the charming look of a classic beach town diner from the outside, but inside, it gives off a cozy yet upscale dining vibe. We were lucky enough to be seated by the window, where we enjoyed a stunning ocean view, complete with playful seals in the water Our meal started with complemantary warm bread and butter. We then kicked things off with the crab meat tower appetizer, which was absolutely delicious. The fresh crab meat was delightful on its own, but the combination of cucumber, strawberry slices, and mango salsa took it to another level so refreshing and flavorful! We also added a bowl of clam chowder, and let me tell you, it was hands down the best clam chowder I've ever had!! Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! My partner ordered the Captain's Plate (which I happily helped taste test), and everything on it was fresh, perfectly cooked, and absolutely delicious. I had the Crab Ravioli, and wow... my mouth is still watering just thinking about it! Our server was wonderful. Attentive, kind, and never overbearing. To top off an already amazing evening, she even gave me a rose as we left, a sweet touch they do for all the ladies. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and eat here! And when you do, have some clam chowder for me, you won't regret it!

The clam chowder is worth the hype. The texture is creamy and satisfying, with lots of clam meat. The green onions in the linguini Isabella ruined the dish for me. Next time I'm in Monterey I will grab the clam chowder to-go and skip dining in. Families, be aware that they are not tolerant of small children here. When I asked for a table with my toddler in tow, the host pointed to a sign that basically said "no strollers and no noise" and waited for my acknowledgment before seating us. Luckily my 3.5 year old can color quietly now, but a year ago I would've been stressed out trying to keep her quiet. Something to keep in mind.

Me and my wife came by on a Friday afternoon, not busy at all and was seated immediately. The ambiance was like an older Vegas style restaurant with a water view, it was nice. Our waitress stated the specials and then said would you like a special drink, sparkling water, or just tap water, I been to a lot of places but who says "just tap water". The sound of that is just not right. We ordered the fish tacos, the bread bowl clam chowder, and the seafood grotto. The waitress brings out a huge bowl of chowder but I said I thought I ordered the bread bowl so she said, "oh no problem." My wife's fish tacos looked nice but they had no flavor, the rice tasted like it had a stick of butter in it. My seafood grotto was ok, the seafood on it was good, salmon cooked perfect as the prawns were too. The pasta left a greasy film in the mouth. Our chowder was really delicious and definitely a hit. We wanted to love this place so much due to the reviews but it was a disappointment for us, maybe it was an off day. I don't think we will return though.