Old Fisherman’s Grotto

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.

This place was a little higher price range than I normally look for. But it was a special occasion. It was very nice inside and the staff were very helpful. I ordered the roasted salmon and it was very tasty! I really enjoyed the green beans it came with. They have a wide variety of desserts and we tried the strawberry shortcake.

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 had a phenomenal dinner here! High quality food and service. Our server Brad was great. We ordered shrimp scampi and surf and turf. Don’t skip the clam chowder! The food was perfect and great value for what we paid! I enjoyed the view of the bay and watching otters and seals swimming around. Amazing!!

This place is spectacular. Staff is over the top. They do all they can to make sure your dining experience is exceptional. Waiters Justino, Ruben, and Iman were very attentive, and owner and owners' grandson Austin seals the experience by going table to table to greet you. Went 2 days in a row and can't wait to come back.

We had a fantastic meal at this restaurant. The fried calamari is slightly different that the norm (in a good way) they top the fried calamari with raw onion...we didn't eat it, but the flavor permeates the calamari and it was delightful! Their clam chowder is top notch. Fish and chips, is breaded and the best breaded fish and chips we'd ever had. Fish of the day as fish tacos was fantastic Pastas we're good. Meatballs were very herbaceous.

We stumbled upon this gem nearly 20 years ago during our very first road trip to Monterey Bay, and it’s been a beloved tradition ever since. Tucked away on the wharf, this spot has become our go-to for the absolute best clam chowder we’ve ever had—hands down. No other place even comes close. Don’t believe us? Go try it for yourself—you’ll see exactly what we mean. Every visit to the area includes at least one stop here; it just wouldn’t feel right without it. The cozy atmosphere, the mouthwatering aroma of fresh seafood, and that first warm spoonful of chowder instantly bring us back to all the good memories we’ve made over the years. What truly sets this place apart, though, is the staff. Friendly, welcoming, and always in good spirits, they add so much to the experience. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, they make you feel right at home. The whole vibe is relaxed, nostalgic, and full of charm. This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a little slice of coastal happiness we’ll always return to.

Old decor and not too many people for weekdays lunch compared last time when we came to this spot during a weekend dinner with people crowding the pier and we chose not to dine there. Services are also very old fashioned and attentive. Food is better than expectation for a tourist destination. Chowder soup is a little on the too heavy side. That is the only complaint. Over all it is a tourist spot but if you like to eat at the bay, you’ll still be satisfied at the Grotto.

Old Fishermans Grotto was a three time winner for my husband and I. The owner and his son have a fine establishment, staff and atmosphere. The food is superb. Thank you for helping make our anniversary special!

The food was really good and the service as well. The server Pablo in particular was very nice and professional taking care of my allergies requirements. The restaurant is very clean, well decorated with view to the bay, and de background music was pleasant. It was an enjoyable and relaxing dinner after a long day exploring Monterey.

First time here and I will definitely will be coming back ! Reasonable prices for the food expect it to be between 30-50 since it's a tourist area. Service was amazing, Sal is the best! Every employee made me feel welcomed! Spending my money here was well worth it.

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.

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!

Everything started out fantastic. The oysters were amazing. The clamp chowder was delicious. My lemon drop martini was perfect. We ordered the paella and the cioppino. The paella was not great. The rice was not saffron rice. It was full of peas (not a fan). The cioppino was decent. We got dessert. Creme rules. What a mess. The custard was runny and actually dripped. I can't believe they plated and served it that way. No shame. The check came and the cioppino was $49. We ordered it thinking it was $35. We'll I guess there are two cioppinos and he assumed we wanted the more expensive one. If there were two, why didn't the waiter clarify which one so we could point to it?? Very shady. My recommendation is to get some oysters, a drink and some chowder and be done. Don't order anything else. Not only will it not be good but they will hustle you if they get the chance.

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!

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!

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.

We stopped in for the clam chowder bread bowl and it was amazing! The service was great, very attentive. Must stop old school vibe.

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.

My partner really wanted to try the cioppino at this place, but as soon as we walked in to see the history uplifting the Salvation Army, an organization that 1) turned me agnostic as an adolescent and 2) has been known to lobby against laws protecting LGBTQ communities, I had doubts. Happy Pride! Strawberry colada: Not bad! There are better compostable straws than the ones restaurants in Monterey uses (the fast-soggy kind), but it is what it is. Very sweet, almost synthetic tasting. I wouldn't get it again, but I didn't have any regrets. Cioppino with garlic bread: Honestly this was pretty good until we realized the crab legs we had saved (best for last) were spoiled. They smelled extremely strongly of ammonia (tasted like it, too... I ate a small piece before my partner told me to stop eating it lol, his dad works with the health department in another state so he's pretty cautious about these things, whereas my mum leaves out frozen meat on the counter to thaw overnight ). When we told the server, the manager took our dishes with the crab leg on it, then offered a free dessert. I thought that was kind of funny since we might die from food poisoning, like a last meal sort of thing. It was just one dessert for the table (we had ordered a drink, wine, and one entree to share - it was plenty to share). We ordered a tiramisu and it was actually pretty good! Looked a little cakey but was actually quite soft and moist (not creamy moist, but moist enough). Lots of sauce drizzled around the sides. Would get it again, though we wouldn't come back unfortunately. A good last meal... They also gave us a rose, which was nice (perhaps for my grave?). However, here I am two days later, feeling just fine. I wonder if perhaps this is a frequent occurrence and they just deal with serving expired seafood since maybe only 1 in a handful of people will actually get food poisoning from it? Anyway, it was a real bummer to not finish off the bowl of cioppino because it was actually very tasty! We just didn't want to further increase our risk of food poisoning by finishing it since it must have been cooked with the crab. Other than the crab, the salmon was the best part, the squid was fine (my partner doesn't care for the chewy texture), the shrimp was a little overcooked, the scallops were very tiny but decent. The marinara sauce was salty, but not too salty (we once had a cioppino that actually did make me feel ill from the amount of salt added to it lol). The garlic bread was decent, best dipped in the sauce (again, amazing we didn't get food poisoning because I ate a lot of it). Beyond that, the service was very good. They don't have outdoor seating, but their (sister?) restaurant just diagonally across from them does have outdoor seating (and a happy hour menu). The moral of this story is that not everything is as bad as it may seem, but you can definitely reduce risk and do better moving forward.

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.

No one does it better than the Old Fisherman's Grotto. Phenomenal food, service, and hospitality. The decor of the restaurant is relaxed and extremely inviting. A destination for locals, and visitors alike to the central coast. Don't hesitate, and make your reservation today.

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.

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.

Like an old salt, old fishermen's grotto is the one thing I can always depend on when visiting the wharf at Monterey. My go to is always the chowder here, as well as the paella. I also ordered the clams and the crab Louie this time, and all were excellent. Yes there are plenty of other restaurants on the wharf, but imo none can beat the price and quality at the grotto. After all, there is a reason why its chowder is ranked #1 in the area for 21 years. The decor of the restaurant, as well as the service were also very, very excellent. Staff were courteous and prompt. I strongly recommend you give this place a try.

Always an all time favorite for my family. The food is always delicious and made to order. The service is exceptional, and the ambience reminds us of an old retro restaurant with the white linens and the professionally dressed servers from the earlier years when dining experience like that was the standard way of dining out. But It doesn't stop there they have a tray of desserts to indulge in and we can never pass it up. It was our anniversary and they gave us a special designed dessert . We always have a memorable experience with the service, the ambience and the food .

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!

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.

We had a very nice meal here! The clam chowder was everything it was hyped up to be! I got the Caesar salad and my husband got the captains platter. Although we could've just gone and got the chowder and been full!

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!

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!

Located on the Old Fisherman's Warf is the Old Fisherman's Grotto! They first were hesitant to allow us in because we had our 4 year old. I truly understood. It's a nice establishment and has standards, but I knew our daughter would act properly. I said we agreed to the rules (basically, be a parent and train your kids). First, service is white glove and awesome. Second, the wood in this place is really nice. When seated, you're given great, warm, fresh bread. We ordered the Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl, Fish & Chips, and Tiramisu. The clam chowder was creamy, thick, loaded with clams, deliciousness. Liked how they garlic bread the top of the bowl. The fish and chips. The fish is fresh, with a crunchier breading than I'm used to, but still good! Comes with multiple sauces. The chips are fries that have been doubled fried, GREAT! The Tiramisu was the Best I've ever had. Creamy, smooth, chocolate, melt in your mouth, decadence. *Overall, liked it a lot and would definitely go back!*

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.

Visited from Texas and Everything about this place deserves a Gold Star! Service is excellent from the Hostess to the Servers. Clam Chowder Bowl is delicious! Definitely the place you want to have a date night! Shoutout to Austin and Giovanni

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.

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.

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.

Best Dining Experience in Town! The Old Fisherman's Grotto truly deserves every one of these five stars! From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by how fancy and elegant the restaurant was. It has a classy atmosphere that still feels warm and inviting -- and the view of the ocean is absolutely breathtaking. You really can't beat it! Let's talk about the food -- top quality across the board. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Their clam chowder is hands down the BEST we've ever had -- creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor. We were also given a free appetizer, which was such a nice surprise and added a special touch to the meal. What really made the experience unforgettable was our server, Pablo. He was incredibly kind, attentive, and friendly -- truly gave us the best service we've had in a long time. He made us feel like VIPs from start to finish. They also have more menu options than any other place locally, so there's something for everyone. With the outstanding service, high-quality food, beautiful setting, and generous portions, everything was absolutely worth the price. If you're anywhere near Monterey, don't miss out on The Old Fisherman's Grotto. You'll be glad you went!

We arrived around 11:30 without a reservation and still had a nice table semi close to the window with a view. The waitress was really nice, in fact everyone there was so nice. Welcoming us and thanking us for coming. The food was really good! Best fish and chips I've ever had! The salmon in the sandwich was cooked perfect and the fries were super crisp and yummy. We will definitely come back.

We visited Old Fisherman's Grotto and enjoyed our meal. The BBQ Oysters were a nice start - quite tender with a good smoky flavor. The Ultimate Seafood Pasta had a good variety of seafood, and it was all cooked well, maintaining a nice tenderness and flavor. The service was friendly and very attentive. If you're looking for seafood in the area, it's a solid choice.

Pablo was our server and wow! He was attentive, kind, and gave us great suggestions for drinks and dinner. The food was increfible, and we are so happy the clam chowder is still just as amazing as it was years ago. We love this place and are grateful for the kind staff and wonderful food.

The new manager is not ready to run this place yet ! Chris stay around for awhile longer!

Never fails always good from the food to the service and of course the ambiance.Brad is attentive and excellent in what he does.The clam chowder is the best I've been to different places but nothing beats Fisherman's Grotto.The salmon that i ordered is fresh.Everything is good and the best.

The food and service were amazing! Not to mention the ambience and great old timey vibe while streaming Frank Sinatra Station. Took me back to an era where glamour, good food, and drinks were top notch. Tonight all 1/2 and full bottle of wines were 25% off which was a great excuse to indulge. The clam chowder with fresh ground pepper was on point. I had the petrale sole with a beurre blanc sauce, fingerling potatoes, and sautéed veggies. This is the largest portion of petrale sole I've had, and it didn't disappoint. My sister had the Skirt Steak with a Maple Soy glaze, potato au gratin, and sautéed veggies. Delicious....and she couldn't stop raving about her potatoes. Dessert: Creamy crème brûlée for me and butterscotch bread pudding for her. Soooo good. Come taste for yourself...you won't be disappointed! And at the end of the meal, a rose is given

1st timer here!!! Nothing but a great experience at this restaurant. I can see why they were voted #1 for so many reasons year after year. Someone can be intimidated with the restaurant options on the wharf, especially as a 1st time visitor. It's worth reading over the reviews. Very attentive staff, kind, polite and more than helpful with the menu. As a bay area native I hold my seafood expectations very high and this restaurant hit it on the nose! You definitely get what you pay for here, I will be back!

We came here for the first time a few weeks ago and it was delicious! I love their clam chowder and how thick it was compared to a lot of other places I've tried it. Their ribeye was cooked to perfection (medium rare), super tender, the loaded potato that came with it was crunchy but also very soft & creamy. Pasta was on point, & flavorful. Dessert wasn't the greatest, so I'd pass on that. Our server was very attentive and friendly. Loved how there are seats with a view. Overall will definitely be back.

The food is always good, I would rate 5 stars for the food for all the previous times I came to eat, however this last time the guy at the front was so rude trying for me to order outside because he immediately thought I was going to order just the clam chowder. I always do take out so I can eat by the water but they always greeting me nice until yesterday. They tried to give me 2 clam chowders with the bread cold and hard. They told me "we didn't know you wanted the bread toasted and that has a different price", as if I couldn't afford the extra dollars to get a toasted bread... or I think that was just so rude, or discriminatory. This was the first time I experienced that in this establishment. I would always get the bread warm and toasted instead of hard and cold. Their service towards greeting people have really gone down. I always stopped by to get the food here when I visited or was on my way but I guess I have to try other restaurants...

A lot of hype about this place. In our opinion, well deserved. The Clam Chowder was in fact incredible. Seafood Risotto and Seafood Paella with Chorizo were not lacking either. Add some wine, and after a day on the ocean, time to chill out. I also want to add that our server Sal, was wonderful. Courteous and funny. A real pleasure to be around. Thank you!

What a great dinner meal experience for Fathers Day! Got a booth upstairs which was pleasantly cosy. And while we were perusing the menu, the blinds were lifted to reveal a gorgeous view. We had Steamed Clams (appetizer), Macadamia Crusted Halibut, Grilled Sand Dabs and Oysters Rockefeller. Complimentary bread. Everything was spot on with the excellent details such as garlic aroma of the steamed clams, moist halibut with nutty crust and eye-pleasing plating presentation. After eating, the ladies each got a rose and I got a cap with an embroidered father day message. How thoughtful. Our server was outstanding with his Father's Day wishes as well as service. Most notably, every staff member at the restaurant welcomed us as we walked in and thanked us as we left. Such a great feeling.

It was amazing! It's been 8 yrs since we ate here and loved it again! Sitting over the bay looking out the window is beautiful! The food was delicious! The service was also great! They gave my wife a rose after dinner!

tldr; not kid friendly and not suitable for large (or medium sized) groups. Good if you have 2 people in your party for a date night since most of their tables are booths. We came many many years ago (like a decade +), and while remembering it was generally, don't really remember how I liked the clam chowder (mostly because I didn't realize it was 'famous' then). Given the high reviews, we wanted to come back and try again. Unfortunately, they are very kid unfriendly. No strollers allowed (can't bring it / can't leave it outside), can't bring your own booster chair (they don't have high chairs). I feel like at that point, they should just say no children allowed, which I think is better than getting the ick at the door. Overall, the host / hostess was just not that pleasant. We would have left our booster in our car, and just held the toddler, but ended up going to an alternative since the wait was also long for 5 people since you cant make online reservation for groups over 4 people. And, they have very limited # of large party tables. They recommended their sister restaurant across the boardwalk, which is very different vibes and menu, more like a (crab) shack that opens onto the boardwalk, but supposedly serves the same chowder. Not sure I'm that desperate for the chowder.

I was treated here by my mom for dinner for an early birthday celebration. We partook in the Local Menu, which included Clam Chowder or Salad, entree, as well as Chef's selection of 3 mini desserts. This is only available for locals from Monday to Thursday. Upon entering, I loved the festive and colorful decor. We were seated upstairs by a window with an ocean view. The place had a warm, welcoming feel. We began with complimentary bread. This was soft and fresh. We also were able to get free appetizer offer, choosing Fried Calamari. The Calamari was lightly breaded with a little crunch. For my starter, I went with the Clam Chowder, which had little chunks of clam and potato. I think it would've been better with more substantial pieces. The soup was also a bit on the bland side. I chose the Steak with scalloped potatoes and veggies for my main course. The Steak had a delightful soy maple sauce with char grill marks. It was also succulent and juicy. The scalloped potatoes were cooked perfectly. Veggies included carrots, broccoli, and green beans. Also got to try the Parmesan Crusted Rock Cod in a white wine caper sauce. This came with spinach risotto and vegetables. The Cod was wonderfully tender, flaky, and well seasoned. That caper sauce was quite flavorful and tasty, which is saying a lot because I'm not usually a fan of capers. The 3 desserts consisted of Crème brûlée, Tiramisu, and Caramel Cheesecake. This was served to us with a candle for our birthdays. Additionally, it was beautifully displayed with a delicious white chocolate creme anglaise marbled with raspberry, along with chocolate sauce surrounding the plate. The Creme Brûlée was creamy with crispy, slightly torched top and had just the right amount of sweetness. Tiramisu was fluffy and yummy. Service was excellent. Our waiter was friendly and we were well taken care of throughout our time here. We were both given a lovely single red rose after our meal. We also got to meet Chris, the owner who was incredibly gracious and treated us like good friends. I would return to try the Surf n Turf and Macadamia Crusted Halibut.

Celebrated my birthday here with family. It's great that this was a walking distance from where we were staying and that we had made reservations online. The host greeted us and escorted us up the stairs to our booth by a window. Loved the corner booth and the wonderful view of the marina. Our server, Giovanni, was very nice and helpful. He provided an overview of their specials and when asked, offered his thoughts on our selection. He also gladly took pictures of our party. Their Fried Calamari appetizer is a generous portion of tender lightly battered and seasoned calamari strips and tentacles served with lemon, tartar sauce, and cocktail sauce. We got the Local Rock Cod Fillet Parmesan Crusted on their specials and it was served with a lemon caper white sauce and roasted potatoes and sautéed broccolini and carrots. We shared the Captain's Plate which came with a lobster tail, scallops, shrimp and salmon fillet with a lemon herb sauce. I enjoyed the toasted Israeli couscous and sautéed organic broccolini and carrots. Another item on their specials was the Wharf Platter which comes with half Dungeness Crab, prawns and salmon with butternut squash risotto and sautéed veggies. They have an extensive selection of wine, cocktails and other drinks to complement your sumptuous meal. They bring around a tray of desserts for you to see and make a choice. Very enticing indeed :) The Creme Brûlée was decadent and perfect for sharing. They made my birthday extra special with a slice of cheesecake and roses compliments of "Mr. Shake". Thank you for a wonderful experience!

Insanely overpriced food is really gross and it's totally a tourist trap. The guy out front was really rude to my mom and that upsets me. The servers were nice though, and I do think that was a bit of an outlier. I love my mom and she didn't like it and I paid 21 dollars + tax and tip for 5 shrimp with bottled cocktail sauce so I'm mad too. Overall pretty fkin awful man.