While visiting from So-Cal, we made a late-evening reservation in the off-season making wait time none. Parking was still sparse but the walk in the brisk night air was refreshing with the biting breeze on our faces. It was easy to find the neon lit facade of Old Fisherman’s Grotto on the boardwalk.

We were welcomed at the host stand and escorted to our table in the dimly-lit, cozy dining room. Our server Sol was a delight, answering all of our questions, making helpful suggestions, exhibiting patience for our table’s young ones, and radiating brightness.

We ordered the Clam Chowder, Grilled Oysters, Ultimate Seafood Pasta, Local Abalone, and a giant Australian Lobster Tail. There was not a single miss. Every dish was phenomenal with balanced flavors and freshness that surpassed what was expected. Each dish was rich and well worth the price point. My dish was the pasta: made in-house with each piece of seafood cooked to perfection from the plump and buttery lobster tail to the crispy salmon. Our favorite at the table was the Cioppino, packed with seafood and wine-forward flavor, it was the perfect shareable for our table.

Sol came around with the dessert tray to round out our meal. With full rounded tummies and heavy eyes we could not help but order what delicious displays were presented. We ordered the cheesecake, key lime pie, and crème brûlée.

With stomachs stuffed, hearts full, and soul satisfied, Sol ended our celebratory dinner with a long stemmed rose for the ladies of the table. The service was impeccable, food was delectable, and the overall experience left us beyond satisfied. This is an experience well worth returning to Monterey for.

Excellent food and service. Outside of the restaurant facing the water is dilapidated and an eyesore.

The location on the wharf, the beautiful atmosphere, excellent food and great service!

Very delicious! Would definitely return. Everything was such an amazing experience. Our waiter was very nice and attentive.

Came for a quick lunch while walking the wharf. The staff welcomed and sat us quickly and answered questions we had. The views from the booths by the window are beautiful, looking out on the water. We ordered some apps and dessert. The food was tasty although we didn't love the artichoke with the balsamic. It made the artichoke a bit sweet and overpowered the artichoke flavor. Overall cute place with a nostalgic atmosphere.

The manager, Austin takes the time to seat and greet guests. We had great service provided by Pablo and Ricardo. Yes, we ate here two days in a row. Its that good! We even had the privilege to meet the chef on both occasions. The food is outstanding, fresh and all made in house desserts. A place you must stop to have dinner. The best in Monterey.

Wow! I was expecting a "mid" touristy, seafood spot given the location, but was so pleasantly surprised by everything. The interior is very pretty and the views of the water are beautiful.

Shoutout to the people online who recommended this spot for clam chowder, which was the reason I came. The claw chowder is EXCELLENT 5/5 TWO THUMBS UP. Definitely the place to go when looking for good clam chowder after exploring Monterey. The garlic bread bowl is really a great compliment to it and I highly recommend getting it.

IMO the portion sizes are pretty large, so come hungry!

Lastly, we did note that we were on an anniversary trip, and Angel and the staff were so, so kind. They decorated our table, gave us well-wishes, and even gave us a small dessert on the house. Angel was so attentive and informative the whole night. Would happily come back again.

This is THE Place in Monterey if you are looking for Spectacular Seafood!
I've been coming here since I was a kid at least 45 years.
I remember an older Man in a white suite used to stand at the entrance and give samples of their Clam chowder.
It was the Best in Monterey then and it still is the Best in my view. The Workers here are so welcoming and professional. They go over their specials and answer any questions you have about the menu happily. We ordered the Clam Chowder of course. We weren't disappointed.
It was Fantastic!
I also split a Cold Crab sandwich with my wife because i saw a few people ordering them (you have the option of ordering it hot if you like).
The sandwich was Jammed Packed with Fresh Crab meat. They don't skimp on that at all. The only thing I would do differently is ask to have the bread toasted a little more but that would be my preference because it still tasted Really good.
I could taste the fresh/sweet crab with every bite. Yumm!!!!!
I will be back again, and again, and again... lol

This is such a classy place and never disappoints! Delicious food, great wine menu, superb service, and simply lovely ambiance. This is our go-to place with visitors on the Wharf.