75 YEARS IN THE MAKING
TRUE FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Consistently, Old Fisherman’s Grotto has been recognized as the champion of Clam Chowder. Over the past two decades, the Grotto’s clam chowder has remained at the forefront in Monterey, consistently vying for the title of the best clam chowder.



Testimonials
from our visitors
We were at the Wharf and decided to have dinner here. The restaurant was clean, the view was nice, the service was very good (thank you Justino), and the food was very fresh! We got the claim chowder (delicious!) and shared the seafood Cioppino which was a very good serving size. It was hot, the seafood was very fresh, and flavor was perfect! All in all it was a good experience and would recommend this place!
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Jennifer V.
5/01/2026
Here's a natural, real-sounding version you can post (keeping your voice, just flowing better):
This is my go-to spot every time I come to Monterey. I really love this place. It's always a vibe, the views are beautiful, and the restaurant itself is always well kept.
You can tell this is a family-run business and they take pride in it. The owner is usually there, and I appreciate that. People know him by name and he knows them too, which says a lot about the kind of energy they put into this place.
When I say they have the best clam chowder... it really is the best, hands down. Their sangria is really good, and the crab cakes are always on point. I've tried different things on the menu over the years and honestly haven't had a complaint.
This last time I got the Neptune's platter with grilled shrimp and clam chowder. My husband got the crab cakes and the pear & gorgonzola salad. Everything was good. We had San Pellegrino, my daughter had apple juice, and everything just came together nicely.
Service is always top notch. Whether you sit upstairs or downstairs, it's just a great experience overall.
Definitely our go-to restaurant in Monterey and we'll keep coming back.
This is my go-to spot every time I come to Monterey. I really love this place. It's always a vibe, the views are beautiful, and the restaurant itself is always well kept.
You can tell this is a family-run business and they take pride in it. The owner is usually there, and I appreciate that. People know him by name and he knows them too, which says a lot about the kind of energy they put into this place.
When I say they have the best clam chowder... it really is the best, hands down. Their sangria is really good, and the crab cakes are always on point. I've tried different things on the menu over the years and honestly haven't had a complaint.
This last time I got the Neptune's platter with grilled shrimp and clam chowder. My husband got the crab cakes and the pear & gorgonzola salad. Everything was good. We had San Pellegrino, my daughter had apple juice, and everything just came together nicely.
Service is always top notch. Whether you sit upstairs or downstairs, it's just a great experience overall.
Definitely our go-to restaurant in Monterey and we'll keep coming back.
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Constance M.
4/30/2026
Amazing first time experience. We were quoted a 30 minute wait but were seated in 20 minutes (2 adults and 2 children). Our seating area had a wonderful view of the water during the sunset. Our food was delicious! Recommend the calamari appetizer, crab entree, clam chowder and spaghetti with meatballs! Service was excellent. Will definitely come again. Drove 4 hours to try this restaurant and it did not disappoint!
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Erica M.
4/28/2026
we had clam chowder, bbq oysters, ultimate seafood pasta and paella. all was delicious. I also had cuttlefish cocktail,and my husband had a martini. both excellent. service was perfect and the sunset behind the hills performed perfectly on time, looking glorious over the water from our table.
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Polly O.
4/27/2026
Good service, though the kitchen was a bit slow. Neet appearance, and great views. But best of all the food was good, and reasonably priced. Portions not huge, but adequate, and worth what they charged.
We had chappino, sand dabs, shrimp and calamari. Everything cooked properly, and very tasty.
We had chappino, sand dabs, shrimp and calamari. Everything cooked properly, and very tasty.
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Nelson H.
4/24/2026
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