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 booked a reservation here after going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is about 15 min away. I heard booking a reservation gets you an ocean view, which they gave to us, although the restaurant was pretty empty at 5pm on a Thursday. It slowly filled up though! Unfortunately our view was a bit obstructed by the blinds they put down, but maybe that was for the better it probably would've been very hot with the sun beating on us. Service was attentive and quick, they give all the women a rose at the end of service, which is a nice touch. The upstairs was far nicer than I had expected from the outside restaurant front, which was a nice surprise. The seafood paella was very expensive, but they do give you pretty much everything you could want in it, save for mussels. I booked this place because they apparently have the best clam chowder, and honestly it was alright. For $28 it was a bit hard to get past the sticker price for creamy soup and bread. For the quintessential Monterey clam chowder experience though, this is a pretty good location to do so. The drinks were awful though, do avoid!
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Nicole A.
6/25/2026
Favorite place to get clam chowder when we hit the Fisherman's wharf! Love their outside to go option that has quick service.
Clam chowder is always nice and hot. The rich, thick, creamy texture loaded with bite size clam and potatoes pieces is always so satisfying. We always end up grabbing more to take home. Paired with their seasoned garlic bread that they'll roast up for you is a must. Perfect duo to enjoy eating outside when the weather is nice and not too windy.
Clam chowder is always nice and hot. The rich, thick, creamy texture loaded with bite size clam and potatoes pieces is always so satisfying. We always end up grabbing more to take home. Paired with their seasoned garlic bread that they'll roast up for you is a must. Perfect duo to enjoy eating outside when the weather is nice and not too windy.
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Jurry P.
6/23/2026
This place has passed the test of time. Its been selling seafood for over 70 years. I can even remember my dad taking our family here to eat, almost seventy years ago, when i was only 5 years old. I even liked it back then. Best clam chowder on the wharf. The servers are all so friendly. The place is always kept so clean. I really love this place
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David D.
6/23/2026
Hands down the best clam chowder in the Bay Area--and I've tried quite a few after living around San Francisco and the Bay Area for years. The chowder was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor without being overly heavy. It was easily the highlight of our meal and the main reason we'll be coming back.
Beyond the food, the service was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance was warm and inviting, making for an enjoyable dining experience. Overall, the food was consistently good and reasonably priced. If you're a clam chowder lover, this place is definitely worth a visit. We'll absolutely be returning, especially for that amazing chowder!
Beyond the food, the service was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance was warm and inviting, making for an enjoyable dining experience. Overall, the food was consistently good and reasonably priced. If you're a clam chowder lover, this place is definitely worth a visit. We'll absolutely be returning, especially for that amazing chowder!
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Adrienne C.
6/21/2026
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