TripAdvisor

Food and service both excellent. The mixed platter starter and prawn cocktail both superb. Prices reasonable for location and quality overall first rate, the best we’ve had in California on this trip

My husband and I ate 2 dinners at the Old Fishermans Grotto while visiting Monterey. The second night we celebrated my husband's 89th birthday and were given a large piece of very good light cheesecake They specialize in seafood which was excellent compared to the Italian or steak offerings which were kind of average Would definitely would return. I enjoy the comfortable seating and views of a bay.

Dinner at the Grotto was a definite for us on this visit to Monterey. Although Monterey did not seem very crowded when we visited, we expected a wait at the Grotto. They were actually able to seat us immediately for dinner around 4:30PM on a Thursday. The interior reflects the fact that this restaurant has been around for many years. The dark colors, the old wood, all of it really calls out “history”. We were walked to a table overlooking the water. Our server was very courteous and helpful. The menu offered so many choices and had options other than seafood. I ordered a cup of Clam Chowder to begin with followed by the Fish & Chips with Cod (the Server let me know that Cod were in season and recommended the meal). We also ordered Garlic Bread. The atmosphere was upscale but comfortable. The view was amazing. Prices were high, but for an upscale restaurant, in such a setting, they were appropriate.

The Garlic Break was perfectly cooked with a slight crust on the top, but the rest of the bread retained a chewiness. It was topped with butter & garlic and there were whole, baked cloves of garlic added on top of the bread (easy enough to remove them). The bread was delicious. The Clam Chowder was amazingly fresh and delicious. The Cod was cooked perfectly. The entire meal was one of the best seafood meals I’ve had in many years. We were offered dessert, but there was no room unfortunately.

The entire experience was fantastic. It was upscale, yet relaxing, and delivered some amazing seafood. The Grotto should be on everyone’s list who visits Monterey. If you love seafood, you’ll have a difficult time choosing, but I’m guessing anything you order will be amazing.

This is the best place to eat in Monterey! The service was absolutely outstanding the food was excellent and reasonably priced, and the ambience was superb. Our waiter was Pablo, and he deserves an extra "thank you."

We had lunch here before doing the whale watching tour. We ate crab cakes and garlic bread washed down with beer and a mimosa. No complaints, the food was well cooked and was very tasty. We didn’t want a big meal so this hit the spot. The bill was slightly above what we were expecting but was not overly expensive.

The Monterey wharf offers various restaurants. By far and strongly recommended is the Old Fisherman’s Grotto. The interior and ambience is classic and refined. We sat at an upstairs window booth overlooking the water. The entire staff, from the maitre de to the bus people, provided excellent and efficient service. Within one minute of being seated, warm baked bread and butter hit the table. The food was made once ordered, totally fresh and well prepared. While I am emulating the Chef Ramsey critic here, one can tell the quality of food served. None of the items my wife and I enjoyed were cooked hours before and sat under a heat lamp before served, as in other locations. The fish was fresh and the salads perfect. For desert we were presented a fantastic cheese cake, on the house, to honor our anniversary. Finally, we were happy to met and speak with the owner Chris Shake. He greeted us warmly and sincerely. This will be the ONLY restaurant in Monterey that, if I am looking for fresh fish, good service at reasonable price, I will frequent. Recommend this restaurant highly. No disappointment here.

My wife and I always enjoy this spot whenever we have been in Monterey! Their top tier service, cuisine and atmosphere easily make them the best restaurant on the wharf.

Everything on the menu is amazing but the clam chowder garlic bread bowl is unlike any other chowder I’ve ever had.

The staff is so friendly and awesome. We came here for our first dinner as part of our honeymoon and their team made us feel very special for such a special occasion.

Exactly what I imagined a family-owned iconic restaurant to be! Our favorite meal from our stay in Monterey Bay this past week. We were greeted with enthusiasm by the young gentleman whose family owns the business. All of the staff were very pleasant and offered some history regarding the restaurant. Food portions were UNREAL and delicious! The prices were also very reasonable for the location. We will be back!

We go to Monterey 1 or 2 times a year and we always come to the old Fishermen’s Grotto. It is consistently very good in terms of food and service. We had a fillet and potato as well as coconut shrimp, and both were very good. We’ve been coming here for years and have never had a bad meal. This place tends to be very popular, so consider booking a reservation several days in advance. We also sit by the windows so we get to see the otters and wildlife.

Great Food, Great Service, Great Views! My wife and I were visiting our son, who is stationed with the US military at the Presidio of Monterey. We all came here for lunch and were delighted by the excellent food and service. The food was absolutely delicious and when the staff found out that our son was a member of the military and that I am a veteran, they went above and beyond to make our visit a memorable one. Of all the restaurants we visited while in Monterey, this was hands down the best. I could go on and on about what a great experience we had. If you want great food, great service and great views, pay them a visit when in Monterey!