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75 YEARS IN THE MAKING
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TRUE FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
We proudly serve the best
Clam Chowder
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
Best crab chowder I've had in California, so far! The crab tower was delicious! The service was average.
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Kelly K.
3/14/2025
Very fresh seafood as someone who's not the biggest seafood fan. The risotto was very soft and flavorful. Calamari was okay would not get again. The pie was a good mix of sweet and sour which I enjoyed! The service is amazing. Servers are very attentive. Ambiance is great too with good views. Good for date night out
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Sharon H.
3/13/2025
At sunset, I had a solo trip down to the Old Fisherman's Grotto. The host at the front was welcoming and promptly filled my request for a table for one. I felt lucky because as he led me inside, I heard him tell another staff member they were now full.
He led me upstairs to a room that had a warm ambiance with soft lighting and dark nautical accents. While I was not seated next to a window, the view from the booth allowed me to still enjoy sights of the surrounding water. The booth seating was comfortable.
I was promptly greeted and provided menus followed by soft warm bread and packaged cold butter. I thought this could have been presented more elegantly.
The server, Alejandro, was outstanding. He was kind, responsive, and seemed eager to fulfill my requests. I started with a drink, Coco Hops. It was a tasty blended drink served in a chilled ceramic coconut. The appetizer ordered was oysters Rockefeller which were outstanding. They came to the table hot and bubbly. The bread crumbs provided that needed texture. I ate all three and wished there was just one more which was okay because I needed to save room for the remaining food. The old fisherman knows his way around a clam chowder and I was glad I ordered a cup. It was the perfect consistency with plenty of clams and right size and amount of potatoes. The chowder was seasoned perfectly and when I was done, again, I felt myself wanting more. I still had an entree I was waiting to enjoy. I ordered another drink, the tiki torch and it was a fun, fruity, and delicious drink.
For the main course, I ordered the ultimate seafood risotto. Shiver-me-timbers! It was amazing. Once again, my palate danced with delight. The spinach risotto was cooked perfectly and the sun dried tomato and beurre blanc heightened its flavor. Four different proteins are included in this dish: lobster, salmon, scallops, and shrimp. The lobster, salmon, and shrimp were slightly overcooked but the scallops were perfect. They were warm and melted with each bite. I could not finish it all.
At the end of my meal the server, Alejandro, handed me a rose, which was a very kind gesture. I dine annually in Monterey and love to explore new restaurants. The Old Fisherman's Grotto will go on my recommendation list for colleagues. I will come to visit again.
He led me upstairs to a room that had a warm ambiance with soft lighting and dark nautical accents. While I was not seated next to a window, the view from the booth allowed me to still enjoy sights of the surrounding water. The booth seating was comfortable.
I was promptly greeted and provided menus followed by soft warm bread and packaged cold butter. I thought this could have been presented more elegantly.
The server, Alejandro, was outstanding. He was kind, responsive, and seemed eager to fulfill my requests. I started with a drink, Coco Hops. It was a tasty blended drink served in a chilled ceramic coconut. The appetizer ordered was oysters Rockefeller which were outstanding. They came to the table hot and bubbly. The bread crumbs provided that needed texture. I ate all three and wished there was just one more which was okay because I needed to save room for the remaining food. The old fisherman knows his way around a clam chowder and I was glad I ordered a cup. It was the perfect consistency with plenty of clams and right size and amount of potatoes. The chowder was seasoned perfectly and when I was done, again, I felt myself wanting more. I still had an entree I was waiting to enjoy. I ordered another drink, the tiki torch and it was a fun, fruity, and delicious drink.
For the main course, I ordered the ultimate seafood risotto. Shiver-me-timbers! It was amazing. Once again, my palate danced with delight. The spinach risotto was cooked perfectly and the sun dried tomato and beurre blanc heightened its flavor. Four different proteins are included in this dish: lobster, salmon, scallops, and shrimp. The lobster, salmon, and shrimp were slightly overcooked but the scallops were perfect. They were warm and melted with each bite. I could not finish it all.
At the end of my meal the server, Alejandro, handed me a rose, which was a very kind gesture. I dine annually in Monterey and love to explore new restaurants. The Old Fisherman's Grotto will go on my recommendation list for colleagues. I will come to visit again.
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Amie B.
3/13/2025
I always thought it was tough to dine here as everyone raves about it. Not to mention the policy towards children.
After we took our kids to the aquarium we decided to take a shot to see if it wasnt too busy for lunch. Luckily it wasnt and we were seated immediately. They did point at their policy prior to giving us a table....i didnt mind as we eat out often and my kids know better than to be obnoxious and rude.
Order the famous clam chowder...I enjoyed the flavor but they definitely need to add more clams.
The crab cakes were very tasty and super fresh. Could have been slightly crispier but the different flavors were good.
Cioppino - I didnt like this as it had an overpowering chorizo flavor...would have liked it more with a stronger seafood broth. The fresh calamari in it was good.
Steamed clams - fresh and plump but too much lemon flavor in the broth.
Staff is super friendly and attentive. I would come back in the future to try other dishes. Maybe togo some chowder and bring home and add some fresh clams in it too!
After we took our kids to the aquarium we decided to take a shot to see if it wasnt too busy for lunch. Luckily it wasnt and we were seated immediately. They did point at their policy prior to giving us a table....i didnt mind as we eat out often and my kids know better than to be obnoxious and rude.
Order the famous clam chowder...I enjoyed the flavor but they definitely need to add more clams.
The crab cakes were very tasty and super fresh. Could have been slightly crispier but the different flavors were good.
Cioppino - I didnt like this as it had an overpowering chorizo flavor...would have liked it more with a stronger seafood broth. The fresh calamari in it was good.
Steamed clams - fresh and plump but too much lemon flavor in the broth.
Staff is super friendly and attentive. I would come back in the future to try other dishes. Maybe togo some chowder and bring home and add some fresh clams in it too!
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Guess W.
3/12/2025
Very nice atmosphere and super friendly service. It is set up in dark polished wood. Beautiful. Went there with my kids. The food was also good.
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Melissa I.
3/12/2025
Food, service and setting were all good. It's got that old leather seat Vegas feel. Nice place for romantic dinner or even a gathering of friends.
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Rob U.
3/11/2025
Food, AMAZING. Customer service, AMAZING. So friendly. Loved the drinks and food. Loved getting a red rose at the end of our meal. The vibe of the restaurant was amazing.
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Allison F.
3/10/2025
So good!
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Karina A.
3/09/2025
Charming old school ambiance, excellent service, and very good food, although my vegetarian ravioli could have been cooked a minute longer. A very nice experience, for a lot of money.
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Michael ..
3/08/2025
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