My husband and I enjoyed our dinner at the Grotto with a cup of clam chowder and the crab cakes for the starter. Then we got the cheif special, swordfish and ened our night by ordering the creme brulée . Food and our desert was amazing. Great service , our server Brad was friendly and helpful. A Quiet place to enjoy your intimate dinner.

I am a very picky clam chowder person, but I have to say this clam chowder was very good. We had a very nice dinner, loved my expresso martini. I had fried shrimp, which I liked the size of the shrimp but they were a bit fishy, so I wouldn't say it was bad but I did notice it. My husband loved his drink and he really enjoyed his Salmon and couscous. 1st time here and glad we came, they did not disappoint.

Just went there again, same great qualities and even greater service, hint locally caught fish is extremely good (as well as anything else)

Chose this restaurant among the many, many options at Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf as this is widely hailed as one of the best in the area. True enough, the food is tops! My boyfriend and I both had clam chowder for starters. (I honestly think one could not visit Central Coast and not have clam chowder--it's the best I have tasted!) We then each had our plate of Twin Lobster Tails - over broiled and served with clarified butter, couscous and some vegetables. It was divine!


They pass around a platter of yummy desserts after your meal so you can just choose and grab, but we passed. 🙂


The place has classy interiors --low ceilinged but relaxing enough-- and they were very, very packed, proof that they are indeed the most popular dining place in the area. Our server, if I remember it right, was Giovani and he was very courteous and professional.

A few years ago, superb atmosphere, older restaurant good Low lighting, house wine great, seafood and steak yummy, good portions and good prices. Staff friendly, reserve early at least two days in advance for favorable times/days.

Had dinner by the water to end the night and it was so beautiful. We had the most amazing view of the water with the sunset, which times out perfectly! The food was great.

Food:

Clam Chowder Not pictured is my personal favorite from dinner- the clam chowder

Linguine Isabel: I wasn't impressed by this dish, just wish it had a little more flavor but the scallops on the dishes were cooked perfectly

Skirt Steak: my boyfriend really enjoyed this dish! It was cooked medium well and the scalloped mashed potatoes was a nice pairing to it

Fried calamari: great appetizer! You can tell these were fresh and the tarter and cocktail sauce were very tasty

My GF and I came here for a late lunch/snack around 3pm.

The place wasn't full so we got seated right away. The decor and ambiance is definitely from another era but in a good way. It feels classy and something straight out of the Godfather movies.

Our server was awesome. I don't remember his name but he was bald and had on versace glasses. He suggested the clam bake chowder bowl and it was CRAZY GOOD

It was seriously the BEST clam chowder I've ever had and it was filled with clams, shrimp and crab. Do yourself a favor and get this.

We also got the oyster rockefeller. This was my first time having this so I have no frame of reference. However, I will say the oysters seemed pretty fresh with no fishiness.

I know that tourists will avoid places like these being their location is in the middle of a tourist destination but I promise you this place is good.

We went around 12pm and we're able to go right in, no wait. We got the calamari, the clam chowder with garlic bread toasted- do yourself a favor, get it! So good! We also got the swordfish pasta and it was really tasty. We got the key lime pie, the presentation was so good. The service was great and the bathrooms were super clean!!!

Our server was very attentive. I ordered the clam chowder bowl and the server recommended that I choose the one that comes with the garlic bread bowl with crab meat on top. It was seriously the best clam chowder I had ever had! Hands down will go again and order the same.