What a great dinner meal experience for Fathers Day! Got a booth upstairs which was pleasantly cosy. And while we were perusing the menu, the blinds were lifted to reveal a gorgeous view.

We had Steamed Clams (appetizer), Macadamia Crusted Halibut, Grilled Sand Dabs and Oysters Rockefeller. Complimentary bread. Everything was spot on with the excellent details such as garlic aroma of the steamed clams, moist halibut with nutty crust and eye-pleasing plating presentation.

After eating, the ladies each got a rose and I got a cap with an embroidered father day message. How thoughtful. Our server was outstanding with his Father's Day wishes as well as service.

Most notably, every staff member at the restaurant welcomed us as we walked in and thanked us as we left. Such a great feeling.

One day in SF on pier 39, I tried every clam chowder with a group of individuals, resulting as Fishermen's Grotto as the best. It stinks their OG location in SF is no longer present. Therefore, I have been craving it a ton. Elated Monterey had it instead.

CARD ONLY!!! FYI, Some places on the pier has a price difference between card and cash.

I ORDERED:
Clam chowder 16oz (they have 32oz and 128oz!!)
- strange it has red carrots (I mean have you seen red carrots in traditional chowder before?) but I understand it may be a color thing
- there's a trend around that chowder tastes better with hot sauce (best with Tabasco) but I did not find this to be the case
- lots of stuffing and clams!
- NEED TO ASK FOR OYSTER CRACKERS IF YOU WANT THEM! (Maybe it was an off day when I went?)

Garlic bread
- there's also a roasted option for $3 more
- matches the chowder amazingly
- great seasoning
- lackluster amount of garlic itself

SERVICE:
- friendly

AMBIENCE:
- has a restaurant and a grab and go
- zero outdoor seating on their end if you just want the grab and go (major downfall) but there's public seating further down the pier

LOCATION AND PARKING:
- located on the fishermen's wharf of Monterey Bay (near the Monterey aquarium)
- parking is paid if you want to park near the pier (there are multiple adjacent lots to the pier)
- free 2 hour parking if you are willing to walk (more than 1 block)

Definitely hit the cravings, thank you! Made me scream my blessings that I have been born and raised in the Bay Area (and if I only I can stay in CALIFORNIA foreeeevvveerrr)

Besides the magnificent view, we had fantastic service and delicious food. Our server, Isaias was friendly and very helpful

1st timer here!!! Nothing but a great experience at this restaurant. I can see why they were voted #1 for so many reasons year after year. Someone can be intimidated with the restaurant options on the wharf, especially as a 1st time visitor. It's worth reading over the reviews. Very attentive staff, kind, polite and more than helpful with the menu. As a bay area native I hold my seafood expectations very high and this restaurant hit it on the nose! You definitely get what you pay for here, I will be back!

Austin and Sol provided excellent service with our meal! The 75 year old clam chowder recipe was beyond outstanding! Our Parmesan crusted cod was amazing too.....we were seated next to the window and Every thing was perfect! Yummy lemon drop martinis Tom and Janice Bigger, Chattanoogas, TN

Never fails always good from the food to the service and of course the ambiance.Brad is attentive and excellent in what he does.The clam chowder is the best I've been to different places but nothing beats Fisherman's Grotto.The salmon that i ordered is fresh.Everything is good and the best.

Best Dining Experience in Town!

The Old Fisherman's Grotto truly deserves every one of these five stars! From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by how fancy and elegant the restaurant was. It has a classy atmosphere that still feels warm and inviting -- and the view of the ocean is absolutely breathtaking. You really can't beat it!

Let's talk about the food -- top quality across the board. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Their clam chowder is hands down the BEST we've ever had -- creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor. We were also given a free appetizer, which was such a nice surprise and added a special touch to the meal.

What really made the experience unforgettable was our server, Pablo. He was incredibly kind, attentive, and friendly -- truly gave us the best service we've had in a long time. He made us feel like VIPs from start to finish.

They also have more menu options than any other place locally, so there's something for everyone. With the outstanding service, high-quality food, beautiful setting, and generous portions, everything was absolutely worth the price.

If you're anywhere near Monterey, don't miss out on The Old Fisherman's Grotto. You'll be glad you went!

The food was really good and the service as well. The server Pablo in particular was very nice and professional taking care of my allergies requirements. The restaurant is very clean, well decorated with view to the bay, and de background music was pleasant. It was an enjoyable and relaxing dinner after a long day exploring Monterey.

Clam Chowder Clam Chowder in Sourdough bread is a must try, so good! However the sandwiches and Burger weren’t that good, the sandwich would be good if you dip it with the Clam Chowder, but the Burger Patty wasn’t good around all! Grilled with an oil that isn’t good at all!! It tasted really bad, not recommended As to the Clam Chowder in sourdough bread, it is also served next door by the same Restaurant but to go, and is 7$ cheaper than going inside the restaurant