
75 YEARS IN THE MAKING

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

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.
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Dee R.
8/01/2025

One of the staples of Monterey Bay! Old fisherman's grotto offered some amazing clam chowder. It actually could've been a meal by itself. The service was absolutely pleasant. Although they have a lot of things to sell, they didn't try to oversell you. We sat next to the window looking out across the ocean just so we can have a great view. It made the meal taste that much better. It wasn't super pricey. In a great way to spend the day. Parking is a little tough if you're not there early enough, you may have to walk a couple blocks down the boardwalk, which is where the old fisherman grotto is.
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Darwin H.
8/01/2025

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.
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R185XXalexanderp
7/31/2025

We stopped by Old Fisherman's Grotto in Monterey on our week-long road trip and were blown away by the experience. From the outside, the restaurant looks unassuming, but the inside is a pleasant surprise. The decor is lovely, and the atmosphere is lively despite being busy. We were seated by a window with a stunning view of the harbor and beach, where we spotted seals and otters playing while we waited for our food.
The drinks were great - my flaming Mai Tai was strong and not watered down, and my daughter enjoyed her Coke. We were served warm bread and butter to start, and our main courses were excellent. I had the 14oz boneless rib eye, which was cooked to perfection, and my daughter loved her spaghetti with meatballs. The portions were generous, and we both left feeling full.
Our server, Brad, was fantastic and presented us with a decadent dessert menu. I indulged in the creme brûlée, and my daughter enjoyed the tiramisu - both were delicious and beautifully presented.
Overall, I highly recommend Old Fisherman's Grotto. The staff was wonderful, and the restaurant's charm and excellent service make it a must-visit when in Monterey. No wonder they've been in business for 75 years!
The drinks were great - my flaming Mai Tai was strong and not watered down, and my daughter enjoyed her Coke. We were served warm bread and butter to start, and our main courses were excellent. I had the 14oz boneless rib eye, which was cooked to perfection, and my daughter loved her spaghetti with meatballs. The portions were generous, and we both left feeling full.
Our server, Brad, was fantastic and presented us with a decadent dessert menu. I indulged in the creme brûlée, and my daughter enjoyed the tiramisu - both were delicious and beautifully presented.
Overall, I highly recommend Old Fisherman's Grotto. The staff was wonderful, and the restaurant's charm and excellent service make it a must-visit when in Monterey. No wonder they've been in business for 75 years!
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John J.
7/31/2025

Soooo good!
We came for our anniversary trip, and we were blessed with seating right by the window, which had such a nice view! Tables were clean and welcoming.
Sal, our waiter, was amazing! Kind and on top of everything, and gave us great recommendations and cleared out our finished plates quickly. Since we ordered too much food, it was very appreciated!
We got the clams for our appetizer, which were great (though a little pricy for the amount). For our mains, we got the Crab Ravioli and Linguine Isabella. Both were delicious and filling! Definitely worth the price in my book. We also got a cup of clam chowder with fresh cracked pepper, which, WOW! Star of the show for us.
I also received a rose at the end of our meal, which was so lovely! We will definitely be back, especially for special occasions, since the meal was definitely not cheap haha!
We came for our anniversary trip, and we were blessed with seating right by the window, which had such a nice view! Tables were clean and welcoming.
Sal, our waiter, was amazing! Kind and on top of everything, and gave us great recommendations and cleared out our finished plates quickly. Since we ordered too much food, it was very appreciated!
We got the clams for our appetizer, which were great (though a little pricy for the amount). For our mains, we got the Crab Ravioli and Linguine Isabella. Both were delicious and filling! Definitely worth the price in my book. We also got a cup of clam chowder with fresh cracked pepper, which, WOW! Star of the show for us.
I also received a rose at the end of our meal, which was so lovely! We will definitely be back, especially for special occasions, since the meal was definitely not cheap haha!
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Layla E.
7/28/2025

Wow!!! Being greeted by Austin upon walking in the entire dining experience was excellent. Having the owner escort to your table was a special touch and a great first impression. Definitely get the seafood pasta which had generous portions, huge shrimp and perfect pasta. First class service and food!!!
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Kevin R.
7/27/2025

This was our first time visiting Monterey Bay, and surprisingly, it was one of the rare occasions where my wife, my son, and I all ordered different dishes--and each one was a hit.
I've had my fair share of clam chowder over the years, but this one stood out as the creamiest and cleanest-tasting version I've ever had. It didn't have that overly briny flavor you sometimes get; instead, it was smooth, rich, and well-balanced.
My wife ordered a steak and was blown away. The flavors were deep and complex--cooked perfectly and packed with taste.
It's worth noting this place is popular for a reason--it's the only spot in the area we saw with a consistent line, so I'd definitely recommend making reservations. Parking isn't available on-site due to the location, but since most guests stay in nearby hotels, it's usually easy to find parking within walking distance.
I've had my fair share of clam chowder over the years, but this one stood out as the creamiest and cleanest-tasting version I've ever had. It didn't have that overly briny flavor you sometimes get; instead, it was smooth, rich, and well-balanced.
My wife ordered a steak and was blown away. The flavors were deep and complex--cooked perfectly and packed with taste.
It's worth noting this place is popular for a reason--it's the only spot in the area we saw with a consistent line, so I'd definitely recommend making reservations. Parking isn't available on-site due to the location, but since most guests stay in nearby hotels, it's usually easy to find parking within walking distance.
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Louie V.
7/25/2025

Truly the best food on the wharf, especially the calamari (no chewy rings here, just filets), salmon and crab. We've never had a bad meal! My only critique is some of the booth seating needs restuffing which can make eating a little difficult if you're on the petite side because you have to reach up to your plate. We saw a couple last week that could barely reach the table top. Perhaps they could lower the tables to compensate on the well-worn booths. But the food is excellent!
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Barbara W.
7/23/2025
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