Visited Grotto on the Wharf in Monterey and had a mixed but overall pleasant experience. The crab ravioli was the highlight of the meal--very flavorful and definitely something I'd order again. The shrimp scampi could use a bit more seasoning and depth of flavor.

The margaritas could also use some work. They weren't bad, but they could definitely be improved.
What really stood out was the staff. Everyone was friendly and attentive. Edith, the host, welcomed us warmly when we arrived. Our servers, Victor and Imam, were both great--attentive, helpful, and made sure we had everything we needed.

The owner is always amazing and full of hospitality, which really adds to the welcoming atmosphere and keeps us coming back.

Overall, good service, great people, and a few standout dishes made for an enjoyable visit.

I always look for cioppino at seafood restaurants. The menu said their cioppino was the best on thec wharf. My husband and I ate there for the first time. The no strollers, no high chairs was not a problem for us bc our son would have been a problem 34 years ago. I really liked the handsome, chatty, well dressed hosts ( suit and tie). The decor was romantic and charming, plus we we seated at a table by the water. I was quite pleased with welcoming hosts. The servers wore black vests with gold embroidered logos, I'm into that. I ordered the bbq oysters. THE BEST PREPARED I have ever had. I order oysters Rockfellor all the time, but these were juicy, and delicious. The waiter lost a bit of his jovialness (word?) When we turned down the 25% off a bottle of wine. The only non alcoholic beer they served was definitely good, but Heineken zero is the BEST. when will restaurants pick up on this? I got all the tools and a bib for the cioppino. It arrived HOT, temperature wise. That was a huge hit for me. The table bread arrived fairly hot also. The octopus was part of the meal, but never my favorite. The broth could be a bit more spicy. It was a tad mild. The garlic toast was tasty, well seasoned. The seafood inside was plentiful. At the end of the meal I couldn't finish the cioppino. The waiter brought a to go box for my husband's halibut and said someone else was bringing something for my dish. When the fellow arrived, I asked him to pour the cioppino into the container. He seemed a little miffed, and asked me if I wanted HIM to do it. The bowl was quite large, I could imagine myself spilling it all over the table. He did it
We ordered a dessert to go. Restaurants needs to come up with more original desserts that are not exceedingly manicured. The waiter placed a long stem red rose in my hand. I was wondering if I would get one, since I saw other women receiving them. We liked the place, I will remember the bbq oysters.

We had a late dinner, so no issues with wait time. Our server, Miguel was very attentive and exceptional. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection. We're only in Monterey for the weekend, loved the restaurant so much, going again before we leave to try other dishes.

We had such a wonderful time here! We were greeted by Austin, who showed us to our table and found out it was our first time so we were gifted with complementary Calamari which was divine. All seafood we ordered tasted fresh and cooked so well. The ambiance of the place felt elevated yet family-oriented and cozy. I would definitely recommend this place to others and look forward to dining with them again on our next visit!

They have the best Clam chowder and Calamari in Monterey. Clam chowder is best in the garlic breadbowl hands down. Calamari has the perfect amount of breading.
The sit down experience is a bit kore expensive but in my opinion it is worth the extra expense. Ambiance is romantic and has great view of seals.
Service is impeccable from the host to the waiters. Everyone is very friendly. Also very clean bathrooms which is always a plus.

A lovely restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf. It was a “pot luck” selection as there are plenty of restaurants to choose from but what a find. A friendly welcome to a charming family run restaurant with a great menu and extensive wine list. The chef adapted the linguine Isabella for me (extra scallops) which was very much appreciated. Our server, Jeanetta, was polite & friendly with a great sense of humour and the lovely farewell with a long stemmed red rose made our night.
If you’re ever in Monterey definitely check this place out.

Had a great time here when visiting Monterey for the day. Great food everything was prepared perfectly and the service was outstanding. Will definitely return on our next trip to the area.
Luckily we left with some leftovers and just enjoyed those 6 hours later. Yummy

Ricardo was great and gave us an amazing dining experience!!! I would recommend this place to everyone.

Service was excellent. Ordered the Captain's Plate and it was delicious. Juicy shrimp and scallops. The lobster was also Devine especially with their lemon herb sauce. It was a little too dark inside but if seated near a window, you get a beautiful view of the ocean.