75 YEARS IN THE MAKING
TRUE FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
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
Sal was an amazing server. All of our food dishes were amazing not only the flavor and temperature but the display and freshness. We got oysters Rockefeller 10 out of 10. The double lobster tail 10 out of 10. The fish and chips I prefer a beer batter so it wasn't my favorite but it was very fresh and flavorful. The clam chowder was great and a fresh salad. The only downfall was the girls doing the seating they were complaining and didn't seem like they enjoyed working and had attitude when it came time to seat us
read moreread less

brianne s.
7/29/2026
This has been my favorite spot for clam chowder since I was a kid. I always buy clam chowder each time we visit the wharf. Which is quite often!
On my most recent visit one of my best friends and I had a girls getaway to Monterey and decided we were going to have dinner here. We sat upstairs and ended up ordering appetizers as we had stuffed ourselves on a rambles earlier in the day our server Juan was wonderful and was spot on when recommending us to buy the whole bottle instead of our two glasses of wine. We ordered clam chowder, fried calamari, shrimp cocktail and the best bottle of Moscato I've ever had. Ambience was perfect. Food was perfect. Wine was perfect. We even left with a long stem Rose each.
It's hard to believe I haven't done a review until now. It's a famous spot for clam chowder and well worth the wait during busy times .
You can even order shrimp cocktail or clam chowder at the walk up, stand near the front door if you would not like to sit down for a bite and prefer to stroll the rest of the wharf.
Highly recommended for everything from casual dining to special occasions. The owner himself walks the dining room floor to greet you and make sure everything is OK.
On my most recent visit one of my best friends and I had a girls getaway to Monterey and decided we were going to have dinner here. We sat upstairs and ended up ordering appetizers as we had stuffed ourselves on a rambles earlier in the day our server Juan was wonderful and was spot on when recommending us to buy the whole bottle instead of our two glasses of wine. We ordered clam chowder, fried calamari, shrimp cocktail and the best bottle of Moscato I've ever had. Ambience was perfect. Food was perfect. Wine was perfect. We even left with a long stem Rose each.
It's hard to believe I haven't done a review until now. It's a famous spot for clam chowder and well worth the wait during busy times .
You can even order shrimp cocktail or clam chowder at the walk up, stand near the front door if you would not like to sit down for a bite and prefer to stroll the rest of the wharf.
Highly recommended for everything from casual dining to special occasions. The owner himself walks the dining room floor to greet you and make sure everything is OK.
read moreread less

Renee T.
7/26/2026
Book Your Table


