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
Food is so amazing we got into town on Monday was the first spot we ate at before leaving town we knew we wanted to come by once more we ordered the clam bake, Rockefeller oysters, fried calamari and the pasta Isabell. All the food was amazing. The clam bake is something not to pass on it's really worth it. The service was amazing both times
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Marisol A.
6/11/2026
We had the appetizer that was "on the house" and the calamari was so good we ordered another round of it. I had the surf and turf which was cooked perfectly! The service was excellent with the waiter being very knowledgable on the entire menu and suggesting several different dishes. Lastly, the overall feel of the restaurant made you feel like you were on top of the water and very comfortable.
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Jordan P.
6/11/2026
I forgot to post this a few weeks back. Took a trip to Aptos and had to hit up Monterey. Love this area and the great dinning in Monterey.
I think the food is good here overall. We started with some appetizers. We got the steam clams, the fried calamari and some fried artichoke hearts. I didn't have the clams. Yet the two other people with me said they were good. The fried calamari was very good. The sauce that it comes with is really good! The Fried Artichoke Hearts were good, but unfortunately, they were on the small side. That and not a lot of them. I'm not sure it's something I'd order again. Yet, they were good.
I wasn't particularly impressed with my dish. Which was the... Mushroom Ricotta Cheese Ravioli. Which is served with marinara sauce and a dollop of ricotta cheese. It was a bit bland for my taste.
My friend ordered their prize winning Clam Chowder. Which I tried and it was quite good! The sourdough bread bowl that it comes in was very good. Yet, the best part was... they made the top into a delicious mouth watering garlic bread! Yum!!!
My mom got the Ultimate Seafood Risotto. Which had 4 oz Lobster, Salmon, Sea Scallops and Prawns over a Spinach Risotto with Sundried Tomato & Beurre Blanc.
The food here is not inexpensive. Yet, it's a place to go to at least once in your life. It definitely made the trip there worthwhile.
I think the food is good here overall. We started with some appetizers. We got the steam clams, the fried calamari and some fried artichoke hearts. I didn't have the clams. Yet the two other people with me said they were good. The fried calamari was very good. The sauce that it comes with is really good! The Fried Artichoke Hearts were good, but unfortunately, they were on the small side. That and not a lot of them. I'm not sure it's something I'd order again. Yet, they were good.
I wasn't particularly impressed with my dish. Which was the... Mushroom Ricotta Cheese Ravioli. Which is served with marinara sauce and a dollop of ricotta cheese. It was a bit bland for my taste.
My friend ordered their prize winning Clam Chowder. Which I tried and it was quite good! The sourdough bread bowl that it comes in was very good. Yet, the best part was... they made the top into a delicious mouth watering garlic bread! Yum!!!
My mom got the Ultimate Seafood Risotto. Which had 4 oz Lobster, Salmon, Sea Scallops and Prawns over a Spinach Risotto with Sundried Tomato & Beurre Blanc.
The food here is not inexpensive. Yet, it's a place to go to at least once in your life. It definitely made the trip there worthwhile.
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Matt C.
6/11/2026
The clam chowder garlic butter toasted bread bowl is the best one I've had so far. The bread was fresh and the garlic butter toast on the top of the bread bowl was great for dipping in the clam chowder.
We stopped in on Friday around lunchtime and was seated right away, there was no wait. The waiter we had was very friendly and attentive to our table.
The restaurant is located on the wharf. There is a parking lot a short walk from the restaurant. This restaurant is a downstairs and upstairs with some tables offering ocean views.
I also had a flaming tiki drink. I can't remember the name of it, but it was really good.
We stopped in on Friday around lunchtime and was seated right away, there was no wait. The waiter we had was very friendly and attentive to our table.
The restaurant is located on the wharf. There is a parking lot a short walk from the restaurant. This restaurant is a downstairs and upstairs with some tables offering ocean views.
I also had a flaming tiki drink. I can't remember the name of it, but it was really good.
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Margarita G.
6/10/2026
The crab tower was so yummy! It was a good balance with the mango and the mango sauce. The strawberries were so sweet too! the clam chowder was a bit overseasoned than when I had it previously. The house bread is okay. i wish they served better bread and have it be warmed up too. The seafood combo was good in terms of the quality of the seafood. But some things were under seasoned, and some over. It wasn't as balanced as it could've been. It was cooked really well though. The pasta was one of the best things! lots of seafood and the sauce went so well with everything. I didnt try the fish and chips so I can't say if it's good or not, but all of us were shocked at the portion size cause they give you a lot! The grilled artichoke was yummy, the aioli was really good, i used it to dip my bread!
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Saemyi L.
6/06/2026
A personal go-to when we are in the area. They have our favorite clam chowder! The staff are always amazing kind. One of the staff members once recommended adding a bit of Tabasco and it's become our go-to condiment while we're there.
They have a strict kids policy and we've risked it with 2-3 kids. It's a bit nerve wracking but our kiddos have been kind to us. If you have a little one, just note you can't bring your stroller or utilize a high chair while there, so be prepared to take turns holding a kiddo if that's the case. If you have young children, we would highly recommend bringing lots of quiet activities, coloring, etc to keep them calm and entertained.
Delicious food! Such a great spot for a date night especially with the views of the water. Enjoy!
They have a strict kids policy and we've risked it with 2-3 kids. It's a bit nerve wracking but our kiddos have been kind to us. If you have a little one, just note you can't bring your stroller or utilize a high chair while there, so be prepared to take turns holding a kiddo if that's the case. If you have young children, we would highly recommend bringing lots of quiet activities, coloring, etc to keep them calm and entertained.
Delicious food! Such a great spot for a date night especially with the views of the water. Enjoy!
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Katherine ..
6/05/2026
This was hands down the best meal we had at the pier and one of the highlights of our trip!
From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. We were seated by a window overlooking the ocean and got to watch the sunset while enjoying warm bread and a bottle of wine (which was an even better deal with their 25% off bottle promotion).
My brother and boyfriend ordered the chicken parmesan, and it was outstanding. The chicken was perfectly cooked, and the tomato sauce had a slight sweetness that made it incredibly flavorful. It was served with pasta on the side, which was just as delicious. My mom and I ordered the seafood linguine, and it was easily one of the best pasta dishes I've ever had. The shrimp were buttery and tender, and the creamy pasta sauce was amazing.
What really made the experience special was the staff. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive and checked on us regularly throughout the meal. At the end of dinner, my mom and I were each given a rose, which was such a thoughtful and unexpected gesture.
Everything about this restaurant--from the food to the view to the service--was wonderful. Compliments to the owner and the chef for creating such an amazing dining experience. We will absolutely be back the next time we're in Monterey,CA.
From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. We were seated by a window overlooking the ocean and got to watch the sunset while enjoying warm bread and a bottle of wine (which was an even better deal with their 25% off bottle promotion).
My brother and boyfriend ordered the chicken parmesan, and it was outstanding. The chicken was perfectly cooked, and the tomato sauce had a slight sweetness that made it incredibly flavorful. It was served with pasta on the side, which was just as delicious. My mom and I ordered the seafood linguine, and it was easily one of the best pasta dishes I've ever had. The shrimp were buttery and tender, and the creamy pasta sauce was amazing.
What really made the experience special was the staff. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive and checked on us regularly throughout the meal. At the end of dinner, my mom and I were each given a rose, which was such a thoughtful and unexpected gesture.
Everything about this restaurant--from the food to the view to the service--was wonderful. Compliments to the owner and the chef for creating such an amazing dining experience. We will absolutely be back the next time we're in Monterey,CA.
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Sarah R.
6/05/2026
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