Two friends and I are enjoying a girls' getaway in Monterey and decided to have dinner on Fisherman's Wharf tonight. We chose Old Fisherman's Grotto, and where we were encouraged by the friendly hostess to wait just a bit so she could give us a prime view table. Once seated, Justino our server very knowledgeably reviewed the specials and made some recommendations. We ordered drinks, and then a large platter of calamari and grilled artichokes was brought to our table. We politely explained that we hadn't ordered it, but were told that it was compliments of the house. We agreed that it was among the best calamari and artichokes we had ever had. In addition, warm, freshly baked sourdough bread and butter was provided as well.
We ordered our dinners, which were beautifully prepared and presented, as well as being extremely generous portions. I can honestly say that it was an exceptional meal and reasonably priced as well. As we finished our entrees, Chris the owner stopped by our table to ask if we had enjoyed our dinners. He said that his parents had opened the restaurant 76 years ago, and it continued to be a family owned and operated business.
I looked forward to writing this review, because this dinner was that rare experience where ambiance, service, food preparations and portions, and a bit of history made for a truly special and memorable dining experience.

I want to mention that this restaurant is a tourist destination and it definitely holds up to the hype.

My girlfriend and I came here to celebrate our one year anniversary and we couldn't have picked a better spot to do so! The ambience was incredible, wine was affordable, and the food was fantastic.

We ordered two appetizers, a bottle of wine (which was discounted by 25%) and two entrees all for just over $100.

I ordered the captains plate and it was absolutely amazing. The presentation alone was stunning and the food tasted as good if not better than it looked. I'd highly recommend it!

Our server Angel was also incredibly attentive. I did not pick up my bottle of wine or water for a refill, he was always there just on time when I was ready to pour another glass.

Try this place out! It lives up to the expectation!

Great service! Clean restaurant and bathrooms. Has a variety of food choices if you're not interested in seafood. Fast service and very attentive servers.

Jannette is amazing super accommodating and helped up so much! Food was good service was the best! Thanks for everything

Delicious! The Linguini Isabella was especially flavorful, with plenty of seafood bits throughout the pasta. When eating the shrimp though, it didn't hold much of the sauce taste. The crab cake in the seafood sampler was amazing, especially with the small mango bits. The service was great and we left feeling very satisfied!

We have been coming to Old Fisherman's Grotto for ten years now, celebrating everything from our anniversary to engagement to our honeymoon. The food is always fantastic! And the service is incredible. The staff here are absolutely lovely, super accommodating, and very knowledgeable about the cuisine and make great recommendations. We are lucky to always have a table facing the water and it is such a great experience, with a nice ambiance. We order the barbecued oysters, artichoke, the dungenes crab, and my husband had some sort of halibut special I believe. All of it was incredible and we will of course be back again for the next celebration or visit to our favorite place by the sea.

Food? Oh, you could only imagine how amazing it is if you haven't had it yet. I had the clam chowder bread bowl, dad did the linguini, and mom did the half crab. We had oysters, garlic bread, and regular bread and butter as an appetizer. It was so good, I ate the oysters! ( yes, my 10 year old self likes oysters.) Service was very polite and made sure feel very nice. I even met the owner, Mr shake! The ambience and setting was like a dance and romantic sea-side diner. They even had sensors for sunlight and rolled up the screening in front of the window. It has 40s or 50s music playing. Dinner once again was GLORIOUS. Especially the Monterey style clam chowder.
- an anonymous 10 year old

Brad was our server. He made very good recommendations for their specials (fresh seafood of the day). Service was fast. No waiting to get seated or to receive our meals. Luis, assistant server, was also very kind in boxing our food to go. Atmosphere is very romantic, as we were seated next to a window, overlooking Monterey Bay. Brad also gave my wife, Rhonda, a beautiful red rose at the end of our dinner.

I had the chicken Alfredo ... everything was wonderful, flavorful and worth every penny! We have been back twice and we're planning on another trip so see you soon !