Stopped by Old Fisherman's Grotto, known for their clam chowder! The wait was about an hour, so we put our name down and walked around the boardwalk. There are also benches nearby if you just want to sit and relax while you wait.

We got the famous clam chowder in the garlic bread bowl and the mushroom ricotta ravioli. Both were delicious! The chowder was creamy without being overly thick or starchy, and the garlic bread bowl made it even better. The ravioli had a generous amount of filling, and the tomato sauce paired really well with it.

The atmosphere is dark and cozy, great for date night, and we got lucky with a table near the window with a view of the water!

One thing to note: we asked for water and were brought bottled still water, which was $9 each. Didn't know until the bill came around ‍

Overall, a great experience and definitely a popular spot worth trying if you're in the area!

Great staff and food. Worth a visit

I really enjoy this restaurant The food is great the atmosphere is nice and there is a view of the water Always go at least once everytime I'm in Monterey Also within walking distance of several hotels Located on Fisherman's Wharf Make reservation as they are always busy

Beautiful ambiance with great views. Julius was fabulous! He suggested great recommendations that tasted delicious. He was very attentive and friendly. He made our first time here wonderful. The food is delicious. I can't wait to visit again

Ignore the reviews claiming a tourist trap.

This place is still the real deal and the best food in Monterey. This is my 3rd visit in 4 years and this place is still going strong.

Their seafood is fresh and the portions are hearty and filling.

Starting with their chowder, yes it is expensive at $20 per bowl but it is the best chowder I've ever had, beating San Francisco wharf and Boston Massachusetts.

You also can sign up for their loyalty card to get a free appetizer usually calamari. The calamari is fresh, not rubbery, nicely salted and most importantly not greasy or over fried. This is proper calamari.

Their entrees are excellent also. We had seafood paella, seafood captain platter, King salmon, and a pasta.

The captain platter fish was perfectly cooked and the scallops excellent. Great sear and not overcooked. Comes with veggies and couscous.

King salmon is one of their specials and is worth a try. The fish is so different from regular salmon, so buttery and rich. I would describe it as the waygu version of salmon. $50 price justified.

The seafood paella also hits the mark well. Rice is flavorful and not mushy at all. Matches Mallorca in Cleveland and on par with the famous spot in Santa Barbara.

Pasta is good also. Not much to say there except proper cook.

And of course their famous dessert platter they bring out. We were too stuffed to try but we've had good experiences in the past.

Overall 10/10. Super tasty food and at a decent price point of 35-50 per entree. Not to mention a great harborside view.

MAKE A RESERVATION in the morning as walk in waits is 90 min at lunchtime.

Sign up for their loyalty black card. Gets a free appetizer every visit except holidays.

Been here three times and will come back every time I’m here! We are treated like they are so happy to have our business and happy to serve us!! The location and view is the best! The ambiance is fantastic and the food is exceptional!

While visiting Monterey with my mother and sister we had a great dinner at the grotto.
Th e staff was very friendly and professional. The food was very good, as usual! Their calamari the best I have ever had! It was fresh and hand breaded and cooked to perfection.

Massive bread bowl with a ton of clam chowder. The serving was huge. You can eat in or order takeout and just go sit somewhere to eat your food. They have a lot of different seafood dishes to choose from and the outside wait was super short.

One of the best clam chowder I have had for a long time! Their cup sizes was big, they did not skimp. My friend and I were going to get a bowl but was advised against it especially if we were going to get o there items. Their crab cake was also spectacular. The fish and chips portions were also huge. The sever was nice and friendly and very attentive.