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75 YEARS IN THE MAKING
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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
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 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.
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Caren R.
3/08/2026
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.
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Venus L.
3/07/2026
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!
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Gracie C.
3/05/2026
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.
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.
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Fernilla S.
3/04/2026
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.
If you’re ever in Monterey definitely check this place out.
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Jackie D.
3/02/2026
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
Luckily we left with some leftovers and just enjoyed those 6 hours later. Yummy
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Danny G.
3/01/2026
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.
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Vanessa D.
3/01/2026
The clam chowder is the best! Always consistently tasty and love that it isn't too thick or watery. Our fave!
We also ordered fish and chips which were also delicious, hearty pieces of fish and not greasy.
The food was served hot and our waiter always checked on us.
We also ordered fish and chips which were also delicious, hearty pieces of fish and not greasy.
The food was served hot and our waiter always checked on us.
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Leti A.
3/01/2026
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