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User Rating: 45 out of 5 stars (18 ratings)

Old Fisherman's Wharf

39 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940 Get directions Cross Streets: Near the intersection of Fishermans Wharf and Fishermans Whrf/Custom House Plz
36.604169 -121.89305
About:Since the very beginning, the Shake family has dedicated itself to preparing and serving only the finest cuisine, offering fresh seafood from the Monterey Bay and from around the world. We deal directly with the fisherman, buying through our own fish market, Peninsula Fish and Oyster Bar. We believe you can actually taste why a half-century of family tradition and commitment to excellence have earned Old Fisherman's Grotto a worldwide reputations for quality dining. Fine dining, full bar & banquet facilities * Steaks * Seafood * Pasta * Vegetarian Meals * Child Menu * Full Service Bar over 200 wines to Choose From * House Specialties * Poultry * Local Salads * Clam Chowder * Combination Plates * "READER'S CHOICE AWARD" * Best Clam Chowder 2004-2009 * One of the Top 10 Seafood Restaurants as listed in The Monterey County Herald's "Go! Magazine" Monterey Herald
Hours:Open 7 Days, Open Holidays
Categories:Seafood Restaurants, Steak Houses, Italian Restaurants, Restaurants
Parking:Public Lot
Payment:American Express, Personal Check, Discover, Visa
Specialities:Seafood, Italian Pastas, Live Crab & Lobster, Ocean View Dining, Steakhouse, Succulent Steaks, Banquet Facilities, Chicken, Clams, Dungeness Crab, Early Bird Specials, Full Bar, Lobster, Oysters, Seafood Pasta
Year Established:1950
Chef:Juan Ponce
Cuisine:Seafood
Ambiance:Casual
Feature:Happy Hour, Take Out, Late Night, Private Rooms, View, Bar
Reservations Policy:Accepted
Smoking:Non-Smoking Restaurant
Dress Code:Casual Dress
Other Contact Info:Email: grotto@netpipe.com
Recent Reviews 1-3 of 16 Write a review
  1. User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    by Chris
    10/22/2009
    It's actually called, Old Fisherman's Grotto and it's located on Old Fisherman's Wharf. Dined here solely off of consumer reviews. You can't miss the bright yellow building in the middle of Old Fisherman's Wharf. Service was outstanding from the get-go. One side of the restaurant overlooks the harbor and further to Cannery Row and the other side is great for people watching the wharf visitors. We only stopped in for lunch and the clam chowder bowls that we'd consider some of the best we've had. The presentation in giant clamshell bowls was unique. They gave us a FREE calamari appetizer that was definitely the best we've ever had. Why hasn't anyone else thought of putting red onions in with calamari? Judging by the sample plates they had on display out front, we'd get a crab dish if we came for dinner. Service remained top-notch throughout our visit. They also have an outdoor shrimp and crab cocktail bar for those not looking for a sit-down meal and wanting a seafood snack while window shopping all the wharf shops. Best part is, you can dine in shorts and a t-shirt to suit and tie.
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  2. User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    by Single diner in Monterey
    08/16/2009
    Old Fisherman's Grotto: You HAVE to love it! The food is waaaay beyond expectation for a restaurant on the Wharf, and top notch by any standard! Great Service, really- I mean most people don't even know what great service is! I'm talking about the kind where it seems the server is reading your mind and anticipating what you want- and has it in their hand just before you'd ask for it! I'm going try try an experiment the next time I'm there- I'm going to drop my fork- and see if someone shows up with a new one before it hits the carpet! There's a real presence of mind in everything they do. Chris Shake, the owner, has greeted me every single time I've been there- spanning since I first went in 1980 and his Dad ran things.
    Don't settle for "wharf food" while on Monterey's Wharf, go to Old Fisherman's Grotto (half way down the left- the yellow building).
    P.S. I don't work there, so don't read this review and think that's why I recommend it so much- this is a legit entry by a guy who has been really ripped off by other restaurants on the wharf. I'd go just to take notes and publish a book on how to run a great restaurant!
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  3. User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    by Isellrealppty
    03/25/2009
    The best food, prices, service and chowder hands down in Monterey.
    Barr none, and that is coming from someone in the buisness who can appreciate the hard work and dedication of the owner Chis Shake who truely cares about the quality he offers his guests and his community.
    P.Pruitt
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Monterey City Guide > Food & Dining > Restaurants > Seafood > Old Fisherman's Wharf