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Seafood restaurant in Monterey, California
What should I order at Old Fishermen's Grotto?
What to order
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Clam chowder
Mentioned repeatedly as one of the restaurant’s signature items and often called the best or among the best by reviewers. It’s praised for being rich, delicious, and worth getting in a bread bowl or from the to-go stand.
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Calamari
Frequently recommended as a starter and described as fresh, lightly breaded, and excellent. Several reviews specifically call it delicious and a must-order appetizer.
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Crab ravioli
Called phenomenal and a favorite among the pasta dishes. Reviewers highlighted its strong flavor and described it as one of the standout dishes on the menu.
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Oysters
Praised for being very fresh and free of sand or grit. Reviewers singled them out as especially good seafood choices.
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Cioppino
Recommended as a hearty seafood dish with generous portions. Reviewers noted that it was flavorful, satisfying, and especially good for seafood cravings.
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Crab cake
Mentioned as part of the seafood sampler and described as delicious, especially when topped with mango. It stood out as a well-liked seafood appetizer.
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Fish and chips
Praised for large portions and a light, crispy batter that melts in your mouth. Reviewers recommended it as one of the best options at the wharf.
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Ultimate seafood risotto
Recommended for its rich mix of seafood and overall flavor, with special praise for the scallops. Reviewers described it as a strong main course choice.
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Shrimp scampi
One reviewer raved about it, indicating it was a memorable and well-liked entrée.
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Chicken parm
Described as one of the best chicken Parmesan and pasta dishes ever, making it a highly recommended comfort-food option.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
About Old Fishermen's Grotto
Bustling spot for seafood serves clam chowder with water views & a side of old-school elegance
Amenities
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Braille menu
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is Old Fishermen's Grotto known for?
It is best known for clam chowder, especially the bread bowl version, which reviewers repeatedly call a standout. People also mention the waterfront setting and fast, attentive service as part of the experience.
What dishes are most recommended at Old Fishermen's Grotto?
The most recommended items include clam chowder in a bread bowl, calamari, crab cakes, salmon, and shrimp scampi. Reviewers also mention the dinner for two with tomahawk steak, corn baked potatoes, and broccoli, plus oysters and Black Forest cake.
When is the best time to visit Old Fishermen's Grotto?
Dinner reservations are recommended, especially because reviewers mention waits of around 40 minutes at busy times. Lunch can also work well if you want a quicker visit, and the outside chowder stand is a popular option for a fast bread bowl on the wharf.
Is parking available at Old Fishermen's Grotto?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
