The BEST calm chowder in Monterey! Their chowder is award winning and when you try it you see why. I really love that right next to the main entrance is a To-go spot in the side which if you're just there for chowder, which I was in this occasion, you can go up and order a bowl and it's more affordable than inside. Granted you don't get the full ambiance of the interior of the restaurant but if you're trying to budget and still want to indulge, it's the perfect option. You can get a small or large bowl and you can also get it in a bread bowl for me is the only option. There's plenty of seating along the water. This chowder is so creamy and flavorful, truly worth the trip!

Visiting Monterey, this New Englander was thoroughly impressed with the clam chowder to the point that I'd rate it among the best I've ever had. An entree of sand dabs was also delicious and something new for me as a stranger to these shores. Basically a tiny flounder with bones so soft they're not just edible but add a unique crunchy texture. We ordered the artichoke appetizer to share, but that was the least impressive part of the meal and we left more than half of it behind. Downright cheap local wines by the glass and the shared lemon cake dessert was just perfect. The Grotto is totally old school and reminds me of the places my grandparents used to take me to out east. Wood paneling everywhere, cool furniture and fixtures, and excellent service by waitstaff you could tell have been there for decades. Hope to visit again sometime soon!

I was treated here by my mom for dinner for an early birthday celebration. We partook in the Local Menu, which included Clam Chowder or Salad, entree, as well as Chef's selection of 3 mini desserts. This is only available for locals from Monday to Thursday. Upon entering, I loved the festive and colorful decor. We were seated upstairs by a window with an ocean view. The place had a warm, welcoming feel. We began with complimentary bread. This was soft and fresh. We also were able to get free appetizer offer, choosing Fried Calamari. The Calamari was lightly breaded with a little crunch. For my starter, I went with the Clam Chowder, which had little chunks of clam and potato. I think it would've been better with more substantial pieces. The soup was also a bit on the bland side. I chose the Steak with scalloped potatoes and veggies for my main course. The Steak had a delightful soy maple sauce with char grill marks. It was also succulent and juicy. The scalloped potatoes were cooked perfectly. Veggies included carrots, broccoli, and green beans. Also got to try the Parmesan Crusted Rock Cod in a white wine caper sauce. This came with spinach risotto and vegetables. The Cod was wonderfully tender, flaky, and well seasoned. That caper sauce was quite flavorful and tasty, which is saying a lot because I'm not usually a fan of capers. The 3 desserts consisted of Crème brûlée, Tiramisu, and Caramel Cheesecake. This was served to us with a candle for our birthdays. Additionally, it was beautifully displayed with a delicious white chocolate creme anglaise marbled with raspberry, along with chocolate sauce surrounding the plate. The Creme Brûlée was creamy with crispy, slightly torched top and had just the right amount of sweetness. Tiramisu was fluffy and yummy. Service was excellent. Our waiter was friendly and we were well taken care of throughout our time here. We were both given a lovely single red rose after our meal. We also got to meet Chris, the owner who was incredibly gracious and treated us like good friends. I would return to try the Surf n Turf and Macadamia Crusted Halibut.

3 stars for the food and 4 stars for everything else. Great location and easy to get in on a weekday for lunch. The food is okay. Relatively fresh but not the best seafood restaurant I've been to. Definitely get a window table so you can take advantage of the views, though the restaurant is a bit dark inside.

Old Fisherman's Grotto: Waterfront Dining with Fresh Seafood! Lunch with a View Visited on a weekday for lunch and scored a lovely table with a waterfront view. Efficient & Friendly Staff Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made great recommendations. Delicious Seafood 1. Clam Chowder Bowl: Tasty, but massive! Next time, I'll opt for the cup size. 2. Crab Cakes: Divine! Mango chunks added a sweet surprise. 3. Scampi Shrimp Pasta: Fresh shrimp, rich butter sauce - a winner! 4. Macadamia Crusted Halibut: BEST DISH! Paired perfectly with maple sweet potatoes and sautéed veggies. 5. Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich: Just okay, but can't win 'em all! However, the fries were crispy and fabulous. Tips: 1. Opt for the clam chowder cup size unless you're starving! 2. Don't miss the Macadamia Crusted Halibut 3. Request a waterfront table for the best views Old Fisherman's Grotto is a great spot for seafood lovers. While not every dish hit the mark, and is slightly on pricier side, the overall dining experience made it a worthwhile visit.

I recently dined at Old Fishermans Grotto and was thoroughly impressed by the meal and service. To start, the Crab Meat Tower was absolutely outstanding--fresh and beautifully presented, it offered a variety of textures and flavors that were both delicate and indulgent. And if you're a fan of clam chowder, this place serves the best in town it's a must-try that elevates the entire dining experience.

The gf and I love this place. The clam chowder is some of the best weve ever had. The service is alway nice and welcoming. The views and interior are great. Very rustic and intimate. We always ask for Giovanni but he was out for the night. So we got Sal who was just as nice and informative of the menu. You can't really go wrong with any of the food here. It's all very good and decently priced. My suggestion is get a clam chowder in the garlic bread bowl. But buyer beware, This is a meal. You'll be full or close to full after getting through it. The other suggestion is the Linguini Isabella. Get it with a good amount of parmasean cheese.

One of the best clam chowder I've had in Northern Cal. Just don't get it in a bread bowl because the bread is way too thick and doughy and won't break down easily even if you have excellent knife skills. Also I don't think it's sourdough bread. Get the clam chowder in a cup or bowl. The Aquarium's restaurant has clam chowder that's just as good inside a thinner, more manageable sourdough bread bowl.