Old Fisherman's Grotto

All fishermen's wharves seem to offer some sort of seafood or other, but Monterey Bay fisherman's wharf fully embraces clam chowder. As you walk down the wharf, restaurants hand out samples of their steaming clam chowder - perfect for a chilly walk down and for whetting growing appetites.

On a visit with the family, we decided to take a meal in Old Fisherman's Grotto - partly because they billed themselves as having the best chowder, partly because the place looked cute and cozy, but mostly because they handed out a nice sample cut AND a free appetizer coupon at the door.

We ordered the calamari using the free coupon. No picture to be found because it was standard. Luckily, the clam chowder breadbowl was good: salty, rich, and deserving of their title. (My mother thought it was a tad salty, but as an abuser of the salt shaker, I quite enjoyed it.)

We got a prawn salad that had a spring mix, pickled asparagus spears, and blue cheese. Despite not being a salads person, I really enjoyed this.

We got a seafood pasta, which was extremely disappointingly salty and watery.

We also got two half crabs - one simply steamed, and the other with garlic butter. Standard and fairly fresh crab, although the garlic butter was very weakly flavored.

Old Fisherman's Grotto has hits and misses, though definitely try the chowder. (In case you go with family... it also has a well stocked bar... if that helps your family trips.) It's not a place you would head to just for the food, but for a leisurely and comfortable meal while visiting Monterey Bay, it's a friendly place to stop by and relax for a meal.

Old Fisherman's Grotto
Old Fisherman's Grotto Yelp
Monterey, CA