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Eat & DrinkIconicFoodie Favorite

Old Fisherman's Grotto

39 Fisherman's Wharf · Monterey, CA

Why you should go…

Old Fisherman's Grotto is a seafood, steak and pasta restaurant at 39 Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California, that has operated for about 75 years. It is known for its clam chowder along with dishes such as cioppino, calamari, fish and chips and crab cakes. The dining room has window seating overlooking Monterey Bay where guests can watch sea lions and otters.

  • #seafood
  • #clam chowder
  • #fine dining
  • #wharf
  • #historic

Good to know

General eat & drink guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Go early or go late

    The simplest way around a wait at a popular room is to sit down before the rush or after it.

  • Reservations open on a schedule

    Where bookings are taken, tables tend to be released a set number of days in advance, often at a fixed hour.

  • Menus move with the season

    Treat any dish you read about online as a maybe, not a promise, especially anything local and seasonal.

  • Ask what the place is known for

    Staff will point you at the thing worth ordering faster than any list will.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Old Fisherman's Grotto, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Chris' Fishing and Whale Watching

    $50+

    Fisherman's Wharf boat charter running year-round whale watching and deep sea fishing trips out of Monterey Bay.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Monterey Bay Whale Watch

    $50+

    Marine-biologist-led whale watching over the Monterey submarine canyon, where whales feed close to shore year-round.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Cafe Fina

    $25–$50

    Italian seafood restaurant with bay views on Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Cannery Row

    Free

    Monterey's historic waterfront row of former sardine canneries turned shops, restaurants and hotels.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Eat & Drink
    Date Night

    Fish Hopper

    $25–$50

    Seafood and steak restaurant on Monterey's historic Cannery Row.

    0.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Fishwife

    $25–$50

    Long-running seafood and pasta restaurant near Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove.

    2.5 mi awayMore like this