Located on the scenic Monterey Peninsula along California’s Central Coast, Monterey offers a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks and artistic influence. The charming town is known for its rich history, marine life and cultural heritage. And of course it’s mouthwatering fresh seafood.
Though visitors will find a myriad of excellent food choices here, Monterey restaurants on the water not only offer the views but carry the strong Sicilian heritage from the fishing industry and delightful Italian generational preparations.
Though there are many outstanding Monterey restaurants that are not on the water, if you come to Monterey, you want to take advantage of nature’s wild treasures and enjoy the sun, seals, boats, breezes and sunsets that make this area such an amazing getaway experience.
Here are some of our favorites, selected for views, value and a great dining experience.
The 8 Best Monterey Restaurants on the Water
Fish Hopper
700 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 // (831) 372-8543
There isn’t a time when visiting Monterey that we don’t have at least one meal at Fish Hopper either for lunch or dinner. And for good reason.
The location overlooking Monterey Bay is lovely and we are always impressed with the friendly attentive service and food quality. Recommendations come easy here since the menu offers so many tantalizing choices.
On our last lunch visit to Monterey, this was our first meal and we loved sharing a cup of award-winning Clam Chowder,
Dungeness Crab Cakes with a mango papaya relish and red pepper aioli
and finishing with Fish and Chips, with crispy Pacific cod, coleslaw and fries. Way to set the stage for a memorable weekend getaway.
Domenicos On the Wharf
50 Fisherman’s Wharf #1, Monterey, CA 93940 // (831) 372-3655
Fisherman’s Wharf restaurants tend to get a black eye from hardcore food critics and it’s kind of sad given that owners and chefs work hard to provide a great guest experience with impressionable dishes.
Though these might not represent the most “gourmet” of Monterey eateries, they meet the bill, and even this snobby foodie will give kudos where they’re deserved.
Dinner at this Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant was a lovely experience. Though the restaurant was busy on a Friday night, the staff was still impressively attentive.
Our server recommended the Steamed Clams with garlic, butter, parsley and white wine with a wink stating “They are impressive and though you can get the Mussels too, stick with the clams.” Oh my, was he right, especially sopping up the juices with the amazing bread the restaurant will gladly replace. Though it was a starter, the portion was impressive.
For dinner, my hubby and I shared a more-than-generous helping of Seafood Alfredo, served with large scallops, prawns and crab meat over fettucine with Domenico’s house-made creamy alfredo.
Though the dessert menu looked inviting, we couldn’t manage another bite.
Schooner’s Monterey
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 // (831)- 372-2628
Another of our favorite lunch and dinner Monterey restaurants, Schooner’s, located at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, offers unparalleled views over the Monterey Bay.
The night we were here for dinner, waves were crashing against the pier, which only made for a true authentic Monterey Pacific Ocean experience. The quintessential restaurant always delivers with outstanding entrees, impeccable service and attention to detail.
Guests can choose inside or outdoor dining, and despite the plummeting evening temperatures, there are plenty of heaters to keep warm and comfy.
If you’re here for lunch on a warm sunny day, consider one of the seafood towers. On this visit however, we opted for a Focaccia bread for two, followed by Steamed Mussels “Thai Style” and Local Petrale Sole.
The mussels will have you almost licking the plate clean and the sole, one of Monterey’s local favorite fish is served with brown butter, lemon, a remoulade sauce and French green beans. With fish this good and fresh, it only needs a simple preparation and this works!
Because we were celebrating my hubby’s birthday, Schooner’s brought out a complementary chocolate dessert which was amazing, but nonetheless, save room for dessert as the menu is impressive.
Old Fisherman’s Grotto
39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA, 93940 // (831) 375-4604
Serving diners at lunch and dinner for 75 years on the pier, the beloved Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant is still serving the best clam chowder.
On our recent visit, we ran into an “old salt” who said that he never comes to Monterey without dining at Old Fisherman’s Grotto. It’s about the “memories, the fresh seafood and the service,” he explained.
We agree, as we’ve been making this a stop for years, if only to pick up some fresh crabs or crab legs.
The restaurant, opened in 1950 has not only endured, it’s grown into one of the most beloved restaurants on California’s Pacific Coast.
If you dine here, go for the classics: Clam Chowder, Cioppino or Dungeness Crab (in season.)
Beach House at Lovers Point
620 Ocean View Blvd. Pacific Grove, CA, 93950 // (831) 375-2345
Though the restaurant has a Pacific Grove address, it is still considered a Monterey restaurant as it’s just steps from the zip code line and locals claim it as a Monterey venue.
The views from Beach House are stunning. And though this isn’t a fine dining restaurant per se, it does sport a laid-back elegant but casual ambience.
Open for dinner only, be sure to ask for their amazing sourdough bread. I love the West Coast Ahi with yellowfin tuna, edamame, avocado, cucumbers, scallions, wakame, wasabi aioli and crispy won tons.
Other menu items include salads, pasta, mains and sides.
Sandbar & Grill
2 Wharf II, Monterey, CA 93940 // (831-373-2818)
Open for lunch, dinner and happy hour, the casual, friendly restaurant overlooks Monterey Harbor.
Of no surprise, seafood is the feature, but diners have other choices if they are ‘seafood-ed’ out. I loved my Crab Louie Salad topped with a generous serving of fresh Dungeness crab.
My hubby enjoyed his BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, tender, meaty and super tasty.
Paluca Trattoria
6 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940 // (831) 373-5559
We so love having an Italian restaurant option on the wharf. At this quaint seaside getaway, you’ll likely run into owner Sal Tedesco, born in Sicily and growing up the son of one of the famous Italian fishermen who gave the Wharf its name. He loves hanging with the locals and visitors.
Paluca Trattoria features extensive heated patio dining with a picturesque view from every table and was featured on the award-winning HBO series “Big Little Lies” starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman.
What’s good at this lunch and dinner eatery? Pomodoro Bruschetta is a great starter and our shared Meatball sandwich was plenty for two to share.
Save room for a classic Italian dessert such as Tiramisu, Crème Brulee Cheescake, Affogato and Cannoli.
We opted for the Cannoli and Mama Mia, was it amazing.
Café Fina
47 Fishermans Wharf #1, Monterey, CA 93940 // (831-272-5200)
While the Italian-inspired lunch and dinner seafood and pasta restaurant may be on the wharf and interpreted as yet another “tourist trap,” nothing can be further from the truth. Ingredients are sourced straight from the 25-acre Mercurio family farm so you’ll be enjoying the freshest home-grown ingredients possible.
Dominic Mercurio also co-operates Dominico’s On the Wharf with his brother and sister-in-law Sam and Angeli.
Receiving rave reviews from both locals and its famous guests like John Madden, Rachel Ray and others, Café Fina also boasts the first classic wood burning oven in Monterey.
One of my favorite dishes is the Seafood Paella, a hearty serving of clams, mussels, prawns, calamari and crab with sweet peppers, peas, fresh tomato and saffron rice.
Vegetarians will appreciate the Vegetable Paella with fresh seasonal veggies from the farm. If you’re a pizza fan, Café Fina offers a selection of nine impressive pies.
Napa chef Thomas Keller of the famous French Laundry once said, “Food should be fun.”
Add in some spectacular ocean views and you’ve got a match made in heaven.