
Monterey's Fish House
A rustic, local favorite renowned for its oak-grilled seafood and homemade pasta, offering a cozy dining experience away from the tourist crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Monterey's Fish House

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rustic, local favorite renowned for its oak-grilled seafood and homemade pasta, offering a cozy dining experience away from the tourist crowds.
"This place is one of the best restaurants in Monterey Bay for fresh seafood, especially if you’re after a relaxed setting."
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving early, as this popular spot fills up quickly, especially during peak hours.
Bar Seating Option
Sit at the bar for potentially quicker seating and enjoy interaction with friendly staff, like the experienced oyster shucker.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oak-Grilled Oysters
Savor the uniquely smoky flavor of oysters expertly grilled over an oak fire, a specialty that keeps diners coming back.

Oak-Fired Seafood
Experience classic seafood dishes elevated by the distinct char and smoky aroma from the restaurant's special wood fire grill.

Home-Style Italian Pasta
Indulge in freshly made pasta dishes, a comforting and authentic taste of homemade Italian cuisine.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving early, as this popular spot fills up quickly, especially during peak hours.
Bar Seating Option
Sit at the bar for potentially quicker seating and enjoy interaction with friendly staff, like the experienced oyster shucker.
Wine by the Glass Deal
Order wine by the glass from the full bottle list at a fraction of the price for a great value.
Dietary Accommodations
The kitchen can often replace pasta with extra vegetables for carb-restricted diets.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving early, as this popular spot fills up quickly, especially during peak hours.
Bar Seating Option
Sit at the bar for potentially quicker seating and enjoy interaction with friendly staff, like the experienced oyster shucker.
Wine by the Glass Deal
Order wine by the glass from the full bottle list at a fraction of the price for a great value.
Dietary Accommodations
The kitchen can often replace pasta with extra vegetables for carb-restricted diets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Monterey's Fish House is lauded by locals and visitors alike for its exceptionally fresh seafood and unique oak-grilled preparations, particularly the oysters. Diners praise the friendly service and home-style cooking, though some note the ambiance is more casual diner than upscale restaurant. While the food is consistently a highlight, a few reviews mention inconsistency in preparation and a rare complaint about questionable billing practices.
"We have not been for a while. We were craving their oak grilled oysters. Carlos promised they’re meaty and fresh today. And they were! We had the halibut for our mains. I asked for a simple grilled treatment with salad instead of pasta. Carlos gave me salad and veggie sides. The halibut was tender and cooked just right. My haiband asked for the halibut to come with a lemon caper sauce. He requested for a marinara sauce on his pasta. He said the fish was excellent. He also enjoys their vegetable sides. So great to be back!"
Mary-Ann Ortiz-Luis
"I am happy that I discovered this restaurant while looking for a place for lunch. Service was both friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. I had two lunches here, and each time the restaurant filled up fairly quickly after opening. On my first lunch I had grilled oysters and the VIP seafood salad from the special menu. For my second visit, I had the grilled halibut fresh catch special, which was especially tasty. The only change I would make if I were to order again would be to skip the pasta and request extra vegetables. The restaurant appears to be more of a locals restaurant, since it is away from the touristy area of Monterey."
Ken Emery
"Eat where the locals eat. Really fresh oysters, halibut, swordfish and so much more. Not fancy elegant food, but deliciousness, friendly funny wait staff and "can't possibly pour more wine in the glass" wine by the glass (local and quite reasonable). Away from the tourist strip. If you love good honest food, genuine professional service, nice wines, this is your go to!"
John Wiest
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Monterey's Fish House does not accept reservations. They recommend arriving early or being prepared for a wait, as the line tends to move quickly.
The oak-grilled oysters and various oak-grilled seafood dishes are highly recommended. Freshly made pasta, cioppino, and the swordfish are also popular choices.
Yes, it's considered a great place for a fun night out with friends and family, offering a relaxed setting for enjoying seafood.
Yes, the staff is accommodating and can suggest modifications, such as replacing pasta with extra vegetables for carb-restricted diets.
The restaurant has a rustic, cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of a diner. It's a local's spot away from the main tourist areas.
They offer a unique deal where you can order wine by the glass from their whole bottle wine list at a quarter of the price.
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The Best Restaurants In Monterey, California
Monterey’s Fish House has the quintessential lure of a coastal community restaurant, but what sets their menu apart is the use of an oak-fired grill. Modern interpretations of classic dishes like oysters, snapper, and swordfish (which all come oak grilled) keep people coming back time and again. One thing’s for sure – if you want an evening of mouth-watering seafood, the Fish House is the place for you.
Hollywood Breakfast / Monterey Dinner ?'s
A great fish place is the Monterey Fish House on Del Monte, but you have to drive to get there. Del Monte is off Calle Principal, the street the Marriott is on, so you just drive down the street 10 minutes to get there. You will need reservations, but it's all locals, unlike Domenico's.
Restaurants in The Monterey Bay Area
Casual yet stylish and always packed, this seafood restaurant is removed from the hubbub of the wharf. The bartenders and waitstaff will gladly advise you on the perfect wine to go with your poached, blackened, or oak-grilled seafood.
Carmel and Monterey Restaurant Favorites, Please!
If you are familiar with the area you might well know about the Monterey Fish House. We thought it was great fun..lots of locals,fish cooked every which way and more. If not..check it out.
Reddit - Dive into anything
u/Akireredragraen says "Breakfast/lunch at Alta bakery and cafe in downtown Monterey. They change their menu often, but everything I’ve had from there has been amazing. The pastries are great, the menu items are great, and the outdoor garden seating in the back might arguably be the prettiest spot to eat or hang out in all of downtown. The line can be pretty long, so if I’m feeling like getting pastries, I try to get there right at opening to make sure I get a croissant or donut before they sell out. The afternoons are typically slower, but they run out of most of their baked goods by then.
Santa Cruz road trip: A day away in Monterey
If you’re in the mood to stay for dinner, locals favorite Monterey’s Fish House was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” for its oak-grilled oysters and Sicilian holiday pasta. It doesn’t take reservations, but the line moves pretty quickly. If you’re feeling fancy, check OpenTable for a last-minute reservation at the newly refurbished, upscale Stokes Adobe downtown, or drop by its pretty outdoor patio and bar to enjoy the evening with a craft cocktail and deviled eggs with crab and trout caviar, or seared scallops with pork belly.
31 BEST Restaurants In Monterey, California [2023 Guide]
Best for: A fun night out with friends and outstanding seafoodAddress: 2114 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940Contact info: (831) 373-4647Cuisine: SeafoodDon’t miss: Homemade linguine Call for reservations Menu. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience without the fine-dining price tag, head to Monterey’s Fish House. This place is one of the best restaurants in Monterey Bay for fresh seafood, especially if you’re after a relaxed setting for a meal out with friends.
5 Places for the Best Seafood in Monterey CA
Monterey's Fish House was featured on the Food Network hit show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” where celebrity chef Guy Fieri sampled the Oak Grilled Oysters and Sicilian Holiday Pasta. Fishing and restaurant ownership are part of the family at Monterey’s Fish House. David DiGirolamo, the restaurant’s owner, grew up watching his father fish off Monterey Bay and working at the family’s restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf to prepare the daily catches.
Top 10 Things To Do At Night In Monterey, California - Updated 2024
Monterey’s famous bay and coastline mean many things to many people–but one thing they also guarantee is a thriving seafood scene. The family-run Monterey’s Fish House is located right next to the sea on Fisherman’s Wharf and is one of the top eateries for those who like a little surf in their dining. Voted the best seafood in Monterey on more than one occasion, the restaurant has even been featured on US TV food shows.
The 7 Best Monterey Restaurants
Just a short drive from both the Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, Monterey’s Fish House is a seafood haven renowned for its fresh, high-quality ingredients. Distinguished by a wood-burning oven, their menu includes favorites such as grilled oysters, salmon, and shrimp pasta. Perfect for a night out with friends and family, Monterey’s Fish House welcomes guests for both lunch and dinner.
6 Unique Calamari Dishes That Prove Monterey Is The World’s Squid Capital – Foodbeast
Also available at Abalonetti’s as the “Marty Special,” this might be the ultimate form of calamari you can find that’s uniquely Monterey. It’s actually a double parm dish, as you get both fried calamari and eggplant stacked on top of each other. The entire thing is then smothered with tomato sauce and cheese, with sides of pasta and veggies rounding out the epic squid feast.
Where To Wine & Dine Near Monterey
This popular local seafood restaurant takes a home-style approach to its menu, and welcomes diners to enjoy their meals in a rustic seaside dining room. For an appetizer, try the oak-grilled oysters. For dinner, the options are plentiful, but we are particularly fond of the curry snapper served in a sweet sake sauce.Monterey’s Fish House.
Explore Monterey's Best Seafood Restaurants | Blog
Monterey's Fish House is an institution in the local dining scene, known for its oak-grilled seafood and Italian flair. This cozy restaurant might not look imposing from the outside, but the flavors inside speak volumes. Must-try dishes include the oak-grilled oysters and the squid steak, both of which are local favorites.
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives/Guy Fieri + Monterey love fest continues at From Scratch. | Eat + Drink
Right when you thought the landslide of caloric love from Guy Fieri and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives was over—after stops at local spots including Rosine's, Loulou's Griddle in the Middle, Cannery Row Brewing Company, Little Napoli, Wild Plum and Monterey Fish House—here comes another episode.
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives/Guy Fieri + Monterey love fest continues at From Scratch. | Eat + Drink
Michelin Comes to Monterey
Sierra Mar (at Post Ranch), Café Rustica, Lucia (at Bernardus), Pacific’s Edge (at Hyatt Highlands), Monterey Fish House, Seventh & Dolores, Yafa, Akaoni, Casanova, Dametra Cafe, La Bicyclette, Cultura comida y bebida, Montrio Bistro, Paprika Café, The Sardine Factory and Péppoli all appear.
Restaurants in Monterey
You'll dine with the locals at this homey, two-room seafood specialist that's a short drive from the tourist chaos of Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. All of the ingredients are super-fresh (in fact, if it hasn't come right off the boats, they won't serve it) and much of the food…
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives MONTEREY Restaurant Locations Map & Episode
While you dine, soak up Monterey’s top landmarks like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and Lovers Point. The area is also known for fresh-caught seafood, artichokes, clam chowder, local wines, and sustainably sourced produce.
Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Monterey, CA
Monterey’s Fish House is a local’s favorite and one of the best restaurants in Monterey CA to visit when you’re craving for fresh seafood, steaks, and homemade pasta. The restaurant has a festive ambience ideal for celebrating milestones with the family.
Best Restaurants in Monterey CA for Seafood and Local Flavor
Monterey Fish House: A family-owned spot with deep Sicilian roots. Set in a modest location off Del Monte Avenue, this place is known for its calamari steak with eggplant, crab ravioli, and seafood specialties served in generous portions.
Best Lunch in Monterey, CA (2025) — 15 Top Places!
2114 Del Monte AveMonterey, CA 93940(831) 373-4647 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Monterey’s Fish House is another go-to seafood haven that people visit near Del Monte Beach.
Delicious Places to Eat in Monterey on a Budget
There are always long lines here, night after night, and for good reason!. Try a bowl of their delicious clam chowder for $6.95 or split an entree; the portions are very large.
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