seafood
Abalonetti Seafood Trattoria
Treat yourself to the joy of squid at this local seafood landmark with an unbeatable view. You can order Abalonetti’s famous calamari prepared six different ways or choose from a full menu of other seafood dishes. Full bar. 57 Fisherman’s Wharf 1, Monterey, 373-1851.
Café Fina
Café Fina features seafood and Italian dishes in a beautiful waterfront setting. Favorites include prawns, rack of lamb and the signature dish, Pasta Fina. 47 Fisherman’s Wharf 1, Monterey, 372-5200.
Domenico’s on the Wharf
For a steaming, flavorful bowl of seafood cioppino and a gorgeous view of the water, Domenico’s is second to none. Television chef John Pisto’s fine establishment serves the freshest seafood available with an Italian accent and has an oyster bar to boot. 50 Fisherman’s Wharf 1, Monterey, 372-3655.
Fish Hopper
If it’s seafood and a view you want, here’s your place. Fish and crab from the bay are served along with lobster, prawns, pastas, prime rib and the award-winning clam chowder. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, 372-8543.
Fishwife
Consistently chosen the best seafood restaurants in a county filled with excellent competition, the Fishwife’s two locations offer variations on a themeCalifornia cuisine with Caribbean flair. The Asilomar location is a casual beachtown gem serving dishes salmon with cilantro and serrano aioli; the Seaside location has a similarly inventive menu notable for its Tilapia Cancun and catfish sandwiches. 1996 Sunset Dr., Pacific Grove (at Asilomar Beach), 375-7107; 789 Trinity St., Seaside, 394-2027.
Golden Fish Seafood Restaurant
Sensuous textures and succulent flavor are the watchwords at this Caribbean/Latin American-style eatery, where the service is excellent and a wide variety of seafood is available. Try the halibut. 221 Main St., Oldtown Salinas, 422-4946.
Isabella’s
For some of the freshest and most ecologically friendly seafood to be found on the Monterey Peninsula, try colorful Isabella’s, located right on historic Fisherman’s Wharf. 60 Fisherman’s Wharf 1, Monterey, 375-3956.
Lattitudes
One of the best tableside views in the region is complemented by fresh seafood, quality steaks and live jazz in the bar, making Lattitudes the new address for fun and California cuisine at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. Open daily from 11am. 631 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove, 658-0880.
Massaro and Santos
All alone on the Coast Guard pier is a classic Italian seafood restaurant with stunning 180-degree views of the bay. The kitchen has a skillful way with seafood linguine, crab ravioli, cioppino, fresh seafood and steaks. Full bar. 32 Cannery Row (at the Coast Guard Pier), Monterey, 649-6700
Monterey Fish House | Village Fish House
As the name implies, seafood is the Fish House’s strong suit. Traditional homestyle cooking with an Italian influence and a touch of Japanese flavor characterizes many dishes, including the Holiday Pasta, a combination of seafood served in a tomato sauce, and a whole cod sautéed in sake. 2114 Del Monte, Monterey, 373-4647; 19 E. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley, 659-4671.
Old Fisherman’s Grotto
For over 55 years, Old Fisherman’s Grotto has been serving great fish, lobster, crab, pasta, chicken, steaks and its famous Original Monterey Style Clam Chowder. There’s a full bar and banquet facilities on site too. Another plus: every table has an ocean view. 39 Fisherman’s Wharf 1, Monterey, 375-4604.
Phil’s Fish Market
Phil’s is a landmark in the funky, charming fishing village of Moss Landing, 20 miles north of Monterey. Sit at a picnic table inside or out on the heated patio and enjoy chowder, cioppino or fried fish the way they did back in the old days, then bring a cracked crab back to your room for a late-night snack. 7600 Sandholdt Rd., Moss Landing, 633-2152.
Salinas Valley Fish House
This family-owned-and-operated restaurant features a California-style seafood selection and is distinguished by its oak barbecue pit. The pride of the fish house is the barbecued oyster platter, which the proprietors boast will warrant multiple return visits. 172 Main St., Oldtown Salinas, 775-0175.
Sand Bar and Grill
Suspended just a dozen feet above the water beneath the commercial wharf, the Sand Bar offers carefully prepared classic seafood dishes in a warm and friendly setting with a lovely view. It’s a locals’ favorite, thanks in part to its excellent calamari appetizer. Municipal Wharf No. 2, Monterey, 373-2818.
Sardine Factory
Overlooking Cannery Row, this landmark restaurant boasts one of the area’s finest wine cellars as well as a reputation for impeccable service, excellently prepared local seafood and quality meats. Elaborately decorated dining rooms and live entertainment nightly in the lounge make for a memorable dining experience. 701 Wave St., Monterey, 373-3775.
