Grotto Fish Market — Restaurant in Monterey

I have been a regular patron at this establishment for quite some time now, and I can confidently say that I have never been disappointed with my experiences there. The level of service I received during my recent visit was exceptional. The server assigned to our table was not only attentive and efficient but also displayed a genuine warmth and friendliness that made the entire dining experience even more enjoyable.

To my absolute delight, they went above and beyond to make my birthday celebration truly memorable. As I was savoring my meal, I was pleasantly surprised when the server appeared at our table, bearing a beautifully presented piece of cake adorned with a flickering candle. The thoughtful gesture instantly brought a smile to my face and filled my heart with gratitude. It was a wonderful touch that made me feel valued and special on my special day.

The cake itself was absolutely divine. The rich, moist layers combined with a luscious frosting created a symphony of flavors that delighted my taste buds. The attention to detail and the effort put into the presentation were evident, and I could tell that the staff genuinely cared about making my birthday celebration exceptional.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire staff for their impeccable service and for going the extra mile to make my visit truly unforgettable. The level of care and attention they showed throughout the evening was remarkable, and it truly enhanced the overall dining experience.

This establishment has consistently maintained its high standards in terms of service, quality of food, and attention to customer satisfaction. It is evident that they have a dedicated team that takes pride in their work and strives to create memorable moments for their patrons. Whether it's a regular visit or a special occasion, this place continues to exceed my expectations.

I highly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking a delightful dining experience coupled with exceptional service. With their friendly and attentive staff, delectable cuisine, and thoughtful surprises, you are sure to have a fantastic time. Once again, thank you for making my birthday...

I had an extremely frustrating and disappointing experience at this restaurant. When I arrived with my fully trained service dog, I was stopped at the door and made to wait while I explained to the staff that service dogs are legally allowed in public places, including restaurants. Instead of listening or checking the law, one of the employees very confidently told me they were “sure” they could deny access to a service dog. That is completely false and shows a serious lack of training and respect for people with disabilities.

Let me make this clear for the management and staff:

📌 Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a business cannot ask a person with a disability to remove their service animal unless the animal is out of control or not housebroken. You also cannot deny access to a service dog, ask for documentation, or treat someone differently because they have one.

By law, service animals must be allowed to accompany their handler in all areas the public is allowed to go.

It was humiliating to be questioned and delayed at the door like I was doing something wrong. I was not. The restaurant staff was. I hope they take this review seriously and get proper ADA training—this kind of discrimination should not...

We’ve dined here before without issues, but that’s only because we hadn’t encountered the manager until today. What a difference — and not in a good way.

I came in with my tired kids and ordered their Admiral’s platter. They told me there’d be a 15–20 minute wait. Fair enough. But when my kids tried to sit on the empty outdoor chairs to rest, the owner actually came over and told us to stand up because “you’re dining out, and we don’t have a waiting area.”

Really? On Mother’s Day? No empathy, no courtesy — just a cold, rude attitude. I was shocked. What kind of business treats paying customers this way?

To the owner — Mr. Grotto — your expensive suit doesn’t hide your poor attitude. You clearly care more about business than basic human decency. It’s sad, because your staff is actually kind. But you are the reason I’ll never be back.

We ended up going to the Crab House, where the manager actually treats people like humans. What a refreshing difference. That’s the guy who had a stinky attitude. Got it...