Monterey's Fish House

A very excellent but rather small restaurant. Great service and the entrees were very generous and beautifully prepared. We make it a point to have dinner at least once every visit to the Monterey area. A good idea to phone for reservations. It is ... more

A very excellent but rather small restaurant. Great service and the entrees were very generous and beautifully prepared. We make it a point to have dinner at least once every visit to the Monterey area. A good idea to phone for reservations. It is a favorite dining place for the locals. less

BEST FISH HOUSE I'VE BEEN TO ON EITHER COAST! DON'T go here if you expect your reservation to be honored promptly...you're going to wait. period. DON'T go here if you expect prompt, personalized service...This is a local place..and ... more

BEST FISH HOUSE I'VE BEEN TO ON EITHER COAST! DON'T go here if you expect your reservation to be honored promptly...you're going to wait. period. DON'T go here if you expect prompt, personalized service...This is a local place..and it is ALWAYS crowded! And there is a reason: THE FOOD IS JUST THAT GOOD! The number of fresh items on the menu will amaze you...then the recital by the server of the preparation options will further amaze you. If you want an over the top fresh fish meal..in a fun, cozy, local, crowded, loud, harried atmosphere...where you are more than likely to be waiting 45 minutes past your reservation...THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO!!! Worth a 5 hour drive form S. Calif. for dinner!!!! less

Very good dining and service but there are many good restaurants in the Monterey area at which one could make a reservation and it be held. I recommend Monterey Fish House for lunch but plan on a very cramped 30-40 minute delay past your reservati ... more

Very good dining and service but there are many good restaurants in the Monterey area at which one could make a reservation and it be held. I recommend Monterey Fish House for lunch but plan on a very cramped 30-40 minute delay past your reservation if you are dining in the evening. On our 'last' visit we were seated, by a resaurant employee, with another couple and their child only to be moved once we got settled by a very hurried and somewhat flustered hostess. Not a place to impress your guests in Monterey even given their outstanding menue because of the lengthy wait for your 'reservation.' As once said by Sienfeld; they understand hos to 'make' the reservation they just don't seem to be able to 'keep' a reservation. A significant blemish on an otherwise very nice restaurant 'choice.' less

These people understand fish. Everything is perfectly cooked (meaning not overcooked). Sauces are delicate and do not overpower the fish. Daily selections vary according to what is market fresh. Better than most of the 5 star San Francisco restaur ... more

These people understand fish. Everything is perfectly cooked (meaning not overcooked). Sauces are delicate and do not overpower the fish. Daily selections vary according to what is market fresh. Better than most of the 5 star San Francisco restaurants like K&M, for example. It is definitely worth it to leave the Wharf area and drive 10 minutes to get to this gem. less

Well this one is a no brainer. It is without a doubt the best seafood experience you will have in Monterey. To begin with it's NOT on Cannery Row and has an air of authenticity to it right as you enter. It might also have the BEST lobster I ... more

Well this one is a no brainer. It is without a doubt the best seafood experience you will have in Monterey. To begin with it's NOT on Cannery Row and has an air of authenticity to it right as you enter. It might also have the BEST lobster I've had this season and I've been working my way slowly up the coast starting in Baja two months ago! One of the main attractions is the ambiance. As you walk in you have the feeling of walking into your grandmother house, ,, not at all fancy, ,especially from the outside but definately where you want to be for Lobster!!In a small town like Monterey it also helps to have good contacts with the local fishing community and it appears that the fishermen are all related to the owners here as they seem to have the best selection, ,at least durning my two visits. Hungry for seafood, ,want great lobster, ,, go to the Monterey Fish House. less

During a recent weekend away in Monterey we were steered towards the Fish House by a local friend. I will always be in his debt as I enjoyed the most amazing lobster dinner. The idea behind our weekend was to get away from all the stress a ... more

During a recent weekend away in Monterey we were steered towards the Fish House by a local friend. I will always be in his debt as I enjoyed the most amazing lobster dinner. The idea behind our weekend was to get away from all the stress and demands of our hectic careers and I found that during dinner I felt my everyday worries fading away. By the time we left I was completely relaxed & content. I'm sure this was a result of the whole experience.
The Fish House is small in square footage but not cramped, though the close proximity of tables enables you to enjoy some friendly conversation with other patrons, at the same time seeing & smelling some of the other tempting seafood entrees that are on offer. The 'menu' is quite basic but do not be deceived. The daily 'specials' are plentiful and I'd say from my limited exposure are the best deals.
On our visit they offered whole lobster over linguini with a tomato garlic sauce. The lobster was huge and the linguini was extremely fresh. The portions all round were impressive, particularly bearing in mind my 'hearty' appetite.
This was simply one of my better dining experiences and I enthusiastically recommend the Monterey Fish House. less

Long time locals dine here. It's a mile from downtown Monterey, located on a semi-industrial street. Fish and pastadishes are remarkably good. Fresh oysters are shucked as they are ordered. Wine list is decent, bottle prices are fair. Owners and s ... more

Long time locals dine here. It's a mile from downtown Monterey, located on a semi-industrial street. Fish and pastadishes are remarkably good. Fresh oysters are shucked as they are ordered. Wine list is decent, bottle prices are fair. Owners and service people are friendly & upbeat. I've eaten at every restaurant in Monterey (I live here), and I return to this place regularly. less

A nice and cozy place to eat. This place fills up fast as it is a small restaurant. Make reservations if you plan to eat here for dinner. The food is very well prepared and also very fresh (as are most seafood in Monterey). Some interesting plate ... more

A nice and cozy place to eat. This place fills up fast as it is a small restaurant. Make reservations if you plan to eat here for dinner. The food is very well prepared and also very fresh (as are most seafood in Monterey). Some interesting plates are created depending on what is availible that particular day. In general and pleasant dining experience. less