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Restaurants near Monterey Bay Whale Watching Cruises

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235 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
1. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.7
Exceptional(2204)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 24 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Benihana - Monterey, CA restaurant
2. Benihana - Monterey, CA
4.5
Awesome(60)
$$$$
• Japanese • Monterey
Booked 5 times today
Benihana is a stylish and sophisticated restaurant with locations around the country, including Monterey, California. The interior is decorated with rich dark wooden furniture, high ceilings, beautiful artwork, potted plants and modern floor tiles. There is also a beautiful and sun-filled outdoor seating area for patrons to enjoy and relax in.Benihana offers a number of menus, including happy hour, dinner, lunch, kids and beverages. Some popular menu items include spicy hibachi chicken, beef julienne, scallops, California rolls, white noodles, chicken and shrimp and hibachi chicken rice. Benihana also serves a full bar menu, which includes a number of drink specials.
A photo of Abalonetti Bar and Grill restaurant
3. Abalonetti Bar and Grill
4.4
Awesome(585)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 1 time today
Abalonetti Bar and Grill is one of the original restaurants on Monterey's Historic Fisherman's Wharf. Famous for Monterey calamari, we now feature more than 20 different preparations from local squid processed in-house. With ample ocean views, the Wharf's largest waterfront pet-friendly patio, a full bar, cocktail menu and local wine list, Abalonetti has been a favorite of locals for decades, providing a fun and casual waterfront dining experience.
A photo of Domenico's on the Wharf restaurant
4. Domenico's on the Wharf
4.6
Exceptional(1772)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 6 times today
That friendly salutation is an invitation to dine with us and enjoy exceptional bayside ambiance, gracious service and delicious food. Our entire staff here at Domenico's On the Wharf has extended a warm welcome to locals and visitors for more than 35 years, and we proudly present the best seafood in Monterey for your dining pleasure.Our award-winning list of wine features the best from surrounding Monterey County vineyards, and we offer extensive selections from Sonoma, Napa, Italy, and France. The freshest, sustainable, local and Alaskan seafood take center stage in our culinary creations, and we also grill up extraordinary steaks and lovingly prepare in-house pastas and locally grown organic vegetables.Our family style of hospitality continues to win a special place in the hearts of our guests. Let us show you to your table overlooking the beautiful bay waters with a sunny window view of sea lions and pelicans at play.
A photo of Rockfish Harbor Grill restaurant
5. Rockfish Harbor Grill
4.4
Awesome(194)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 2 times today
We are excited to transform Monterey Bay's best location into the newest, freshest, seafood restaurant. Enjoy an all-new ambiance, waterfront tables, and exciting menu items!For more than one hundred years, fishing has been a vital part of Monterey’s economy. Monterey’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf with its colorful shops, seafood markets, and flavorful restaurants, is a reflection of that history. Rockfish celebrates Monterey’s fishing tradition and enjoys the Wharf’s most expansive, panoramic views of the working harbor.Stop by and enjoy a cocktail and our stunning views at the restaurant’s bar and lounge. Our ambiance is casual California and it’s suitable for visitors of all ages. Come see for yourself. You’ll be glad you did!
A photo of Peter B's Brewpub restaurant
6. Peter B's Brewpub
4.0
Excellent(69)
$$$$
• Brewery • Monterey
Experience a seasonal and locally sourced menu paired with craft beer at the original craft brewery in Monterey. Distinguished for its variety of award-winning locally-brewed beer, 18 high-definition televisions and pub menu stocked with innovative, comfort foods, Peter B’s Brewpub is a local and guest favorite among bars in Monterey, CA. Whether you’re looking to relax around a fire pit on our pet-friendly patio or watch the big game while visiting California’s Central Coast, there is no better destination.
A photo of Cafe Fina restaurant
7. Cafe Fina
4.7
Exceptional(630)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 6 times today
We personally welcome you to Café Fina. My family and I have been serving diners on Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf since 1989. We specialize in Italian cuisine, make our pastas and raviolis in house, grow our own seasonal organic home-grown vegetables, and serve a variety of only the freshest seafood from the Monterey Bay. Our wood-burning oven prepares excellent pizza, and the quaint Italian decor and ocean views make dining at Cafe Fina a memorable experience.Café Fina is a full-service fine dining restaurant, serving lunch and dinner. In addition to our award winning food,we also feature a wide variety of wines, including the best of our local wines, the finest wines that Napa valley has to offer, and a fine selection of Italian wines. Dominic’s cooking has enabled Café Fina to be the sole caterer for John Madden’s induction ceremony into the Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and has earned him visits from Rachel Ray and other TV stars.I hope to see you soon
A photo of Nami Restaurant restaurant
8. Nami Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(21)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 2 times today
Welcome to Nami!Where the vibrant energy of Monterey meets the artistry of a premier steak and seafood. We've transformed our historic Alvarado St location into a stylish, upscale-casual haven for locals and visitors alike.Step inside and discover a dining experience that is both sophisticated and wonderfully relaxed, designed for memorable evenings and culinary explorationWe offer an exceptional two large dining rooms, full bar room, and patio space, perfect for pets or dining under the Monterey sky!Whether you’re joining us for a romantic dinner, celebration with friends or at a work event/conference, Nami offers an inviting atmosphere where exceptional food, warm hospitality, and vibrant flavors come together!
A photo of The Gig restaurant
9. The Gig
new
5.0
Exceptional(3)
$$$$
• Italian • Monterey
Booked 2 times today
Nestled right on Monterey Bay, The Gig is your go-to coastal destination for fresh seafood, stunning ocean views, and relaxed waterfront dining. Whether you're pulling up a chair inside or soaking in the ocean breeze on our pet-friendly outdoor patio, we serve up authentic seaside hospitality for the whole family—four-legged members included! Our menu highlights the best of the coast, featuring our signature creamy clam chowder, golden beer-battered fish and chips, fresh seafood pastas, and an array of land-and-sea favorites. Pair your meal with a cold local craft beer or a glass of fine California wine as you watch the sun set over the water. Perfect for casual family lunches, sunset dinners, or weekend brews by the bay, The GIG offers an unforgettable taste of Monterey.
A photo of Jacks Monterey restaurant
10. Jacks Monterey
4.2
Awesome(313)
$$$$
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 5 times today
Jacks Monterey is poised to provide a refreshing culinary experience in downtown Monterey, inside the Portola Hotel & Spa. Emphasizing local ingredients, high-quality seafood, and an award-winning wine and cocktail program, Jacks philosophy derives from globally-inspired traditions of California Cultural Cuisine highlighting flavor profiles unique to cultures from around the world. With design details throughout the indoor and outdoor dining venue to echo the beautiful surrounding landscape, the atmosphere at Jacks promises to be sophisticated—never pretentious. Jacks offers a variety of seating with a bar, fireplace lounge, and pet-friendly, outdoor space features living walls, bistro lighting, and fire pits. Open for Breakfast & Dinner. For more information visit www.portolahotel.com/dining/jacks-monterey

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Dining near Monterey Bay Whale Watching Cruises at a glance

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Most popular restaurant

popular restaurant

The Gig

5

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Exceptional reviews

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popular cuisine

Seafood

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$31 to $50

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • DC
    Virginia •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The Old Fisherman’s Grotto is always amazing! This is my third time visiting. The Captains plate, Barbecued Oysters, Clam Chowder and the Pumpkin Cheesecake were all so delicious! I look forward to trying something new next time I return. 100% recommended trying this place!
    More info
    Old Fisherman's Grotto$$$$• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.7
  • Phil
    Tahoe / Reno Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 17, 2026
    Wonderful staff , are chief cooked to perfection and a great vibe.
    More info
    Benihana - Monterey, CA$$$$• Japanese• Monterey
    •
    4.5
  • Tom Hodge
    San Francisco Bay Area •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 15, 2026
    The fish was fresh and delicious,our waiter was very helpful and entertaining. The view was amazing having seen otters and seals. Overall a very good experience.
    More info
    Domenico's on the Wharf$$$$• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • Maria
    Denver / Colorado •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 11, 2026
    Great seafood and drinks, with beautiful ocean views on the pier!
    More info
    Rockfish Harbor Grill$$$$• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.4
  • SabrinaGold
    Portland / Oregon •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Oct 7, 2026
    We had a wonderful experience for dinner. We shared the Cioppino, calamari and abalone. All were very tasty and well prepared. Our server, Brittny was awesome! Even brought a water bowl for our pup and made sure the heater was turned on near our patio table. Highly recommend.
    More info
    Abalonetti Bar and Grill$$$$• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.4

Discover best restaurants near Monterey Bay Whale Watching Cruises

Explore the beauty of marine life at Monterey Bay Whale Watching Cruises, a must-visit attraction for ocean lovers. Where to Eat Near Monterey Bay Whale Watching Cruises? After an exhilarating day on the water, treat yourself to a vibrant dining scene nearby. The options are diverse, with enticing seafood establishments offering the freshest catch and Italian eateries presenting homemade pastas with a local twist. You can also find cozy American taverns, perfect for enjoying craft beers and hearty comfort foods. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, making it an ideal spot to unwind after your nautical adventures. Savor the flavors of the coast with delightful meals that capture the spirit of Monterey.

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