Best Lunch Restaurants in Monterey

Always great food at Jacks. My go to place when I’m at the Portola Hotel

Always a beautiful, delicious, perfect experience every single time. We always choose the Grotto for all our special occasions because we know we won't be disappointed. The food is the best, the service is even better! We had dinner for Valentine's Day. Like always, it was a perfect experience. Our server, Jose, was fantastic! Attentive, kind, and an absolute pleasure. Service is a big deal to us. Bad service is a deal breaker, regardless of the food quality. The Grotto has outstanding service, from the owner greeting you on your way in, to the service you get inside.We both had the calamari, it's our favorite! We also had the clam chowder because, let's be honest, it would be criminal to go to Old Fisherman's Grotto and NOT have the clam chowder. It's literally the best in the world! Even something as simple as French fries is a big deal. I don't know what makes them SOOO good, but they are! Warm sourdough bread and butter at the table is something we also look forward to and appreciate(also to dip in the chowder). The service here is top-notch. Every person who walks through the door is met with kindness by every employee they encounter during their visit. I would dine here because of the service alone, but their food is equally matched. Even when they're crowded, it's still a relaxing, lovely atmosphere. The views and ambiance are romantic. This is a perfect place to have a quiet, romantic dinner or a casual night out. I've been dining here for decades and will continue to enjoy it for years to come. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. They certainly check all the boxes, great food, service, views, ambiance, and overall experience. The lovely rose you're given at the end is the cherry on top. What a perfect Valentine's Day! I'm already looking forward to next time! If you've never been here, you're missing out! They never disappoint. There's a reason why this is my favorite restaurant.

Great service so attentive and food delicious would come back

Visiting a restaurant on a pier at a world famous destination as Monterey, one could think it would be too touristy for delicious cuisine. We were pleasantly surprised to receive attentive, friendly and comfortable service. Appetizers from octopus to roasted garlic was prepared to delight our taste buds The wedge salad topped off by in house dressing, crispy bacon, crisp and fresh, and large to share for two. Both entrees, stuffed salmon and pan prepped snapper, surrounded by fresh sauces and veggies were enjoyed that night and the next day, generous portions. Menu pricing, in today’s world was also unexpectedly competitive. We look forward to our next visit.

Our waitress was wonderful and brought the kids meal out first to give it a minute to cool before our baby dug in! The food was amazing and the service was phenomenal!