700 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940 – WEBSITE
Disclaimer: The information that we share in this post is from our visit to the establishment over time the prices, hours or information could have changed since the time of our visit. It is highly suggested that you research the locations and check for current information before your visit. Also, all opinions represented in this post are expressly our opinions and no one else. We do not receive compensation for our reviews of the places we visit.
We had reservations for a late dinner to celebrate our anniversary but decided to go earlier. Despite trying all day to change our reservations and facing server failures, we took a chance and arrived early. The hostess was nice, professional, and accommodating. After checking for a moment, she said they could seat us now. We were taken to a lovely section of the restaurant that feels like an enclosed pier, offering beautiful ocean views.
In addition to celebrating our anniversary, my husband is a veteran. In recognition, they placed a small US flag on our table and gave us a complimentary appetizer and dessert. The dessert was a decadent chocolate bread pudding, which we were too full to enjoy at the restaurant, so our wonderful waiter kindly boxed it up for us to take home.
We chose the Sunset Special menu, available from 4 pm Monday through Thursday. This two-course meal begins with a choice of clam chowder or salad, followed by an entrée from a selection of options at various price points.
Cup of Clam Chowder: “award-winning,” it certainly lived up to the hype. This was one of the creamiest, most flavorful clam chowders we’ve had, packed with clams and hints of potato.
Fried Calamari: Incredibly tender, lightly breaded, and perfectly seasoned. We could have enjoyed platefuls of just the calamari.
Monterey Bay Cioppino: A rich tomato sauce simmered with fresh fish, bay scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid. Full of flavor, with everything cooked to perfection.
Skirt Steak: Served with rice and sautéed vegetables. It was nicely seasoned, very tender, and cooked just right.
Our evening was made even more special by the attentive and kind staff, making it a memorable anniversary celebration.