Solid 3 stars. 5 for service and prices. Prix fixe for $25? Unheard of. Decor is a little tired, but seems like a local favorite with an older clientele and totally accommodating to families with kids. I was able to make a same day reservation for 5 on a Saturday evening. In the end, sand dabs were tasty, but cioppino was a tad overcooked. I was so hungry I ate it all though! If you want a nice, quiet, simple meal this is your place. read more

I took my wife here on Valentine's day and my father while he was visiting. I was surprised at how great of a restaurant this was as it doesn't stand out and I didn't hear much about it after living in the area for a year. Would definitely recommend this for a date night and they are flexible on reservations. read more

I gotta say, this place is very unassuming from the outside. My gf and I came here yesterday (Sunday 9/27/09) at 5pm, right when they opened. At first we were a little skeptical about the place seeing that from the outside no one was inside but staff wondering around. We didn't know that it was not even open until 5 so I guess we made the reservations for nothing lol!! We walk in and didnt expect to see the nice hotel-like appearance. We expected more of a white table cloth, red leather/wood chairs with hardwood floors kinda joint that locals flock to. What we ended up seeing was a nice layout of tables all french bistro-esque. Very cute indeed. I mainly spot out this place for the Suset Specials, but my GF ended up getting the Pot Roast, which was tender and not dry, and I got the Bistro Fillet Mignon. Both were great. We started off with the Tempura Sand Dabs, which were GOOOODD!!! A fish that didn't taste too fishy! Just right! The service was very professional and courteous, and even as more tables started to trickle in, you already know that this is a very personable establishment. The food was GREAT!, service was spectacular, and the spot (hidden away from the main strip, and albeit a bit offputting because of the mossy canopy) was very surprisingly good. We will def come here again next time were down in the area!!! Cheers! read more

We found this place on yelp when we were on a mini vacation for our anniversary. The service was impeccable. The food was really good. Super fresh, and came with everything, even a glass of wine. It was a real treat. A little pricey though. I guess you get what you pay for, so we didn't mind the splurge. read more

We had just recently moved to Pacific Grove from San Diego and decided to walk down the street to try out Max's Grill for our first meal in the area. We were immediately greeted and seated at a very nice table, their customer service is very good. We were served by their owner, the chef's wife, and through conversation heard their story. The restaurant was not very busy, but it was also a week night, so that will more than likely change for the weekend or during tourist season. The wine list is very good and everything we tried on the menu was delicious. When you go you should have any of their soups, they are all good! read more

Wonderful fusion delights. Great duck, cooked perfectly so I stuffed myself but still managed to find room for creme brûlée. Everyone enjoyed their dinner and while the ambience is three to four star, the food is hands down the star. read more

This place isn't bad. I had the butternut squash ravioli and it was pretty good, sauce was a bit bland, but over all decent. My boyfriend loved his crab cakes. The service was OK, on the slow side, but it was semi busy for a Saturday night. read more

Even the bread to start everything was amazing. They offered us more, but I really wanted to save space for my meal. I'm glad I did. Duck Our Way, duck confit with duck mousse ravioli; so delicious, tender, balanced. The poached pear with Brie was amazing; I dislike Brie ordinarily, but this was delicious. I normally don't get Brie, but I love poached pears, so I got this dessert anyhow. My mouth was so happy. read more

Went the night before the Sea Otter Classic. Ordered the Sand Dabs appetizer and it was delicious! Fried lightly and super flaky inside! For the meal, I ordered from the Sunset Menu; I got the Butternut Squash Ravioli with Tomato Sage Butter Cream sauce and it was one of the best tasting pasta dishes I have ever eaten. The service was perfect and friendly. When I return to Monterey this summer, I will definitely eat at Max's again read more

A very quiet (at times uncomfortably so), intimate restaurant with simple decor and thoughtful food. Ordered the PG roll which was very delicious. Also tried the potroast, classic and comforting, as well as the salmon and scallops with orange butter sauce (the sauce was delicate and a perfect complement). For dessert we tried the mango mousse cake with fresh blueberries and raspberry sauce---it was a spongy concoction with a lady finger crust and was really light and refreshing, a nice change of pace from your usual chocolate desserts. read more

Amazing cioppino, real solid desert ( chocolate pistachio hazelnet mousse!) and cream of mushroom soup.

Nice, calm white-table cloth table ambiance with the olive oil/balsamic and bread. I had the grilled sand dabs. Worth the price and they have a lot of very good other options. You'll probably want some wine with your meal here read more

A great service and an amazing food. A lot of regulars go there and you won't be disappointed!!!!

The place stays the same. Still merits 5 stars. Prices quite reasonable. Wine prices reasonable. Good service. Nice place. Usually some good specials. Easy to like. read more

If you're ever in the Monterey/Carmel area and would like to support a wonderful local resturant, please consider Max's Grill in Pacific Grove. The food is great and the couple who run it, really run it, i.e., one cooks the food while the other serves it! Great for vegetarians too! read more

Great service and an interesting French-Japanese-American menu selection. Food was good. Mushroom soup was the highlight. Recommend.

Always a memorable evening at Max's. Once again Max and staff expressed exquisite cuisine and respectful attentive service at a recent birthday celebration. The lamb shanks are not to be missed. Pot Roast and swordfish Pre Fixe entrees with salad, dessert or wine $25. This place is a keeper - Grazie and Bravo! read more

We had a great experience at this place. We ordered: Crab cakes Chicken Piccata Sand Dabs Everything was delicious. Fish with the caper sauce was very flavorful. Chicken was cooked just the right amount. The service was great as well. Our waitress was very attentive. I would definitely go back when I am in the area again read more

My husband and I was visiting the area and came here at the recommendation of yelp.I had the Cioppino and it was delicious and phenomenal!! My husband had the Sand Dabs and its also taste great! I definitely recommend this place for tourist and locals all the same. A cute, quaint, and possibly romantic place to have a delicious dinner. read more

Pretty good food and nice place, menu is just alright though; Classic American food. Duck My Way was a delicious dish

Now this place is a hidden Pacific Grove gem. First time visiting and we will return. We were a bit concerned at first because there was only one other table occupied. But there was nothing to fear. My wife had the crusted salmon and I had the Lamb chops. Both were the specials for the evening and they were outstanding. Added a very nice $31 bottle of wine and it made for a great evening in a new favorite dining spot. read more

The pot roast was great. Very tender and the service was great. This is a must place to eat.

I had dinner here Sunday, after reading several reviews on Yelp. They get 5 stars for OUTSTANDING customer service (maybe because there was just one other couple in the whole entire restaurant?!). Their menu was limited, I had the calamari steak which was pretty good. I seen pictures of various desserts on their website but did NOT see any listed on the menu?!?! I guess I just had higher expectations for the place. read more

Very nice eatery in the heart of Pacific Grove. Good menu, and would recommend, especially if you are a local and looking for something different! read more

We started with a rainbow roll, which was quite tasty. Then, we ordered off the Sunset Menu. We both got the soup. I forgot what it was, but it was some sort of veggie bisque type of thing. Although it was a little on the salty side, the flavors were great. My husband got the lamb chops, which fell off the bones and looked very tender. The potatoes that it came with was yummy. I had the sand dabs. They were tiny, tender fish with a light sauce. I think they gave me too many, though. I probably got like 10 sand dabs. I guess if you have a huge appetite there wouldn't be a problem, but I felt bad wasting fish. The fish also came with 3 asparagus stalks which were boiled and I think unseasoned. But I loved it that way--boiled or steamed, asparagus is best plain. I would definitely come back. read more

Seafood was fresh and delicious, all at a surprisingly affordable price.

Small restaurant, good service, decent food- nothing to write home about but fine for the money. Pretty basic preparations. I had the chicken piccata - the sause was boring and lacked inspiration, but the chicken was perfectly cooked. My husband had the rib steak- pretty straight forward. If your looking for simple, no surprises with good service, this would work. read more

The service was friendly, and the food was great for the price. You need to try this restaurant before they realize that they can charge a higher price for the quality they give you. read more

This place was a fail on all accounts. The service was terrible. It took almost two hours to have dinner and we got there at 5:30, before the dinner rush. Then, once we finished eating, our server did not stop by or even walk by our table for almost 20 minutes. We had to ask another waiter for our check, and when our waiter brought the check, he had all kinds of attitude because we had asked another waiter for the check. As if the experience wasnt bad enough, the food was decidedly average and WAY over priced. Oh, and then there was the massive stomach ache it gave me. SOOOO many better options. read more

This was a delightful restaurant for Christmas dinner. This was our first time eating at this location as we selected them based on reviews. The service was prompt, courteous and efficient. The food preparation was excellent and tasty. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone that loves delicious food. read more

I ate at Max's on July 17, 2010 with 3 friends. We all ordered different appetizers and entrees. Each of us loved our meals. I had the calamari steak which was cooked perfectly. There were many good choices on the menu and I plan on returning. read more

Excellent food. Had a large party of people and got great food and service. Lamb was great, Ciopino excellent. Will return when in Pacific Grove again... read more

a wonderful evening without exception. the service was spectacular, the setting charming, and the food amazing. i would go back in a heartbeat read more

Stumbled upon this place while exploring Monterey and it has quickly become one of our favorite restaurants. If you are a cheese lover, please please please try the Brie Cheese Ravioli, its to die for. The tomato soup is also amazing! read more

Fantastic dinner and service. Celebrating "brothers weekend" with my brothers and their ladies. Most had sand dabs, great choice. Will definitely come back. Sergio was very attentive and accommodating as was Yuko the hostess/owner. Highly recommend to anyone in Monterey area, a great local restaurant and price was spot on. read more

We went here for an anniversary dinner. The food and wine were superb. We had the shrimp egg roll appetizer, which was mainly shrimp in a freshly fried roll with sweet chili pepper dipping sauce. I had one of the specials, salmon with a pesto sauce. It was probably the best salmon I've ever had. It came with roasted potatoes and fresh cooked vegetables, very simple but nice. My husband had the rib eye. With the salmon, I had a very good glass of Sauvignon Blanc from one of the Carmel wineries while he had a District 7 Pinot Noir, I believe. For dessert, the chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries is rich and satisfying. read more

We were in Max's with another couple on a rainy night, and found the reception warm and the setting very clean and professional. I had the Chicken Picata which was tasty but missing the lemon tang I expected, and a little bit overcooked, but filling and presented well. The sides were excellent mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables done properly. My wife had a mushroom pasta dish, with a touch of pesto. It was tasty but a little bit heavy with butter and oil. Another dining member also had the chicken picata and said it was the best she had ever had, perfection. Her partner had Sand Dabs with french fries. The dabs were cooked tempura style and he enjoyed them. We had creme brule for desert and it was perfect, topped with large blackberries. I would definitely return, but probably would try a different dish. We were all satisfied and happy with our meals. read more

I visited Max's in early October while in the area for vacation and had a wonderful dining experience with my husand and toddler. The sand dabs were quite tasty and the mushroom bisque had a rich wonderful taste. If I wasn't saving room for dinner, I would have wanted more of both! I ordered the buttenut squash ravioli for dinner and they were delicious. Looks like a family run business - service was very pleasant and attentive. I would recommend this place to anyone and plan on going back next time I visit the area. read more

This was a welcome change to some of the other tourist places we visited. Friendly, outgoing service were the first thing to greet us. The food was very good...I had the salmon and my wife the lamb. We both liked them very much. Max's offers a number of specials, and one allows you to substitute wine instead of desert. That was nice since we're on a diets and like to drink the vino. Price is very reasonable, food is great, and service was excellent. 5 stars from both of us. read more

Read the reviews, and Max's was within walking distance from us, so had to try it out! My BF and I both chose from the price fixed 3 course meal! We both had the crab cake as an app, it was good! I chose salmon and scallops, which came with potatoes and asparagus! The salmon had a really good pesto on it and the scallops were placed on top! Both fish were cooked to perfection! The asparagus had seen better days, a few were a little charred. My BF ordered the Sand dabs, and they were very good, very buttery! We both had tiramisu, but to me it just tasted like whipped cream, my BF didn't even know what to expect bc he's never had it, after my description of what it would be and then we got it, he said, "just tastes like whipped cream to me!" I agreed! The water here tastes yucky, so maybe order bottled. We both had to chuckle though because the description of the decor and music from other Yelpers was spot on! Over all, we enjoyed our meal, left full and happy! I think for what we ate it was well priced! read more