Passionfish

4.3 (2.6k reviews)

PriceySeafood, New American, Salad

Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Updated over 3 months ago

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Passionfish - Salt Spring Island mussels/lemon broth/smoked potatoes/pickled cabbage - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - Rainbow Trout/basil stuffed/red wine braised vegetables - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - Carmel Valley honeyed Fuyu Persimmons/candied pecans and walnuts/Hachya Persimmon frozen yogurt - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Passionfish - Straus organic mint & espresso /mud pie/chocolate sauce - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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PASSIONFISH ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Classy

Good for kids

Good for groups

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Biscuit and Smoked Trout Ceviche Tostadas, Cashew Pesto, Spicy Salsa Brava

Rand E.

Had another amazing meal with friends! The service was excellent and accommodations were made/explained to my gluten free guest. They have a special menu with ingredients and possibilities for food sensitivities. Started off with their amazing biscuit...a meal in itself. Crunchy on outside and flaky moist on the inside, served with butter drizzled with some honey. Then served 2 appetizers, asparagus fries and smoked trout ceviche tostadas...both delicious! Next was an arugula beet salad, followed by the sea scallops and lamb breast. So flavorful and marvelous.

Such a beautiful ambiance. Great wine and the Dungeness Crab Salad was amazing!

Hillary H.

This is such a cute spot! It's pretty quaint inside with a cute ambiance and intimate seating. There is plenty of free street parking. The bathrooms were clean and spacious. I went with a group for a business dinner and made a reservation about a week prior. Our server was very knowledgeable and nice and incredibly attentive. We ordered a couple of bottles of wine and she repeatedly came and refilled our glasses. We ordered the calamari, beet salad and crab and avocado salad to share for starters. All were delicious and I really enjoyed the calamari. For entrees 3 of the group ordered the daily fish special and highly enjoyed it. I opted for the scallops and they were very delicious! The desserts were the star of the show and we tried one of each on the menu! The bread pudding was my favorite while all others were amazing as well! I highly recommend this place!

Romelia R.

An amazing restaurant with even greater service. Attentive from the moment you walk in to the moment you walk out. Had to try Nancy's Buttery Buttermilk Biscuit and it did not disappoint. Golden and toasty on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. The tomato truffle butter the scallops were in was rich in flavor. The rice custard was interesting with its dry pudding consistency but paired well with the poached lettuce and onions. We also had a couple of salads that were very fresh and delicious. They also have a great list of wine bottles and decent amount of wine glass options for great prices.

Christina Z.

Lovely dinner at Passionfish - the vibe is a modern, cozy, local dinner spot in the heart of Pacific Grove. The seafood is sustainably sourced and feels curated so that you aren't overwhelmed with options. We started with the calamari which was lightly breaded (my preferred way) plated on a tangy citrus sauce with an herb salad. We also shared the buttermilk biscuit which had a buttery crunch on the outside and was so fluffy and buttery in the inside. For entrees, I had the sea scallops which were cooked perfectly and delicious poached lettuce. My husband had the lamb which lived up to the name of being spoonable and so tender. We ended the meal with a light panna cotta that came with candied ginger.

Lucia L.

Still thinking of Passionfish...from far away! Came here for our anniversary that we were spending in Monterey Bay, and this was easily one of the best meals we've had! Their menu features mostly fish-based dishes, but we decided to go with their specials of the night - an arctic char cooked in a matcha beurre sauce, and their slow-cooked lamb. Both dishes were cooked to absolute perfection- the lamb was so tender and flavorful without ANY hint of gaminess, easily being the BEST I ever had. The arctic char was juicy and tender, but with the most perfect crispy crust that had no hint of being burnt or soggy. We also ordered their signature biscuit, which is freshly made in house and a delicious, comforting appetizer! Highly recommend checking them out for very detail-oriented, caring service, incredibly well executed dishes, fairly priced wines, and an unforgettable dinner experience!

Queen R.

This is where the simplicity's meet sophistications Truly enjoyed the dinner we had here plus celebrating our special day here .The staff were so sweet and gave us a free dessert for our engagement day. Over all we will definitely come and visit again. Monterey has so much to offer!

Radhika G.

We had a reservation here on our way back from Carmel to SF . Cute place and nice wine cellar. The food was great , we liked that they had vegetarian options as well . Friendly staff but they seemed so busy . It took them 30 mins to just bring out the wine bottle we ordered and the food took even longer . That was a little painful for us as we had a dog waiting in the car with dog mode and our dinner took 2.5 hours to wrap up. Other than the long wait for dishes to arrive, we had a great time with good food and wine

Amaan V.

Delicious food and impeccable service. Perfect spot to take your SO to - intimate summates this place perfectly. The lamb was SUPER tender and all the server's wine recommendations were a hit with our entrees. I will say the chamomile crème brûlée that we got was a little mid - didn't really get the hint of chamomile in there - but the wine combo (Kiralyudvar) was insanely rich and delicious.

Suzanne S.

A true gem- outstanding staff and incredible food. Amazing place- it's a winner, no doubt! First my husband and i had The shareable fried squid appetizer- very well prepared- light and crispy pieces on top of a lemon vinegar with fresh cilantro. This calamari was so darn delish- elevated more than the basic marinara sauce that I'm used to. The biscuit would have to be one of the best ever I've ever had So incredibly light crunch on the outside but soft and buttery inside was so good- we just had to order another extra! I had the entree scallops- and was so blown away with the flavors! My husband had the eggplant entree. Who would've known, this simple dish was so highly elevated with texture and flavors I couldn't get enough of it. For dessert- the mint mudpie was really an explosion of flavors that will make you savor every bite! One of the best restaurants here on the peninsula. Bravo to them.

Diane W.

We had a lovely dinner here tonight. Passionfish is an upscale and elegant restaurant known for their seafood being sustainably sourced. We had made reservations in advance, which is highly recommended. We were warmly greeted at the door by the hostess, shown to our table and were given menus. Our waitress, Candace, came and introduced herself and informed us of this evening's special, which was the rack of lamb. We decided to start our meal with the fried calamari squid herb salad with spicy tangerine vinaigrette. We also ordered the Dungeness crab salad. We shared both of these items. We also decided to share their famous buttermilk biscuit. The calamari starter was so good. Cooked perfectly with a light crispy batter exterior. The tangerine vinaigrette was delicious with a bit of heat. The Dungeness crab salad was amazing. The ginger vinaigrette paired extremely well with the crab, avocado and arugula. This was our favorite item. I'd come back just for this salad. The buttermilk biscuit was warm and delicious with the honey butter they provided. One was enough to split. For our mains, we ordered the rack of lamb and the sea scallops entree. My husband loved the lamb but had a hard time cutting it with the plain silverware knife that was part of our place setting. We asked for a sharp knife but they don't usually provide those for their guests. Candace was able to find us a sharp knife which worked out great. My sea scallops were perfectly seared on the top and bottom and creamy in the middle. So delicious. I did not care for the sides at all. The poached lettuce, was one of my sides, was not palatable at all. I'm just not into hot soggy lettuce. The other side was a rice custard. It definitely was savory and custard like. I had an issue with the texture. The menu isn't huge. I only wish they had more options for the sides where we can choose what we'd like. We had excellent service by the wait staff. Our waters were constantly being topped off. We did glance at the dessert menu, but were too full to try anything. We will definitely come back again and make sure to make room for dessert.

Alyssa L.

My bf and I arrived right at opening ahead of our reservation and were promptly seated. It was really quiet and vibey initially since the restaurant was empty but the establishment quickly filled up - though it never got too noisy which we appreciated. Service was high quality and the server made us feel very welcome. My bf ordered the Duck Confit (4/5): Duck Confit was nearly perfect. While the sauce and potato cake were perfectly done (the sauce gave a tangy kick to otherwise heavy flavors) the cook of the duck was a tad more iffy. The skin was perfectly done and very crispy but the inside was tender at spots, falling off the bone when cutting it, and in other spots was kind of dry and chewy. Despite this we enjoyed the flavors and the portion size. I ordered the Sea Scallops (4/5): The sauce, rice pudding, and vegetables were delicious! The dish felt well balanced and all the different components worked well to come together into a coherent dish. However, one thing that we didn't enjoy was that a lot of the dish components were wet which meant there was a bit of liquid pooling on the plate and made the dish look a lot less appealing and eating it a bit more difficult. The scallops were also slightly overcooked but perfectly seasoned and seared. Overall this was a very solid dinner that left us pretty satisfied.

Terence T.

My partner brought me here for my birthday after a nice evening of staring at otters in the bay. The vibe is definitely retired bougie which I don't quite fit into but meant the ambience was very calm and low key. Like the ocean Rainbow trout was a step outside our typical picks. It was well deboned (only two small ones on the side) and well cooked. We unfortunately didn't like the cardamom flavour accompanying it Scallops are a MUST HAVE. They are expensive, almost $10 per scallop but they were excellently cooked, buttery but firm enough to sit on a fork and the rice custard was so good too The squash bisque was a bit watery for a bisque but provided a nice warm feeling coming in from the rainy outside We got recommended the biscuit and thought why not, $4 and it was a HIGH RETURN dish. Definitely get it yourself, it is soft and buttery honestly I'd get one per person They also gave me an ice cream for my birthday, while we ordered the chocolate torte it was overpowered by the passion fruit syrup. If that's your thing, go ahead.

Philipp B.

I had a fabulous meal at Passionfish last night, after not eating there in a while. I've always liked the restaurant, but not quite as much as others did. In particular, I found the entrees a bit too spartan, the flavor often fell a bit short of what I was hoping for, even as I loved other aspects of the experience. Last night started with a biscuit that was remarkably good (I saw on the dessert menu the restaurant sells a make-your-own kit). I had a calamari appetizer that was notably tender, with the richness of the fried calamari balanced by a zingy citrus sauce. Entree was halibut that was well-cooked and with a satisfying combination of flavors; my only modest quibble was that halibut works particularly well as a thicker cut, and this piece was fairly thin. Plating/presentation was strong throughout, and especially for the halibut. All of this was paired with a Santa Cruz-area Pinot Noir by Ghostwriter, which wasn't on my radar, that had Old World characteristics that paired nicely with the food. Dessert was a chocolate sorbet, almost certainly produced with a pricey Pacojet, that was exceptionally creamy and rich despite being dairy free. Service was great; casual, helpful, mostly very responsive. There was a delay in getting our table ready, I presume because a prior party lingered. We were low-key about it, but the restaurant might have acknowledged it in some modest way, e.g. just having the server mention it again, or sending a shared appetizer out for the table as a gesture. Ambiance was lovely. Price was appropriate, and kudos to the restaurant for marking wine up far less than most do. Overall, based on last night's meal, Passionfish is a restaurant I'm happy to recommend enthusiastically.

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Sherwin D.

3 years ago

Overpriced and flavorless. I ordered the Halibut the fish came out flavorless and cold. For a $40+ dish you'd expect some sort of carb or side with the piece of fish, but you get nothing. Super disappointing read more

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Callie C.

4 years ago

Love everything we've eaten there. And of course the biscuits are to die for. Don't forget to order those!!

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Maxwell M.

3 years ago

Service was great and the ambiance of the place was very nice. However, passion fish bears the burden of being one of the most hyped up restaurants in the area and it is very good, but it's hard to live up to the hype it has. read more

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Chris C.

130

7 years ago

A nice place. Modest from the outside, but the inside has a certain amount of style to it. Anyway, I came for the seafood reputation, and I was only mildly disappointed. First, the crab salad is delicious. The creaminess of the avocado is offset by the spicy ginger vinaigrette, and the crab is the cherry on top. (With the watercress and braised fennel playing supporting roles.) I thought the vinaigrette might be overpowering, but it works. Second, the arctic char with red curry vinaigrette was also good. The fish was prepared nicely, and the flavor profile is nice. So although it works as a flavor, the vinaigrette is so strong that it'd be tough to imagine a fish that could stand up to that. Usually at a premium fish place, you want to taste the fish. But, with this aggressive flavor profile, the dish could have have been chicken, veal, or lamb and still worked. (I probably should have got the trout). There were also some nice and affordable wine pairings. However, I do have to point out the "savages" from S. Carolina at the table next to me. I'm not normally a wine snob, and I'm willing to play a little around the edges with wine pairings, but these rubes got a Brunello di Montalcino (strong red Sangio) to go along with their fish courses. Uh, how do you expect to taste the subtleties of your crab salad...with a big old, acidic red punching you in the mouth?! A steak, some red sauce dish, perhaps, but subtle sweet seafood?! Nope! Anyway a nice place, just bring money (e.g. I spent almost 100 with a salad, an entree, and 2 glasses of wine). read more

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Kinzi H.

3 years ago

If you're on a diet- this is the perfect place! Everything is bland and cold & has no flavor. I had to ask for salt and pepper for my halibut because it was so bland. My husband's tuna has a side of what tasted like cold canned stew. The ceviche is served on soggy crackers. Also, I think the serving sizes are great for a toddler. We wanted to like this place such much because of the recommended reviews but save your $ and go anywhere else tbh. read more

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Misha T.

Elite 26

753

6134

135

7 years ago

Pretty solid stuff. I liked my rockfish quite a bit. It came with a toasted rice fish sauce salad that reminded me a lot of nem khao, a lao dish with similar ingredients (though fermented pork instead of fish) and I think the whole thing worked. My partner's scallops and the calimari were both quite good as well. We also got one of their excellent biscuits, that proved to be kinda overkill since we were pretty stuffed and they forgot to bring it out until later in the meal. read more

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Khadeeja I.

Elite 21

5 years ago

This place lives up to its Michelin star. It's not stuffy and uptight like other restaurants at this tier. It's definitely a little more relaxed in terms of atmosphere but the service and food are exceptional. The wine list is also extremely affordable by only pricing up 20-30% unlike the traditional 200-300% mark up. Couldn't recommend more if you're in town. read more

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Paula T.

140

254

4 years ago

Very relaxing and inviting restaurant. The food was delicious. The fish soup is a must try if you like spicy food. They put habanero in it. Great wine selection that goes perfectly with the meal, the staff is helpful at picking out the perfect compliment to your meal. read more

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Robin P.

Elite 19

118

126

9 years ago

Best restaurant in Monterey! Was recommended by our hotel in Carmel and a few friends. We were looking for a nice restaurant to eat our last meal at before heading back to the airport. After reading multiple reviews we made a reservation on open table. If you don't care about water views I highly recommend passion fish. The restaurants on the water were tacky chains and swarmed of children. We were looking for classier restaurant with great food and that's exactly what passion fish was. Their menu had a wide variety of fish including a scallop appetizer and a scallop entree. I had liked the pairing of the scallop appetizer better and our waitress was very accommodating and made sure I got the scallop appetizer in an entree portion which was amazing! The scallops were cooked PERFECTLY ! (See picture attached)! Probably the best scallops I've ever had at a restaurant. The scallops came with a risotto and artichoke fried patty which was very rich but also delicious! We also ordered the calamari as an appetizer which was also very good but beware it's very spicy ! It was in a habanero sauce ! After had spent the prior part of our vacation in Napa we were pretty wined out by this point but looked at the wine menu in detail. They had many of the wines from the wineries we visited which was nice to see. The bottles were also very reasonably priced at retail !!! How great! Very great experience - great way to end our vacation. If you are dining in the Monterey area it would be a shame not to eat at this restaurant! Will highly recommend to any future travelers ! read more

Passionfish - Calamari app ! Very spicy but delicious - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - Char entree - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - Scallop appetizer with risotto artichoke patty *made as an entree (3 scallops) * regular app is 1 scallop - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - Scallops were cooked perfectly ! - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Lee S.

3 years ago

The food was exquisite. My family of 5 loved everything we ordered: The duck, the lamb, the trout, the shrimp, and the scallops. Our server was super knowledgable about EVERYTHING. I only regret I don't remember her name. She had a very helpful comment about every item we ordered. Our visit to passion fish was one of the highlights of our vacation. THANKS! read more

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Tameshia W.

191

6 years ago

The food and the ambience was great! My husband and I were celebrating our 10yr wedding anniversary and wanted a nice dining experience. Passion fish really came through. The prices were unbelievable. Please try this place because you won't be disappointed. read more

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Jonathan R.

3 years ago

Excellent preparation and service. Creative and delicious culinary concepts Very nice wine selection and nice corkage policy if you chose to bring a nice bottle of your own. read more

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Lee B.

4 years ago

I came to this place with my parents for a graduation celebration (I got my GED ) and my experience was unparalleled! First we started off with the California Fried Squid, Tomato Panna Cotta, and (of course) the Passionfish must-have THE BUTTERY BISCUITS!!! The fried squid was perfectly crispy and savory which was beautifully countered by tartness of the vinaigrette gently drizzled across the plate. Now I have never had panna cotta before and I must say I am glad I lost my panna cotta virginity to Passionfish, the slightly spiced corn entangled with the tomato cream producing a wonderful blend of flavors on my tongue. Lastly but definitely not the leastly, I had the biscuits. Oh my goodness the biscuit was crispy and warm with a crispy, flaky shell hiding a soft and pillowy inside. Butter was provided but not needed in my professional opinion. For my entree I ordered the king salmon because I also felt like a king having finally attained my high school diploma equivalent. My salmon came and I was duly impressed by the presentation. The dish was almost too beautiful to eat but my hunger got the best of me and a I dug in. The salmon had great flavor but it often felt overshadowed by the lemon sauce and basil broth. Still, it was a delectable dish of phenomenal quality. My parents ordered the trout and the scallops but they are not important because I am the main character in this story. Anyway I moved onto dessert and I think it is obvious what I ordered: THE MINT AND ESPRESSO MUD PIE. Let me set the scene for you, a crunchy thin brownie with a 50-50 split of mint chip and espresso ice cream bathed in a thick chocolate sauce. Perfectly sweet and tart and best when paired with the Acme coffee. I give Passionfish five stars, they are brilliantly creative and I left fat and happy. read more

Passionfish - King Coho Salmon, Asparagus, Lemon Jam, Basil Broth - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Leah E.

118

7 years ago

We had an excellent meal here. They have a small menu and they do everything on it very well. Standouts: Nancy's biscuit - soooo hard to find a good biscuit and this one hit the spot. Loved the honey butter. Fried squid- lightly battered and delicate Cod - amazing! The fish was delicious and the side salad with mint, cashews, and crispy rice was unique and had a winner taste and texture Bread pudding - best I've ever had Their wine program is also pretty cool, but we just ordered by the glass. Next time I definitely want to try some of their bottles. Can't wait to come back! read more

Passionfish - Fried squid - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - One of each dessert - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Carolina D.

4 years ago

What a disappointment for a nice build out restaurant.. Ordered the vegetarian entre- couldn't even eat it and they removed it from our check. Ordered the halibut came crispy and dry accompanied by something that had the texture of jicama- dull, insipid and boring food- I checked the menu and those items are no longer on the menu. Hope it was just an unfortunate menu day- will not try it again though. read more

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Doug H.

4 years ago

This is one of the best Restaurants I have ever eaten at the meal was delicious five stars one of the best I've ever had. I recommend trying the fish stew and definitely get a biscuit. You won't regret it! read more

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James S.

209

162

7 years ago

Totally disappointed. Tried to eat here but was told the wait would be over an hour despite five open four tops. Not sure why we received this treatment, but we won't be back. read more

Passionfish - Skip this place unless you have a reservation. I observed five open four tops open but they refused to seat us for over an hour. - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Fallon B.

6 years ago

Candace was an amazing server. My boyfriend and I came here on our vacation and everything from the appetizer (sea bass crudo and biscuits) as well as the black cod (most delicious fish I have ever had) and ending on the banana pudding was fantastic! Could not recommend this place enough read more

Passionfish - Black cod - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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S. F.

5 years ago

Good part. They have a very good wine list. Good selection of European wines. Reasonable markup. Service is nice. The rest is not so good. I had a dish named black cod. It contained sweet blackish substance accompanied by extra-sweet cooked moroccan carrots. Pitiful amount of thin pieces of fish could be recognized within the volume of the substance. The fish flavor was hopelessly overwhelmed by the sweet staff. My companions had the prawn main dish and the arctic char. Their dishes looked quite presentable. Unfortunately the taste of every dish was hopelessly ruined by incongruous amount of sweet staff (jam?) covering the food. In short - every dish was a compote. This place is only good to stop for a glass of wine. When you do so stay away from what they offer in place of bread (unremarkable KFC-style biscuits covered with thick layer of sea-salt $3 a piece). read more

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Arthur L.

186

262

9 years ago

This very large and popular restaurant deserves 4+ Stars. I shared a beet salad with my wife. The beets were the yellowish colored ones and they were a bit hard. I wish they used red ones too. For the entree, I had scallops. There were three huge ones seared to perfection! It came with cooked baby romaine lettuce and wonderfully prepared custard like risotto. The other entree was the rock cod, which came with a red cabbage salad. The fish was tasty but prepared with a bit too much lemon and the salad was so-so. read more

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Gary L.

Elite 25

209

438

1075

7 years ago

Not what I was expected. The setting was very casual, "diner" experience. The service was prompt, attentive and professional. The food was good and fresh, but nothing to blew my socks off. Sadly, we all thought the ambiance was dull. Somehow I envisioned a fancier and higher caliber dinning experience. read more

Passionfish - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Kelly M.

4 years ago

Exceptional meal. Great, complex flavors and super fresh food. One of the most thoughtful wine lists I've ever seen. Superb service. Highly recommend! read more

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Oscar M.

394

7 years ago

Loved their smoked trout appetizer, halibut and scallops. Great wine selection and the friendliest staff. Our server was very accommodating and knowledgeable. Great ambiance and top quality food. read more

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Amy H.

Elite 26

527

120

9 years ago

Outstanding from start to finish. Went here for a milestone birthday celebration and it was excellent. Every dish we had was interesting and nearly everything we ate delicious. From appetizers - several rounds of the bean and goat cheese fritters, and each person chose their own as well - calamari tender and perfectly fried on sharp greens; fried oysters with house-made kimchee; crudo and smoked fish - all terrific. Dinner was great too - tuna was perfectly seared, pork shank was "best I've eaten" according to my husband; sea bass was delicate and well seasoned with a delicious butter sauce; trout was perfectly done. And dessert! We had bread pudding that tasted like warm banana pudding (traditional pudding) with a caramel sauce; a delicious cobbler and the mint-ice cream cake with a chocolate ganache sauce!? Out of this world. AND of course the biscuits - we all ate our share. Service was excellent as well - attentive but not fussy; friendly and charming, and everything was taken care of as you thought about it. We brought several bottles of wine, but they have a well thought out wine-list as well. Overall - a top-notch restaurant worthy of the hype! read more

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Madison W.

3 years ago

vibe was so off we literally left lol, headed to kona seafood & steak instead, super chill and not scary! our waiter at passionfish was like "this menu is extensive so there is nothing left to add. would you like to begin with some water." and we said yeah but it was sooo loud in there we couldn't hear each other. the tables were so close together we had to move the table to get in the booth. sad since the food photos looked good, but definitely an overwhelming atmosphere. read more

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Guo F.

3 years ago

Delicious foods and personal services. My family thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience there. Will go back whenever I can.

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Nina G.

108

4 years ago

This place was highly recommended to us for our weekend visit to Pacific Grove. We went in on a Sunday night around 8:30pm, we did call in ahead of time to make a reservation. The server was amicable and the service was fast. The menu was succinct, which I appreciated greatly. Started with a glass of house bubbles, and ordered the buttermilk biscuit (D-lecious!) and black bean and goat cheese fritters for appetizer. My husband had the crab salad, which was very flavorful, but had a little sting to it (something to keep in mind if spice isn't your thing). I ordered the duck confit, as it was highly rated on Yelp by other diners, I would give it a 4/5, the glaze was a tad bit sweeter than I like. The accompaniments- smokes Chile-potato cake and broccolini were perfectly cooked. Although we had no room, the desert menu was hard to pass up. We shared the banana bread pudding with the banana ice cream and it was delicious! We will look forward to visiting again when we are in the area. read more

Passionfish - The menu - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - Dungeness Crab Salad, Avocado, Spicy Ginger Vinaigrette, Fennel - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - Black Bean-Goat Cheese Fritters, Salsa Fresca - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - Maple - banana bread pudding - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - The entrance - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - Duck Confit, Honey Reduction, Smoked Chile-Potato Cake, Grilled Broccolini - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Passionfish - Bubbles and Nancy's Buttery Buttermilk Biscuit - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Debbie L.

1260

293

414

8 years ago

Saw good reviews so I tried it out No raw oysters The server wasn't very friendly Ordered a glass a wine didn't finish it and left. Wouldn't come back. Nothing on the menu interested me seemed like all bar food to me read more

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P R.

138

3 years ago

Yummy fish great service everything is super fresh and delicious. Get the toro! Thank you passion fish for yummy food

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Michael S.

3 years ago

First off the staff was amazing and she was very helpful in judging our questions to help us decide what to order. I had the lamb which was legit and Stacey had the mussels which she loved. Great energy and restaurant for sure. read more

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Biju V.

4 years ago

Fantastic meal in a comfortable setting without being pretentious. Wait staff was fantastic. We had the scallops, duck, and lamb for main entrees. No complaints. Absolutely delicious. Cannot wait to go back one day! read more

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Dustin K.

103

4 years ago

Food was excellent. The menu was a little different that what I had seen online but that is honestly my only negative. The food was awesome, the service was great, and the environment was amazing. read more

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Elise B.

3 years ago

The food was very good. Fresh fish and very flavorful. Would recommend and would return.

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Brad L.

9 years ago

I went to Passionfish with my family for a celebratory dinner and we loved it. The staff was very kind and helpful. They were able to answer questions about wine and give suggestions. I ordered the rainbow trout and it tasted great! I loved the fact that all of the seafood is sustainable. If I ever visit pacific grove again I will definitely be back to Passionfish read more

Passionfish - Rainbow Trout - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Michelle C.

341

5 years ago

Had a lovely meal here on the patio. Service is very attentive and professional. They were quick to refill water, help with the outdoor heating, and all with a smile. The food was delicious. The dungeness crab salad was excellent, and we enjoyed the black cod and spoonable lamb breast. Quite a lovely gem in Pacific Grove, highly recommend. read more

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Derek N.

Elite 26

156

158

9 years ago

What a great experience! Major props to our server Amanda for her thoughtful suggestions and patience! We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last night and would not have had it any other way! The thoughtful custom menu was awesome! read more

Passionfish - Custom menu to celebrate our special occasion! - Seafood Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Julie L.

5 years ago

This place has been open for years and I know why. I had the crab salad and it had the most interesting ingredients together, and it was just amazing! This place isn't touristy like a lot of things in Monterey, and the food is 10 times better than anything on cannery row. If you are a foodie, this is a must when you are in the Monterey area. read more

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Nancy E.

4 years ago

As a vegan, coming here with my husband was a favor! He eats my way, I accompany him to seafood spots, and cross my fingers. I was pleasantly surprised at the one vegan entree they offered-Vegetable Tajine. It was excellent; nice sized portion, vegetables cooked perfectly and the couscous was delicate and tasty. The standout was the seasoning and sauce; perfectly balanced and the spices all worked together very well. They have an extensive and very reasonably priced wine list. Staff is 100% perfectly vaccinated which was very reassuring. Great dining experience!! read more

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Matt S.

6 years ago

I like to leave good reviews when merited, but this review... this can be summarized as "glowing". Let's start with the ambiance. In the age of Covid and outdoor dining, their two story approach is a sight to behold. Excellent and warm lighting with generous heater placement ensures that you are comfortable in the biting coastal evenings. The service deserves an extra star if I could give it. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and exceedingly kind. When they found out it was our anniversary they brought out a spectacular scoop of ice cream in a passion fruit(?) sauce that was to die for. Seriously, six stars on the service experience. The food is some of the best we have had on the coast. As a former local and great lover of Monterey history and cuisine, it's easy for me to be picky when it comes to where I eat. I have an assortment of favorite places and rarely venture out for fear of disappointment. Feeling adventurous and jonesing for a new favored spot, every bite of this evenings meal reinforced my excellent decision making skills. Let's start with the black bean and goat cheese fritters. Reminiscent of falafel on the outside, they are perfectly fried and delicious. Next is the biscuit. The thing is massive and sure to satiate your carb cravings. Salted on top and served with butter, it's so big it's shareable. We brought the second one home to gorge on later. The entree for the evening was the sea scallops. The tomato truffle butter turned the perfectly seared and tender scallops into a dream on a fork. The wilted lettuce and sautéed onions were also great, and the rice custard was something new to me, but a treat nonetheless. Savory is the perfect description for it. The Santa Cruz coffee was also very good, and the medium roast helped fend off the cool evening air along with the propane heaters. Thank you Passionfish for an amazing experience on our 14th anniversary. You can rest assured we will be back. read more

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Mike H.

3 years ago

You will not find a better meal in Monterey/pacific grove. This is our favorite birthday meal

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Page 15 of 64

701 Lighthouse Ave
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Directions
(831) 655-3311
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.passionfish.net/

Full menu

Hours

What time does Passionfish open?

Passionfish opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Passionfish close?

Passionfish closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Passionfish take Bitcoin?

No, Passionfish does not take Bitcoin.

Does Passionfish take credit cards?

Yes, Passionfish takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Passionfish have catering options?

No, Passionfish does not have catering options.

Does Passionfish have a drive thru?

No, Passionfish does not have a drive thru.

Does Passionfish serve alcohol?

Yes, Passionfish serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Passionfish allow dogs?

No, Passionfish does not allow dogs.

Does Passionfish have TVs?

No, Passionfish does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Passionfish have bike parking?

Yes, Passionfish has bike parking.

Does Passionfish have outdoor seating?

No, Passionfish does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Passionfish have parking?

Yes, Passionfish has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Passionfish wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Passionfish is wheelchair accessible.

Does Passionfish have free WiFi?

No, Passionfish does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Passionfish offers serious food in a fun and causal atmosphere. The combination of uniquely flavorful culinary creations and an award winning wine list have earned Passionfish a place among California's finest restaurants. Passionfish's ever-changing menu makes each visit a new adventure. Although the name Passionfish naturally conjures up visions of fresh seafood, the menu also offers many tantalizing alternatives, including lamb, duck, and vegetarian dishes. And the wine flows freely at Passionfish, from a list as diverse as any in the world. Their Wine Spectator award winning wine list offers selections sure to please both the connoisseur and novice alike. With over 400 selections, ranging from local California varietals to rare and desirable wines from around the world, believe it or not, are all are priced at retail!

History

Established in 1997.

Passionfish has been in business since 1997.

Meet the Business Owner: Berk G.

Berk has been in the restaurant industry for many years.

Passionfish Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Passionfish

Do you have outdoor seating?

Unfortunately, we do not have outdoor seating.

View question details

Are there any kid friendly menu options?

We just went tonight and they do offer options for kids, but not a physical kids menu just ask the waiter. They had a penne pasta or fettuccine, basic fish with potatoes and veggies and a kids size duck confit which my son loved and some other… Read more

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Why are the biscuits not on the online menu on their website?

If you look at the photos posted by customers, you will see it on the menu :) Perhaps it is a… Read more

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Is parking difficult here?

Normally there is plenty of on-street parking nearby.

View 2 more answers

Are reservations required?

It depends how you define "required". Nobody's going to shoot walk-ins for trying, but Passionfish is small and enormously popular, so if your dining schedule isn't flexible, make a reservation well in advance of your preferred date and time.

View 2 more answers

Is it okay to take two toddlers here?

Shouldn't be a problem, but you may want to opt for outdoor seating as it's pretty cramped inside with no social distancing and all staff here not wearing masks.

View 3 more answers

Do waiters wear masks outdoors?

We were there in the beginning of August as the Delta variant was spreading rapidly, and our server did not wear a mask indoors! In addition, there was no attempt at social distancing, and we were very close to another table full of diners. I felt… Read more

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Are dogs allowed for outdoor dining?

Yes, my Labrador Retriever napped under the table during the meal that my wife and I enjoyed immensely. Wait staff were all delighted to meet my dog. Brought her a bowl of water.

View question details

Is this restaurant open now?

Yes, outdoor dining only

View question details

View All 15 Questions

Red House Cafe

I guess it's no secret anyway, best brunch i've had in years…read more The metropolitan bay area is known for the world-class food and renowned cuisines, but we have so much to learn from a quaint and unassuming cafe in a small coastal town. Situated on a cute corner away from the madness of the wharf, we found plenty of parking right outside, got seated immediately, and got a great corner booth between the window and the fireplace. Ambiance: The decor was homely but stately. It was certainly busy but the workers were on it with the bevs and ordering. It was quietly bustling but the dining experience was anything but. It felt like I was having Christmas morning at my really rich but soooper down-to-earth grand-aunt's house who is married to the senator of vermont and im in the running as her favorite grand-niece. (im just talking out of my butt, i have no clue what that feeling's like) Ordered: - Crabcake benedict to share: BEST. BENEDICT. Lots of variations here. Croissant, crabcake, poached egg, hollandaise, added avocados, comes with potatoes on the side. The croissant was a welcomed substitute, crabcakes light, hollandaise warm and classic. The crossaint was still warm and flakey, didnt get soggy by the sauces. the crabcake fresh, light, and unbattered. the potatoes were sweet, al-dente, and seasoned to perfection. No notes! - Crabcake to share: just extra crabcakes here but it also comes with a beautiful salad that was thoughtfully complimentary. Crisp and young arugula topped with caramelized onions, dressed with a light vinaigrette that wasn't too tart. The salad really changed what i thought a side salad can be. yom. - Fresh squeezed orange juice: Not too sweet, not a tinge of sour, flavorful, light but not watery, full but not pulpy. and a generous portion. Definitely made my morning. - Cappuccino: Very full-bodied, foamy, not too sweet. Though I personally would perfer a touch more sweetness but a very personal preference and would like simple syrup to adjust. Perfect for my partner who ordered it and is watching his glucose level. Compared to the Bay Area's over-the-top fusion brunches and long waitlists of bottomless lychee mimosas, the Red House Cafe's attention to detail and commitment to quality was really grounding. I will definitely be adding this hot spot to my itinerary anytime i'm driving past the coast.

Absolutely loved this place! We got there right at opening time, we were welcomed in…read moreWe got the country breakfast with ham and sourdough absolutely loved it. Super yummy. We also ordered some bacon, baguette, and avocado to go and it was super delish. The place was very cute and country inspired and very cozy. They had the fire place and we got to sit right next to it. All the staff was super kind and helpful and just overall hospital! Would definitely come again!!

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Cute washroom, wish it could be kept clean (not by one of the servers or any kitchen workers for sure lol) throughout the day.

Classic country breakfast

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Cinnamon Brioche French Toast

Rudolfo's

Had to make an unexpected trip up to Monterey/Pacific Grove to drop off a vehicle for our daughter…read more Before arriving, she mentioned that there was a place she wanted to try based on excellent reviews from her friend. So she made reservations and off we went to Rodolfo's. The place gives off an Italian bistro vibe with a neighborhood atmosphere. That's a good thing because most of the people here were locals. We were seated and our waiter was there to take our drink and appetizer orders. I had a beer and we shared the Cheesy Garlic Bread with a side of marinara. Delicious!!! For dinner, Kylee ordered the Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka entrée & Caesar Salad while I had the Brisket Sando with a side of fries. Fantastic!!! We finished off the meal with the Oreo Cookie Cheesecake. This is one of those local "finds" that exceed expectations. Great food, service and ambience. Will definitely return when I visit PG.

Go here and thank me later! Great food and excellent service…read morein a small, quaint setting. Dined here with friends and our server, Bella, was fantastic. All 4 entrees were spot on. Hard to go wrong. Be sure to finish with a cup of gelato. Thanks again to Bella and the Rudolfo's crew!

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Inside eating area

Monterey sandwich

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Julia's Vegetarian Restaurant

Good food! Great service! Yellow coconut curry was exquisite! I would visit it next time we visit…read morecarmel by the sea

The wife and I rarely repeat a restaurant on vacation, but we came here for lunch while vacationing…read morein Carmel By The Sea and saw they had a gluten free and vegan biscuits and gravy, so of course we came back for brunch. For lunch, I went with their Big Sur pizza on gluten free crust. The crust was impressive. Not my favorite I've ever had but still a really good job. The pizza was vegan with fried oyster mushrooms, baked white mushrooms, various veggies, and a red sauce with white sauce drizzle. Pizza was great. Really sold me on coming back the next day. As for brunch, they did not have the GF biscuits. The gravy was still vegan and they offered to serve it on GF focaccia bread. However, at $22, I couldn't do it. Besides, I would at least need to add a couple eggs for some protein and I wasn't about to spend all of that on brunch. So instead, I went with huevos rancheros. This was excellent. The poblano sauce was spicy and hearty, the tortillas nice and crisp, and the pinto beans an interesting change of pace. The potatoes were awesome. Place is plain and pretty basic. The outside seating is in the sun and facing a blacktop parking lot, so you don't come here for the ambiance. But the food and service were excellent. Great vegan meals.

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Fried mushrooms and buffalo cauliflower wings. Both are vegan & GF, each served with vegan garlic aioli.

Brunch bowl with crispy paprika potatoes, regular or vegan egg and salad

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Choose your mimosa! Orange, mango or strawberry. Did someone say bottomless?

The Spotted Duck

The restaurant was about 80% full on a Friday night, yet it still felt intimate and comfortable…read more With a capacity of only 49 people, there isn't a bad seat in the house. The fun artwork and paintings throughout the restaurant added so much personality and made the space even more enjoyable. We started with the duck pâté and bread. The pâté was silky smooth with just a hint of sweetness, paired perfectly with the toasted bread. It literally melted in your mouth. The octopus with bean and honey sauce was another standout. The sauce complemented the octopus beautifully. The octopus itself was incredibly tender and soft -- not chewy at all -- and honestly reminded me of some amazing octopus I had while visiting Portugal. The mussels came in a very generous portion, and the tomato sauce was so good you could drink it by itself. For our mains, we had the sea scallops and the seared tuna, and both dishes were excellent. Everything tasted fresh, thoughtful, and well executed. The coffee and tea cups were the Bodum brand, great quality, double-lined, and they kept the drinks warm while still being comfortable to hold. Definitely a memorable dinner in Pacific Grove, and I'd gladly come back again.

Really solid food and good service, I would give this a 4.5 if I could. Made a reservation, which…read morewas easy for Saturday evening. Good amount of street parking outside. The inside has a rustic, laid-back vibe to it. Our waiter was attentive and nice - he did forget our two glasses of wine until we reminded him when our entrees came out. They did comp the wines at the end though, which was nice. As for food, we got the mussels and octopus to start. The mussels were cooked well and the broth was good. Liked the sourdough accompaniment a lot, especially dipped in the sauce/broth. The octopus was very interesting as well with the black bean honey sauce. Sweet yet had a sort of earthy/nuttiness to it. It had a very Asian influence to it, compared to the typical Italian or Greek method of preparing octopus. For entrees we got the seared duck breast and sea scallops. Scallops were a tad salty but were cooked well and had a buttery taste. I appreciated all the veggies it came with and made the dish very clean-tasting. Duck breast was very soft and easy to cut. Polenta was cooked well too and the chard gave a nice touch of green to the dish. The entire dish felt very comforting. We finished off with the apple cake and chocolate pot. Both were tasty, although the apple cake was a bit better. I enjoyed the ice cream and the cake had crispy edges and soft inside. Chocolate pot was smooth and easy to eat, and wasn't overly rich.

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Duck Liver Pate

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Saké |$12

Hops And Fog Brewing

Amazing pizza and awesome service!…read more We met with some family here for lunch and a few beers. Hops and Fog is definitely the local spot to be at, it filled up quickly after we sat down. I ordered a Dark Horse seltzer from Crow and Wolf and three pizzas for the table; the Return of the fun guy (mushroom pizza), the TMNT, a 3 cheese pizza, and the PIzzette karbonara. All of the pizzas were excellent, but my favorite was the PIzzette karbonara. This was such a unique flavor combo a brick over pie with miso carbonara sauce, mozzarella, shaved guanciale (pork), grated pecorino, black sesame crumble topped with runny fried egg. I could not get enough of this pie; the miso sauce paired with pecorino and a runny egg was delicious! They use a blonde or white miso in the sauce and it added a deep umami flavor. My kids inhaled the cheese pizza and everyone loved the mushroom pizza and the black truffle sauce that was drizzled on it. Hops and Fog has a front outdoor patio section and small outdoor back area. It's small inside, but there's a handful of tables, a couch, and booths. Street parking is free, but is only good for two hours.

Fantastic staff, awesome pizzas, great beer selection. Perfect place to catch up with friends and…read moreloved ones. Plenty of seating both indoors and outside on the patio. We were able to reserve a small back patio area for our group, which was perfect since a bunch of us had small children that were better contained there. Service is prompt and the staff is super friendly and helpful. Pizzas are delicious and well made, with great toppings and are fresh and tasty. Prices are a little bit on the higher side. Beers and wines are great - selection is solid and pairs perfectly with pizza and appetizers! Parking along the street adjacent. Highly recommended.

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Nice ambiance

Mushroom on Regula crust

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Rice And Roots

Love it here. My family came for dinner and everything we ordered was delicious. Here's what we…read moreordered. Appetizer - crispy tofu 1 - garlic noodles with beef 2 - beef vermicelli 3 - signature salad with mango 4 - lemongrass chicken rice plate Drinks: 1 - iced brown sugar boba 2- house milk tea with jelly Service was exceptional. Super friendly and attentive. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. !!!

We sat down to dine in, ordered our food and drinks. Server brought our drinks out, we had a few…read moresips before we noticed a huge roach crawling on the wall. We are not the kind of people to make a scene in situations like this -- we let the staff know what we saw, one of the workers grabbed it with a napkin and apologized. We proceeded to tell them we were going to leave and walked out, we left it at that. As we are walking to our car, one of the workers comes out running to us and asked us to pay for the drinks that we didn't even fully drink, we had taken a few sips when we saw the roach. We went back in and spoke to the supervisor on duty and told him we weren't paying for something that we didn't drink and he continued to insist we pay for it. The audacity these people had to even ask us to pay for two drinks that were barely touched after having a roach crawling through their restaurant is ridiculous. We didn't want to cause any trouble with the existing customers that the business had which is why we left quietly the first time, but for them to chase after us as we are leaving demanding we pay for two drinks was shocking considering the situation. This picture of the roach doesn't even do justice to how big it was. It almost seemed so normal to the staff with the presence of a roach.

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Shrimp vermicelli

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Steak and rice plate

The Monarch Pub & Restaurant

I haven't been here in over a year, only because I forget about them until I drive by…read more Well my mom and I had some time before appointment and had lunch here...just as good as ai remember...will definitely be back Fish pieces where big and artichoke hearts also big, you definitely get your moneys worth

We absolutely loved Monarch! It's a short walk from the water and there a plenty of great shops…read morenearby. We were able to sit outside under the umbrellas on a beautiful day. The fish, prawns, and chips were amazing! Great portions and fried to perfection. The French fries were solid also. The fish was fresh and really devious. The prawns were huge and juicy. A great place for outdoor lunch.

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Just one of the many beautiful flowers and plants around the restaurant.

Amazing Food!

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Aliotti's Victorian Corner Restaurant

Locally owned & operated

46 years in business

Aliotti's Victorian Corner restaurant has been a staple in the Pacific Grove community for over 40…read moreyears. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday in a well-maintained, beautiful Victorian building. The interior is warm and welcoming with plenty of seating for individual diners or groups. There is also a nice patio out in front of the building to enjoy a coffee or meal where one's fur babies are welcome. They have three large, diverse, multiple menus which offer diners to choose from many of Aliotti's specialties and classic selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For lunch, we enjoyed their Dutch Treat sandwich and a Cobb Salad. The Dutch Treat consists of ham & Swiss cheese on a warm French roll. The sandwich was large with a substantial amount of ham. It was served with a fresh green salad and perfectly cooked French fries which were crispy on the outside and pillowy-soft on the inside. Everything was delicious. Their Cobb Salad was plentiful with avocado, bacon chunks, hard-boiled eggs, turkey, tomatoes topped with blue cheese sprinkles over a bed of lettuce. I opted for ranch dressing on the side. One could taste how fresh all the ingredients were. Presentation perfect. The staff was extremely warm & friendly and attentive yet not imposing.

We had dinner here the night before, starting with the garlic bread as an appetizer which didn't…read moredisappoint. I ordered the French dip, and my husband had the sausage sandwich. The French dip was one of the best I've had, especially because of the au jus--you could taste the authenticity. The same goes for the sausage sandwich. You can just tell many of the dishes are made in-house. Family photos are throughout the restaurant, and it's clear this is a family-owned business. The same people in the photos are the ones behind the counter, working hard and serving the holiday crowd with kindness. The food felt so homestyle and delicious that we came back for breakfast the next morning. We'll definitely be returning the next time we're back in PG.

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Giving my heart to my latte!

Fresh seasonal fruit cup

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Breakfast menu

International Cuisine

What was in this photo? It may be hard to tell as it was completely cleared in only a matter of…read moreminutes. We came in at 8:45, they close at 9. They still allowed us to order takeout. We got the Caesar salad with chicken and Chicken Bellagio. One word delicious. The customer service was amazing! William one of the workers was very kind and let us know what was in the area. Would absolutely come again.

I am so happy to recommend this excellent restaurant in beautiful Pacific Grove. If I lived there…read moreI'm sure I would be a regular patron! The cocktails are original and delicious, a lovely selection to choose from. The menu is truly international, so creative, and our choices were perfect! The chefs know their territories and present excellent regional food. There is so much on the menu that we want to enjoy, so we must return to Pacific Grove! The interior is beautifully appointed with careful attention paid to sound abatement. (Thank You!) The space is elegant, but warm and friendly. On top of everything I must add that the prices are affordable and the quality of the food and service is outstandingly high.

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Swiss and Mushroom Burger

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Mango Margarita

Wild Fish

A new favorite restaurant in Pacific Grove!! They offer indoor, outdoor and bar seating. If you go…read moreearly, you can take advantage of happy hour prices and a bar menu. Craving fresh fish, I opted for the salmon ceviche special to start which was served with crispy rice wafers and accompanied by a sauce bursting with flavor. For the main course, I ordered the sablefish which was marinated in another amazing sauce and served with roasted tomatoes and mushrooms. Ryan does a great job managing the bar, pouring beers, mixing cocktails and serving customers at the bar and in the bar area. He mixed up a mocktail that was delicious, and I appreciated that they offered several NA drink options. Overall, excellent food and service. I'll definitely be back.

Busy place this was, definitely recommend a reservation if coming for dinner. It seemed like a two…read moreman show but they were doing their best and still kind while doing it. They were the host, waiter, and bartenders all at the same time. Food was unique and farm to table, as they had told us. Everything seemed very fresh. Kumamoto oysters were great, popovers a bit bland but the whole fish for two was a great portion to share between two people. Excellent in flavor and in house made tater sauce was good. Cocktails were made well. Atmosphere interestingly dark, moody, but also nice with real candlelight.

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Vivolo's Chowder House

still my favorite clam chowder spot! got the same as last time and a 1/2 order of the garlic bread…read more Service was friendly and the staff were nice. one comment, I think they could benefit from a second restroom b/c I waited a good 15-20 minutes till I got inside and who knows how long it was occupied before I got there.

Service was amazing -…read more But the food was mid ok. Went for a bachelorette dinner Was hoping for a yummy dinner - Everything felt mid- and just ok - nothing spectacular

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Garlic and cheese bread

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If it's called a chowder house, they should have much better clam chowder!

Beach House Restaurant + Bar @ Lovers Point

We went here because it was convenient, right next to the beach and Stillwell Pool…read more They have a kids menu with a bunch of options. My daughter had the marinara pasta with Parmesan and she loved it, finished every bite. It's a good portion too, and it was only $9! In fact, she liked it so much we had to come back our second night so she could have it again. To me, the highlight was the warm bread. It's served with softened butter, and coming in from the chilly outdoors to it was heavenly. I also had their Beach House salad--the candied pecans and the tangy sweet vinaigrette were very good. The second night I tried their Filet Mignon Beef Stroganoff, and it was way too rich for me. I barely ate many and it unsettled my stomach. Should have just stuck with the salad again! Service inconsistent. First night our server was an older woman with a ponytail, didn't see her name. She was super unfriendly. Felt like we were inconveniencing her every time I asked her something. Second night our server was a Latino man, and he was fantastic. So friendly and helpful.

The beach house at lovers point has a phenomenal view!…read more Upon arrival the GM Axel promptly sat us early for our reservation! The server, Emily, was prompt with water and our bottle of wine. Belle Glos Pinot noir was delicious and paired well with our entrees, the filet mignon stroganoff and the lamb shank. We started with the west coast poke appetizer, which was a very good sized portion! We were impressed. I remember we even said "this is a very good sized portion!" Finished off with the banana cheesecake and the brownie fudge which was huge, we took some home. Axel is awesome, Emily was great, and Carmelita was warm and inviting! Beach house is top tier!

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Fire & Ice Wedge: wedge of iceberg lettuce, applewood smoked bacon, grape tomatoes, bleu cheese dressing, FireCracker shrimp

Filet Mignon Beef Stroganoff

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Roasted Airline Chicken Breast

Winston’s Brunch Place

Decided to try a different breakfast spot than our usual place and I am glad we did. From the…read moremoment we arrived we were greeted and welcomed. We had the option of indoor or outdoor dining. Based on previous yelp photos I decided to try the Cappuccino and I am glad I did. Made with LavAzza coffee I felt like I was in Italy again. My husband and I decided to share the combo plate. Scrambled eggs, potatoes, chicken sausage and a homemade biscuit. The salsa that it comes with is amazing so don't skip it. The portion was large and plenty for two people. The food was fresh, and flavorful. While the food was great, I think what makes this an amazing spot is the team. Each person was attentive, very friendly and made sure everyone had what they needed. I think we discovered a new spot and plan to be back. Oh and I love that they have a sign out front about providing a sandwich even if you can't afford one.

Delicious brunch options! We tried the lemon ricotta pancakes, OJ, and the baked kale and corned…read morebeef dish. Pancakes were so fluffy and the lemon sauce was nice and tart! The baked kale dish was super unique--I've never had anything like it. The béchamel sauce is light and not too heavy. Great balance of flavors and not too salty. Service was attentive and we got what we needed. It's a perfect spot for brunch with friends, a date, and with family. OJ was so fresh and sweet. Highly recommend!

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Bright and clean

Eggs, Eggs Benedict

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Smoked Salmon Benedict

Alfredo's Pastaria & Mozzarella Bar

We are regular customers and it lived up to all our expectations, as usual. Great food, service and…read morea very friendly and fun ambiance.

So glad we got to try it out, last time we were here we didn't have a reservation and we didn't get…read morea seat, so we made sure not to make that mistake again. The spot is a cute little restaurant, parking can be hard but you can find some in the neighborhood behind the shop. We were seated right away, service was great and the food was fantastic. The starter bread was really good, super soft and fresh. We got a Caesar salad, mozzarella with prosciutto app, and the Bolognese pasta. The mozzarella starter was amazing, so fresh and the arugula was light and flavorful. The star was the Bolognese, it was so fresh and amazing. That sauce was perfect. I will be dreaming of that for weeks. The chocolate flour less cake looked amazing but we were too full.. Next time!

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Interior

Pappardelle con Bolognese di Maiale

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Linguini A.O.P.

Rudolfo's

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117 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Frank P.

13 years ago

Foods okay but it's an expensive place to eat. Gets kind of noisy. The restaurant let in people with dogs without properly checking the certifications. One of the dogs started barking at another dog. Trained Service don't don't do that! I would bet both dogs we saw in there weren't Service Dogs, could have had fake Certifications. The Restaurant did nothing to prevent or stop the barking dog, they should have asked the customer to remove their dog. The Restaurant needs to do a better job of checking for proper Certification of Service Dogs. Learn the Law and get rid of the fakes. Next time it happens, I'll report it to the Health Department. Remember if it's against the law there are usually fines and other penalties. FOOD FOR THOUGHT! Certification does not mean an individual dog is a service dog. Neither does registration or an official looking ID. There are several businesses selling fake certification, registration and IDs over the internet. All a person need do to get these products is pay a fee. Their dog is never tested and their disability is never verified. All the product really means is that the person was willing to pay money to get it. If you question whether ID or certification is legitimate, a quick internet search of the name of the organization will reveal whether it is an agency that actually trains service dogs, or one that merely certifies, registers, or identifies any dog sight-unseen for a fee. How can you tell a REAL service dog if ID cards and certificates are actually meaningless? The US Department of Justice permits businesses to ask two questions: 1. Is this a service dog required because of disability? 2. What is it trained to do to mitigate the disability? Remember that "animals whose sole function is to provide emotional support, comfort, therapy, companionship, therapeutic benefits, or to promote emotional well-being are not service animals..." so a service animal must be specifically trained to DO something. Additionally, if the animal behaves inappropriately, by disrupting business, behaving aggressively, interfering with other patrons or clients (say by sniffing them or jumping up on them), or toileting inappropriately, then it doesn't matter whether it is a service dog because you can still exclude it on the basis of "fundamental alteration" or "direct threat." read more

Jose P.

2 years ago

During my recent visit to Passionfish in Pacific Grove, I experienced a dining adventure that perfectly captured the restaurant's commitment to sustainably sourced seafood and quality ingredients. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the ambiance and the warm, attentive service provided by Francisco, who ensured that every aspect of our meal was exceptional. We began the evening with a glass of Domaine du Facteur Sparkling Gamay Rosé, a delightful choice that set the stage for what was to come. Francisco's knowledge and enthusiasm for the menu were evident as he guided us through a selection of starters. We opted for the sea scallop appetizer, which was a true standout. The combination of caper-raisin-walnut relish with the artichoke risotto cake was both unique and utterly satisfying. Nancy's buttery buttermilk biscuit was next--a simple yet indulgent treat that paired wonderfully with the vibrant flavors of the dishes that followed. The beet salad was another highlight, offering a beautifully balanced dish with whipped gorgonzola dolce, yellow curry, and golden chutney that danced on the palate. The pecans added a perfect crunch, making this salad both refreshing and satisfying. For the main course, we couldn't resist the Alaskan halibut. It was cooked to perfection, with a flaky, tender texture that showcased the quality of the fish. The accompanying sweet white corn, tomato relish, and cotija cheese provided a delightful contrast, while the cilantro aioli added a fresh, herbaceous finish. As the evening drew to a close, Francisco surprised us with an off-menu dessert: peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream. The peaches, sourced fresh from the local Farmers Market, were a perfect mix of sweet and tart. The cobbler was made with their famous biscuit dough, adding a comforting, buttery element to the dessert, while the vanilla ice cream was rich and creamy, rounding out the meal on a high note. Passionfish not only delivers on its promise of sustainably sourced seafood and realistic wine prices but does so with creativity and care that makes every dish memorable. With Francisco's impeccable service and the thoughtfully curated menu, it's clear that Passionfish is a culinary gem in Pacific Grove. I'll certainly be returning to explore more of what this remarkable restaurant has to offer. read more

K T.

17 years ago

Its my own fault for not ordering fish at this restaurant, but the waiter sold me on the butternut squash savory bread pudding so I ordered that. My husband ordered a fish entree, and really enjoyed it. The menu itself was impressive and sustainable, and seemed like a good bet for dinner. We were seated at a small table in a long and narrow dining room by friendly staff, who continued to be very attentive throughout our dinner The rest of my review is based on a totally unexpected dining experience. The atmosphere at Passionfish is just ok, nice, but you could find it at any nice restaurant from here to San Francisco and beyond. Nothing to write home about. Modern, clean, blah. I had a rather nice view of black and white art on the opposite wall, while my husband had a lovely view of the glowing gas station right across the street, which everyone facing in that direction will have. The goat cheese salad was ok, but not memorable. My entree, which again is my own fault for not ordering the fish, was not pretty. Salted cauliflower (really? cauliflower?) with a large scoop of pleasant tasting bread pudding. Kind of weird all the way around, and needed some seasonal greenish vegetable on the plate (i.e. chard and not cauliflower). The clientele was all over 50, and some over 70, and yes some maybe even over 80. Not very hip. I don't mind dining with an older crowd, but I have to say that it was much older than the average crowd, not what one would expect from a hip & modern joint. It was grandparent status (fyi: I am in my 30s). AND, they do not have espresso, or regular coffee, only DECAF. Obviously catering to an older crowd - To their credit, they wrote "happy anniversary" in marker on our tablecloth, very sweet even though it was our honeymoon. Again, are we too young to dine here? It MUST be our fiftieth anniversary! They also brought us a complimentary scoop of plain vanilla ice cream, which is surely something their older guests must enjoy. All in all, it was just ok. I would not recommend, nor return. It just seemed so uncool. There are much better places around to try, but many other people have really loved it.... read more

J M.

13 years ago

Truth is, most folks I know here come to this place for the wine pricing because if you are paying for an expensive gourmet meal the wine pricing can take it from pricey to out of the universe. The wine selection here is excellent. If you like seafood this restaurant does a good job with making interesting, unusual, well presented plates. Portions are not huge. If you can't eat fish, the alternative items are few and heavy, overly rich with strong sauces and flavorings. They would do well to add a few plain non seafood meal items without the creative spice and ingredients pairings, unique sauces and such to the menu. Because we have one person in our family, my wife, who doesn't like fish, lamb, or duck, this is really not our first choice in dining. There's never been a chicken dish on the menu when we dined here, or a plain grilled meat dish, or non seafood dish without some kind of curry, nuts, avocado,mustard, heavy sauce, or ginger spicing on any of our visits. My wife has tended to order just a small salad, and dessert. It isn't that adventurous gourmet dining is a problem, I usually find it a joy. It's just that there is no alternative to the excessively creative items on the menu. There are folks who like plain food choices, or whose sytems don't take well to travel and food creativity. There should be at least one item on the menu for that person as there is one in every group. A top restaurant really should have a grilled item, chicken or beef, with simple sides for those who don't enjoy the foodie experience. At high price points everyone in the group should be able to leave the place with a smile and not a feeling that one person must drop by somewhere else to get a bite after dinner.We've always come here when invited with friends and usually had to pick up a snack for the plain diner later. read more

Ligaya T.

Elite 10

3496

1196

1114

17 years ago

You can stop rubbing your eyes now. Yes, there are 5 red stars above these words, and Passionfish earned every last glowing one of 'em. On a scale of one to cripplingly divine, it's tipping so positive the end of the see-saw would be hitting the ground were it not for my open, eager mouth. Did that even make sense? See what the serotonin rush does to me even thinking about this meal?! Let's set the stage here: The biggest thing to happen in this sleepy beach/retirement town is the Pro-Am golf tournament, so the last thing I expected to find was a little restaurant that would blow my socks off. Green/eco-friendly? Check, first one in the area. Sustainable? Naturally, being in such close proximity to the Aquarium. Chic? No Country Time Lemonade or gingham here. A toast? Yes, please. There's little mark-up on their dazzling selection, so go to town, baby. Now, start with the "Fisherman's Daughter" shrimp in oregano, garlic, lemon and feta cheese... Interlude while you moan: Does anyone find it ironic that there are glorious photos of marine life adorning every wall of this restaurant even though that's precisely what we've all come here to consume?! Is that part of the whole "appreciating the sacrifice" philosophy? Back on track here. Like I was saying, the fish. *eye roll to the back of the head* It's phenomenal. Take my paramour's dish for example, the real definition of "food envy": sturgeon/coconut rice/zucchini fritters/red curry vinaigrette. To be fair, my sablefish aka butterfish aka escolar aka walu (who knew?!) was nothing to turn one's nose up at. Crusted with pepper served with wasabi slaw and ginger vinaigrette, it was the quintessential Ted Walter creation: a strong mix of flavors, unique ingredients, surprising combination. Don't doubt the brilliance, just go make memories. read more

Melissa T.

15 years ago

This review is not about the food but about my last experience at Passionfish. I used to be a big fan but they have completely disappointed me. My boyfriend (at the time) made reservations online and also called the restaurant several days prior to the reservation date and informed them that he was planning to propose to me on a certain night. He asked them to decorate the table for us and to do something special for us and he would even pay extra for the special service. They ensured him that they did receive his request and not to worry because they "get requests like this all the time". Well, he proposed to me on the night that he made the reservation at Passionfish and to his disappointment, NOTHING was done as the restaurant promised. They completely ignored the request even though he made sure on BOTH the email and during the phone call that they knew it was a very special night for us. They did NOT deliver on their promise. No table decoration, not even a "congratulations". Completely disappointed. We wrote a letter to the owner and NO RESPONSE. No apology. All I can say is DO NOT MAKE RESERVATIONS for a special event as they do not follow through with their promises. If my fiance had known that they were not going to follow through with their promises, he would have made reservations somewhere else. You can't take back special moments, like your first kiss, your wedding day, or the night of a marriage proposal. Passionfish, you disappoint. We even traveled all the way from another state just to go to your restaurant. We are never coming back. read more

Gary S.

14 years ago

"Passion Fish is Not Dining!" The ambiance of Passion Fish significantly detracts from the overall dining experience. The primary seating is a long hallway of bench seats on both sides with cramped tables side by side by side by side. Your fellow diner's conversations can easily be heard and you can almost smell their food! Our meal, for two, consisted of a shared Dungeness crab cake / lime relish appetizer ($16), Sturgeon / white bean salad with spicy herb relish and Arctic Char / sweet onion rice / portabello fries with mushroom-dijon relish entrees ($24 each). We do not consider the prices to be inexpensive, so naturally we were both disappointed when our fish was not delectable. The oddity is the sides and flavors surrounding the fish were all very savory! The exception being the "lime relish" with the crab cake that fell short? The wine list did live up to its billing with an extensive selection at very reasonable prices! On this 2 night trip we also had lunch on the patio at Casanova's in Carmel and dinner at Restaurant 1833 in Monterey. Now if you want super expensive wines then go to those locales! Our server did an excellent job. He answered our litany of ingredients questions while keeping our glasses full and pacing the servings to perfection! For us, the "ambiance" transformed an overall very good meal to just a more than okay experience. Our true rating would be 3.5 but we cannot justify a 4! Bon Appetito! read more

Mason L.

650

5 years ago

Rather than think of this as a medium-high level restaurant, this was more of a local diner that is extremely overpriced. Would never go back. Black cod - waiter tried to pre-sell us the idea that having bones was normal so that wasn't a good start, and turned out that every bite had roughly 1-2 bones. I have never been to any restaurant in this price range where this is normal. Carrots were overly sweet and dominated the entire dish. Quinoa sticky and gluggy. Duck Confit - dish wasn't really finished...The duck seemed to be re-heated after being confit(ed), and was grey, dry, and never finished or glazed in the pan. Only okay part of the dish was probably the broccolini. Scallop - raisins dominated the entire dish, and there was only 1 overcooked, dry scallop on top of a croquette of some sort. Overpriced and not good, unless you love raisins and want the dish to just taste of raisins. The single scallop was also first coated in a starch of some sort before searing. This made a sticky / unpleasant texture to what could simply have been a pan-seared scallop Fried Squid - squid was very blonde-ly fried, not seasoned. The accompanying salad was the opposite, where it was overly seasoned and covered in citrusy sauce. Herbs were not neatly picked, rather they just seemed to throw stalks and everything roughly chopped together and call it a salad. Overall, the taste was poor, service was okay, value was terrible. read more

Kirk M.

Elite 24

378

591

3 years ago

Passionfish in Pacific Grove is a culinary gem that transcends expectations, and my recent dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The restaurant's commitment to sustainable seafood and locally sourced ingredients is evident in every aspect, making it a standout destination for seafood enthusiasts. The Fried California Squid was a delightful introduction to the meal, offering a perfect balance of crispy texture and succulent tenderness. The delicate seasoning allowed the natural flavors of the squid to shine, providing a deliciously satisfying appetizer that set the tone for the evening. Nancy's Buttery Buttermilk Biscuit, a signature item on the menu, was a revelation. The warm, flaky layers and rich buttery taste were a heavenly start to the meal. The grilled shrimp, white bean cassoulet, sun dried tomatoes, lemon-herb vinaigrette showcased perfectly cooked, plump shrimp with a tantalizing smoky flavor. The steamed mussels, linguini with fennel butter were impeccably fresh and infused with the essence of the sea, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that left a lasting impression. The service at Passionfish was friendly that enhanced the overall dining experience and I was able to make a reservation on OpenTable. read more

Sarah S.

6 months ago

We've been longtime patrons of Passionfish and have enjoyed many meals here over the years, which made tonight's experience especially disappointing. Since the recent change in ownership, the quality unfortunately seems to have declined, though I can't say that with certainty. Overall, the food was underwhelming. The scallops were rubbery, and the side dishes didn't taste particularly fresh. The beet salad was overwhelmingly arugula, with very little of the other ingredients. The wine and sparkling options by the glass were extremely limited and not very appealing. Service was also lackluster and did not make up for the food. Dessert was the final letdown: the mint espresso mud pie was essentially a frozen block of bland ice cream smothered in chocolate sauce. We were celebrating my wife's birthday and spent a significant amount of money, expecting the level of quality and care we'd come to associate with Passionfish. Unfortunately, the experience fell far short of that. Sadly, we won't be returning. read more

Nancy L.

119

115

7 years ago

Amazing NYE dinner here with my boyfriend during our trip to California! We shared the warm brussel sprouts appetizer and I also got one of the Nancy's biscuits (fantastic!!) and my main was arctic char with some interesting citrus flavors. My boyfriend had the lamb and he really liked it. For dessert I had the mud pie, which had both mint chip and espresso ice cream, and it was fantastic. They have lots of reasonable half-bottles of wine, and I really enjoyed our selection. It was perfect for a light-weight like me. My only complaint was that they were super aggressive about clearing plates. I would literally have my final bit of food on my fork lifting it to my mouth and someone would be asking if they could take the plate. Multiple times we had to wave them away because we were still eating something. I hope they'll train the staff better on that. I'd come back here in a heartbeat and hope I will have the chance to do just that. read more

Ben F.

13 years ago

This place was recommended by a someone at our Hotel. Went there with a few friends for the first time Saturday Night. If you're on a diet and like to spend allot of money on almost no food, this is the place to go. Portions are small. Someone thinks pretty highly of their cooking skills, but you'll feel good knowing, you're paying for their kids college. Everyone in our group when home hungry. The environment has lots to be desired. Saturday night was to loud to make good conversation without yelling across the table. The room was like a hallway, long and narrow, bring your own ear plugs to help cut the reverb. Not a good way to relax and enjoy a good meal, albeit the meal wasn't that good. Service was okay but the menu was confusing, just a sheet of paper with fancy names and a number to show the price ( for example:26). WE WON'T BE COMING BACK!!! read more

Cyanna d.

18 years ago

Thanks for those that reviewed this restaurant. I ate there with hubby on Monday night and enjoyed every single bite and sip! We started out with the fried oysters. Usually I don't like them that much bc they're slimy but these ones were so delectable! Hubby liked the greens in the middle as well. I had the scallops with the tomato truffle butter sauce.....YUUUUUUUUMMY!!! It was three scallops but they were HUGE! I kicked myself for eating too much of the bread (even though it's perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside!!). I had the chardonnay by the glass which went so well with my scallops. Thanks to the waiter for suggesting that since I'm not a wine-o. Drew had the tilapia and that was really good as well...not as good as mine though! ha! Overall a great restaurant and well worth every cent! Eat there! read more

Pierre J.

1180

716

1038

6 years ago

Bizarre. They make you mask up when a sever comes to the table... and GET IRRITATED when you don't. Mask on, mask off constantly throughout the mediocre dinner. They brought out two meals (outside, in cold weather) and we had to wait another 10 minutes for the other two meals. All meals freaking cold, to include the mashed potatoes with the albacore. Honestly, I will be contacting my personal injury attorney as well: my son was sitting at the table and turned his head right to look at a seagull. The idiots that run this restaurant left all stray zip ties for their evening lights Unclipped. As my son turned his head, the zip tie poked his right eye. A busboy randomly apologized and clipped two ties at our angry request. We got ZERO follow up or concern from this bizarre restaurant. I hope they are insured. Will not be returning. read more

Jj R.

Elite 25

110

2 years ago

Located in the picturesque town of Pacific Grove, away from the busy tourist spots, Passionfish is a hidden gem for food lovers. The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience that highlights the chef's culinary expertise. With a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, Passionfish caters to a mature audience looking for a refined dining experience. The menu features a variety of dishes, from tender lamb to fresh Alaskan halibut, all expertly and beautifully presented. What truly sets Passionfish apart is its exceptional staff. Their genuine enthusiasm and hospitality create a warm and inviting environment for guests, making every visit feel special. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by Passionfish and indulge in a truly memorable meal that will ignite your passion for delicious food! read more

Simm G.

13 years ago

Amazing find. Were passing through on vacation and my boyfriend wanted seafood. We looked around at the touristy places available near the Aquarium and he wanted to check out a local place. I found this place on Yelp (thank you fellow yelpers!) What a find! Everything was good from the wine (recommended by our server) to my seabass entree. It was an amazing evening and well worth the money we spent here. The only part I was not as impressed with was in the dessert. I ordered a creme brulee and panna cotta. If I remember correctly, I had a lemon verbena creme brulee and while that sounded interesting it did not work very well in terms of flavors. We got extremely lucky in landing a table right before they got busy. I recommend making reservations. read more

Pepper M.

17 years ago

Wonderful food at a reasonable price: we happened to stumble onto passionfish during our winter road trip down highway one and we would gladly return any time we're in the area. the quality to price ratio was one of the best we've ever encountered, thanks in part to their philosophy of charging essentially retail cost for their wines. the food was also of excellent quality, featuring wonderful seafood. our favorite was the ahi starter with a crisp, wasabi-flavored apple slaw that was surprisingly tasty. all the dishes were excellent, and the entrees were surprisingly large. we had a meal that was easily equal to something you might get in san francisco for a fraction of the cost. read more

Jacquie A.

12 years ago

My second time at Passionfish and it was as delicious as the first time. My husband and I took another couple from the Bay Area, who enjoyed their meal as well. Three out of the four of us were disappointed that they were out of the Cioppino :( I started with the scallop on a risotto pancake - so yummy! Followed by the crab and avocado salad as my appetizer - just perfect for a nice light dinner The only real negative I have about Passionfish is that every time I walk in the door I am hit with such a strong fish odor. They really need to work on the air circulation. Do give it a try though - I know you will love the food! read more

Joey A.

10 months ago

What a gem! Passionfish delivers an experience that is both innovative and refined. The smoked trout ceviche was a masterclass in balance--bright, delicate, and deeply flavorful. The duck confit arrived with perfect texture, rich yet not heavy, while the sea scallops were seared with precision, showcasing their natural sweetness. Each dish was crafted with intention, the ingredients harmonizing seamlessly without a note out of place. Service matched the kitchen's excellence: attentive, gracious, and genuinely accommodating. Bravo to a restaurant that elevates coastal dining with elegance and ease. read more

Gil G.

17 years ago

love Passionfish and it deserves a solid 5 stars in all areas except service. The waiter was a little slow, although nice and very well informed, but slow and sometimes we were left wondering if we were forgotten. The food is awesome- I had the Monterey bay prawns with angel hair pasta in a spicy lime sauce. It was excellent, and like everything on the menu, very innovative. My companion had sea scallops in a tomato basil sauce, it was to die for. The atmosphere is calm contemporary with a nice relaxed feel. Oh, the wine selection, outstanding and the prices can't be beat! read more

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