The clam chowder is the best ever. The waiters were polite and efficient. We had a lovely window seat. With 6 of us we were able to try several dishes. Swordfish and tuna were delish. Charging $4 for a ginger ale refill is why they only get 4 stars instead of five. We spent plenty of money on calamari and other appetizers, soup and salad and main dishes. The extra drink charge was over the top. Did I mention best clam chowder ever?
(4)
Rachel C.
Great view but that also comes with the rest of the boardwalk stretch. Definitely a tourist trap deal. Mediocre, overpriced food. When I asked if the fried fish tacos could be ordered grill I was told "that's not possible" - what? Portions were stingy, service was nothing memorable. Good drinks though.
(1)
Nahal S.
Excellent food quality, me and my boyfriend found it on yelp and we were both satisfied with our orders. I had clam chowder which was one of the best I've ever tried so far. And a loaded bloody mary . The ahi tuna that my boyfriend ordered was awesome. I'd go definitely for that next time.
(5)
GEL R.
Superb service & the food was delicious! Jesse couldn't have been any more attentive & the entire staff. Hubbs ordered the surf & Turk & his cut of meat was deelish. I ordered the the clam chowder on sourdough bowl. Wasn't too salty, just the perfect blend of ingredients. Hubbs got a cocktail, can't remember the name but it was really refreshing. I think it was rasberry something. Anyways, our overall experience was awesome. Timing on everything was on spot. The wait for our food was just fine, not too long nor was it too quick. The manager, which I believe his name was Christian came by as well to check in. Overall we would definitely be coming back to dine here when in Monterey again.
We chose this out of the many nearby restaurants because the concierge at our hotel gave us a coupon for a free appetiser there. My daughter and I enjoyed the Caesar Salad with fresh, in-season California salmon. My brother said his prime rib with lobster tail was also great. It was a little noisy, due to the many diners, but that's always a good sign. The staff was efficient and fun. Ah, and their creme brulee is excellent!
(4)
Amilie D.
Loved it!! Great atmosphere, great staff and GREAT food. Went with the kids and everyone was satisfied. The best fish and chips I've ever had. I strongly recommend the Garden Gimlet, it was fantastic! Fantastic place, and wow what a view!
(5)
Michelle T.
Went on a spur of the moment trip to Monterey with friends and landed at The Fish Hopper without any consultation from Yelp - fortunately, their food was good. I had Broiled Swordfish on a bed of mixed veggies and it was perfectly cooked. We also ordered Oysters for appetizer and it paired really well with the horseradish sauce it came with. What we didn't like is that they took too long in between servings that I managed to take pictures considering I was hungry. Ambience was great too! We were seated outdoor and had a vast view of the ocean. It was getting dark when we got here but I imagine it to be beautiful in the daytime. Our waiter Mark, I should also note, was friendly and attentive. I would recommend this place for couples, it looks like a good "date" restaurant. All in all......it was an expensive, spontaneous get together. Lol. I'll give The Fish Hopper 4.5 stars but I'll be generous and just round it up :D
(5)
Kate T.
**VALENTINE'S DAY EDITION!!!** Significant took me here for Valentine's Day last February and we TOTALLY LOVED THE FOOD HERE! Apparently, this place was super vibrant on Valentine's Day...lots of couples coming in to have their typical dinner date, so I was glad that he has made a reservation in advance. When we checked-in, the host was courteous and super organized, despite the line almost going out the door. We received a notification light up thing (not sure what they call it) and were told that we can go upstairs to the bar for some appetizers and drinks.,, We TOTALLY took full advantage of the bar, ordering as many appetizers and some hard drinks while waiting for our table to become available. For appetizers, we had the Crispy Fried Calamari, Crispy Coconut Prawns, and the award winning Clam Chowder (WHICH WAS TO DIE FOR!) The Calamari was out of this world! It was freshly made and didn't give that odd after-taste (which determines the freshness of the calamari). It also wasn't super chewy as if you were biting into a piece of gum. We killed the plate in about 5-10 minutes! The Coconut prawns were also amazing! It's lighly breaded with a wonderful blend of prawn/coconut (not too excessive, though). The prawns were not tough to eat, and melted in your mouth. A definite must-try! Lastly, we tried the clam chowder, which I highly recommend! You absolutely cannot walk away from this restaurant without trying it! In my opinion, I thought it was much better than the clam chowder in Boudin! D: The seafood in it was SUPERRRR tasty (not overly chewy)- the broth definitely refreshing. It's difficult to express the food-gasm you'll experience after trying this chowder, it's one-of-a-kind! 30 minutes later, our table was ready, so we walked downstairs to get seated... I ordered the Chicken Monterey for my entree. The chicken breast was incredibe- tender, with a crispy breaded crust, The plate was mise en place, and very fancy, yet affordable (only $20!) The sides included artichoke hearts, basil, tomatoes, and seasonal rice... enough to leave this place with a happy food coma. I would DEFINITELY recommend trying this place out! Whether it's a casual night out with friends/family or a romantic date with your bf/gf/spouse, it's definitely something that cannot be missed! Ciao!
(5)
Jonathan S.
Could we give zero stars in reviews for places that suck and not in the good way? That would be a better option until this place gets new management. Sad and what makes it worse is that this is apparently a family company with two guys who could not have cared less. I always want to see a family succeed. I like family businesses. But you can't put bad management in charge and expect to succeed. Before I rip into these two clowns, let me relate the story. So, we get there and they tell us that they have no table. And, well, they don't really have two tables close to each other. After some discussion, we agree to take the two tables. They seat my in laws at a table for 6 with half the party. Right next to them is another table. But, apparently we can't have that one. They sit the other 5 of us halfway across the restaurant. We were so far away, I couldn't see them without standing up. Seriously, I had to stand up to see them! I am not the world's tallest guy, but it may have been a Tiger Woods chip shot at the AT&T Pro Am to reach their table from our table! As we are walking past their table to our table, we notice a round table set for 6 that is clean and empty. It is 2 tables away from theirs. Its shorter than a late 70s MG to get from one table to the other. How hard can this be? But, they keep us going and going like the Energizer bunny. So, maybe they had a party of 6 for that table, even though we were sat at a table for 6? I don't know. But not 5 minutes later, they sit 5 people at that empty table. Well, that is when the worst customer service ever started. First, we have Steven. Steven thinks he is smarter than he is. He is a cocky guy who wants the world to be impressed that he is one of several managers at a small restaurant in Monterey. No one is really impressed by him. I think Steven thinks he has some idea what he is doing because someone called him a manager. If you are going to be cocky, you should at least be able to back it up for more than 5 minutes before you have to turn me over to your general manager. Let's just say that a McDonald's manager would have been more impressive than Steven. Then we have Adam. Adam apparently thinks that he can talk around issues without ever explaining to the customer that he may have been wrong. Adam told me that when they have a party of 11, they have to have two different waiters help the party. Under this thinking, any reservation for 11 or more would have to be sat in two separate areas of the restaurant. Why would you do this? And why wouldn't you tell people this when they make the reservation? It is simple courtesy. Adam is not comfortable enough talking to guests to do it out in public. So, instead of talking to me in front of the hostess stand, he brings me to a back room by the kitchen. It felt a little like a New Jersey mobster scene. In all of my years, I have never had a manager, let alone a GENERAL MANAGER (as his name tag makes so very clear) refuse to talk to me in public. Then, when this is pointed out to Adam, he tells me that I don't understand how his restaurant runs. That is what everyone wants to hear. The GM is smarter than the customer. Apparently, customers in shorts are not smart enough to understand how to cook and serve food. I explained to Adam that there was this open round table they could have sat us at. He tells me that is not possible since the people sitting at the round table asked for a round table and he has to honor all requests. Um, we made a reservation and requested one table for 11. When you told us that wasn't possible, we then requested two tables close together. How come our requests were ignored and you honored theirs? Adam goes back to his favorite answer: I am just not simply smart enough to understand how it works. Adam then explains that there is simply nothing he could do and we should have known this before. It is our fault for making the reservation. It is our fault that there is not one table big enough for 11. (Of course, he ignores the fact that there were two parties that night bigger than ours that had long tables put together.) It is our fault that he needs 2 servers to wait on a big table. (Of course, Daniel had our table and the round table that the other people sat at.) It is our fault that we simply aren't smart enough to understand this. I then asked him for his boss. I figured a general manager must report to someone. But, apparently, Adam is the HMFIC. He told me he doesn't have a boss. It must be cool to be a manager and not have anyone to report to. He reports to no one. He told me I could call HR if I wanted to file a complaint. Now, I get calling HR if there is harassment. I could understand calling HR if I was an employee. But can someone explain to me what HR has to do with a customer who is upset? As an aside, Mr. Shake, the actual owner, may be upset to learn that Adam thinks he is in charge.
(1)
Bobby P.
We stopped here for lunch on our last day in Monterey. We had stopped here on our first afternoon and just shared the clam chowder in the bread bowl at the stand out in front and I had liked it so much I wanted some more of the chowder before heading up to San Francisco. We got a great table on the patio overlooking the bay on a fairly sunny afternoon. We had a free hummus appetizer (coupon from motel) with chips, olives, and tomatoes. I had a bowl of the chowder (my opinion the best in both Monterey and San Francisco) and split a large California salad (special of the day) with greens, carrots, tomatoes, avocado, bay shrimp, grilled shrimp, and crab meat with a Loius dressing. Very good service, great view, great food at a fairly reasonable price considering the setting. Wished we would have had time for dinner here instead of just lunch. Highly recommend, especially if you can get a table on the patio by the windows overlooking the bay.
(4)
Stephanie M.
So yummy! Great food, drinks and views! Many options on their menu. Priced accordingly-the quality and quantity are definitely well matched with the prices. I had the swordfish, it was perfect!
(5)
Gil L.
Wonderful experience and exceptional service. Food was excellent and people were very friendly. Recommended for anyone who visits Monterey. A+++++
(5)
K S.
I enjoyed my lobster dinner! It was delicious! If you like calamari, order it for an appetizer ;-) My only negative was my alcoholic drink of choice, it was a bit watered down.
(5)
Michael B.
A tad over-priced but very good food. Tasty ribeye. Lobster a bit overcooked but flavorful. Overall a great success. Killer view also.
(5)
drusilla s.
Short review: This place is a five-star foodie's delight with full-on ocean views and top-tier service tucked between culinary monstrosities like Bubba Gumps. Do not be fooled - Fish Hopper is not a tourist restaurant - this is the real, uber-delicious deal. The food is fresh, artfully prepared, and delicious. Go, go, go. The details: After a couple hours of walking around the aquarium, we headed over to the aquarium cafe for lunch, and lo and behold, there was a herd of about 75 head of cattle I mean people waiting in a massive line to get in. Moo, boo....enough with the massive crowds! We left to try our luck on Cannery Row. We walked about two blocks west to Fish Hopper. They seated us right away, even though it was peak lunch hour. Both the hosts - the one behind the desk and the one who seated us - friendly, smiling, and accommodating. We got a window seat with a full-on view of the bay sweeping off to the north. Beautiful. Within 30 seconds of being seated, a server was at our table offering sourdough bread fresh from the oven, steaming as we broke it open, with real butter that was at room temperature and could actually be spread on the bread. Within one minute of being seated, our server Liz was at our table, asking what we wanted to drink and whether we had any questions about the menu. From here on out, she shall be known as Liz the Rockstar. The lunch specials looked enticing but like too much food, so I ordered two appetizers: the grilled artichoke and crab cakes. My dining companion ordered a bowl of clam chowder and fish and chips. Liz the Rockstar brought our meal in about five minutes! She got the order perfect. See photo. The artichoke was dressed with a gorgeously-balanced balsamic vinaigrette. The crab cakes were full of real crab, and cooked perfectly: crisp on the outside, tenderly-gooey-licious inside. The accompanying mango/papaya salad was a refreshing counterpoint to the crab. Both plates had enough lettuce and greens to comprise a nice salad. I managed to steal a taste of my companion's clam chowder, and it was exceptional. Throughout our meal, various servers made sure our beverages were fresh and empty plates were removed. While we were eating, the manager Bryn Gilpin came over to ask how things were going. They were going AWESOME, Bryn. Was there anything at all that we needed? Not a thing - the service here was as good as we have ever experienced for a luncheon. And the food, which we'd expected to be reheated simulated food products from a giant plastic drum dropped off the back of a Sysco industrial food service truck for the tour bus trade, was the complete opposite - a completely gorgeous, fresh foodie's delight, with artful but simple presentations and lovely blends of flavors. We didn't order dessert, but take a look at the photo of the offerings Liz the Rockstar brought by our table - all looked super yum. The check came promptly and the bill was settled in under 5 minutes. We eat out a lot, and it has been a long time since we've received the level of service we got at Fish Hopper. If you enjoy fresh, well-prepared food, and you'd like a gorgeous water view and great service, this is THE place to go on Cannery Row.
(5)
Deborah D.
As we were decidng where to eat, we received a free sample of their clam chowder, and IT WAS AWESOME!! Naturally we had to eat here. Ordered the clam chowder and sourdough bread, and the basket of calamari. Both tasted amazing!! TIP-- If you order from the stand instead of the restaurant you get MORE for LESS.
(5)
Ashley L.
Great food, but they took my plate before I was finished twice. Got free appetizer coupon from hotel and free bday dessert for my moms bday. We shared and it was yummy!
(3)
Leddee H.
Every table in this restaurant features a view of the Pacific Ocean! It's beautiful and breathtaking. The food is okay, but their clam chowder is worth the drive from San Jose. We had the open faced crab sandwich, although very tasty, it had a lot of bread and a little crab. We also tried the grilled sardine appetizer special, and one sardine was grilled perfectly, but the other one was over cooked. The little one had the ~$10 kid's mac and cheese, but it came with a drink. Although the food was okay, the view and ambience bumped it to 3 stars. Check it out for the view and the chowder. They offer to-go clam chowders in case the line is too long for the restaurant.
(3)
Mai P.
The clam chowder and seafood platter was good. I was just disappointed that they messed up my pasta twice and I didn't want to ask them to make it a third time.The oysters were really fresh.
(3)
Chuck H.
I have been coming to the Fish Hopper consistently each time I visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium since my high school days. I am officially now a Daddy and still make the effort to stop in. However, one thing that really caught me off guard during my first trip with my first child is that the place is somewhat not kid friendly. For those who have been here before and for those who really want to enjoy a meal by the sea, I can understand the need for peace and not being disturbed. Maybe I just didn't notice before since I've always come in solo or on a date but here is a heads up if you plan on bringing in children or a stroller: (1) there is no stroller parking. You'll need to put it in the hallway next to the restaurant leading into the various kiosks that share the retail space and (2) they will politely point out a sign of "rules" for children. Specifically, "if you are unable to keep your children under control, you will be asked to remove them from the dining area." I think this is the first restaurant I've ever been to that had to be so absolutely blunt about children. Somehow, this just made me feel uncomfortable but my logical side understands the need why. Maybe someone else can chime in on this point. So all my reviews start at 5 stars and go from there: (-1) Ding 1 star for the slightly blunt signage at the front (-1) Ordered 2 appetizers, the famous clam chowder bowl, and bacon wrapped scallops. The freshness of the scallops exploded in my mouth and I just absolutely had to use every last piece of bread on the table to wipe the bowl clean. The bread bowl was overly filling so I kept it for the next day to re-toast and slice, taking it on the road to the Cal Academy in SF. But overall, I noticed that this time around, everything on the plate was really salty. Being in a hurry to get back to the South Bay, I cleared what I could and took off. (+1) Location just cannot be beat. We were able to get a dining area right above the water. Sadly it was hard to enjoy with such a young child, but still, it was nice. Normally I would write super long reviews and really delve into every aspect of the experience, but given the sheer number of reviews for this place, the quality speaks for itself. However, I just wanted to point out that really odd signage about children and just leave it at that.
(4)
Sergio G.
For my Birthday last month I decided to take the accountant and Sara & Sofia to Monterrey.. We had a great time at the aquarium and bells were ringing to have dinner. We haven't eaten here in a while so we decided to go for it. The Fish Hopper has been here for ages and it is very popular as well. We sat on the covered deck which gives you that beautiful California Coast Wind which is like music to my ears. The food to me was very very tasty and even thought it's a tourist hot spot I still like what they have to offer. Appetizer was the fried Calamari, and boy was it tasty as always. Clam Chowder cup and the waiter was laughing because I wouldn't tel him to stop on the Pepper. I love Pepper, like a lot . For dinner I had the Shrimp Louie Salad was what I had for Dinner, When you look at the picture it looks delicious, and it is but boy I really dislike Bay Shrimp, they are so tiny but that is what the salad comes with. Everything else on the salad was really mouth watering . Sara \& Sofia had a Clam Chowder bread bowl in Garlic bread. I think that it was actually really good. The Manager came to our table and asked us how was our dinner, and that the Clam Chowder was " The Award Winning Clam Chowder" I asked him what makes it better than any other local Chowder, well it was a city award for competing against all the other local restaurants. and was very proud of that 1st prize. . The accountant had the Macadamia Crusted Tilapia . It was pretty darn good. The presentation and fish was cooked to perfection. Like I am craving one right now. The accountant was getting thirsty and she ordered a Moscato_Cavot_Italy . Now that was some really good wine . ( she is so silly, when she found out how much the glass cost she made sure she crak every drop or probably liked tee inside of the wine glass) Since I always pay for dinner she made sure that everything was correct. Let's say she is more conscience about how she spends her money how I spend my money. Anyways, the food was great and the service was excellent as well too. We left satisfied then went back to do more shopping. Will we be back ?? ????? Of course we will.
(4)
Mike S.
Not a good place at all! The manager must not have kids because we were asked to leave if our son didn't quiet down. The funny thing was that the people behind us were louder than our son. No one asked them to leave. Our waiter never offered refills and only stopped at our table once. I had to ask to pay. We all sat there for about 10 minutes after we were done eating. I had to stop the waiter to ask for our bill. The food was mediocre. I think it's frozen fish. We went there for the fish and the view, the view was great. I gave the bus boy a separate tip because he was the only person who was nice and would refill my tea. The waiter got what he deserved, zero! Glad I didn't drive 2 hours just to eat there.
(1)
Karen H.
It took over 25 minutes in the outside to go order place for a burger and calamari. After 30 minutes we cancelled the order and went to eat elsewhere. Are you for real?
(1)
Cynthia V.
Great food, great view. Love this restaurant!! My favorite is the clam chowder in a bread bowl and the surf and turf plate!! They taste amazing!!!
The only good thing about this restaurant is its location, which is right by the beach, you could enjoy the sunset and look over as the wave clash onto the shore.The service and the food is truly not worth it; It was overpriced and the service nor the food was par with its high prices. First let me begin with the service, the waiter could not even utter his words in english properly, for a while there we thought he was the busboy. Yes this is not exactly a fine dining restaurant, but the least the establishment could do is to ensure the waiter could utter his words properly in ENGLISH please, its important for the standards when its charging an average of 40 dollar a plate. The language barrier caused him to incorrectly take our order and sent the wrong bread bowl as our starter. We ordered the Garlic not plain. Also, he did not really know his menu, which was odd for this sort of restaurant. The elements done well, is the outfit, which was well attired in white shirt and slacks with a bow tie. Secondly, the food was truly mediocre, given the price we thought it would come with quality. The Garlic Clam Chowder was over salted and very bland, almost tasted like it was from a can, and not fresh at all. The oysters were surprisingly good and was well presented, so a plus there. The abalone at $78 was truly disappointing, the presentation was hideous and the style cooked was poor. I wonder if they hired college frat students to cook. It was basically an overcooked abalone, toped with a horrid wine sauce that did not complement the dish at all and not to mention the sloppy presentation of the bland spinach. The Red Snapper I Ordered was too small of a portion for $38, and tasted again very mediocre nothing to shout about. Reading the past reviews prior to visiting, I had hoped better from this restaurant, nevertheless I left very disappointed and $190 wasted down the drain. I would never come back to this establishment due to its mediocre food that is overpriced, lack of standards in its hired staff and its overrated reputation. The only thing I enjoyed about my experience was the view, which came with a heavy price. I would stay clear of this establishment.
(1)
Michael S.
We had a nice lunch at the touristy but still good The Fish Hopper restaurant, located just down the street from the MontereyBay Aquarium. We dined on the lovely patio, where you can hear the water as well as see it. We watched a wild sea otter and then a seal frolic in the kelp during our meal. The service was out of hand. I liked the sample of clam chowder on our way in. But our server didn't have to walk us through the menu by quite literally flipping through the menu that I was holding in my hands (emphasizing all the priciest dishes, of course), and she didn't have to push the booze and the wine as aggressively as she did. It was also crazy annoying when probably four different busboys asked my wife at least five times each if she wanted more Diet Coke. No joke - we appreciated the attentiveness at the beginning but it got insane. We initially ordered the grilled shrimp from the children's menu for our little ones, but when it came out with only three shrimp we ordered a second entree for them as well. The shrimp came with steamed broccoli and cabbage and basmati rice, which were especially delicious dragged through the butter sauce served under the shrimp (did I mention there were only three!?!?). Their shrimp was also served beautifully - one of the more refined children's menu presentations I've seen. All was delicious. My wife and I started with (surprisingly small) cups of the clam chowder, which were excellent although a little unnaturally thickened. Then we split the hot open faced crab sandwich. This portion too was much more modest than we expected, and I would have left hungry had my kids not left unfinished some of their meals. The hot sourdough bread was also wonderful. The desserts looked great but we passed. Despite a couple minor quibbles with portion size and service, the food itself and beautiful setting were both excellent at The Fish Hopper.
(4)
Joseph B.
As with all places on Cannery row it can be expensive. Depending on what you order. I had the chicken breast with rice & vegetables my daughter ordered the fried prawns. And both were under 20$. I had a great time and the food was good. The service was good. I recommend sitting anywhere by the window especially in the evening the view is bad ass. I had a great time and did not feel rushed to eat Cuz the place was crowded. My daughter had a blast I will definitely be back
(4)
Cameron R.
"Come for the food. Its amazing." Main Feedback: Great food with flavor and tecture that will rekindle your delight for good food. Ive had a lot of fries from a lot of places...this place has the best garlic fries I've ever had. Salmon was great with awesome sauce. Would return for another meal soon. Pros: Great food. Great food. Great food. Great view from balcony. Good service and friendly staff. Award winning clam chowder. Cons: Drinks are just okay. Pretty average bread, which is complementary. Food took a bit of time to cook.
(5)
Angela M.
Please do not go here for the food. For the price you pay it's a horrible value, as the food is basically inedible. The views were incredible though - we were sat at a table right on the water and at night it was a great scene with the water of the bay crashing against the shore. However, for what i paid i was sorely disappointed by the food.
(3)
Sean M.
After my review I was contacted by someone from the restaurant, a nice gesture, next time I make it up to Monterey, I may give it another go.
(3)
B J.
Chose this place based on other yelp reviews and proximity to the Monterey Bay Aquarium where we spent the day for Father's day. Upon arrival, we got to see sample dishes of their food and drink specials for the day and all looked fabulous. I gave my name to the hostess and we were seated right away. We were seated in their outdoor area right along the water. We had a great view. I did notice that underneath our table was spilled food and some trash. that was a bit of a turn off for me. Anyway, our waitress arrived quickly and took our drink orders. My boyfriend had the special drink of the day and I don't remember the name but it was huge and had a kick. The bartenders did not skimp on the alcohol and they get an A for presentation. For starters we ordered fried calamari, which was not served as the traditional rings which I prefer but mini steaks. I wasn't fond of the texture but after a few bites I began to enjoy it. We also had the crab stuff mushrooms, clam chowder with added Dungeness crab and coconut prawns. All delicious. Our main entrees of the sea bass and ultimate seafood pasta were both very good. Even our daughter's kids meal of baked chicken and veggies was appetizing. We were very happy with the service, appearance and taste of the food. We talked about that meal for 2 days afterwards. We would definitely return next time we are in the area.
(4)
Corinna T.
4.5 stars for good food, service, and a view. As my friend and I entered the restaurant, we noticed that they had food replicas featuring the main entrees. They looked amazing and delicious so we touched them because we thought they were fake. Oh... wait they're real! Oops. We had the option to choose indoor or outdoor seating, so we sat outdoors since it wasn't too cold. The view was amazing and right by the beach. We ordered two entrees, the halibut and the dish with coconut prawns and some other type of fish. While waiting for the food, we ate some complimentary bread with butter. The food was delicious, and the waiter who served us was friendly and helpful. The manager of the restaurant even came by to ask how everything was. Overall, a great place for dinner after spending a day in Monterey.
(4)
Linda M.
This place is excellent!! Excellent food, drinks, views and service! We will definitely be back!!
(5)
Eva M.
If I could give less stars for service I would! Walked in looking forward to having a great lunch with the family, unfortunately your not allowed to bring strollers into the dining area. The front attendant said they would keep " an eye" on the stroller... Finally getting all the needed stuff from the stroller and entering the dining room, another staff member mentions that if a child is " disruptive" they would need to be removed from the dining room!! Forget it then!!! To go it is and guess what the attendant says: " ya that's probably the better idea" F Off Fish Hopper! (;
(1)
Bill H.
My wife, son (2years old), and I went to Fish Hopper 2 times over the past few days. The first night we noticed a posted policy stating that noisy and disruptive children would be asked to leave. We did not think anything of it, and had an enjoyable dinner. The second night we went to dinner, the hostess asked us to become familiar with the policy. Following another enjoyable dinner service, I asked why they would single us out regarding the policy. A different hostess told us that it was the owner's request to tell everyone with small children to read the policy before being seated. This is type of request has lost this restaurant our business going forward. The wait staff was very accommodating and the food was above average. The fact that ownership and management is so rude has cost them our business going forward.
(1)
Christina H.
This place is amazing! We were seated in a pier-like room but inside. The whole thing is windows which is perfect for viewing all the sea life and birds. Aside from the view the food absolutely to die for. My mom had the abalone and I had the flat iron steak. The abalone was perfectly cooked and delicious! The steak was like butter! It is absolutely the most tender steak I've ever eaten and was perfectly dresses with a light teriyaki sauce. Mango/papaya salsa was served along with it as well. I will come to this place again and again when I am in the area and I recommend that you do the same.
(5)
Trudy F.
Second visit in as many weeks, and I don't even live in Monterey. It's the atmosphere, polite and efficient service, and miraculously got table 8....best seat in the house. Dining this time with my adventurous daughter, she disappointed me and ordered the fish and chips. No disappointment. Nicely cooked, not greasy, good size portion (and leftovers will hopefully taste good for breakfast in our hotel). The poke appetizer became poke entree as it was just so good and one wasn't enough for us! Two pokes, two Titos, and a nice stroll back to our hotel rounded out perfect night. Recommendations: request table 8 or the one next to it at the end. There is a coupon available for a "free appetizer" at some of the local merchants. They gave us a salmon mousse. It was ok. But the poke...Yummy!
(5)
Manda Bear B.
**************************** 1381 *************************** A tourist spot, beautiful Monterey Bay view, fresh seafood, and good service. Love the to-go cart, it's perfect for a quick bite such as the Fish & Chip, when you don't want to sit down for lunch.
(3)
Anita T.
Solid five stars. Highly recommend the ultimate seafood pasta. The shrimps and scallops are huge and the sauce is creamy and delicious. This dish will fill you up with a happy smile on your face. I also recommend their clam chowder bowl. That's a must in Monterey and they did a pretty decent job at it. Aside from the food, the view here is amazing. Being able to look out to the ocean while eating just makes the seafood taste even better. I don't really understand why this place doesn't have a four star, but it's definitely getting a five from me. It's not too pricy since its seafood and the portion is just unbelievably big. Recommend!
(5)
Sarah M.
Took a trip to Monterrey and the hotel I stayed at recommended the we eat here and gave a coupon for a free appetizer. Well I was very disappointed to find out that the appetizer was not my choice. It was some nasty chips and crap dip that I never would have chosen. It was not good either. It did say anywhere on the coupon that it was only for a specific appetizer. Their prices are already through the roof so it is not like they can't afford to give someone a free appetizer of their choice from time to time. I ordered the steak and lobster and Ive had better at Red Lobster. The lobster was tough and hard to chew. The steak was ok. Nothing to write home about. My boyfriend got the prawns and he said they were just ok. I feel like the quality of the food and the price are way off. This is just a restaurant located in a beautiful area. You pay for the experience of dining by the water not quality food. The service was good however but I will not eat here again.
(2)
Kelley w.
Based off the outdoor stand. Fast service. Nice display. There was samples of the chowder, which we got the bread bowl. The garlic prawns were great. Next time, we will eat inside the restaurant.
(5)
Foodie F.
I have dined here before, but this experience was over the top outstanding! The perfect meal! Crispy calamari appetizer, very reasonably priced wine, crab & shrimp stuffed sole in a buttery saffron broth (honestly one of the best entrees I've ever eaten) followed by a deliciously decadent yet light Limoncello mousse cake. Couple this with attentive & caring staff, especially from our amazing server Kelli, and a breathtaking waterfront view and it just doesn't get any better. There was a tiny mishap in the beginning of our visit (1st order of calamari wasn't hot) which was immediately corrected and followed up by a table visit from both the Manager & the chef who also provided the dessert on the house as an apology. That is when you know a business truly CARES about its guest and wants to ensure an outstanding experience. Which they did!!! I will be back EVERY time I am in the area.
(5)
Cathy L.
The only good thing about this place was the view. Do yourself a favor and ask for the corner table in the back. You are surrounded by views of the bay (we saw a couple of sea otters floating right in front of us). The clam chowder here was pretty disappointing...In my opinion, clam chowder shouldn't have big chunks of celery or carrots. The oysters were ok. I'm not an oyster person, but the boyfriend said they were good...just overpriced. We shared the hopper combo. The fries weren't even hot. The shrimp were the best things on the plate and you only get 2 of them. You get one small piece of fried battered fish that was overly fried. The calamari was also undercooked. The batter was still fairly white. Overall, our meal here was pretty disappointing. 1/2 dozen oysters, 1 bowl of clam chowder and 1 hopper combo ended up costing us $65. The view was nice, but definitely not worth $65
(2)
Lisa C.
Skip the mediocre places on the wharf and eat here! The food is very fresh, the service is fantastic and the view is amazing. My husband I have been here a few times. Today we brought some family visiting from out of town. There were 8 of us and we had a great experience! Thank you to manager Steve and our fantastic waitress Brittany. My mother in law has Alzheimer's and it can be a struggle to take her out. The staff was very accommodating and our family lunch was deemed a success by all! Have the crab and shrimp stack salad!
(5)
Jim E.
When we first saw this place we really didn't want to eat here because we've eaten at the one in Kona and it was pretty bad!! all dirty and run down looking and the food was on par with McDonald's but this place was very clean the staff were friendly and the food was freaking great!!! The views were great. My wife had the Ahi and I had fish and chips!! And coconut prawns for appetizer. Next time we are in town we will be back to this place!! Our server was Danny!
(5)
Margarete M.
A large, busy, bustling restaurant on the water which somehow manages to deliver good food and service.
(4)
Asher N.
I bought the soughdough vread bowl and "halibut fish and chips" for my girlfriend and I from their stand outside the main restaurant. I loved the bread bowl, the creamy texture and taste of the clam chowder bread bowl they tout as 'world famous'. The breadbowl had a perfect softness on the inside and the crust was chewy as any sourdough crust should be and for $10 was reasonably priced considering the touristy destination. I was, however, disappointed by the size of the fish and chips. I was given three small pieces of breaded and battered fish. Don't get me wrong, the fish was clearly fresh and the fried breadcrumbs were light and crispy, but for $15 the "larger halibut portion" as the woman described it left me feeling a little ripped off.
(3)
Tricia R.
My sister and I read previous reviews and were concerned this place might just be a food factory....not at all...the food was great and the place is very well managed...I asked for a table outside, and the hostess made sure we were taken care of...our waitress was pleasant and helpful...watch how efficiently this place is run.....food was great and other reviews suggest might be a little pricey, but worth it...we almost went the next night, but had other plans....great views..
(4)
Stephanie A.
Wow. Amazing service by our waiter Hugo, got to sit at the corner table and had a beautiful lunch with friends and the birds, gulls, sea otters and Pelicans were out in full force. The food was killer and the dessert was fantastic. Great portions, pretty decent prices for on-the-water dining. Love this place!
(5)
Sirena P.
I was a little skeptical on coming here as the rating on here (yelp) but I am so glad we did! We came here on Easter to have lunch and it was the best decision! The food was delicious and the view was beautiful. I would definitely come back again. P.S. Make sure to get a window table.
(5)
Sonya M.
Well, what can I say? We came here on Friday for a late lunch (when we arrived Monterey for our anniversary). The service and food was incredible. A place that deserved a 5 star review! We liked it so much we decided to return for our anniversary dinner. We came back on Saturday and both the service and food were horrible. The seafood stew was $4 more (for an hour later eating time). When we asked the server why he just shrugged. We settled on the same appetizer as we had the day before. (Ahi Poke) It came out smaller and without dipping sauce or chop sticks. The server only returned to ask for our order, after that he was no where to be found. We had to continue to ask for water from anyone who would stop and when the food came we were less than impressed. The shrimp and chips were luke warm and the sword fish was rubbery. The mushroom and tomatoes it sat on were cooked well. The waiter was so busy (we assume) that he never asked how it was. Throughout the entire meal. When he (finally) came back at the end of the meal he simply reached for the plate without asking why the whole (minus a small bite) protein was still sitting on my plate. I had to ask for a discount on the meal as he did not offer a replacement or apology. A manager never came over and I left hungry. Not a great way to spend an anniversary. Would we go back? Maybe. This meal was mediocre at best. Was it worth the cost, no. This meal was disappointing to say the least. If we were to return it would be for lunch only, because of the stellar service we received the day before. We hope that tomorrow (or later this evening) we can get into another restaurant for a decent celebratory meal.
(2)
Richard G.
Wouldn't let us bring our stroller in and asked us to leave it unattended outside in an alley. Very un-empathetic with a slightly snooty attitude about it. Pass.
(1)
Rosanna K.
Gorgeous, GORGEOUS, views, but the food left much to be desired. The gf and I came here for dinner on a whim after spending the day at the aquarium. There wasn't a wait on that Sunday evening, and we were seated at a table on the outdoor patio facing the water. Our waiter was very nice, and even brought us two samples of their clam chowder when we asked about it. The chowder was just okay, had too much of a cheese flavor for my liking, but we ended up ordering a bowl to share anyway because we were craving chowder. I also ordered the shrimp cocktail and macadamia crusted tilapia entree. Both were pretty disappointing: the shrimp were overcooked, not properly deveined, and the cocktail sauce just didn't have that signature 'zing' that they typically have. The presentation of the macadamia-crusted tilapia was really nice, but the dish as a whole lacked flavor, and the ingredients just did not go together very well. It sadly reminded me of DC food: all the ingredients sound good, but the flavor, texture, and temperature of the dish just was not right. I'd come back to relax and enjoy the view over a glass of wine, but I'd pick another place when it comes to the food.
(2)
Shirley M.
Best Clam chowder ever! The service was great as well as the atmosphere sitting over the ocean, the presentation of the food was spectacular as well. We ate here recently and sat at an outside table overlooking the ocean. Our waitress was very nice and suggested the macadamia nut crusted halibut which we ordered and loved. We shared the dinner and it was brought to us on two separte plates with more than enough to eat. We also had a coupon for a free appetizer, the choices were calamari or grilled artichoke. We chose the artichoke and it was very good as well as the rolls provided. Based on our experience would definitely recommend. Ate at a couple other places on Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf and this was by far the best.
(5)
Diana W.
Came here with my friend to get some drinks during happy hour. We decided to split the 60oz Patron Margarita and the White Peach Sangria. Happy hour is 25% off all exotic libations, but they did not list any prices anywhere on the menu.Wow did we feel ripped off on the Margarita as the bartender was making it. You literally got no liquor in that bowl it was so weak and on top of that it ended up being $30 bucks even with the 25% off! Wow rip off. We weren't even tipsy off of it.
(2)
Michelle N.
Came here on a strong recommendation from my coworker and was a little skeptical based on the mixed reviews I saw on Yelp. But of course, who hasn't been deceived at one time or another by Yelp, right? So I put some weight on a real human recommendation and got the clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at the take out area. It was pretty good but we realized there was nowhere to sit after we got our chowder so we made our way down to the sand and found some rocks to sit on - the whole time I was afraid I would slip on a rock and drop my chowder or a seagull or pigeon would drop a special package into my sourdough bowl. That kinda ruined the experience a bit but we made the decision to take it out rather than dine-in so we took the risk. At least the chowder was good although it smelled like fish the whole time we were eating. Great views though.
(4)
Love-Mai P.
Great spot for clam chowder and Bloody Mary! The ultimate seafood Bloody Mary is a must order! The servers are very tentative and accommodating. Will definitely be back!
(4)
Lenora P.
This a nice Resturaunt overlooking the ocean cove. Great clam chowder and I love the fish n chips never disappointing with anything I order here at The Fish Hopper on Cannery Row Monterey CA
(5)
Ariele L.
My favorite restaurant on the Cannery Row
(3)
Laila S.
Fantastic location in tourist area of cannery row monterey, right on the ocean. This place does appetizer, wine and view really well. Their steaks are good, but really pricey. The seafood is fresh (it better be) but over priced as well. It always seems overstaffed, but I guess that's better than under staffed. The host stared at my boobs, which was rude and complimentary (hey what can I say...) and the server didn't make eye contact and paid way better attention to a group of 6 French tourist than our party of 2. Clam chowder is creamy (a little over potatoes for me) but yum. The crab Louie was $17 bucks and decent size, but came with mango and papaya which didn't gel for me, ended up taking it to go then just threw it away...I hate wasting.
(3)
Troy T.
Party of 6, and we all had great food and service. I had the fish and chips, and they were the best I've ever had. Super fresh, great breading, fantastic. My friends ordered other plates, and everyone seemed very pleased. I have dined on Cannery Row dozens of times, this is probably the best bet on that street for good food (most of the other places are mediocre at best, and other good restaurants are a few streets up the hill!)
(5)
David M.
We were in town visiting in late March and decided to give them a try. After reading some reviews I could agree that it was a tad bit overpriced. The food was good, presentations and taste. Great view and atmosphere. The clam chowder was different but good. We had the specials and paid in the 100$ range. It was good but not great food. Would recommend for the atmosphere and view but the food didn't wow me.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Touristy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Colleen C.
The clam chowder is the best ever. The waiters were polite and efficient. We had a lovely window seat. With 6 of us we were able to try several dishes. Swordfish and tuna were delish. Charging $4 for a ginger ale refill is why they only get 4 stars instead of five. We spent plenty of money on calamari and other appetizers, soup and salad and main dishes. The extra drink charge was over the top. Did I mention best clam chowder ever?
(4)Rachel C.
Great view but that also comes with the rest of the boardwalk stretch. Definitely a tourist trap deal. Mediocre, overpriced food. When I asked if the fried fish tacos could be ordered grill I was told "that's not possible" - what? Portions were stingy, service was nothing memorable. Good drinks though.
(1)Nahal S.
Excellent food quality, me and my boyfriend found it on yelp and we were both satisfied with our orders. I had clam chowder which was one of the best I've ever tried so far. And a loaded bloody mary . The ahi tuna that my boyfriend ordered was awesome. I'd go definitely for that next time.
(5)GEL R.
Superb service & the food was delicious! Jesse couldn't have been any more attentive & the entire staff. Hubbs ordered the surf & Turk & his cut of meat was deelish. I ordered the the clam chowder on sourdough bowl. Wasn't too salty, just the perfect blend of ingredients. Hubbs got a cocktail, can't remember the name but it was really refreshing. I think it was rasberry something. Anyways, our overall experience was awesome. Timing on everything was on spot. The wait for our food was just fine, not too long nor was it too quick. The manager, which I believe his name was Christian came by as well to check in. Overall we would definitely be coming back to dine here when in Monterey again.
(5)Karen K.
My review was for the service I received not the food. I have been to the Fish Hopper many times in the past and the food has always been excellent. This last time I went to the Fish Hopper it was to celebrate our engagement. We placed our reservation online and requested a window seat as it was a special occasion. We had no problems when we arrived and we were seated next to the window as requested. We sat down and when our waiter come over we ordered a bottle of wine, a cup of chowder, the scallop appetizer and our entrees. We were going all out to celebrate this special occasion. 20 minutes after placing our order all we had was water and bread. I was starting to get a little irritated that we hadn't received our wine or our cup of chowder yet. Our waiter finally returns, but with nothing in hand. He tells us they are out of the bottle we requested, but wanted to know if we would like to try a different bottle? Of course the answer is Yes, as we wanted a bottle of wine. I was irritated that he didn't even have a bottle to suggest in hand when he originally returned. We received our scallop appetizer before the wine arrived to the table and our clam chowder didn't arrive until our entrees came out. The clam chowder should have been one of the first items on the table as it requires no preparation. During the time we were waiting for our wine and for our food my fiancé was getting extremely uncomfortable due to the heat in the restaurant. Sweat was running down his face and he asked the waiter if there was any way they could turn on some air? The waiter said no, that they didn't have any air in the building and walked away. Considering how visibly uncomfortable my fiancé was with sweat dripping down his face and that his shirt collar was soaked from sweat I feel the waiter should have at least offered something like moving our table if needed. The night continued and my fiancé had to step out twice to cool off while waiting for our food. Once our food did arrive we decided that he was so uncomfortable we would just box up the food and leave. We waited for our waiter to return, but after 10 minutes we couldn't wait anymore. I managed to flag down the wine guy and I asked him for the check and two boxes. When our waiter came back to the table he brought one box and no check. So irritating. I asked for another box and the check. He finally brought us another box and the check, but he didn't ask us anything like if the food was okay or if there were any problems considering we were leaving and we hadn't even touched our food. I was just disappointed as we were there trying to celebrate a special evening and due to in a large part our waiter being unavailable or oblivious we had a terrible experience. I will think twice before I return especially because I have such bad feeling towards the place now.
(1)Allison T.
We chose this out of the many nearby restaurants because the concierge at our hotel gave us a coupon for a free appetiser there. My daughter and I enjoyed the Caesar Salad with fresh, in-season California salmon. My brother said his prime rib with lobster tail was also great. It was a little noisy, due to the many diners, but that's always a good sign. The staff was efficient and fun. Ah, and their creme brulee is excellent!
(4)Amilie D.
Loved it!! Great atmosphere, great staff and GREAT food. Went with the kids and everyone was satisfied. The best fish and chips I've ever had. I strongly recommend the Garden Gimlet, it was fantastic! Fantastic place, and wow what a view!
(5)Michelle T.
Went on a spur of the moment trip to Monterey with friends and landed at The Fish Hopper without any consultation from Yelp - fortunately, their food was good. I had Broiled Swordfish on a bed of mixed veggies and it was perfectly cooked. We also ordered Oysters for appetizer and it paired really well with the horseradish sauce it came with. What we didn't like is that they took too long in between servings that I managed to take pictures considering I was hungry. Ambience was great too! We were seated outdoor and had a vast view of the ocean. It was getting dark when we got here but I imagine it to be beautiful in the daytime. Our waiter Mark, I should also note, was friendly and attentive. I would recommend this place for couples, it looks like a good "date" restaurant. All in all......it was an expensive, spontaneous get together. Lol. I'll give The Fish Hopper 4.5 stars but I'll be generous and just round it up :D
(5)Kate T.
**VALENTINE'S DAY EDITION!!!** Significant took me here for Valentine's Day last February and we TOTALLY LOVED THE FOOD HERE! Apparently, this place was super vibrant on Valentine's Day...lots of couples coming in to have their typical dinner date, so I was glad that he has made a reservation in advance. When we checked-in, the host was courteous and super organized, despite the line almost going out the door. We received a notification light up thing (not sure what they call it) and were told that we can go upstairs to the bar for some appetizers and drinks.,, We TOTALLY took full advantage of the bar, ordering as many appetizers and some hard drinks while waiting for our table to become available. For appetizers, we had the Crispy Fried Calamari, Crispy Coconut Prawns, and the award winning Clam Chowder (WHICH WAS TO DIE FOR!) The Calamari was out of this world! It was freshly made and didn't give that odd after-taste (which determines the freshness of the calamari). It also wasn't super chewy as if you were biting into a piece of gum. We killed the plate in about 5-10 minutes! The Coconut prawns were also amazing! It's lighly breaded with a wonderful blend of prawn/coconut (not too excessive, though). The prawns were not tough to eat, and melted in your mouth. A definite must-try! Lastly, we tried the clam chowder, which I highly recommend! You absolutely cannot walk away from this restaurant without trying it! In my opinion, I thought it was much better than the clam chowder in Boudin! D: The seafood in it was SUPERRRR tasty (not overly chewy)- the broth definitely refreshing. It's difficult to express the food-gasm you'll experience after trying this chowder, it's one-of-a-kind! 30 minutes later, our table was ready, so we walked downstairs to get seated... I ordered the Chicken Monterey for my entree. The chicken breast was incredibe- tender, with a crispy breaded crust, The plate was mise en place, and very fancy, yet affordable (only $20!) The sides included artichoke hearts, basil, tomatoes, and seasonal rice... enough to leave this place with a happy food coma. I would DEFINITELY recommend trying this place out! Whether it's a casual night out with friends/family or a romantic date with your bf/gf/spouse, it's definitely something that cannot be missed! Ciao!
(5)Jonathan S.
Could we give zero stars in reviews for places that suck and not in the good way? That would be a better option until this place gets new management. Sad and what makes it worse is that this is apparently a family company with two guys who could not have cared less. I always want to see a family succeed. I like family businesses. But you can't put bad management in charge and expect to succeed. Before I rip into these two clowns, let me relate the story. So, we get there and they tell us that they have no table. And, well, they don't really have two tables close to each other. After some discussion, we agree to take the two tables. They seat my in laws at a table for 6 with half the party. Right next to them is another table. But, apparently we can't have that one. They sit the other 5 of us halfway across the restaurant. We were so far away, I couldn't see them without standing up. Seriously, I had to stand up to see them! I am not the world's tallest guy, but it may have been a Tiger Woods chip shot at the AT&T Pro Am to reach their table from our table! As we are walking past their table to our table, we notice a round table set for 6 that is clean and empty. It is 2 tables away from theirs. Its shorter than a late 70s MG to get from one table to the other. How hard can this be? But, they keep us going and going like the Energizer bunny. So, maybe they had a party of 6 for that table, even though we were sat at a table for 6? I don't know. But not 5 minutes later, they sit 5 people at that empty table. Well, that is when the worst customer service ever started. First, we have Steven. Steven thinks he is smarter than he is. He is a cocky guy who wants the world to be impressed that he is one of several managers at a small restaurant in Monterey. No one is really impressed by him. I think Steven thinks he has some idea what he is doing because someone called him a manager. If you are going to be cocky, you should at least be able to back it up for more than 5 minutes before you have to turn me over to your general manager. Let's just say that a McDonald's manager would have been more impressive than Steven. Then we have Adam. Adam apparently thinks that he can talk around issues without ever explaining to the customer that he may have been wrong. Adam told me that when they have a party of 11, they have to have two different waiters help the party. Under this thinking, any reservation for 11 or more would have to be sat in two separate areas of the restaurant. Why would you do this? And why wouldn't you tell people this when they make the reservation? It is simple courtesy. Adam is not comfortable enough talking to guests to do it out in public. So, instead of talking to me in front of the hostess stand, he brings me to a back room by the kitchen. It felt a little like a New Jersey mobster scene. In all of my years, I have never had a manager, let alone a GENERAL MANAGER (as his name tag makes so very clear) refuse to talk to me in public. Then, when this is pointed out to Adam, he tells me that I don't understand how his restaurant runs. That is what everyone wants to hear. The GM is smarter than the customer. Apparently, customers in shorts are not smart enough to understand how to cook and serve food. I explained to Adam that there was this open round table they could have sat us at. He tells me that is not possible since the people sitting at the round table asked for a round table and he has to honor all requests. Um, we made a reservation and requested one table for 11. When you told us that wasn't possible, we then requested two tables close together. How come our requests were ignored and you honored theirs? Adam goes back to his favorite answer: I am just not simply smart enough to understand how it works. Adam then explains that there is simply nothing he could do and we should have known this before. It is our fault for making the reservation. It is our fault that there is not one table big enough for 11. (Of course, he ignores the fact that there were two parties that night bigger than ours that had long tables put together.) It is our fault that he needs 2 servers to wait on a big table. (Of course, Daniel had our table and the round table that the other people sat at.) It is our fault that we simply aren't smart enough to understand this. I then asked him for his boss. I figured a general manager must report to someone. But, apparently, Adam is the HMFIC. He told me he doesn't have a boss. It must be cool to be a manager and not have anyone to report to. He reports to no one. He told me I could call HR if I wanted to file a complaint. Now, I get calling HR if there is harassment. I could understand calling HR if I was an employee. But can someone explain to me what HR has to do with a customer who is upset? As an aside, Mr. Shake, the actual owner, may be upset to learn that Adam thinks he is in charge.
(1)Bobby P.
We stopped here for lunch on our last day in Monterey. We had stopped here on our first afternoon and just shared the clam chowder in the bread bowl at the stand out in front and I had liked it so much I wanted some more of the chowder before heading up to San Francisco. We got a great table on the patio overlooking the bay on a fairly sunny afternoon. We had a free hummus appetizer (coupon from motel) with chips, olives, and tomatoes. I had a bowl of the chowder (my opinion the best in both Monterey and San Francisco) and split a large California salad (special of the day) with greens, carrots, tomatoes, avocado, bay shrimp, grilled shrimp, and crab meat with a Loius dressing. Very good service, great view, great food at a fairly reasonable price considering the setting. Wished we would have had time for dinner here instead of just lunch. Highly recommend, especially if you can get a table on the patio by the windows overlooking the bay.
(4)Stephanie M.
So yummy! Great food, drinks and views! Many options on their menu. Priced accordingly-the quality and quantity are definitely well matched with the prices. I had the swordfish, it was perfect!
(5)Gil L.
Wonderful experience and exceptional service. Food was excellent and people were very friendly. Recommended for anyone who visits Monterey. A+++++
(5)K S.
I enjoyed my lobster dinner! It was delicious! If you like calamari, order it for an appetizer ;-) My only negative was my alcoholic drink of choice, it was a bit watered down.
(5)Michael B.
A tad over-priced but very good food. Tasty ribeye. Lobster a bit overcooked but flavorful. Overall a great success. Killer view also.
(5)drusilla s.
Short review: This place is a five-star foodie's delight with full-on ocean views and top-tier service tucked between culinary monstrosities like Bubba Gumps. Do not be fooled - Fish Hopper is not a tourist restaurant - this is the real, uber-delicious deal. The food is fresh, artfully prepared, and delicious. Go, go, go. The details: After a couple hours of walking around the aquarium, we headed over to the aquarium cafe for lunch, and lo and behold, there was a herd of about 75 head of cattle I mean people waiting in a massive line to get in. Moo, boo....enough with the massive crowds! We left to try our luck on Cannery Row. We walked about two blocks west to Fish Hopper. They seated us right away, even though it was peak lunch hour. Both the hosts - the one behind the desk and the one who seated us - friendly, smiling, and accommodating. We got a window seat with a full-on view of the bay sweeping off to the north. Beautiful. Within 30 seconds of being seated, a server was at our table offering sourdough bread fresh from the oven, steaming as we broke it open, with real butter that was at room temperature and could actually be spread on the bread. Within one minute of being seated, our server Liz was at our table, asking what we wanted to drink and whether we had any questions about the menu. From here on out, she shall be known as Liz the Rockstar. The lunch specials looked enticing but like too much food, so I ordered two appetizers: the grilled artichoke and crab cakes. My dining companion ordered a bowl of clam chowder and fish and chips. Liz the Rockstar brought our meal in about five minutes! She got the order perfect. See photo. The artichoke was dressed with a gorgeously-balanced balsamic vinaigrette. The crab cakes were full of real crab, and cooked perfectly: crisp on the outside, tenderly-gooey-licious inside. The accompanying mango/papaya salad was a refreshing counterpoint to the crab. Both plates had enough lettuce and greens to comprise a nice salad. I managed to steal a taste of my companion's clam chowder, and it was exceptional. Throughout our meal, various servers made sure our beverages were fresh and empty plates were removed. While we were eating, the manager Bryn Gilpin came over to ask how things were going. They were going AWESOME, Bryn. Was there anything at all that we needed? Not a thing - the service here was as good as we have ever experienced for a luncheon. And the food, which we'd expected to be reheated simulated food products from a giant plastic drum dropped off the back of a Sysco industrial food service truck for the tour bus trade, was the complete opposite - a completely gorgeous, fresh foodie's delight, with artful but simple presentations and lovely blends of flavors. We didn't order dessert, but take a look at the photo of the offerings Liz the Rockstar brought by our table - all looked super yum. The check came promptly and the bill was settled in under 5 minutes. We eat out a lot, and it has been a long time since we've received the level of service we got at Fish Hopper. If you enjoy fresh, well-prepared food, and you'd like a gorgeous water view and great service, this is THE place to go on Cannery Row.
(5)Deborah D.
As we were decidng where to eat, we received a free sample of their clam chowder, and IT WAS AWESOME!! Naturally we had to eat here. Ordered the clam chowder and sourdough bread, and the basket of calamari. Both tasted amazing!! TIP-- If you order from the stand instead of the restaurant you get MORE for LESS.
(5)Ashley L.
Great food, but they took my plate before I was finished twice. Got free appetizer coupon from hotel and free bday dessert for my moms bday. We shared and it was yummy!
(3)Leddee H.
Every table in this restaurant features a view of the Pacific Ocean! It's beautiful and breathtaking. The food is okay, but their clam chowder is worth the drive from San Jose. We had the open faced crab sandwich, although very tasty, it had a lot of bread and a little crab. We also tried the grilled sardine appetizer special, and one sardine was grilled perfectly, but the other one was over cooked. The little one had the ~$10 kid's mac and cheese, but it came with a drink. Although the food was okay, the view and ambience bumped it to 3 stars. Check it out for the view and the chowder. They offer to-go clam chowders in case the line is too long for the restaurant.
(3)Mai P.
The clam chowder and seafood platter was good. I was just disappointed that they messed up my pasta twice and I didn't want to ask them to make it a third time.The oysters were really fresh.
(3)Chuck H.
I have been coming to the Fish Hopper consistently each time I visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium since my high school days. I am officially now a Daddy and still make the effort to stop in. However, one thing that really caught me off guard during my first trip with my first child is that the place is somewhat not kid friendly. For those who have been here before and for those who really want to enjoy a meal by the sea, I can understand the need for peace and not being disturbed. Maybe I just didn't notice before since I've always come in solo or on a date but here is a heads up if you plan on bringing in children or a stroller: (1) there is no stroller parking. You'll need to put it in the hallway next to the restaurant leading into the various kiosks that share the retail space and (2) they will politely point out a sign of "rules" for children. Specifically, "if you are unable to keep your children under control, you will be asked to remove them from the dining area." I think this is the first restaurant I've ever been to that had to be so absolutely blunt about children. Somehow, this just made me feel uncomfortable but my logical side understands the need why. Maybe someone else can chime in on this point. So all my reviews start at 5 stars and go from there: (-1) Ding 1 star for the slightly blunt signage at the front (-1) Ordered 2 appetizers, the famous clam chowder bowl, and bacon wrapped scallops. The freshness of the scallops exploded in my mouth and I just absolutely had to use every last piece of bread on the table to wipe the bowl clean. The bread bowl was overly filling so I kept it for the next day to re-toast and slice, taking it on the road to the Cal Academy in SF. But overall, I noticed that this time around, everything on the plate was really salty. Being in a hurry to get back to the South Bay, I cleared what I could and took off. (+1) Location just cannot be beat. We were able to get a dining area right above the water. Sadly it was hard to enjoy with such a young child, but still, it was nice. Normally I would write super long reviews and really delve into every aspect of the experience, but given the sheer number of reviews for this place, the quality speaks for itself. However, I just wanted to point out that really odd signage about children and just leave it at that.
(4)Sergio G.
For my Birthday last month I decided to take the accountant and Sara & Sofia to Monterrey.. We had a great time at the aquarium and bells were ringing to have dinner. We haven't eaten here in a while so we decided to go for it. The Fish Hopper has been here for ages and it is very popular as well. We sat on the covered deck which gives you that beautiful California Coast Wind which is like music to my ears. The food to me was very very tasty and even thought it's a tourist hot spot I still like what they have to offer. Appetizer was the fried Calamari, and boy was it tasty as always. Clam Chowder cup and the waiter was laughing because I wouldn't tel him to stop on the Pepper. I love Pepper, like a lot . For dinner I had the Shrimp Louie Salad was what I had for Dinner, When you look at the picture it looks delicious, and it is but boy I really dislike Bay Shrimp, they are so tiny but that is what the salad comes with. Everything else on the salad was really mouth watering . Sara \& Sofia had a Clam Chowder bread bowl in Garlic bread. I think that it was actually really good. The Manager came to our table and asked us how was our dinner, and that the Clam Chowder was " The Award Winning Clam Chowder" I asked him what makes it better than any other local Chowder, well it was a city award for competing against all the other local restaurants. and was very proud of that 1st prize. . The accountant had the Macadamia Crusted Tilapia . It was pretty darn good. The presentation and fish was cooked to perfection. Like I am craving one right now. The accountant was getting thirsty and she ordered a Moscato_Cavot_Italy . Now that was some really good wine . ( she is so silly, when she found out how much the glass cost she made sure she crak every drop or probably liked tee inside of the wine glass) Since I always pay for dinner she made sure that everything was correct. Let's say she is more conscience about how she spends her money how I spend my money. Anyways, the food was great and the service was excellent as well too. We left satisfied then went back to do more shopping. Will we be back ?? ????? Of course we will.
(4)Mike S.
Not a good place at all! The manager must not have kids because we were asked to leave if our son didn't quiet down. The funny thing was that the people behind us were louder than our son. No one asked them to leave. Our waiter never offered refills and only stopped at our table once. I had to ask to pay. We all sat there for about 10 minutes after we were done eating. I had to stop the waiter to ask for our bill. The food was mediocre. I think it's frozen fish. We went there for the fish and the view, the view was great. I gave the bus boy a separate tip because he was the only person who was nice and would refill my tea. The waiter got what he deserved, zero! Glad I didn't drive 2 hours just to eat there.
(1)Karen H.
It took over 25 minutes in the outside to go order place for a burger and calamari. After 30 minutes we cancelled the order and went to eat elsewhere. Are you for real?
(1)Cynthia V.
Great food, great view. Love this restaurant!! My favorite is the clam chowder in a bread bowl and the surf and turf plate!! They taste amazing!!!
(5)Scott B.
Whilst wandering around the Cannery Row shops, I saw all sorts of places to eat lunch. So many, that while inside a store acquiring my refrigerator magnets and postcards, I asked the guy behind the register about lunch. When the locals go out, where do they go for some seafood lunch? The guy reached under the counter, and handed me a card to this place. He spoke highly of it, and pointed out that the card was worth an appetizer with an entree. With his blessing, and now a free appetizer, I figured I'd check it out. I walked down the street, and found the place easy enough. It's hanging over the water on a pier. There's a 'to go' grill right out front, and as you progress further inside, it expands into a fancy restaurant. I'll admit, I got a bit worried when I saw the upper end prices of the entrees on the menu they had displayed out front. I asked for a table, and was lead to the back fairly quickly. A Menu and place setting sat at the freshly cleaned table. I picked up the menu, and perused it. The lunch entrée items ranged from twelve dollar sandwiches up to 'market price' lobster crab and lobster plates. A waitress was walking by, and pointing to the menu, I asked if 'bread bowl of clam chowder' counted as an entrée, holding up the coupon. Waitress nodded and said 'it sure does!' Sweet! Coupon parameters met, and on the gentler side of the entrée prices in the menu. Waitress offered crabmeat sprinkled on top of the clam chowder for a mere six dollars more. I politely decided against that, and stuck with just the clam chowder in garlic bread bowl. So, 1/2 & 1/2 appetizer with crispy fried calamari & grilled artichoke plus garlic toasted bread bowl of award winning clam chowder. Seemed like a pretty good lunch to me. Add an Iced tea on there and it's complete. My actual waiter came over to verify that I'd like everything out at the same time. The waitress I happened to catch wasn't actually my waitress, but she had passed on my order to my actual waiter. That's helpful! An iced tea was dropped off in front of me within a few moments, and my food came out relatively shortly thereafter. I hadn't gotten very far into a game of Super Mario Brothers 2 before two plates were placed in front of me. It smelled great, and was visually appealing also. After the yelp photo, I dug in. Everything was great. The chowder was thick and creamy, the fried calamari was crispy and seasoned, and the artichoke leaves pulled out easily, and were soaked in garlic butter. Never had artichoke before, and it was an interesting learning experience. I've recently learned that the artichoke capital of the world is quite close to here. As I began to pull apart my bread bowl an Asian family got seated separately at two smaller tables on either side of me. I offered to a few people that I could finish up quickly, and let the Asian family sit together. Each of the people I asked informed me that I was there first, and I shouldn't be rushed by them. Cool points awarded for that. I did my best to stuff down what bread I could, but after eating 1/2 an artichoke, 1/2 an order of fried calamari, a full bread bowl of clam chowder, and most of the garlic bread bowl 'plug' I was pretty darn full. After paying my tab, it was about $20 with tax and tip. Well under what I thought it was going to be initially. Great food, great service, and not too too pricy for a 'fancy shmancy seafood restaurant' right over the water. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Umar R.
The only good thing about this restaurant is its location, which is right by the beach, you could enjoy the sunset and look over as the wave clash onto the shore.The service and the food is truly not worth it; It was overpriced and the service nor the food was par with its high prices. First let me begin with the service, the waiter could not even utter his words in english properly, for a while there we thought he was the busboy. Yes this is not exactly a fine dining restaurant, but the least the establishment could do is to ensure the waiter could utter his words properly in ENGLISH please, its important for the standards when its charging an average of 40 dollar a plate. The language barrier caused him to incorrectly take our order and sent the wrong bread bowl as our starter. We ordered the Garlic not plain. Also, he did not really know his menu, which was odd for this sort of restaurant. The elements done well, is the outfit, which was well attired in white shirt and slacks with a bow tie. Secondly, the food was truly mediocre, given the price we thought it would come with quality. The Garlic Clam Chowder was over salted and very bland, almost tasted like it was from a can, and not fresh at all. The oysters were surprisingly good and was well presented, so a plus there. The abalone at $78 was truly disappointing, the presentation was hideous and the style cooked was poor. I wonder if they hired college frat students to cook. It was basically an overcooked abalone, toped with a horrid wine sauce that did not complement the dish at all and not to mention the sloppy presentation of the bland spinach. The Red Snapper I Ordered was too small of a portion for $38, and tasted again very mediocre nothing to shout about. Reading the past reviews prior to visiting, I had hoped better from this restaurant, nevertheless I left very disappointed and $190 wasted down the drain. I would never come back to this establishment due to its mediocre food that is overpriced, lack of standards in its hired staff and its overrated reputation. The only thing I enjoyed about my experience was the view, which came with a heavy price. I would stay clear of this establishment.
(1)Michael S.
We had a nice lunch at the touristy but still good The Fish Hopper restaurant, located just down the street from the MontereyBay Aquarium. We dined on the lovely patio, where you can hear the water as well as see it. We watched a wild sea otter and then a seal frolic in the kelp during our meal. The service was out of hand. I liked the sample of clam chowder on our way in. But our server didn't have to walk us through the menu by quite literally flipping through the menu that I was holding in my hands (emphasizing all the priciest dishes, of course), and she didn't have to push the booze and the wine as aggressively as she did. It was also crazy annoying when probably four different busboys asked my wife at least five times each if she wanted more Diet Coke. No joke - we appreciated the attentiveness at the beginning but it got insane. We initially ordered the grilled shrimp from the children's menu for our little ones, but when it came out with only three shrimp we ordered a second entree for them as well. The shrimp came with steamed broccoli and cabbage and basmati rice, which were especially delicious dragged through the butter sauce served under the shrimp (did I mention there were only three!?!?). Their shrimp was also served beautifully - one of the more refined children's menu presentations I've seen. All was delicious. My wife and I started with (surprisingly small) cups of the clam chowder, which were excellent although a little unnaturally thickened. Then we split the hot open faced crab sandwich. This portion too was much more modest than we expected, and I would have left hungry had my kids not left unfinished some of their meals. The hot sourdough bread was also wonderful. The desserts looked great but we passed. Despite a couple minor quibbles with portion size and service, the food itself and beautiful setting were both excellent at The Fish Hopper.
(4)Joseph B.
As with all places on Cannery row it can be expensive. Depending on what you order. I had the chicken breast with rice & vegetables my daughter ordered the fried prawns. And both were under 20$. I had a great time and the food was good. The service was good. I recommend sitting anywhere by the window especially in the evening the view is bad ass. I had a great time and did not feel rushed to eat Cuz the place was crowded. My daughter had a blast I will definitely be back
(4)Cameron R.
"Come for the food. Its amazing." Main Feedback: Great food with flavor and tecture that will rekindle your delight for good food. Ive had a lot of fries from a lot of places...this place has the best garlic fries I've ever had. Salmon was great with awesome sauce. Would return for another meal soon. Pros: Great food. Great food. Great food. Great view from balcony. Good service and friendly staff. Award winning clam chowder. Cons: Drinks are just okay. Pretty average bread, which is complementary. Food took a bit of time to cook.
(5)Angela M.
Please do not go here for the food. For the price you pay it's a horrible value, as the food is basically inedible. The views were incredible though - we were sat at a table right on the water and at night it was a great scene with the water of the bay crashing against the shore. However, for what i paid i was sorely disappointed by the food.
(3)Sean M.
After my review I was contacted by someone from the restaurant, a nice gesture, next time I make it up to Monterey, I may give it another go.
(3)B J.
Chose this place based on other yelp reviews and proximity to the Monterey Bay Aquarium where we spent the day for Father's day. Upon arrival, we got to see sample dishes of their food and drink specials for the day and all looked fabulous. I gave my name to the hostess and we were seated right away. We were seated in their outdoor area right along the water. We had a great view. I did notice that underneath our table was spilled food and some trash. that was a bit of a turn off for me. Anyway, our waitress arrived quickly and took our drink orders. My boyfriend had the special drink of the day and I don't remember the name but it was huge and had a kick. The bartenders did not skimp on the alcohol and they get an A for presentation. For starters we ordered fried calamari, which was not served as the traditional rings which I prefer but mini steaks. I wasn't fond of the texture but after a few bites I began to enjoy it. We also had the crab stuff mushrooms, clam chowder with added Dungeness crab and coconut prawns. All delicious. Our main entrees of the sea bass and ultimate seafood pasta were both very good. Even our daughter's kids meal of baked chicken and veggies was appetizing. We were very happy with the service, appearance and taste of the food. We talked about that meal for 2 days afterwards. We would definitely return next time we are in the area.
(4)Corinna T.
4.5 stars for good food, service, and a view. As my friend and I entered the restaurant, we noticed that they had food replicas featuring the main entrees. They looked amazing and delicious so we touched them because we thought they were fake. Oh... wait they're real! Oops. We had the option to choose indoor or outdoor seating, so we sat outdoors since it wasn't too cold. The view was amazing and right by the beach. We ordered two entrees, the halibut and the dish with coconut prawns and some other type of fish. While waiting for the food, we ate some complimentary bread with butter. The food was delicious, and the waiter who served us was friendly and helpful. The manager of the restaurant even came by to ask how everything was. Overall, a great place for dinner after spending a day in Monterey.
(4)Linda M.
This place is excellent!! Excellent food, drinks, views and service! We will definitely be back!!
(5)Eva M.
If I could give less stars for service I would! Walked in looking forward to having a great lunch with the family, unfortunately your not allowed to bring strollers into the dining area. The front attendant said they would keep " an eye" on the stroller... Finally getting all the needed stuff from the stroller and entering the dining room, another staff member mentions that if a child is " disruptive" they would need to be removed from the dining room!! Forget it then!!! To go it is and guess what the attendant says: " ya that's probably the better idea" F Off Fish Hopper! (;
(1)Bill H.
My wife, son (2years old), and I went to Fish Hopper 2 times over the past few days. The first night we noticed a posted policy stating that noisy and disruptive children would be asked to leave. We did not think anything of it, and had an enjoyable dinner. The second night we went to dinner, the hostess asked us to become familiar with the policy. Following another enjoyable dinner service, I asked why they would single us out regarding the policy. A different hostess told us that it was the owner's request to tell everyone with small children to read the policy before being seated. This is type of request has lost this restaurant our business going forward. The wait staff was very accommodating and the food was above average. The fact that ownership and management is so rude has cost them our business going forward.
(1)Christina H.
This place is amazing! We were seated in a pier-like room but inside. The whole thing is windows which is perfect for viewing all the sea life and birds. Aside from the view the food absolutely to die for. My mom had the abalone and I had the flat iron steak. The abalone was perfectly cooked and delicious! The steak was like butter! It is absolutely the most tender steak I've ever eaten and was perfectly dresses with a light teriyaki sauce. Mango/papaya salsa was served along with it as well. I will come to this place again and again when I am in the area and I recommend that you do the same.
(5)Trudy F.
Second visit in as many weeks, and I don't even live in Monterey. It's the atmosphere, polite and efficient service, and miraculously got table 8....best seat in the house. Dining this time with my adventurous daughter, she disappointed me and ordered the fish and chips. No disappointment. Nicely cooked, not greasy, good size portion (and leftovers will hopefully taste good for breakfast in our hotel). The poke appetizer became poke entree as it was just so good and one wasn't enough for us! Two pokes, two Titos, and a nice stroll back to our hotel rounded out perfect night. Recommendations: request table 8 or the one next to it at the end. There is a coupon available for a "free appetizer" at some of the local merchants. They gave us a salmon mousse. It was ok. But the poke...Yummy!
(5)Manda Bear B.
**************************** 1381 *************************** A tourist spot, beautiful Monterey Bay view, fresh seafood, and good service. Love the to-go cart, it's perfect for a quick bite such as the Fish & Chip, when you don't want to sit down for lunch.
(3)Anita T.
Solid five stars. Highly recommend the ultimate seafood pasta. The shrimps and scallops are huge and the sauce is creamy and delicious. This dish will fill you up with a happy smile on your face. I also recommend their clam chowder bowl. That's a must in Monterey and they did a pretty decent job at it. Aside from the food, the view here is amazing. Being able to look out to the ocean while eating just makes the seafood taste even better. I don't really understand why this place doesn't have a four star, but it's definitely getting a five from me. It's not too pricy since its seafood and the portion is just unbelievably big. Recommend!
(5)Sarah M.
Took a trip to Monterrey and the hotel I stayed at recommended the we eat here and gave a coupon for a free appetizer. Well I was very disappointed to find out that the appetizer was not my choice. It was some nasty chips and crap dip that I never would have chosen. It was not good either. It did say anywhere on the coupon that it was only for a specific appetizer. Their prices are already through the roof so it is not like they can't afford to give someone a free appetizer of their choice from time to time. I ordered the steak and lobster and Ive had better at Red Lobster. The lobster was tough and hard to chew. The steak was ok. Nothing to write home about. My boyfriend got the prawns and he said they were just ok. I feel like the quality of the food and the price are way off. This is just a restaurant located in a beautiful area. You pay for the experience of dining by the water not quality food. The service was good however but I will not eat here again.
(2)Kelley w.
Based off the outdoor stand. Fast service. Nice display. There was samples of the chowder, which we got the bread bowl. The garlic prawns were great. Next time, we will eat inside the restaurant.
(5)Foodie F.
I have dined here before, but this experience was over the top outstanding! The perfect meal! Crispy calamari appetizer, very reasonably priced wine, crab & shrimp stuffed sole in a buttery saffron broth (honestly one of the best entrees I've ever eaten) followed by a deliciously decadent yet light Limoncello mousse cake. Couple this with attentive & caring staff, especially from our amazing server Kelli, and a breathtaking waterfront view and it just doesn't get any better. There was a tiny mishap in the beginning of our visit (1st order of calamari wasn't hot) which was immediately corrected and followed up by a table visit from both the Manager & the chef who also provided the dessert on the house as an apology. That is when you know a business truly CARES about its guest and wants to ensure an outstanding experience. Which they did!!! I will be back EVERY time I am in the area.
(5)Cathy L.
The only good thing about this place was the view. Do yourself a favor and ask for the corner table in the back. You are surrounded by views of the bay (we saw a couple of sea otters floating right in front of us). The clam chowder here was pretty disappointing...In my opinion, clam chowder shouldn't have big chunks of celery or carrots. The oysters were ok. I'm not an oyster person, but the boyfriend said they were good...just overpriced. We shared the hopper combo. The fries weren't even hot. The shrimp were the best things on the plate and you only get 2 of them. You get one small piece of fried battered fish that was overly fried. The calamari was also undercooked. The batter was still fairly white. Overall, our meal here was pretty disappointing. 1/2 dozen oysters, 1 bowl of clam chowder and 1 hopper combo ended up costing us $65. The view was nice, but definitely not worth $65
(2)Lisa C.
Skip the mediocre places on the wharf and eat here! The food is very fresh, the service is fantastic and the view is amazing. My husband I have been here a few times. Today we brought some family visiting from out of town. There were 8 of us and we had a great experience! Thank you to manager Steve and our fantastic waitress Brittany. My mother in law has Alzheimer's and it can be a struggle to take her out. The staff was very accommodating and our family lunch was deemed a success by all! Have the crab and shrimp stack salad!
(5)Jim E.
When we first saw this place we really didn't want to eat here because we've eaten at the one in Kona and it was pretty bad!! all dirty and run down looking and the food was on par with McDonald's but this place was very clean the staff were friendly and the food was freaking great!!! The views were great. My wife had the Ahi and I had fish and chips!! And coconut prawns for appetizer. Next time we are in town we will be back to this place!! Our server was Danny!
(5)Margarete M.
A large, busy, bustling restaurant on the water which somehow manages to deliver good food and service.
(4)Asher N.
I bought the soughdough vread bowl and "halibut fish and chips" for my girlfriend and I from their stand outside the main restaurant. I loved the bread bowl, the creamy texture and taste of the clam chowder bread bowl they tout as 'world famous'. The breadbowl had a perfect softness on the inside and the crust was chewy as any sourdough crust should be and for $10 was reasonably priced considering the touristy destination. I was, however, disappointed by the size of the fish and chips. I was given three small pieces of breaded and battered fish. Don't get me wrong, the fish was clearly fresh and the fried breadcrumbs were light and crispy, but for $15 the "larger halibut portion" as the woman described it left me feeling a little ripped off.
(3)Tricia R.
My sister and I read previous reviews and were concerned this place might just be a food factory....not at all...the food was great and the place is very well managed...I asked for a table outside, and the hostess made sure we were taken care of...our waitress was pleasant and helpful...watch how efficiently this place is run.....food was great and other reviews suggest might be a little pricey, but worth it...we almost went the next night, but had other plans....great views..
(4)Stephanie A.
Wow. Amazing service by our waiter Hugo, got to sit at the corner table and had a beautiful lunch with friends and the birds, gulls, sea otters and Pelicans were out in full force. The food was killer and the dessert was fantastic. Great portions, pretty decent prices for on-the-water dining. Love this place!
(5)Sirena P.
I was a little skeptical on coming here as the rating on here (yelp) but I am so glad we did! We came here on Easter to have lunch and it was the best decision! The food was delicious and the view was beautiful. I would definitely come back again. P.S. Make sure to get a window table.
(5)Sonya M.
Well, what can I say? We came here on Friday for a late lunch (when we arrived Monterey for our anniversary). The service and food was incredible. A place that deserved a 5 star review! We liked it so much we decided to return for our anniversary dinner. We came back on Saturday and both the service and food were horrible. The seafood stew was $4 more (for an hour later eating time). When we asked the server why he just shrugged. We settled on the same appetizer as we had the day before. (Ahi Poke) It came out smaller and without dipping sauce or chop sticks. The server only returned to ask for our order, after that he was no where to be found. We had to continue to ask for water from anyone who would stop and when the food came we were less than impressed. The shrimp and chips were luke warm and the sword fish was rubbery. The mushroom and tomatoes it sat on were cooked well. The waiter was so busy (we assume) that he never asked how it was. Throughout the entire meal. When he (finally) came back at the end of the meal he simply reached for the plate without asking why the whole (minus a small bite) protein was still sitting on my plate. I had to ask for a discount on the meal as he did not offer a replacement or apology. A manager never came over and I left hungry. Not a great way to spend an anniversary. Would we go back? Maybe. This meal was mediocre at best. Was it worth the cost, no. This meal was disappointing to say the least. If we were to return it would be for lunch only, because of the stellar service we received the day before. We hope that tomorrow (or later this evening) we can get into another restaurant for a decent celebratory meal.
(2)Richard G.
Wouldn't let us bring our stroller in and asked us to leave it unattended outside in an alley. Very un-empathetic with a slightly snooty attitude about it. Pass.
(1)Rosanna K.
Gorgeous, GORGEOUS, views, but the food left much to be desired. The gf and I came here for dinner on a whim after spending the day at the aquarium. There wasn't a wait on that Sunday evening, and we were seated at a table on the outdoor patio facing the water. Our waiter was very nice, and even brought us two samples of their clam chowder when we asked about it. The chowder was just okay, had too much of a cheese flavor for my liking, but we ended up ordering a bowl to share anyway because we were craving chowder. I also ordered the shrimp cocktail and macadamia crusted tilapia entree. Both were pretty disappointing: the shrimp were overcooked, not properly deveined, and the cocktail sauce just didn't have that signature 'zing' that they typically have. The presentation of the macadamia-crusted tilapia was really nice, but the dish as a whole lacked flavor, and the ingredients just did not go together very well. It sadly reminded me of DC food: all the ingredients sound good, but the flavor, texture, and temperature of the dish just was not right. I'd come back to relax and enjoy the view over a glass of wine, but I'd pick another place when it comes to the food.
(2)Shirley M.
Best Clam chowder ever! The service was great as well as the atmosphere sitting over the ocean, the presentation of the food was spectacular as well. We ate here recently and sat at an outside table overlooking the ocean. Our waitress was very nice and suggested the macadamia nut crusted halibut which we ordered and loved. We shared the dinner and it was brought to us on two separte plates with more than enough to eat. We also had a coupon for a free appetizer, the choices were calamari or grilled artichoke. We chose the artichoke and it was very good as well as the rolls provided. Based on our experience would definitely recommend. Ate at a couple other places on Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf and this was by far the best.
(5)Diana W.
Came here with my friend to get some drinks during happy hour. We decided to split the 60oz Patron Margarita and the White Peach Sangria. Happy hour is 25% off all exotic libations, but they did not list any prices anywhere on the menu.Wow did we feel ripped off on the Margarita as the bartender was making it. You literally got no liquor in that bowl it was so weak and on top of that it ended up being $30 bucks even with the 25% off! Wow rip off. We weren't even tipsy off of it.
(2)Michelle N.
Came here on a strong recommendation from my coworker and was a little skeptical based on the mixed reviews I saw on Yelp. But of course, who hasn't been deceived at one time or another by Yelp, right? So I put some weight on a real human recommendation and got the clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at the take out area. It was pretty good but we realized there was nowhere to sit after we got our chowder so we made our way down to the sand and found some rocks to sit on - the whole time I was afraid I would slip on a rock and drop my chowder or a seagull or pigeon would drop a special package into my sourdough bowl. That kinda ruined the experience a bit but we made the decision to take it out rather than dine-in so we took the risk. At least the chowder was good although it smelled like fish the whole time we were eating. Great views though.
(4)Love-Mai P.
Great spot for clam chowder and Bloody Mary! The ultimate seafood Bloody Mary is a must order! The servers are very tentative and accommodating. Will definitely be back!
(4)Lenora P.
This a nice Resturaunt overlooking the ocean cove. Great clam chowder and I love the fish n chips never disappointing with anything I order here at The Fish Hopper on Cannery Row Monterey CA
(5)Ariele L.
My favorite restaurant on the Cannery Row
(3)Laila S.
Fantastic location in tourist area of cannery row monterey, right on the ocean. This place does appetizer, wine and view really well. Their steaks are good, but really pricey. The seafood is fresh (it better be) but over priced as well. It always seems overstaffed, but I guess that's better than under staffed. The host stared at my boobs, which was rude and complimentary (hey what can I say...) and the server didn't make eye contact and paid way better attention to a group of 6 French tourist than our party of 2. Clam chowder is creamy (a little over potatoes for me) but yum. The crab Louie was $17 bucks and decent size, but came with mango and papaya which didn't gel for me, ended up taking it to go then just threw it away...I hate wasting.
(3)Troy T.
Party of 6, and we all had great food and service. I had the fish and chips, and they were the best I've ever had. Super fresh, great breading, fantastic. My friends ordered other plates, and everyone seemed very pleased. I have dined on Cannery Row dozens of times, this is probably the best bet on that street for good food (most of the other places are mediocre at best, and other good restaurants are a few streets up the hill!)
(5)David M.
We were in town visiting in late March and decided to give them a try. After reading some reviews I could agree that it was a tad bit overpriced. The food was good, presentations and taste. Great view and atmosphere. The clam chowder was different but good. We had the specials and paid in the 100$ range. It was good but not great food. Would recommend for the atmosphere and view but the food didn't wow me.
(4)