Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must visit restaurant which is located on historic Fisherman’s Wharf with breathtaking harbor views and a commitment to excellence. Owned and operated by Chris Shake, son of founder Sabu Shake, Sr., you can find Chris more often than not at the front door greeting and welcoming you to his famous family restaurant. Growing up in a restaurant that his father opened over 56 years ago, Chris has carried on the tradition that has made Old Fisherman’s Grotto Monterey’s favorite seafood and steak house as well as one of the top ten seafood restaurants in the nation (by the American Academy of Restaurant and Hospitality Sciences).
Old Fisherman’s Grotto has rightfully earned its worldwide reputation for only the finest cuisine in a superb atmosphere with knowledgeable, professional service. The Grotto features fresh seafood from sustainable sources and diligently follows the guidelines of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s “Seafood Watch” Program. Executive Chef Juan Ponce prepares new specials daily and shops for the freshest seafood from local resources or that are flown in from around the country. Some of their featured dishes are the Macadamia Crusted Halibut, Hawaiian Swordfish with Jumbo Shrimp, Ultimate Seafood Pasta, live Crab and Lobster and, of course, their famous Clam Chowder.
The Grotto’s menu also features a variety of steaks, all of which are only the finest “Certified Angus Beef” availiable. Old Fisherman’s Grotto received the Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “Award of Distinction” for their wine list with over 200 selections, and an award as one of the “Nation’s Most Wine Friendly Restaurants”. Adam Strum, Publisher and Editor of Wine Enthusiast Magazine, said, “This recognition represents dedication to delivering the most wine friendly experience to patrons.” Old Fisherman’s Grotto’s award winning wine list emphasis in local wineries as well as other California regions. After years of winning numerous local awards for the best clam chowder on the Monterey Peninsula, we were not surprised when Old Fisherman’s Grotto and their sister restaurant The Fish Hopper recently won the coveted “Copper Pot” at the 1st Annual West Coast Chowder Competition conducted as part of the 34th Monterey Wine Festival.
The competition featured a blind tasting by a panel of noted judges from the food industry; in addition to the blind tasting, there was also a rating by the public in attendance. Old Fisherman’s Grotto is the originators of the “Monterey Style” clam chowder; in both the judges’ and the public’s opinion, it was “no contest” and their Monterey Style clam chowder won by a landslide. Chris was inducted into the California Restaurant Association “Hall of Fame”, was honored with the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce “Business Excellence” Award and is the recipient of the Julie Packard “Seafood Ambassador” Award from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Old Fisherman’s Grotto was also the 2010 – 2011 “Diner’s Choice” winner by Open Table.
In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities of maintaing the highest standards for his restaurant, Chris has carried on the family tradition of giving back to the community and protecting the environment. Old Fisherman’s Grotto has received the “Green Business Certification Award” and is a proud participant in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s “Seafood Watch” program. The Sabu Shake Sr. Charitable Foundation raised $160,672 at Sabu’s Safari 2011 Gala Event & over $753,763 to date to benefit The Salvation Army of the Monterey Peninsula. Next years Sabu’s Safari will be September 29, 2012 at The Hyatt Regency Monterey. Old Fisherman’s Grotto continues to expand on its 56 year legacy of serving lunch and dinner, seven days a week at 39 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. Call 831-375-4604 or www.oldfishermansgrotto.com for reservations.