Old Fisherman's Grotto

Old Fisherman’s Grotto sits right on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, tucked among the souvenir shops and seafood stands that line the pier. Inside, the setup is straightforward: tables and booths fill the main dining room, with a row of window seats running along the water’s edge. Those window tables are the ones people ask for – views stretch straight out to the bay, and it’s common to spot otters or seals drifting past while you eat. The menu leans heavy on seafood, as expected here. Clam chowder comes out hot, with take-home containers available for anyone who wants to bring some back. Starters cover the usual ground – fried shrimp, oysters on the half shell, crab cakes, and a plate of fried calamari topped with raw onion. Mains range from grilled seafood platters and fish and chips to shrimp scampi, jambalaya, and surf and turf. Pasta stays in rotation – penne Alfredo with grilled chicken, seafood pasta, seafood risotto. Fish tacos and seafood paella show up as well. Most plates arrive with a side – green beans are a regular fixture. Desserts rotate, but strawberry shortcake is a familiar sight. The space keeps to a classic wharf look – nautical touches, plenty of wood, and the smell of seafood in the air. Daylight pours in through the bay-facing windows, especially late in the afternoon. There’s a tradition here: at the end of the meal, every woman at the table receives a rose. It’s a detail regulars just expect. Getting in is simple – just walk the wharf, and the entrance is easy to spot. The dining room is climate-controlled, and restrooms are tucked inside for guests. Window seats can take a little longer to snag, especially around sunset, but the rest of the room stays comfortable. The restaurant is still run by the same family that’s owned it for years, and family members are sometimes on the floor. The Grotto draws all sorts – locals, travelers, families, couples marking an occasion. The setup works for both a quick lunch and a drawn-out dinner, depending on what you’re after.