Stopped by here before boarding for whale watching, waited on by Shanel in the bar. She was delightful and let us know a big party just came in and we may have a bit of a wait...we only waited for about 10 minutes and our food was bagged and "boat" ready. Fish sandwich and fries were delicious, will definitely be back to explore the menu! Four stars only because the gentlemen host in the front was very standoffish, maybe because we were ordering to go, nevertheless not very welcoming.
Connie W.
Had the fish and chips, clam chowder, and garlic bread -- all tasted great! The fish was so flakey, and the clam chowder was flavorful Weather was nice, so we chose outdoor seating. Great vibes, and the service was good as well.
Carmel C.
This place has some of the nicest workers I have met. No one has ever been as nice. This deserves a five star rating because one worker named Odie.All because of a shared passion of pokèmon.Their food was delicious over all it is just great.
Briana T.
Customer service was top notch! The food was good too. We felt at ease when we saw the sign from outside saying strollers are ok, they have high chairs, etc so you know it's kid friendly (we had a different restaurant on the wharf turn us away because we had kids). The host was so sweet and welcoming. Our server made awesome recommendations, the sand dab was perfect! My child spilt water and they came over right away with a replacement and towels and said just keep eating, don't even worry about the floor. It just meant a lot to really feel taken care of. Will definitely come back!
Hans W.
Thank you to our server Joe for making our big group of adults and kids feel so welcome! Our young ones were a bit unruly, but Joe and the rest of the staff were very understanding and accommodating. The food was all tasty, and the $10 beer flight felt like quite a good deal. The food is expensive for fairly small portions, but what do you expect given the location.
Chris B.
A wonderful restaurant on the wharf with great food, great staff and a good view. Evem better, due to the dogs that visit the wharf, then are dog friendly and even offer a dog menu! My dog loved her treat she got here and we both had a pleasant time as we dined. I'll certainly be back sometime in the future as they are a wonderful establishment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Kathryn Roberts
Food was pretty good but not great but outdoor patio was awesome, the view was beautiful, and you could hear the sea lions during dinner!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Michael A.
First time eating here with my son. The atmosphere was perfect (obviously) we sat outside and had a perfect view of the Bay. The service was quick and enjoyed their Abalonetti Lager on tap. Perfect way to enjoy the day.
Cal F.
I used to come here 20 years ago as a kid. So I came back recently, and I had instant regret. Regret that I didn't truly appreciate how good the seafood was 20 years ago. I'm not a seafood person now, and I wasn't as a kid either. If I remember correctly, I'd just eat pasta and pick away the parts of seafood in the dish. But I had the "Marty Special" this time around - which was breaded calamari over fried eggplant, with marinara sauce and melted cheese on top. It's a recipe from the original owner, Marty Liguori himself, from back in the day. And it didn't disappoint. I wish I had gotten that 20 years ago. I wish I was bold enough to try some shrimp or fish or calamari back then. But no, childhood me likely just stuck to pasta or the kids menu. But I'm glad I got to come back - 20 years later - and truly experience this place for real for the first time.
Loren B.
Located just south of Cannery Row on the Old Fisherman's Wharf, Abolinetti has the classic charm of a Pacific Coast seaside bar and grill you might find in any town. We came for this atmosphere specifically. I have a weak spot for Clam Chowder in a Sourdough bowl, nearly impossible to find anywhere near where I live, but difficult do do wrong in California. We also ordered a Napolitan pizza, which had a delicious, watery quality to the toppings. Calamari Tacos were an interesting and tasty treat dish as well. It was a bit chilly for outdoor seating, so we sat inside by a large window and enjoyed the sunlight coming in. A bird actually flittered in the restaurant and wandered about on the floor. The view was o the channel between the wharf and the shore. The wharf itself is not on open sea, but surrounded by a marina. It has a carnival-like collection of businesses, heavy with candy stores. Service was expected for a bar and grill. he food came out quickly and was hot and tasty. If we return to this part of Monterey, I would repeat.
We like to try different places on the Monterey Wharf. We will not be back to this place however. I asked for an Aperol Spritz and my very unfriendly waitress looked at me liked I spoke a foreign language. Asked the bartender and uh yeah, a no go. Clam chowder was watery and flavorless. Crab cakes were crab less and tasted like panko only. And overcooked. Bread was good. Husbands calamari was okay which is why I gave 2 stars. We were never asked if everything was ok. Never asked if I wanted another glass of sparkling. Do not go here. Other people on this wharf deserve your business.
Jessica L.
Food was fresh and good quality, plus a large portion. I had the calamari and fries. The calamari was NOT overcooked, which is rare. Beer flight and margarita were also great, $10 each. The jumbo shrimp and fries were also well fried, not greasy. I had my dog with me, so we ate on their patio which was nice because it was segregated from the rest of the wharf. So, we weren't surrounded by all the people and other dogs while we ate. The service was good, just a little slow. The pricing is a little high, but it was at least good.
Michelle R.
I was part of a huge party that went to Abalonetti's Bar and Grill. In the past, Abalonetti was our go-to restaurant when we went to Monterey, but I wonder if it will continue to be so. Pros: The food was excellent, and the employees were terrific. Con: The owner was very rude to our party. When we arrived, we were told we could not sit on the Patio because we would take too many seats from "customers." Our party of 20 was customers, and it would have been better for us to be outside due to the number of small children with us. We were then rudely told that our tab would include a gratuity, which would have been fine. However, we got the distinct impression that our business was not desired. We were the first customers in the door on a Sunday Morning, and did not deserve the greeting that we received.
Shynara U.
Food is delicious, really loved the service that they could accommodate us with the stroller and high chair. The music and the view on the bay makes it calm and romantic!
Moni D.
Great service. Food was really good. Oysters on half shell were my fav. Margarita was perfect. They welcome dogs on the enclosed patio. Brought her a bowl of water right away and they have a dog menu.
Stopped by here before boarding for whale watching, waited on by Shanel in the bar. She was delightful and let us know a big party just came in and we may have a bit of a wait...we only waited for about 10 minutes and our food was bagged and "boat" ready. Fish sandwich and fries were delicious, will definitely be back to explore the menu! Four stars only because the gentlemen host in the front was very standoffish, maybe because we were ordering to go, nevertheless not very welcoming.
Had the fish and chips, clam chowder, and garlic bread -- all tasted great! The fish was so flakey, and the clam chowder was flavorful Weather was nice, so we chose outdoor seating. Great vibes, and the service was good as well.
This place has some of the nicest workers I have met. No one has ever been as nice. This deserves a five star rating because one worker named Odie.All because of a shared passion of pokèmon.Their food was delicious over all it is just great.
Customer service was top notch! The food was good too. We felt at ease when we saw the sign from outside saying strollers are ok, they have high chairs, etc so you know it's kid friendly (we had a different restaurant on the wharf turn us away because we had kids). The host was so sweet and welcoming. Our server made awesome recommendations, the sand dab was perfect! My child spilt water and they came over right away with a replacement and towels and said just keep eating, don't even worry about the floor. It just meant a lot to really feel taken care of. Will definitely come back!
Thank you to our server Joe for making our big group of adults and kids feel so welcome! Our young ones were a bit unruly, but Joe and the rest of the staff were very understanding and accommodating. The food was all tasty, and the $10 beer flight felt like quite a good deal. The food is expensive for fairly small portions, but what do you expect given the location.
A wonderful restaurant on the wharf with great food, great staff and a good view. Evem better, due to the dogs that visit the wharf, then are dog friendly and even offer a dog menu! My dog loved her treat she got here and we both had a pleasant time as we dined. I'll certainly be back sometime in the future as they are a wonderful establishment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Food was pretty good but not great but outdoor patio was awesome, the view was beautiful, and you could hear the sea lions during dinner!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
First time eating here with my son. The atmosphere was perfect (obviously) we sat outside and had a perfect view of the Bay. The service was quick and enjoyed their Abalonetti Lager on tap. Perfect way to enjoy the day.
I used to come here 20 years ago as a kid. So I came back recently, and I had instant regret. Regret that I didn't truly appreciate how good the seafood was 20 years ago. I'm not a seafood person now, and I wasn't as a kid either. If I remember correctly, I'd just eat pasta and pick away the parts of seafood in the dish. But I had the "Marty Special" this time around - which was breaded calamari over fried eggplant, with marinara sauce and melted cheese on top. It's a recipe from the original owner, Marty Liguori himself, from back in the day. And it didn't disappoint. I wish I had gotten that 20 years ago. I wish I was bold enough to try some shrimp or fish or calamari back then. But no, childhood me likely just stuck to pasta or the kids menu. But I'm glad I got to come back - 20 years later - and truly experience this place for real for the first time.
Located just south of Cannery Row on the Old Fisherman's Wharf, Abolinetti has the classic charm of a Pacific Coast seaside bar and grill you might find in any town. We came for this atmosphere specifically. I have a weak spot for Clam Chowder in a Sourdough bowl, nearly impossible to find anywhere near where I live, but difficult do do wrong in California. We also ordered a Napolitan pizza, which had a delicious, watery quality to the toppings. Calamari Tacos were an interesting and tasty treat dish as well. It was a bit chilly for outdoor seating, so we sat inside by a large window and enjoyed the sunlight coming in. A bird actually flittered in the restaurant and wandered about on the floor. The view was o the channel between the wharf and the shore. The wharf itself is not on open sea, but surrounded by a marina. It has a carnival-like collection of businesses, heavy with candy stores. Service was expected for a bar and grill. he food came out quickly and was hot and tasty. If we return to this part of Monterey, I would repeat.
Restaurantji Recommends
We like to try different places on the Monterey Wharf. We will not be back to this place however. I asked for an Aperol Spritz and my very unfriendly waitress looked at me liked I spoke a foreign language. Asked the bartender and uh yeah, a no go. Clam chowder was watery and flavorless. Crab cakes were crab less and tasted like panko only. And overcooked. Bread was good. Husbands calamari was okay which is why I gave 2 stars. We were never asked if everything was ok. Never asked if I wanted another glass of sparkling. Do not go here. Other people on this wharf deserve your business.
Food was fresh and good quality, plus a large portion. I had the calamari and fries. The calamari was NOT overcooked, which is rare. Beer flight and margarita were also great, $10 each. The jumbo shrimp and fries were also well fried, not greasy. I had my dog with me, so we ate on their patio which was nice because it was segregated from the rest of the wharf. So, we weren't surrounded by all the people and other dogs while we ate. The service was good, just a little slow. The pricing is a little high, but it was at least good.
I was part of a huge party that went to Abalonetti's Bar and Grill. In the past, Abalonetti was our go-to restaurant when we went to Monterey, but I wonder if it will continue to be so. Pros: The food was excellent, and the employees were terrific. Con: The owner was very rude to our party. When we arrived, we were told we could not sit on the Patio because we would take too many seats from "customers." Our party of 20 was customers, and it would have been better for us to be outside due to the number of small children with us. We were then rudely told that our tab would include a gratuity, which would have been fine. However, we got the distinct impression that our business was not desired. We were the first customers in the door on a Sunday Morning, and did not deserve the greeting that we received.
Food is delicious, really loved the service that they could accommodate us with the stroller and high chair. The music and the view on the bay makes it calm and romantic!
Great service. Food was really good. Oysters on half shell were my fav. Margarita was perfect. They welcome dogs on the enclosed patio. Brought her a bowl of water right away and they have a dog menu.