Discover Monterey Best Places for Clam Chowder

Monterey's Most Delicious Choices in Clam Chowders

Monterey, California is a Central Coast paradise among fans of rich culture, breathtaking natural sights, thrilling outdoor activities and relaxation in general. It's also a hub for excellent dining. If you're in the mood for a warm and toasty bowl of classic clam chowder, then you don't necessarily have to head to New England since Monterey is a clam chowder sanctuary in its own right.

If you want to savor the best clam chowder in Monterey Peninsula, then this recommended list will point you in the right direction!

Old Fisherman's Grotto

Old Fisherman's Grotto is part of the action-packed Old Fisherman's Wharf in enthralling Monterey. People who want to savor clam chowder as they gaze at crystal blue waters, weather permitting of course, often can't turn away from Old Fisherman's Grotto. This spot is known for its enduring approach to Monterey clam chowder. You can order it in bread bowls, sizable bowls or cups and can even get your clam chowder served in a garlic butter toasted bread. Other food options available to Old Fisherman's Grotto’s diners include seafood risotto, seafood stew, maple soy skirt steak, coconut fried shrimp, spaghetti and meatballs and fried calamari. Diners who have sweets cravings can try an apple pie, tiramisu, strawberry shortcake, bread pudding or Dutch chocolate cheesecake.

Vivolo's Chowder House

Vivolo's Chowder House is a Pacific Grove jewel among fans of delectable clam chowder. If you're in the mood for authentic Boston clam chowder, then no dining establishment around can hold a candle to this one. The New England clam chowder consists of components that are 100 percent fresh. It is served in a sourdough bread bowl with an optional garlic cheese lid. Tasty dishes that are available at Vivolo's Chowder House include seafood salad, fried oysters, calamari steak, shrimp scampi, smoked salmon ravioli and garlic chicken sandwiches.

Treehouse Cafe

Treehouse Cafe is a serene rooftop restaurant that's in enchanting Carmel-by-the-Sea. People can't get enough of its Monterey Bay clam chowder. Diners can choose between bowls and cups. Although people gravitate to Treehouse Cafe for its irresistible local clam chowder, its menu has a host of other delights such as its crab lobster ravioli, grilled salmon, Spanish paella, turkey melts, chicken pesto sandwiches, Thai lamb curry and vegetable pasta. If you want to stare at nature while you relish your clam chowder, you can request a seat outside at the cozy veranda.

Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar

Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar, located at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa in Monterey, is a contemporary American restaurant with an oceanfront view. If you like the idea of mixing fresh seafood and majestic sights, you can't go wrong with Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar. Their coastal clam chowder is brimming with plump Manila clams, celery, sherry wine, cream and potatoes. If you want to combine your chowder with something else, you can consider all sorts of mouth watering options that are on its expansive menu. Menu options include fish and chips, vegetarian burgers, chardonnay steamed mussels, drunken octopus ceviche, and salmon scaloppine.

A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar

A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar in Carmel-by-the-Sea is optimal for diners who wish to unwind in a casual atmosphere. This restaurant offers two exhilarating clam chowder options, the classic and thick white ''New England'' or thin red "Manhattan". If you’re not sure which one to get, why not try "Rose" which is a combination of the two! Clam chowder is served in cup, bowl or quarts.

Jacks Monterey

Jacks Monterey is a vibrant restaurant at Monterey Bay's gorgeous Portola Hotel & Spa. It's a force to be reckoned with among California cuisine devotees. "Jacks Chowder" is chock-full of delightful artichoke hearts, bacon, organic corn, crab and clams. Diners who are keen on innovative clam chowder options frequently gravitate to this choice. Other tasty foods available on Jacks Monterey’s menu include Chinese chicken salad, Korean rice bowls, turkey pot pie, potato gnocchi, pepperoni pizza and prawn scampi.

Fishwife Restaurant

The Fishwife Restaurant in Pacific Grove is located between Asilomar Beach and the beginning of the famous 17 Mile Drive. It is a great option for diners that enjoy subtle atmospheres. It's associated with foods that have Caribbean flair. People who wish to savor bowls of traditional clam chowder frequently choose Fishwife Restaurant. It serves clam chowder that has a genuine Boston charm. Diners frequently wax poetic about the fact that the eatery's chowder is basically brimming with juicy clams, irresistible cream, salsa fresca, onions and potatoes. Served in chowder bowls or cups.

They All Taste Good

No matter which restaurant you choose from WhatsUpMonterey editor’s pick, Monterey Bay restaurants offer some of the best clam chowders in the world for clam chowder connoisseurs and amateurs alike. From texture, flavor, aroma, and pure freshness, you will enjoy a variety of clam chowders.! Let us know which one you choose and if you have other recommendations.

If you’re planning to stay in Monterey, check our recommended hotels and inns and browse our local events calendar.