I had lunch in Fish Hopper yesterday. As one might expect because of the location, the water views are great, but the food is just fair. It wasn't too noisy, but it wasn't completely full. The staff tries hard to please.

I like Fish Hopper. The views are great, esspecially if you sit on the patio (they have heaters if it is chilly). The food is pretty good - a cut above what you would expect at a Canery Row restaurant. The food won't knock your socks off, but it is well-prepared. The menu consists of the kinds of things you would expect at a seafood restaurant with a few choices that are a little out-of-the-everyday. And the service is good.

Fisherman's Grotto (I think they are owned by the same people) is ok. We used to like it a lot more, but the last couple times I thought it wasn't as good as it used to be. And the views aren't as good as Fish Hopper.

Last time we were at Fisherman's Wharf, we had lunch at Isabellas, which was good. We sat outside with some decent views - really good people watching, ok views of the bay. Inside though, there are tables upstairs with much better views. I think they also have an upstairs deck.

If you are open to another restaurant not far away - on the next pier over from Fisherman's Wharf (I think it is called the municipal wharf) there is a restaurant called Sand Bar and Grill - funny little place set below the level of the wharf, so you walk down some stairs to get to it. The views are great, the food is good, and the staff are very friendly.

thanks for the info, Sand Bar & Grill sounds very good

Schooner's Coastal Kitchen and Schooner's Bistro on the Bay @ The Monterey Plaza Hotel are both excellent. ***kim***

Get a Zagat Survey for San Francisco from your local book store.

Take it from there. Remember that Carmel is just a hop and skip away. They have some outstanding restaurants. Personal favorite is Casanova.

There's a restaurant next door to the Monterey Plaza that we've eaten in several times. It's not inexpensive, but has a wonderful view and the food is great. I can't remember its name, but it should be easy to find...

As a local, I must add that the best seafood is not connected with the best view. Quite the contrary. The most well-regarded seafood is found at such places as Sea Harvest in Monterey and Carmel, the Fishwife in Pacific Grove, the Fish House in Monterey. On the wharf, a local favorite is Abalonetti's.

Sea Harvest is almost divey, but I agree, excellent food, our favorite seafood there, in fact. Monterey's Fish House is our second fave, and nope, no view, either. Abalonetti's is as close to a view as you can get and still have good food. All around, I totally agree with you, montereyan!