Monterey's Fish House

Monterey's Fish House, fishing tradition and seafood cuisine in Monterey

Monterey's Fish House is a seafood restaurant with a rustic, festive atmosphere located in Monterey, California. Its offering combines fresh fish and seafood with steaks and homemade pasta, and it presents itself as an option away from the busiest tourist circuit, frequented by local clientele. The establishment recommends reservations and offers the possibility of purchasing gift certificates.

Oak-fired grill cooking and oyster bar

The menu revolves around fish prepared on the oak-fired grill or incorporated into pasta dishes. The venue has an oyster bar, and its specialties include oak grilled oysters and Sicilian Holiday pasta. The service includes pairing recommendations with wine by the glass or craft beers.

A business with family roots on the Central Coast

The restaurant is owned and operated by the DiGirolamo family. David DiGirolamo grew up working in his family's business, Angelo's, on Fisherman's Wharf (Monterey), where he prepared and served the fish his father caught daily. His father, Antonio (ToTo) Di Girolamo, was born in Summerville, Massachusetts, the son of Sicilian immigrants, and moved to Monterey at age eight to work in the local fishing industry. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Petrof Bay and received the Silver Star Medal during World War II; after the war he returned to commercial fishing and helped operate Angelo's restaurant, a wharf fixture for 37 years. Lillian Kasano, David's mother, was born in California's Santa Clara Valley and was interned at the Heart Mountain camp (Wyoming) during World War II; she married ToTo in 1954 and was an important culinary influence for David.

Recognition and media presence

The restaurant has been voted Best Seafood in Monterey year after year, according to its own presentation, and has been mentioned in Sunset and Coastal Living magazines. Guy Fieri and David DiGirolamo cooked two classic dishes from the venue — oak grilled oysters and Sicilian Holiday pasta — in a recording shared by the establishment. The interior preserves historic family photographs and a wall of customer photos.

Service and atmosphere

The venue describes an upbeat, festive atmosphere, with a professional long-time staff that guides diners in choosing dishes and drinks. Reservations are recommended.

Location and contact

2114 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940 · Phone: (831) 373-4647 · Hours: Seven days a week: Lunch 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM; Dinner 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Closed all major holidays.