Passionfish Restaurant Review, Pacific Grove

Reviewer: Foodnut.com Passionfish 701 Lighthouse Ave Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-655-3311 Passionfish Website

Passionfish offers a “unique California dining experience with serious food and wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award winning wine list priced well below what you’ve come to expect.” They have been around for over ten years.
With the world class Monterey Bay Aquarium nearby and all its educational campaigns, this restaurant adheres to the sustainable seafood movement to serve ‘correct’ food. Passionfish is owned and operated by Chef Ted Walter and his wife Cindy Walter, who are vocal advocates for sustainabilty.

We have been visiting this restaurant for years and find it a consistent place for good food at reasonable prices, especially in an area full of tourisy restaurants. Menu changes daily.

Wine Cellar

Decor, Vibe – Sudued decor with a clean look with separate front and rear dining areas. Locals and tourists were dining, with both families and groups in their 40’s and 50’s.

Menu Pictures

Dessert Menu

Picks:

Monterey squid salad ($10) with mango, long beans, red peppers in an orange dressing was excellent. The squid was tender and the sauce was especially good.

Gulf of Maine Scallops ($24) with tomato truffle butter, Thyme risotto custard was excellent. Very good quality scallops with perfect carmelization.

Sturgeon ($23) with coconut rice, zucchini fritters, red curry vinaigrette was very good. A meaty fish that was cooked correctly.

Tilipia ($8, Children’s plate) had a mild flavor and was pretty good. Excellent price for real food aimed at kids.

Carpene Prosecco ($20) was an excellent value for the whole bottle. Wish more restaurants would price like this.

Mint and Espresso Mud Pie ($6) with chocolate sauce and walnuts was just huge. It was so hard we had to keep banging on it. Great walnuts.

OK:

Mussels ($10) steamed in a spicy tomato-cilantro broth was very spicy, avoid if you do not like hot food. Could not taste the mussels.

Duck ($8, Children’s plate) was average. Skin was crispy, but other entrees overshadowed this.

Pans:
None

Passionfish continues to deliver the goods even after many years. It is a perfect part of a Monterey trip. We have tried many of the touristy restaurants and have found this place to have better food, and at lower prices. You won’t have a view of the Bay though.
Passionfish has a huge wine selection at great prices near retail. Kids menu available.
If the Fried sweet potatoes are on the menu, be sure to order them.

Restaurant Map: