Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

1411 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211, United States

+1 412-481-4414

Seafood restaurant, New American restaurant, Restaurant
(2773)
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About This Place

Perched atop Mount Washington with breathtaking panoramic views of Pittsburgh’s sparkling rivers and city skyline, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto promises an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly blends exquisite seafood with refined New American cuisine. This renowned restaurant is a true gem for anyone seeking an elevated meal where flavor, ambience, and impeccable service come together in perfect harmony.

Monterey Bay Fish Grotto’s menu reads like a love letter to the ocean, showcasing the freshest seafood selections elevated through creative culinary techniques. From starters that entice the palate—the creamy, decadent Baked Oysters Bella bubbling with artichoke hearts, spinach, and Parmigiano—to the irresistibly crispy Lobster Arancini which melds risotto, lobster, and Romesco sauce into an unforgettable bite, each plate is a masterclass in flavor and texture.

For those who crave the classics, the restaurant’s Classic Shrimp Cocktail arrives chilled and pristine, perfectly paired with a zesty cocktail sauce, while the Mussels Mariniere offers rich notes of white wine, garlic, and butter that lure seafood lovers into pure indulgence. Vegetarian options like the vibrant Mediterranean Salad crowned with Kalamata olives and Greek feta ensure a balanced menu that caters to diverse tastes.

When it comes to mains, Monterey Bay truly shines. The Chilean Sea Bass Provencal is a standout, its tender flakes infused with fragrant herbs transporting you straight to the French Riviera. The Parmesan-crusted Swordfish offers a beautiful contrast of textures—crispy on the outside, buttery and moist within. For a fresh, bright dish, the Ahi Tuna Sesame bursts with subtle citrus notes and the gentle crunch of sesame seeds. Signature dishes like the Stuffed Flounder, enriched with jumbo lump crab and drizzled with lemon butter, perfectly balance richness with sophistication.

The dining atmosphere complements the menu impeccably. Spacious and elegantly appointed, the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows frame jaw-dropping views that make every meal feel like a celebration. Customers repeatedly praise not only the food but also the attentive, knowledgeable staff who elevate the experience by personalizing service and guiding guests through the menu. Madison, one server noted by a delighted birthday guest, epitomizes this warm, professional hospitality.

Guests frequently describe Monterey Bay Fish Grotto as a top-tier destination—whether for romantic anniversaries, important business dinners, or milestone celebrations. The harmonious blend of impeccable flavors, stunning vistas, and a welcoming yet sophisticated environment ensures that each visit leaves a lasting impression. Don’t miss their celebrated Crab Cakes, often hailed as an absolute must-try, or the decadent dessert options that provide the perfect sweet crescendo to your meal.

In essence, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is more than a seafood restaurant; it is an experience to savor with every sense. If you’re in Pittsburgh and seeking a place where culinary craftsmanship, beautiful views, and impeccable service converge, this destination commands attention—and a reservation.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty
Popular for
Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Healthy options Late-night food Private dining room Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Cosy Quiet Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Reservations required Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Parking Valet parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    04:30 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    04:30 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    04:30 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    04:30 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Cynthia Love
    3 week ago

    I can confidently say this is in my top 5 of the best restaurants I’ve ever experienced. 5+ scores on all 3 categories. The atmosphere and views of the rivers and city are spectacular and breathtaking. The food was beyond delicious! We started with the surf and turf appetizer, which is a must, followed by the she-crab bisque and Caesar salad. We had the special offered that evening which was linguine with 6 petite lobster tails chopped up swimming in a white wine, parmigiana sauce. What made our experience top notch was our server, Alissa. She is the shear definition of perfection pertaining to hospitality. She raised the standard for us concerning the restaurant industry. If you can ask for her, you can thank me later!

  • MICHELLE CARTER
    2 month ago

    I'd never been so my son took me for my birthday. It was great, our servers name is believe was Madison she was phenomenal. She explained the menu with ease, made sure we got exactly what we wanted. It is a bit pricey, but I think the food and the service makes it worth it. Hands down a wonderful experience. I didn't get pictures of everything but I have a couple.

  • Peter K
    2 month ago

    It had been a while since my last visit but this one did not disappoint. Took some European customers out for a business dinner and everything was great even for our table of 8. Drinks were good and they even had craft non alcoholic beers which was great. The seafood was epic! I had a trio which had Seabass, Swordfish and Salmon skewers along with a crab cake and two shrimp skewers! It was a perfect portion size for being full but not stuffed. Which was good as I was able to try the creme brulee which was epic! To top of it off the weather was clear and there were red, white and blue on the sister bridges downtown. Would highly recommend if you are looking for a great meal with a great view!

  • Alexander Fletcher
    2 month ago

    A 5 star restaurant through and through. A beautiful restaurant overlooking the city (a bit difficult to get to- I recommend taking the Duquesne incline up). The attention to detail was incredible, everything was perfectly done. We visited for an anniversary and they took all the steps to ensure a wonderful experience for us. We started with the heirloom tomato burrata and it was incredibly fresh and the tomato’s were perfectly meaty and paired perfectly with the house sour dough bread. The Parmesan crusted swordfish was so tender and perfectly salty! Paired well with a bottle of wine recommended by the one and only, Buffalo Blake! The French onion filet mignon was so perfectly cooked and tender, and the au jus was so tasty I could have drank right from the serving cup. We finished with some crème brûlée that was perfectly creamy and sweet. The service staff also brought us out a sample of their house bourbon and one of their angel cake grilled cheeses for our anniversary celebration. This place just did not miss! Also please ignore our big back activity of trying two different deserts; they were well worth the taste! Would definitely love to come back here for more special occasions. If you can, ask for Blake, he takes great care of his guests!

  • Dane
    3 month ago

    5 Stars - Impeccable Food, Atmosphere & Service I highly recommend dining at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto; you won’t be disappointed. The seafood selection is excellent, and the crab cakes are an absolute must-try. Be sure to save room for their decadent dessert options as well! The restaurant is the top floor of a large building on Mount Washington with with stunning views of the Pittsburgh skyline visible from every seat in the house. The service we received was second to none, thank you to the entire team. It is also an excellent venue for small parties and events, guests will love it. Valet parking is available and makes arrival seamless.

  • Ahri A
    3 month ago

    The view alone makes this one of the best spots in Pittsburgh—absolutely spectacular and perfect for a special evening. Add in the food and service, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect date night. I have never had duck cooked as well as I did here. The skin was beautifully crispy, the meat tender, and the tangy cranberry sauce tied everything together with just the right balance. The salmon was also outstanding—light, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. Everyone on staff took wonderful care of us, making the experience feel both relaxed and elevated. If you go, definitely request a window seat to make the most of the view. This is a restaurant I’d happily come back to again and again.

  • A.G. Pennypacker
    4 month ago

    Without a doubt THE best crabcake I have ever had anywhere. I don’t wanna hear about Maryland or anywhere else! Piles and piles of lump meat very little cake, absolutely tremendous the sauce was perfect. From the time I got there the valet was super kind and super nice super helpful. We were shown to the lounge to wait for our table as we got there early. My daughter is four years old and they had a gift bag ready for her with very nice gifts to keep her entertained and occupied. Our server at the lounge made our drinks got to our table as we were called before they were served, our table server was just as good as our lounge server new the specials by heart lobster was perfect street corn absolutely unbelievable fresh corn not overly done with mayonnaise.Yukon gold potatoes were cooked perfectly. And the steak with the French onion topping and green cheese was absolutely unbelievable. First class experience start to finish could not have been easier to get in park and get out. This is a must attend must go. You will be surely sorely disappointed if you pass this up 10 out of 10.

  • Citlalli Glez
    4 month ago

    Unbeatable service! I've never seen such excellent service anywhere, especially for our daughter. When they assigned us a table, they gave her a gift with small toys that kept her calm throughout our stay. They have a menu specially designed for young guests. I truly applaud this because it's not very common in many restaurants. The view is spectacular. Anne's friendly service made us feel very comfortable at all times. Her menu recommendations were very accurate. The prices were reasonable. The appetizers, cocktails, dinner, and desserts were truly delicious. Overall, they made it a very special evening for my birthday celebration. At the end, they gave her a beautiful postcard, ideal to keep as a souvenir of the restaurant. Every detail from beginning to end was wonderful. We will definitely return. This is a highly recommended restaurant!

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