I am extremely upset at our dining experience at Chart House on Christmas Eve. We had reservations weeks in advance but were absolutely let down. The quality of the meal and service nearly ruined our family's holiday and my wife's birthday. For starters, we were never informed that the regular menu would not be available and that we'd be restricted to a $79-per-person pre-set menu. One of the main reasons we chose Chart House was its vegetarian options, but the pre-set menu had none. When we asked the kitchen for alternatives, we were initially told they couldn't accommodate us. It was only after we pushed back repeatedly that we were grudgingly offered a single vegetarian option. This lack of transparency and care is unacceptable, especially since we could have chosen another restaurant had we been informed in advance. Adding insult to injury, the service was shockingly bad. It took over an hour just to receive our appetizers, and when the entrées finally arrived, the soups were cold and had to be sent back. The filet mignon was so badly cooked that it tasted like a fast food hamburger. The mahi gnocchi dish had absolutely no flavor -- a TV dinner would have been easier to eat. While I understand the challenges restaurants face during busy seasons, it was clear that the issues we encountered were not due to volume or staffing. Despite arriving at 3:15 p.m. -- when the restaurant was far from busy -- the service was slow, inattentive, and unprofessional. The lack of communication about the limited menu, combined with the nearly inedible food and exorbitant price point, made the entire evening feel like a slap in the face. To make matters worse, we had requested a table with a sunset view, but instead, we were seated in the middle of a busy walkway. This completely disregarded our reservation request and ruined the ambiance we had hoped for. This was, without question, the most disappointing fine dining experience I have ever had. What should have been a joyful evening for my family turned into a stressful and disheartening ordeal that we'd rather forget. I sincerely hope management takes steps to address these glaring issues to prevent others from having a similarly appalling experience. Unfortunately, based on this visit, I cannot recommend Chart House to anyone, and I will not be returning. read more

Came here for my birthday and had a so-so meal but a wonderful time, because of my friends but not because of the Chart House food. We have been to several other Chart Houses and usually found a decent value for the money. However, this one is fairly mediocre. First off, the view is fantastic! You can see the water and it's on Cannery Row. We had a reservation and they seated us on time and were friendly. We shared several of the dishes so my comments are for all of the ones I tried. Appetizers: Oysters on Half Shell: So-so. Plump but didn't seem real fresh. Clam Chowder: server said these were the best ever, so we ordered a couple. Honestly wasn't impressed. There were plenty of clams, it was rich and creamy, but barely lukewarm :(. Maybe it would have tasted better served hot. Main Course: Coconut Shrimp: eh, this was one thing that really wasn't too good. The shrimp is actually small in size, there is a TON of breading which makes it look huge. But the taste is fine if you can get past all the breading glop on top. Unfortunately, I think that would be a stretch for most, it certainly was for me. Scallops: small size scallops, but cooked perfectly and but fresh. The sauce compliments the delicateness of scallop nicely. Prime Rib: nearly fork tender, and melts in your mouth. The meat is seasoned nicely, and the flavor penetrated all the way into the middle of the prime rib. Au Jus is not needed to bring flavor into the dish. Dessert: Mud Pie: Pretty big slice, and was pretty good. Not too sweet which is really hard to find nowadays. Service: fast and friendly. My waitress was very knowledgeable and polite. Overall: Wouldn't go back any time soon, but loved being with my friends. On the pricey side for what you get. There are much better seafood values o.n the Peninsula Oh and the parking was sort of a hassle during tourist season. read more

Is there anything less than one star.... we will not return after celebrating numerous anniversarys and birthdays there. the service was a disaster, the food quality and wait was terrible. Waiting for AT LEAST twenty between salad and entre, only to be server a luke warm steak and a COLD cut of prime rib. we sent the prime rib back and instead of recutting a warm slice off of the roast, they fried her initial prime rib cut to get it hot. If she had wanted a RIB EYE steak she would have ordered a RIB EYE steak, it is not the same steak when it is fried compared to a good cut of prime rib roast. who does that, refires prime rib to reheat? I would not go back to the Charthouse in Monterey even if they sent the $119.00 back to my account after comping my wifes dinner (that she didn't eat) and not charging us for the desert we walked out on (gee thanks). Only married forty one years once, thanks to the staff at this "fine dining" establishment our memories of the evening will not be of our thoughts and memories of each other over the years and a romantic dinner to enjoy, but how screwed up this meal and the entire evening at the Charthouse in Monterey was. read more

We recently dined at the Chart House, in Monterey, California, on 11 July 2025. We had an excellent dining experience. Food: The food was great, my wife and I really enjoyed our meals but the telltale sign was our son. We have an Autistic son who is a very picky eater. We have gone to many restaurants where he does not even touch his food. Our son gulped down his appetizer, main course and desert like there was no tomorrow. I have never seen him enjoy his food, and the restaurant ambiance, more. Service: Our server was Jairo. Jairo is the consummate professional server. He met all of our needs and more. That is an especially hard task, considering we have a special needs son. Jairo was very attentive to us and was also very friendly. When we asked him something, he really listened, he never made us feel like he had to much work to listen to us. He was great. Management: Carie, the new General Manager, came over and introduced herself to us. She is kind, courteous and very professional. She really talked to us, rather than just a simple "meet and greet," like most GMs do. We recommend Chart House Monterey to all. We had an outstanding time. read more

The restaurant boasts an excellent atmosphere and a breathtaking view. The salad bar was a high point: fresh and abundant. Unfortunately, everything else was a major letdown. We chose from the "Chart Your Course" selections (prime rib and lava cake) and ordered a specific 2019 Raymond Merlot to go along. The server, Eric, delivered a different vintage, 2022. The vintage is important in that we were celebrating a wedding anniversary and a milestone birthday for my wife and we intended to spend $90-$100. It took 15 minutes to confirm the 2019 was out of stock, and the replacement wine didn't arrive until we had already finished half of our prime rib. The food itself was flawed: my prime rib was medium, not medium-rare, and the mini lava cakes were served with completely melted ice cream. The most frustrating aspect was the service recovery. The server never offered a single apology for the wine substitution, the significant delays, or the food errors. The manager was not involved at any point. The lack of regret or ownership for the oversights, especially passing off the wrong wine--is deeply disappointing and unacceptable. read more

If it was possible to give them a 0 I would. Made dinner reservations Friday at 8:30pm. My wife and I got there at 8:10pm. Checked in and asked for a table by a window. Hostess said it would probably be 30 minutes for that which was totally fine. After my wife and I checked in 4 more couples walked in and got seated at a table by the window without reservation. I expressed my concerned to the hostess in a kindly respectful manner and all she could say was that they forgot we where still there. Finally got sat around 9:15-9:30pm. No apologies from hostess or server. Server took about 10 minutes after we got sat to come greet us. Overall I stayed because I had already spent so much time there to go anywhere else. Food was ok. Only thing I would give a 3/5 star from my experience. The overall management and workers there probably a 0. Id recommend going elsewhere. Unless you're white. My wife and I are interracial couple (Mexican and russian) and for sure noticed how they treated Americans better than us. Never going there again. read more

Came in tonight for my Mom's Birthday. In the past they had Valencia as their Server so when we came in tonight they asked to be sat with her. The Host let us know it may be a little while in order to sit at her table so we waited at the Bar. Ordered a few drinks and the Bartender was polite and friendly. Talked it up with us for a few while we waited. I understand why my parents wanted to wait for her section. She came up smiling and wished my Mom a Happy Birthday. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and also she makes you feel comfortable like you are a friend of hers which isnt always the case with some Servers. Sometimes you see that people dont really care and can tell its fake. With Valencia you can tell its genuine. Food came out quickly but didnt make us feel rushed. There wasnt much room left for dessert but Valenbica brought out a Mud Pie for my Mom. We all enjoyed it. It was a great experience and made dinner special for my Mom with out being over the top. We will be back for sure. read more

Romantic mood. Breathtaking view. Delicious food. Greeted by friendly staff, we were seated promptly as we had previously procured a reservation. The decor was luxurious and beautifully arranged. I feasted on delicious house made fettuccine, while my friend enjoyed their chicken Marsala. The pepper inside the pasta noodles was such a delightful treat to my taste buds. The view was just perfect and magical. I couldn't take my eyes away from the "dive bomber" birds, playful dolphins and frolicking sea lions and otters. We even saw a couple whales! Just spectacular! And the service was so sweet. Everyone was extremely kind and helpful. The dim lighting as the sun was setting completed the romantic ambiance. Thank you so much for a most enjoyable experience. (Side note: I work as an innkeeper in the area, and refer guests all the time because I have heard such wonderful reviews. Now I can refer them knowing, first hand, that you all are, in fact, a neighborhood gem.) read more

I used to work at this location so readers beware. If you like to dine in a restaurant where there is black mold growing on the walls in the back, Dust balls the size of marbles, a restaurant with (1) hand washing sink that doubles as a knife sanitization bucket for your desserts, an ice machine with mold in the dispenser, and butter ramekins with dirty water in them, dumped and refilled with new butter, than chart house Monterey is for you. I owe nothing to this restaurant so I don't mind airing the dirty laundry. The new GM is disrespectful and aggressive toward employees and is the type of person that is never wrong, even when he is wrong. This place used to have a certain luster to it, now I'd rather get my filet at chili's! What a joke of a restaurant. read more

Woman are not welcome at the Chart house in Monterey. We sat down and ordered a martini and a glass of wine, the woman hating bartender made my boyfriend a drink and didn't pour me a glass of wine, I had to ask a second time. Then the woman hating bartender made up lies about me and had me cut off. The manager automatically believed the lying woman hating bartender and admitted I was not intoxicated but still refused to get my side of the story or serve me a glass of wine. I would hate for any other woman to be treated like this, so please don't take your lady to this woman hating restaurant, there are many other high end restaurants, especially on the pier that will treat your lady with kindness and respect. read more

Honestly my husband and I have been to many restaurants in San Francisco and this restaurant definitely wowed us!!! From the time we walked in the hostess was so welcoming and accommodating! William our server was outstanding we received the most impeccable service!!! Not only was the service great but the food was delicious everything was fresh! Not to mention we came on Valentine's Day one of the most busiest days and we still received great service we weren't rushed they really took care of us!!! This is now our top favorite restaurant and we will definitely be back soon! read more

The food is GREAT!! The view is awesome!!! Great place for site seers. I went to the Chart House last night and had a wonderful time. The view was breath taking with the restaurant wrapped around the side of the cliff. This was my first time going there but hopefully it will not be my last. I am not a meat eater and they had plenty to choose from. I thought the Seared Yellow-fin Ahi was to die for if you are a sushi lover. I was told the steak was really good also. If you are looking for a nice place with a beautiful view I recommend going to the Chart House ! read more

This is your giant chain seafood restaurant experience. Nothing special either on the food side or the service side. It's also a bit overpriced. We ad to chase the server to get water refills and also asked whatever had happened to our entrees after waiting about 50 minutes being ignored by the waiter. There are so much better seafood experiences on the Peninsula that the only real reason to go here is it is on the tourist itinerary if that is what you want. Avoid the shrimp scampi, which drips with garlic and butter so that you can barely find the shrimp. read more

Out visiting coastal California and had dinner at the Chart House. View is spectacular, restaurant is wonderful. Our server Patty was excellent as well as the food. Saw a manager walking around all the tables and called him over to express our delight. He said he was a"manager in training", Peter I believe. He was gracious, friendly. He seemed attentive to all the guests. He will be a true asset to the Chart House as Patty is. Thumbs up Chart House.....We will be back!!! read more

We had an amazing experience, starting with the friendliest bartender who recommended the most delicious mango mojito--so good, we had to come back the next day just to have it again. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and we enjoyed a romantic dinner with breathtaking views of the ocean. Every detail, from the service to the setting, made our visit unforgettable. A perfect spot for cocktails, date night, or simply soaking in the Monterey charm. Highly recommend! read more

happy 40th birthday to me the best the best birthday dinner ever! best view! best service! best lobster! five start all the way! read more

Brought my girlfriend here for her birthday and we had the best Salmon in a long time, It was very fresh and the mashed potatoes were perfect. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. We had made reservations but once we arrived and they found out it was for a birthday they accommodated us right away. Sitting us in the best seats with a view to the ocean. This is a place I would recommend if your looking to take that special someone. read more

I used to work here. Half the kitchen staff would show up high on drugs every shift. The entire staff would harass me because of my age, physical appearance, and job position. We would all be forced to work holidays and the restaurant had a corporate loophole in which the entire staff would not be paid overtime when working holidays. Hands down the worst restaurant experience I've ever been in. McDonald's is more impressive. read more

Your canned response is a non-starter and is indicative that your management team really does not care for providing service delivery for your customers experience. If management really wanted to improve customer experience then contact me to discuss and undertake genuine service recovery not directing the customer to a corporate website. Improvement is a local responsibility not a corporate responsibility. Get a clue. read more