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Crabby Jim's Seafood

3.1 (1.3k reviews)
Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Crabby Jim's Seafood Photos

CRABBY JIM'S SEAFOOD ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Touristy
Happy hour specials
Dogs allowed

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Lobster and Steak & Lobster Combo
Cigano M.

I've been coming to Monterey and eating on the Wharf for about 35 years, and I almost never leave negative reviews because my experiences here are usually great. Unfortunately, today's visit to Crabby Jim's was a real disappointment. I ordered the lobster and it was full of gristle; every bite had a tough, plastic-like, almost rubbery texture that made it hard to eat. I also had a steak that, while tender, arrived only lukewarm and was smothered in gravy, plus a potato au gratin that was so bland and off that even adding salt couldn't help it. My wife ordered the cioppino and had to send it back because it tasted like old seafood. For a place on the Wharf, that's pretty alarming. They applied some discounts and took the cioppino off the bill, but even after that I still paid around $130 with tip, which made the whole experience feel even worse given the quality of the meal. We dine up and down this area all the time and typically give very positive reviews, so this isn't coming from unrealistic expectations. My wife looked at me during the meal and said, "Take a good look at this place," and I knew exactly what she meant. Based on this visit, we won't be coming back.

Beware
Mary M.

Tasty or WasteY????? TOTALLY WASTEY!!!! Gross... disgusting! These people practically stand outside and beg you to eat there. Of course they always have great seating by the window, because no one is ever there. Maybe first timers to the wharf fall for them, begging you to come in. They should have a sign that reads..Enter at your own risk! What are you doing? My cioppino. Was so gross tasting. I've never had cioppino that had the eyes, full shell on the shrimp. It tasted like old mop water. I would never recommend. CRAPPY JIM'S. I will refer to restaurants like this, as, sticky tables.

Bay M.

A great alternative when the famous Old Fisherman's Grotto has wait times over 3 hours long. We decided to try Crabby Jim's since it's a few doors down and absolutely loved our dining experience here. The host was very accommodating and assured us we'd be seated in less than 20 minutes and they delivered. The restaurant was cozy and had great views of Monterey Bay. For starters, we did their oyster Rockefeller (6 pcs), crab cake, calamari, flame bread with creamy marinara, and a few cups (looked like bowl) of their clam chowder. The appetizers were good, the crab cake, although delicious, I wouldn't recommend since it was $24 for just one nicely plated patty, the clam chowder stood out the most. So good, we ended up getting another bread bowl. For our main, we all opted for the fish and chips. For $30 it comes with 3 fried pcs of cod, a small basket of fries, a cup of coleslaw, & 3 dipping sauces. Ask for malt vinegar & extra tartar sauce on the side. This was also good but after the appetizers we had, an order was good enough to share between two. Service was superb, forgot his name but we had this Filipino server that took great care of us. Food came in a timely manner. We all enjoyed our dining experience here. As with most sit down restaurants on this wharf, pricing is a little on the higher end but definitely not as expensive as the Grotto. Unfortunately, the negative reviews on this place could be very misleading. It does not have the same history that the Grotto. I would rank this restaurant a little more casual than the Grotto to help manage expectations better. For what it is, it's decent.

cold chicken cesar salad
Sara S.

We wanted to get clam chowder so we stopped by Crabby Jim's seafood, and everyone was rather very crabby lol. There seemed to be a lot going on, the manager was visibly upset at some stuff and was going back and forth yelling. We only saw our server twice throughout the whole visit. Clam chowder was okay for $22, Caesar salad with chicken was not good, it was cold and hard. The drinks were so flat they weren't even drinkable. Only plus to this is the view.

The coupon that supposedly doesn't exist....
Kathryn B.

If you're looking for overpriced disappointment with a side of attitude, Crabby Jim's delivers--just not in the way you'd hope. Lured in by the siren song of $6.99 margaritas and a free appetizer coupon (which I literally found live on the internet as well as hard copy), I thought we'd landed on a casual seaside gem. Wrong. So wrong. When I asked the host--who seemed allergic to hospitality--if the app coupon could be honored, she flatly told me they "haven't done coupons in years." Funny, because I found the current one in less than 30 seconds. Strike one. She vaguely gestured us toward "somewhere over there" to seat ourselves--mind you, we had a child in a wheelchair and a baby in tow. No offer of help, no greeting, no care. We found a sticky, questionably-clean table on our own. Sat for over 5 minutes without so much as a glance from a server. My husband went back to the host to let her know there was food all over the floor. She said she'd send someone. No one came. Then I looked down and--lucky me--realized some of that leftover mystery meal was now on my shoe. Absolutely disgusting. At that point, we got up and left. I told her on the way out, hoping for at least a shred of decency or an apology. Instead, we got a cold brush-off and dirty looks as we exited. A place that can't handle basic cleanliness, service, or honesty about its own promotions has no business being in business--especially in a tourist town with so many better options. Save your money, your appetite, and your patience. Crabby Jim's is all crabby, no charm. Visited 2pm, 7/22/25

Mike M.

Sorry, Crabby Jims. We have been going to this restaurant since at least 2019, and things have become much different upon our last visit. $170 for dinner of what felt like mostly frozen food. The one and only positive was the waitress as she was nice and attentive. the fish and chips looked like it was frozen and then heated. Or already cooked and recooked it is 6.50 for a kids chocolate milk it's 6.50 for a refill on that. The refill is not free they got rid of the free appetizer card they do not provide any kind of bread unlike many of the other restaurants. I ordered some and it was $5 and old and gross. The butter was particularly bad and I was sick to my stomach a few hours later the kids chicken nuggets, again, frozen food baked in an oven. Why do they do the kids like this!? The clam chowder was good, but $23 is a lot to ask for 16 ounces of soup in a bread bowl. 26 actually, since we got the garlic bread bowl. This place needs Gordon Ramsay'd immediately There will be no next time for this place. It is simply not worth the money for food that you can buy in the frozen section and cook at home

Clam chowder in a bread bowl with a garlic lid
Vivi F.

Tried Crabby Jim's Seafood on the pier, and it was a great experience! I ordered the Best of the West Clam Chowder in a bread bowl and added the garlic lid, such a good choice. The chowder was absolutely exquisite, rich, and flavorful, and the garlic lid added a nice touch. The restaurant has beautiful ocean views, and I got lucky with a window seat, which made the experience even better. The service was great, and the food came out quickly. If you're looking for a delicious bowl of clam chowder with a scenic view, Crabby Jim's is definitely worth a visit!

Wonderful food,while the dishes we ordered were not on the menu and they were chef's specialties! Great service and spectacular view near the window! Highly recommended!

Outside
Annabelle R.

Got a cup of clam chowder with crab meat (this was really good and large in size for just a "cup") and an order of garlic bread which is a full size loaf on the dinner menu (enough for a family of 4). Also got complimentary fried calamari, which was delicious but unnecessary. The bill was high, mainly cuz you pay a premium for anything with crab here and of course that family-sized loaf of garlic bread. But, whoa, a diet soda for $5... yikes. It's fine though, the waitstaff and servers were super friendly and helpful, refilling my soda without me having to ask, and attentive to guests' needs. There was no wait to be seated and hardly a wait for the food to be ready. Seating is awesome here too, the tables along the windows with views looking out into the water. I could watch the lighted boat parade while dining here this past Sunday. My only gripe about this place was the worker outside the entrance constantly yelling at passersby, in a forceful effort to gain customers. Honestly, I was already gonna come here, but that almost drove me away, it was a little annoying, and she was borderline rude. Besides that, I think this is a decent seafood restaurant on the wharf.

Clam chowder bread bowl
Nicole M.

Stopped by on a Wednesday for dinner, inside was very classy with a nice ambiance. Service was great, we got to pick our own ocean view seat. Ordered fish and chips and clam chowder. Both were amazing and came out fast. Best chips I've had on the wharf! We found a new favorite.

Crabby Jim's view.

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I was very disappointed with the food overcooked. I think the only thing good in this restaurant is the view.

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Crabby Jim's Seafood Reviews in Other Languages

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Alfredo's Pastaria & Mozzarella Bar

4.4(465 reviews)
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DO YOURSELF A FAVOR... get in your car... make a U-turn on Ocean and LEAVE Carmel. If you want the…read morebest Italian food on the Monterey Peninsula, this is your place. We've been coming here for years and I've never, not once, been disappointed. Everything about Mezzaluna is amazing. Mezzaluna's a fairly small restaurant so I always book a reservation. They have a smallish, but very nice, lounge area if your table isn't ready or you're just showing up for a drink. Their staff is beyond friendly and their bartender knows how to make a cocktail. The prices, in my opinion are very reasonable and the portions are what you'd expect. I RARELY, if ever, take home leftovers but this is one of my few restaurant leftover exceptions. I almost always get Rigatoni alla Buttera and my wife the Al Nero con Vongole but not always. Everything we've ever had on the menu is amazing. All the pasta is made fresh in house, and you can taste it. I've eaten at every Italian restaurant in Carmel, and sure Taylor Swift didn't eat here, but I'm glad she didn't. I want this place to be sucessful but I also want to keep this gem out of the Hollywood spotlight. This place stand on its own without needing that kind of notoriety. Restaurants like this let the food, which is what their, they're for do the talking. A few small notes for those who may not have dined here before: 1) Outside seating is right next to highway 68. So that's not the most "awesome" outdoor dining experience, but it is what it is right, but worth a note. 2) The parking lot can be a bit crowded so depending on the night, plan a little extra time to possibly have a small walk if the lot's full. 3) LOCAL/HACK! They have an awesome wine list (for in house dining or to take home). Their prices are VERY VERY good. BUT, the cool thing is if you bring a bottle of wine, and buy one from them, they will waive the corkage fee for that one bottle.

Mezzaluna has been in operation since 2019. How have a missed this amazing restaurant?! The…read moreinterior is inviting with the dim lighting which gives the place a hipster bistro vibe. Love the wine displays dividing up the seating. Service is great! Our waitress was super kind and courteous. I liked how she gave her opinion on what we ordered. That tells you she's tried everything! The pacing of our food was perfect, giving us time to enjoy our appetizers before our dinner entrees arrived. They also didn't skimp on warm bread and olive tapenade. It was so good! But don't eat too much because their dinner portions are big. We ordered: San Vitor: My beautiful handcrafted pineapple cocktail. Delicious. Smoky. Strong. Clam Chowder: Omg! The presentation was amazing!! The chowder can stand all by itself with its flavor and real clams in shells - but with the bone marrow? Stop!! I die! Polpo Alla Griglia: Cooked perfectly with fantastic flavors. The sauce had kick! The potatoes were cooked well. Honestly, it was difficult to decide what to order for dinner because everything was described so deliciously on the menu. I wanted to try them all. The biggest hit was that their pasta is made in-house and cooked right! We ordered: CAPPELLACCI DI GRANCHIO - Excellent dish! It was a hit according to my hubby. Also recommended by our waitress. Filled with real crab and lots of it. RAVIOLI DI MAIS - simple corn ravioli but so wonderful. The corn filling was sweet yet savory. PAPPARDELLE CON BOLOGNESE DI MAIALE - Fantastic! It's like eating a fancy lasagna with amazing flavors. That burrata on top was so creamy. I had the special which was salmon and mushroom on green pasta. I don't know what it was called exactly but it was fabulous!!! The mushrooms sang, the flavors were well-balanced, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. For dessert, we shared the Flourless Chocolate Cake with a scoop of Pistachio Gelato. I died a second time during this meal. What a fantastic way to end our fabulous meal! I need to return and try more dishes. Seriously. Is it too soon to come back the next day?

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Alfredo's Pastaria & Mozzarella Bar - Interior

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Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza - Authentic Fresh Pizza from  the Wood burning oven.

Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza

4.3(1.4k reviews)
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It was great there, the pizza was really good. Vanessa gave us nice service and the place is pretty…read morefancy and my pasta was great. By the way my age is 10.

Home Slice A locally…read moreowned Italian restaurant that's been in operation in Seaside for over ten years (ca. 2015). Gusto is one of the few truly scratch-made Italian restaurants that specializes not only in pizza, pasta, and sauces, but also features an old-school brick, wood-fired pizza oven. Hell, they even make their own mozzarella! They have not only caught the eye of locals and Yelpers, but have also managed to earn a recommendation in the current Michelin Guide. The Good: * Private parking lot, as well as street parking. * Fabulous service from Alex! * Prices are very reasonable considering the food quality. * Local beers on tap. * Strawberry Prosciutto Salad (seasonal special) was fantastic! Who knew strawberries paired so perfectly with salty, cured prosciutto and pistachios? This might not be on the menu all the time, but if you see it, get it! * Complimentary focaccia was unbelievably soft and delicious. As if it couldn't get any better, their olive tapenade served alongside it was equally delicious, making for an unbeatable duo. * The Margherita pizza is the ultimate test of a pizza restaurant--and they passed with flying colors! It's so simple that if something isn't right, it'll be easy to spot, but everything from the homemade mozz to the slightly charred crust and the delicious sauce made this the perfect pie. I give it a score of 3.14159265359...! The Meh: * Meatballs were a touch too tough and could've been a bit more tender. They were still fuçking delicious, so honestly, who cares? The Ugly: * Despite the name, Seaside isn't the most glorious place, and this location is downright sus AF. Conclusion: Maybe one of the best meals so far of 2026. If you have any doubts about coming here, relieve yourself of them and get down here posthaste.

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Paluca Trattoria - Just engaged...love is alive!

Paluca Trattoria

4.0(771 reviews)
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Best lobster ravioli!!! We saw this place after YEARS of…read moregoing down the wharf and went in for drinks but told ourselves we had to come back and try the food. Tonight we did and we're sold! From the staff and ambience to the food, we're fans. I had the lobster ravioli and Caesar salad, best lobster raviolis, like I was actually eating lobster, absolutely delicious. Hubby had the chicken pesto sandwich which I'm assuming he enjoyed because one second it was there and I snagged a bite then it was gone! Dad had the meatball pasta, very tasty he said but the silence coming from the table said it all. Everything was so good, we'll definitely be going back. Beautiful water and boat view too and quiet.

We recently had dinner here. Visiting the area on vacation, we didn't realize the wharf was is a…read morecliche tourist area. The nearest parking was about two blocks away. We booked a reservation and table was ready on time. Our table for two was in an odd location, right next to the stairs. The stairwell landing area was eye level to me. It's not exactly an enjoyable meal when peopl's feet are passing your face the entire time. Our waiter was friendly and accurate but seemed to disappear at times. The food was good; I had the smoked salmon linguini. Overall, the experience was fine but I don't feel the need to return.

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Paluca Trattoria - Extensive heated outdoor dining (weather permitting) & limited indoor dining.

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Little Napoli

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Every trip to Carmel deserves a dining experience at Little Napoli. If you are a lover of Italian…read morefood...THIS IS YOUR PLACE!!! Nestled in the heart of downtown Carmel, once you are parked, walk into this vintage rustic restaurant with nods to Frank Sinatra. They have seating indoor and out as well as a beautiful fireplace on those colder days. Our server was witty, engaging, and exceptional! We ordered truffle gnocchi, garlic bread, pear & Gorgonzola salad, and margarita pizza. Their portions are perfectly sized to share...which we did. We always leave here happy and satisfied and know you will too! Bravo Little Napoli!

Little Napoli was disappointingly mediocre across the board…read more The meatballs: $14 for FOUR tiny meatballs. That's just criminal pricing for what you get. The pizza: We ordered a straightforward Margherita, which should be impossible to mess up. Somehow they managed. Just... not good. The whole experience felt like a restaurant coasting on Carmel's tourist traffic rather than actually trying. I suspect this is a symptom of what's happened to Carmel post-COVID. They got high volume of tourists, small pool of service industry workers, and restaurants that know they can get away with overcharging for subpar food because people will come anyway. It's sad to see. Carmel used to be a place where you could count on quality. Little Napoli felt like a tourist trap that happens to be in a beautiful town.

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Cibo Ristorante Italiano

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3.8(948 reviews)
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My husband and I visited Cibo today after being drawn in by their eye-catching, mouth-watering…read moreChristmas menu. A young man standing outside invited us to take a look at the menu--at first we declined, but something pulled us back, and we decided to give it a try. We're so glad we did. We were the first guests seated and were welcomed by a wonderful server named **Garret**. From the start, he was charismatic, friendly, and absolutely hilarious. He offered us garlic bread (though it wasn't available during happy hour) and soon brought out our two pizzas: one pepperoni and one prosciutto with arugula. Both were delicious. The crust was thin, flavorful, and perfectly cooked--not crunchy, just right. Garret was not only attentive but also great company. We were visiting from Seattle, and he went out of his way to suggest local places for us to explore, which we really appreciated. The restaurant itself is beautiful and was decorated so nicely for Christmas, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Between the amazing food, the lovely setting, and Garret's outstanding service, our experience at Cibo couldn't have been better. We highly recommend trying this restaurant--and if you're lucky enough to have Garret as your server, you're in for a fantastic experience.

Went here for their breakfast. The place was absolutely dead inside. We were the only ones there…read more Waiter was attentive with good service. The free water is gross, tastes like it's from the tap. We ordered the Huevos rancheros and the French toast. For drinks we opted for the vanilla latte and the cappuccino. The waiter then returned and said they are out of vanilla syrup. He went to kitchen and found some. He then returned and said they are out of beans for the huevos rancheros. They asked if we wanted another egg instead. I declined. The latte and cappuccino was really good. The French toast was mediocre and not worth the price. We opted for fresh fruit on the side and received a bowl of cut pineapple and blackberries that were not good. I can see why this place was empty on a Saturday morning. Not sure how they can be out of food for their breakfast items with only a few options to choose from. Don't think we are planning on returning.

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Cibo Ristorante Italiano - Dance Floor!

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Nice!

Crabby Jim's Seafood - seafood - Updated May 2026

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