FISHWIFE

1996 1/2 Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, United States
$$$ Seafood restaurant
(1630 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you find yourself in Pacific Grove, California, don’t miss out on the charming seafood haven that is FISHWIFE. Nestled at 1996 1/2 Sunset Drive, this delightful eatery captures the essence of coastal dining with its fresh and flavorful seafood offerings. With its inviting atmosphere, FISHWIFE strikes a balance between casual comfort and elegant dining, making it an ideal stop for any seafood lover.

As you step inside, the warm and welcoming vibe greets you, enhanced by the light, bright ambiance that reflects the seaside beauty just outside. The restaurant features a classy interior with elements that nod to its marine theme, including a captivating fish tank that adds a touch of ocean magic to your dining experience.

The menu is a seafood lover's dream, brimming with mouthwatering options. A must-try is the King Salmon Sandwich, available grilled, Cajun, or fried, served on a perfectly toasted bun with luscious tomatoes, crisp onions, and their signature Caribbean tartar sauce—perfectly paired with golden French fries for just $25. For those craving something different, the Calamari Sandwich delights with golden-fried calamari, while the Oyster Sandwich offers a deliciously tender fried oyster nestled on bread topped with the same zesty tartar sauce.

For a truly unforgettable appetizer, the Crab Cakes are simply divine, featuring two snow crab cakes served with a mild habanero butter cream sauce that beautifully complements the delicate crab flavor. Customers rave about the Coconut Shrimp, which is perfectly crispy and comes with a ginger sesame sauce that adds just the right amount of sweetness to each bite.

When it comes to beverages, you can’t go wrong with the local favorites—try the Mr Espresso Coffee, an oak wood roasted delight, or cool off with the refreshing Mango Flavored Iced Tea.

Feedback from patrons speaks volumes about the quality of the experience at FISHWIFE. Gregory Wyatt shared his delight in the food and service, remarking that the fish was “perfectly prepared” and the prices were appropriate for finer dining. Justine Giacalone Rogina praised their calamari steak as the best she’s ever had and lauded the homemade key lime pie for its ideal balance of sweetness and tang.

If you're wandering back from a stroll along the stunning coastal front, a visit to FISHWIFE is a perfect way to unwind. With friendly service and a menu that leans towards both casual and upscale dining, FISHWIFE promises a memorable culinary experience where fresh seafood takes center stage. Don’t forget to enjoy your meal al fresco on a sunny day and soak up the beautiful surroundings!

FISHWIFE is more than just a restaurant; it's a cozy retreat where seafood dreams come to life. Gather your friends and family, and make your way to this gem on Sunset Drive for a dining experience that is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

1630 Reviews
Greg Wyatt

24 Sep 2025

An unassuming place with delicious food and fine service. Our fish was perfectly prepared in proper portions. Not huge Cheesecake Factory, not tiny Spagos. The prices were appropriate for finer dining like this - $130 for two people, appetizer, one glass of wine and two desserts. Oh, and the Key Lime and pecan pies were delectable.

Stefano Corno

23 Sep 2025

I was intrigued about FISHWIFE solely for its name. To be honest I was expecting a bit of open air fishmongering action, but it was just a simple restaurant (they did have a fish tank :) ). At first, I couldn't quite tell if this place was a high end establishment or a casual family seafood eatery. I think it tries to be both and tears itself apart going in both directions. That being said, I was very pleased with the food. The clam chowder was superb. It had a depth of flavor that went beyond the normal creaminess of your average chowder, and was served in a generously sized bowl. The garlic bread it came with was really just regular bread with a light buttering and a lighter toasting, but that's honestly a fresh escape from the usual oil sponge that people call garlic bread. I also ordered the barramundi, which was excellent. The fish was tender and sweet, with a bold and zingy sauce dripped over it. Even the rice and beans took me by surprise with their quality, and the vegetables were not overcooked to the point of mushiness. It was a pleasantly designed dish. My main struggle with recommending FISHWIFE is the price. Many of the dishes were over 30$, which contributed to the air of fancy restaurant, but the food (not in terms of quality) was not quite there. But it is worth a try. They have some unique dishes and have clearly set themselves apart, for which I commend them.

Justine Giacalone Rogina

17 Sep 2025

MUST TRY! What a delightful experience!! The absolute best calamari steak you will ever have. It was so delicious. The staff were so kind and made it an even better experience. The dessert is made in house and the key lime pie was the perfect amount of tangy and sweet.

Mike

27 Aug 2025

Booked for last minute lunch. We had the Shrimp cleopatra and the barramundi. Both were surprisingly good. Fish was flaky and perfectly cooked. Everything felt fresh and well seasoned. Restaurant has a local family run vibe to it, service was friendly. Overall recommend for anyone coming back from a walk along the coastal front in pacific grove

Andrew Syiek

17 Aug 2025

Tucked away from the ocean along Sunset Drive, for starters Fishwife provides a beautiful breath of Pacific fresh air! The seafood is perfectly prepared and mouthwateringly delicious. The menu prices reflect excellent value. With a full bar, child's plates, gluten free and classic fish choices, there are plenty of enjoyable and satisfying options. The light, bright natural seaside ambiance boasts turquoise accents, wide windows and a rustic stone wall, all wrapped up in a relaxing atmosphere. We loved visiting this intimate restaurant and will again, next time we find ourselves coasting blissfully along the 17 Mile Drive near Monterey.

Bartholomew Roland

24 Jun 2025

My friends and I stopped here after a long walk at the beach and we were not disappointed. The food is incredible. I would recommend: - Crab burger (go Cajun) - Fishwife Tostada Salad (go Cajun) Sit outside on a nice day, but consider sun screen if you're not in the shade.

Hyndavi Anche

07 Jun 2025

Clam chowder is delicious served with a side of crispy garlic bread. Grilled barramundi is perfectly cooked with a slightly crispy layer and flaky interior. Crab cakes are flavorful but I have had better.

Gabrielle LeGendre Fisch

01 Jun 2025

Fabulous family-friendly place to eat. We were in Monterey for my son's birthday. The wait staff gave him a complimentary strawberry shortcake. Everything tasted fresh and delicious. I highly recommend.

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