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Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Category: Restaurants Seafood Seafood [Edit]
1411 Grandview AvePittsburgh, PA 15211
Neighborhood: Duquesne Heights
(412) 481-4414
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri 11 am - 11 pm
Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
61 reviews for Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Review Highlights
"He had a yellow-fin tuna, stuffed with feta."
(in 3 reviews)
"The crab cakes are spectacular, they're my favorite."
(in 6 reviews)
"The mahi-mahi was tender, moist, and flavorful."
(in 6 reviews)
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61 reviews in English
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Review from Lauren C.
1/28/2012
I haven't been in here in almost 10 years and it's just like I remember it. The food is still excellent, the view is still gorgeous and the decor is exactly the same. I would give the restaurant five stars on food and view alone but the place just feels so outdated and needs a face lift. The giant bubbly fish tank when you walk in, the faux palm trees on the ceiling, the dark and dingy entrance way before you take the elevator up....
but on to the positives. I went here for lunch and it wasn't crowded at all so we got a great window seat. I ordered the rodi grille salmon with a side of green beans in a sweet chili sauce. The salmon comes in a teriyaki sauce and was grilled to perfection. I also ordered a glass of the Riesling and it was on the sweeter side but really good. For dessert, I opted for the birthday cake cheesecake and it went beyond my expectations. If you don't have a sweet tooth then this dessert isn't for you because I'm pretty sure I got a sugar high. It was a cheesecake with birthday cake layers. The icing was delicious and it looked a bit like a mini confetti birthday cake. YUM!
I also sampled the crab cakes that my coworker ordered, which they are known for. Fabulous. All in all, good experience although I'll issue fair warning that it's a pricey meal even if you opt out of wine and dessert. Good service, awesome food, I just can't get past that awful outdated 80s decor..... -
Review from Kate E.
12/21/2011
Wow. They have so many options (if you like seafood which i do!)
The menu of specials was overwhelming as well. The server rattled on for like 15 minutes about the specials which was impressive.
I am a scallop fan so I went with the crab stuffed scallops. I was so overwhelmed by all of the fish options that I couldn't make up my mind. The entree was delicious my only gripe is with the soup I ordered. The server described the soup as a lobster butternut squash....sounds interesting and delicious. Unfortunately the soup was a overly sweet pumpkin puree. I love soup but neither my sister or I could stomach it.
Obviously, the views are incredible but the interior seemed a little cheesy for a $30+ entree place. Fake palm trees? hmm...
Pros: huge seafood menu, full bar, tasty bread, gorgeous views, actually kid friendly (for my nephew)
Cons: poor soup description, cheesy interior, a la carte vegetables, pricey but you are paying for the view.
Overall: I will be back for another special occasion! -
Review from Meghan M.
12/15/2011
Holy fancy pants Batman! This dish cost as much as my last pair of pants! ...but it was delicious.
Like many others, we dined here for a special occasion meal. The view is spectacular. The prices are too. The menu is comprehensive (assuming you're here for fish). The decor is totally Miami 80s...complete with a large, lit water tank with bubbles and if memory serves me correctly, jungle leaf motifs all over the carpet. For the prices, you would think they would update the decor. Whatever...onto the food!
The crab cakes are all crab, no filler, and completely delicious. The oysters were totally disappointing. We had better oysters that afternoon at the shadyside market than we did at Monterey...and the shadyside ones cost $1 a pop. All the fish dishes were good. My macadamia encrusted halibut was delicious. The vegetable sides were totally disappointing and appeared to have little thought or effort put into them. I understand if they were going for simple and fresh, but even if that was their intent they missed the mark. They were bland and uninspired. The salads were good and the desserts were good, but not to die for. The fancier cocktails were good to meh.
Our waiter was wonderful. He was a great fine dining waiter with all the bells and whistles, yet he was not stuffy or condescending. He knew how to relax and help his table relax. He made our dining experience great. -
Review from Joey R.
New York, NY
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
"Monterey Bay Fish Sky Tower"
This was an awesome way to continue our journey after riding the Duquesne Incline. Just a short walk up the hill, take an elevator to the top and step off into a dining room with stunning panoramic views and vaulted ceilings. The decor was slightly reminiscent of a Vegas hotel lobby. It wasn't very busy when we got there but it was in between lunch and dinner hours.
We decided to go to the lounge area half a flight down. We were the only ones sitting at the bar and got A+ service from our bartender. He might have been one of the most engaging and entertaining bartenders I've ever met ( I feel terrible I cannot remember his name) He truly appreciated the joys of being a mixologist and made some killer drinks. The drink menu is extensive and we got their just in time for their 'Executive Hour". Okay, I giggled at first too and thought how pretentious, but it actually is quite clever since their clientele during this time was a lot of suits.
We must have tried 3 different drinks each, my favourite being the Jalepeno Martini. Talk about a kick in the mouth! The other drinks were incredibly tasty too and all used a variety of booze so their is something for anyone.
As the night progressed not only did the view become even more beautiful as Pittsburgh lit up we decided on a lil nosh. So we tried the recommended Cajun Shrimp. They were great and not too oily like other places. The rest of the menu looked like a "To-Do list" of fish. Trust me you'll want to go back and check them off.
When we left the dining room was packed and a wait queued in the lobby. -
Review from Matthew L.
Baltimore, MD
1/29/2012
We had dinner with a business associate. This was a fantastic suggestion. First, the view is AMAZING. It speaks for itself and I couldn't possibly do it justice. I was extremely happy that we went to a seafood restaurant instead of the usual steak house. We had drinks in the lounge first. AMAZING VIEWS as well. After a few glasses of wine, we moved to the dining room. It is very classically vegas meets 50's dinner club. Over the top yet classy. We tried the shrimp cocktail (which is served with dry ice smoking underneath) and the tuna tartar. For dinner we had the crab cake (which was served in a deconstructed manner) and sea bass macadamia. For sides we tried the creamed spinach, potatoes, and lobster mac and cheese. The place has a great energy and while large, is not too noisy. I would recommend this for a business dinner any night of the week. It is a bit pricey. With drinks the bill was closer too $100 a head.
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Review from Holly R.
Pittsburgh, PA
1/2/2012
Best view of the city I have scene thus far. They do not take reservations for window seats however from my view it seems there isn't a bad seat in the house regarding the view. The service was outstanding. The food was very good. The bar has a great view as well and is just below the restaurant so it is a nice spot to grab a drink and relax.
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Review from J R.
Philadelphia, PA
11/8/2011
We dined at Montery Bay Fish Grotto while as a treat for our freshman daughter who attends Pitt. My college student felt very pampered by the elegant atmosphere and the fabulous view, The food was impressive- we especially enjoyed the appetizers- the ahi tempura and the crabcakes were both standouts. The fresh fish choices were a bit overwhelming- too many choices! The salmon strawbery style came recommended by our server and was very good for an unexpected combination. We also tried the orange basil halibut which was very tasty (though my husband swore the fish was cod); the swordfish oscar was amazing; and the grouper monterey style with black olives and artichokes pleased my husband very much. Also enjoyed a side of lobster mac n cheese. We don't usually get desserts but they were all so tempting and made for a sweet conclusion to the meal. The service was attentive and overall it was a memorable if somewhat overindulgent dining experience!
Definitely recommend for a special occasion! -
Review from I.E. C.
North Huntingdon Township, PA
9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here for a birthday of a friend of mine. We ordered the mussels as an appetizer. We sent them back as they were way too fishy tasting. Yuck. But we got the Lemon Sole and the Shrimp and Scallop Fettuccine. The Orange Basil Halibut was just OK and lacked much flavor. The Shrimp and Scallop Fettuccine was OK as well. However, the scallops were a bit sandy (I hate sand in my seafood!) and the shrimp had an overpowering taste of iodine. However, the pasta itself, was great! Also, our server was phenomenal, I just wish the food was a little bit better.
This place is great for the view though. I suggest if it's a busy night reservation wise, try to get a table down at the bar, as the view is just as great down there and less unobstructed. -
Review from Jonah P.
Pittsburgh, PA
12/7/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Monterey Bay lives up to its reputation as an amazing restaurant that has a great view. Or is it a restaurant with a great view that has amazing food? Either way, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu (Butternut Squash Bisque over lobster, Crab stuffed jumbo scallops,etc). It's pricey but worth it.
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Review from Sharon F.
8/4/2011
Full Disclosure (We were the guests of my fiances employers i.e., didn't pay)
As for the decor, we were seated in a private room with a lot of floor length windows looking out at the wonderful view so I wasn't really paying attention to what some refer as outdated decor.
We started off with a drink at the bar he had a rum and coke (very strong!) and I had a very well balanced cosmopolitan made with fresh lime juice (huge plus over the bottled stuff)
They had set up a menu for us with a salad, choice of entree and shared dessert platter.
Even though the bread looked like just the take and bake variety they were wonderful (someone at our table even wanted to steal the bread basket from the other table to get more)
The salad was excellent and had a passion fruit dressing that I would love to buy and use everyday on my salads.
For my entree I had the grilled swordfish oscar style (crab meat, asparagus, and hollindaise (spelling?)) this was excellent, there was just enough hollindaise to add richness, but not to much that it was swimming in it. The fish was also cooked perfectly.
My fiance had the tuna seared rare with some type of sesame sauce that was out of this world. I am not a huge fan of tuna and I stole two pieces :).
The portion sizes were outrageous. I can't speak for the everyday portions, but these were more than generous.
The dessert platter had key lime tarts, mini cheesecakes, truffles, and a chocolate mouse.
I tried the key lime tart good, but a bit to sweet and the chocolate truffle which was just the perfect size and sweet bite to end the meal.
Now being on the budget we are on and saving for a wedding, this place is not one I expected to be able to try for a long time, but the food was wonderful and I am glad we had the chance to enjoy it! -
Review from Ryan P.
7/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing views, but high prices considering the food quality; you're really paying for the view here, not the food. Food wise, I've had better fish at Umi and Penn Ave, Fish Company.
Service was prompt and friendly, although the decor was surprisingly tacky - palm tree pillars? Really? Probably won't go back again unless someone is visiting from out of town who really wants to see the view. -
Review from J G.
Providence, RI
6/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Recently came here for dinner with a group of family who are big fish eaters. The first thing to note is that the view is the #1 reason to come (especially if from out of town like us). It is perched on the hill overlooking the city and after dark, it is nice to look down on the city.
Unfortunately, the restaurant decor itself is fairly outdated, but to be honest the view dominates so much that we did not notice.
Service was consistent and attentive. The wine list was nice but overpriced.
The food unfortunately is what got this place 3 stars. While the fish was definitely fresh (they claim flown in daily), the preparations that were ordered at my table just didnt work. Some of them (mahi mahi) were too sweet, some too buttery, some to nutty, etc. They didnt highlight the fish as much as they could have and tended to overpower the fish.
All in all this was a nice spot for dinner especially for people from out of town due to the view. -
Review from Luke S.
Miami, FL
2/20/2011
These people are totally stuck in the 80's. Blue plates? Decor anyone?
The fish is average and the view is great. -
Review from BUDDY O.
Tuscaloosa, AL
12/16/2011
Great food & service. Wait at bar for window table.
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Review from Jon S.
St Paul, MN
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I read a lot of reviews and, yes, you do pay a premium for the view but the sashimi preparation of the ahi tuna was fantastic and I gladly paid for the view. Ride the Duquesne Incline for the full experience! The host and server both did a great job and I'd recommend the MBFG to anyone visiting the 'burgh!
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Review from Mike R.
Pittsburgh, PA
8/11/2011
Great food, typically great service, great view. I have been a few times for special occasions and am always very satisfied with my meal. It is expensive, but you get what you pay for. The mangers have also helped me get a special table for a special occasion when it is not too busy. Valet parking guys are also quick and professional.
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Review from Greg B.
3/5/2011
I've been to Monterey Bay once for a business lunch and once for dinner with a large group. Both times were very good--food was good, service excellent, and obviously the views are spectacular. I read the comments about the outdated decor and agree, but I don't find that a major detraction, and really, it's all about the views, anyway.
The crowd on the Friday night I went for dinner included a lot of very well-dressed older men and very pretty younger women, people obviously on their first dates, to couple who looked like they had been married for 60 years. It was pretty good people watching.
I wavered on 3 or 4 stars only because right now I don't go out of my way to visit there--which is what I typically have to do at minimum to give something 4 stars. As I was sitting here writing, though, it occurred to me that I SHOULD be going there more often with out-of-town guests--it is probably the best thing I've seen up on Mt. Washington, though I haven't been to Isabella's yet (and know it always gets pretty good reviews, too). And that is a great way to enjoy one of the most livable cities in the world! -
Review from Julie M.
Brookville, PA
7/18/2011
I LOVE Monterey Bay. The restaurant is located high in Mt Washington and has excellent views of the entire Pittsburgh skyline. The staff is polite and very helpful. The best part though is the food. If you like seafood, this is the place for you, if you don't like seafood, you will still find something you enjoy. I didn't always like seafood so the first time I ate here I ordered the steak and it was delicious. Now I like many different types of seafood so I can appreciate the cuisine even more. They fly in fresh fish daily and you can tell. The crab cakes are spectacular, they're my favorite. They also have a great wine list and the last time we visited, their sommelier recommended a fantastic bottle for us. It can be pricey especially if you are ordering bottles of wine, so we only go for special occasions, but I always look forward to it and leave completely satisfied.
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Review from L. D.
Chagrin Falls, OH
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Outstanding View, Great Food, Great Service ! MBFG did not disappoint. Yes, it is pricey. For special occasions or just a great night out with a fancy dinner it's worth it.
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Review from Marie L.
12/4/2010
The entire evening made for a wonderful date night. The location is scenic. It was a beautiful summer evening, so we actually parked at the bottom, rode the cable car up and then walked up the hill to the restaurant.
This place gets a five for the seafood entrees, view (we had a window table), and the service. As far as menu items, everything else gets a two. I don't know what I was thinking ordering a chicken dish at a seafood restaurant but ewww -- it was completely flavorless. However, my date (who grew up on the east coast and has had fabulous seafood offerings his entire life) said his dish here was the best he's ever had. He had a yellow-fin tuna, stuffed with feta. Two years later he still talks about it. -
Review from Paul L.
11/27/2010 4 photos
I came here with my family on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We spent about $120 for the four of us. A lot of the cost is because of the view, and not necessarily the food.
There is a nice elevator ride up to the top of this hotel building. They have some nice aquariums with bubbles rising for ambience, though I think the palm tree columns seem a little tacky.
The fresh bread they served was good. However, service was slow. The place was quite empty, and yet somehow we still had to wait for an hour for our food.
We started off with the crab cake and ichiban. The crab cake had remoulade sauce and was very good. The ichiban has several different fish. The salmon was good, but it seems like some of the other fish were not cooked to the same consistency.
For the main course, my family had several different fish. I had the Yellow Fin Tuna stuffed with spinach, mushrooms and goat cheese drizzled with
a Marsala wine sauce (my waiter recommended it). While the rest of my family seemed to like their Mahi Mahi for instance, my fish was a little dry and the vegetables inside seemed soggy.
Mediocre food, but come here primarily for its location and view. -
Review from Sal G.
12/6/2009
Located in Duquesne Heights, you must visit this restaurant. If for nothing else, just the night time view of downtown Pittsburgh. It was wonderful. There is an upper and a lower level to this restaurant. The upper-level is fairly pretentious and filled with lots of glitz and suits. The lower-level is where the bar is located and it contains a small amount of window seating. Many people go to sit upstairs. Why? I don't know. It is so bright and contrived and you cannot get a very good view. I prefer the darker lower level where people are more down to earth and real and the fact that you can actually see the city lit up at night. Don't let the coat check fool you. If you feel uncomfortable, just head to the lower level.
We were greeted by our server and handed the menus. We were able to look through and asked our server for her suggestions. We placed our order for the recommended appetizer that was not on the menu:
Combo Platter: Ichiban (tuna, salmon, and swordfish grilled on a skewer), Crabcake, and Cajun shrimp
I was continually distracted by the view. You can see the Duquesne Incline, the Southside, Downtown and the Northside and it is amazing how the night coupled with lit buildings can create such a sublime and dramatic image on the horizon -- Beautiful. I had to focus, though, and was ready for our server when she returned with the appetizer:
French onion soup
Butternut squash soup
Mahi mahi with garlic- feta mashed potatoes
Yellow fin tuna with, garlic-feta mashed potatoes, and tomatoes with balsamic vinaigrette
The tri-partite appetizer combined three of the more popular appetizers on the written menu. I was quite glad they had this option tonight since I would have been very disappointed to have ordered the Ichiban and the Cajun shrimp as their own dish. Both were not great and were lacking in flavor. The fish cubes on the Ichiban skewer were somewhat tough and overcooked with very little flavor. The shrimp were slightly rubbery and did not taste Cajun. The price of this appetizer was only $1 more than the crab cake appetizer. The crab cake was quite good. It is the best crab cake I have had in the Pittsburgh area. It was well cooked, moist, tasted of lump crab and had minimal filler.
As we were finishing the appetizer the soups and tomatoes appeared. My butternut squash soup came in a two-part series to preserve the scant heat in the soup itself and to protect the crab that came at the bottom of my bowl. The soup was poured over the seeds and crab at the table. It tasted very good, but unfortunately it cooled rather quickly -- this is on of the issues with Creme Fraiche, you cannot over heat or it will curdle. I thoroughly enjoyed the flavor of the squash in the smooth soup coupled with the fresh crab, pumpkin seed, and creme fraiche. The French Onion soup had a good flavor. Not over-seasoned, the onions were actually cooked, and a good consomme as its base.
Our dinners arrived and I was surprised by the size. The portions were quite large for both entrees and one could have easily been split between two people. A bit apprehensive after the Ichiban, I tried the tuna to find that the flavor was much better for the entree. The same held true for the mahi-mahi. The tuna was cooked to a nice medium rare, had good texture and flavor and was not filled with gristle. The mahi-mahi was tender, moist, and flavorful. The blackening seasoning had a good flavor and was mildly piquant.
I moved on to the mashed potatoes and my tomatoes. There was just a hint of the feta and garlic in the potatoes that complimented the potatoes very well. The tomatoes were good and the vinaigrette was also tasty. I do wish that they would have used a better oil and vinegar, though. The oil was a cheaper brand without much flavor and the balsamic was fairly weak, but with good flavor.
Unable to finish our meals, we decided that we wouldn't bother with desserts. Next time -- and there will be a next time -- the appetizer will be crab cake only and we will be splitting a meal. With more than enough food for two, this will also cut the bill considerably. I will continue to sit on the lower level and I hope that I get our server again. -
Review from Rachel C.
12/18/2007
I lived 1/2 a block from this restaurant, but I only ate here a couple of times when I lived in Pittsburgh. I always felt out of place here.
It always felt like I should have my grandparents with me to fit in. My grandfather in his Sunday suit and my grandmother with a purple orchid corsage on her dress. Maybe then I might have felt more comfortable.
I remember the food was very good and the view was spectacular.
But it felt like a really good restaurant attached to a retirement community. Definitely NOT your hip joint, nor even just an upscale dining experience.
If my grandparents ever come visit me again, and we just happen to be in Pittsburgh, I will probably take them to another restaurant that is a little more lively. Even they would appreciate it. -
Review from Theresa C.
Cleveland, OH
8/5/2010
A romantic and fancy place to go for couples in celebration of special occasions. Get your money ready, it's pricey but worth it for the food and the view!
Appetizers are awesome! The ahi tuna was a very enjoyable experience as it was crispy/warm on the outside and raw on the inside.
Do NOT get the lobster! It's overpriced and overcooked!!
Since it's called Fish Grotto, their fish are good. You can pick you favorite fish and have it cooked in any style you want (not limited to the menu).
MUST GET DESSERT! MUST GET the one with the white chocolate mousse!! BEST EVER
If you sit on the right side of the restaurant you will get an awesome view at night! Totally pretty -
Review from Sylvia L.
Oakland Gardens, NY
9/9/2010
I went to Monterey Bay Fish Grotto for a friend's fancy birthday dinner.
If you're dishing out $50 of appetizers and entrees, then shouldn't you be expecting something amazing? Unfortunately, I didn't get that from Monterey Bay. I ordered the scallop and shrimp teriyaki brochette, and the dish was extremely salty.
I wasn't really pleased with the ambiance either because it had a gaudy interior design. Fake palm trees? Please. -
Review from Benjamin E.
San Diego, CA
11/22/2008
Yet another business dinner and yet another night of eating WAY too much food! It's a rough life, I know. Pity me...
One of THE most spectacular views of the city, bar none. Most of the dining room has great/good views through the enormous windows, but I would even recommend the little bar downstairs for a drink and some great views. Seemed to be not so well known, and a cheaper night than spending on the whole meal.
What can I say, the food was fantastic. The Seared Ahi tuna was delicious with just the right amount of wasabi flavoring. I ordered the salmon special on a cedar plank that was cooked and flavored absolutely right. Even the steak was delicious according to some of my table-mates.
Wine list was generous (a bit pricey) but well complimenting the meals. The serving staff was a touch slow, but it was nice not to feel rushed.
TIP: Try their pretzel bread rolls. They're delicious!
BIGGER TIP: Not really sure about parking here, (I think there was valet service) but if you take a taxi there like we did, be prepared. On a cold, snowy night we were waiting a good 45 minutes for a return taxi to the city. Make sure to get your cab driver's number on the way over. Give him an estimated time that you'll be done, and call him before dessert. You'll save yourself a load of trouble.
Absolutely a place to take clients/business dinners. A little pricey, but the food and atmosphere will definitely impress. It's a little out of the way, but still only a 10 minute cab ride from the Convention Center -
Review from Courtney L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/5/2009
Here is another example of a review that I wish could receive a half a star. I would give 3 stars for the view and a 1/2 a star for the food. Don't get me wrong, the food wasn't terrible but it wasn't over the top either, and I expect to be wow'd after throwing down hat much money.
I went to Monterey Bay for a friend's birthday last night, and ultimately is was a great dinner because of the occasion. However, I don't think that I will be making a repeat appearance. Everything was ridiculously over priced but I paid it without complaint. We ordered the appetizer platter and shared a bottle of wine while waiting for our other dining partners arrived. The crab cakes were all that they were advertised to be and the sauce was creamy and delicious.
I had the Basil Garlic Yellow Snapper with rice pilaf for my entree and it was ok. Nothing too inspiring. Overall, I felt their menu was a bit old school, which works for a specific sect of dinners. A lot of people don't want to try anything too fancy or challenging. I am just not one of those people. -
Review from r. h.
Pittsburgh, PA
10/3/2009
summary: the spectacular view will distract you from the food anyway.
The food is actually not bad. As long as the fish is fresh, it's hard to go really wrong (just forgo the over-priced desserts). The kitchen can be uneven when busy (e.g., overcooked tuna or lukewarm side dishes on separate visits). But the staff seem eager to help if you bring the problems to their attention.
The restaurant strives for an upscale dining ambiance, and their success is, in no small part, thanks to the lovely view. The service is attentive, if a bit overly scripted/rehearsed.
Good for business meals (especially when you're not sure what everyone likes, and when someone else is picking up the tabs).
3.5 stars -
Review from Mike L.
Staten Island, NY
7/9/2009
This review is somewhat curt because Firefox crashed on me before it autosaved, and I'm too lazy to retype everything.
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Simply an amazing dining experience.
Went for a dinner with my girlfriend, and we arrived around 30 minutes past our reservation time, but they were very courteous about it. Our server was knowledgeable and courteous and made the night a very enjoyable experience.
All the food was amazing, but the crab cakes were ridiculous, so much so that I feel the need to comment. Usually I avoid crab cakes at restaurants, because you get some stringy crab meat mixed with bread mixed with generic mixed vegetables (read: defrosted peas, carrots, and corn), which has been the case even in fancy upscale restaurants. In fact, I only got the crab cake because it was part of the appetizer sampler. This turned out to be very fortunate for me, because the crab cake was huge chunks of tender, juicy lump crab meat, loosely held together, with nary a defrosted frozen vegetable in sight. Truly amazing.
The Irish coffee is a tad too strong for my liking; it was more like drinking shots with a bit of coffee rather than the other way around.
The view is the best in Pittsburgh. Make sure you get the side facing Heinz Field and downtown.
I would absolutely recommend it to everyone. -
Review from Jinny Y.
5/3/2010
I had a salad with baked chevre, mixed greens, cranberries and balsamic vinegarette on the side. It was very yummy! Good portion size too~
Then for my main course I ordered the New England clam chowder special... mmm~ bad choice. It was clam chowder poured table-side over pork belly and one whole shell-in clam. First of all, the table-side presentation might sound like a good idea, but when you have gritty yellowish clam chowder coming out of a tiny tea kettle spout... it's not that appetizing. I decided to be open minded and try it~ and i get blech grits in my mouth. Where's the creamy white clam chowder I expected?! ugh~~ not cool.
I couldn't lie when the waitress asked me if I liked my meal, so she took it back and instead I got a steamed latte dessert! Oh it made up for the nasty clam chowder~ It was a chocolate souffle topped with fresh whipped cream and a cute chocolate piece that looked like steam coming from the ginormous coffee cup.
The dessert and the amazing view from the restaurant saved me experience. If it weren't for the clam chowder, I would've given it 4 stars. -
Review from Joshua H.
Pocatello, ID
10/7/2009
3 star food, 5 star view, and 1 star value. You'll pay a premium to be astounded by the view of downtown Pittsburgh while you dine at Monterey Bay. The menu consists mainly of exotic or expensive fishes prepared a variety of ways. The preparations are either boring ("blackened", "seared") or strange ("au poivre" w/ cognac sauce, "black and bleu" with gorgonzola). The sides are also uninspired, with the mashed potatoes being my least favorite.
Of note, the prices are somewhat ridiculous. A bottle of Yuengling for $6.50? Give me a break! -
Review from Whitney B.
Pittsburgh, PA
10/7/2010
This is a great experience holistically. Have your car valeted. It's only $4. Very affordable. The elevator up to the Grotto gives you a great view of the city. When you make your reservations, you need to ask for "view seating" but outside of that, getting a reservation is seamless. You can reserve online through their website.
I went with a mentor/colleague to "celebrate" a job termination (don't ask) and we had the whole experience. Our waitress was very nice and tentative. One of the managers, who is a wine afficianto, helped us pick out a good wine on the moderately priced side. The wine was fantastic.
We ordered steamed clams as an appetizer and -oh so good- with their hot bread to dip in the sauce. The manager learned I lost my job and brought us a "chocolate cake" drink, on the house, which was very nice.
House salads were fresh and a nice size portyion. I ordered the mahi mahi and it was fantastic. Nice size portion, fresh. Only complaint was that the lemon wedge was too small to put over the fish...
Finally, the dessert... I had the white chocolate macadamia mousse. To. die. for.
Certainly the restaurant is pricey, but the food quality was good, the atmosphere is nice, and the staff are very friendly. This is a good special occasion restaurant. -
Review from Rich F.
Denver, CO
8/12/2010
Spectacular view. average food ran out of mahi didn't discount halibut. No way a halibut filet ought to cost $33. shrimp scampi more like soup grab the lounge corner table closest to the city!
50% premium on food for the view
Supercrabcakes -
Review from Todd B.
Glendale, AZ
2/10/2010 1 photo
What a treat this place is for an out of towner. Such an experience that I will definitely remember of my trip to Pittsburgh. This is one of those places you go for a special occasion or if you have money oozing out of your pockets.
Situated on a hill overlooking downtown you won't find better views of the city. While dining looking out the window it almost feels as if what you are looking at is a post card of a night time scene of Pittsburgh. I included a picture that shows exactly what I was enjoying.
The service I experienced was impeccable. Server knew everything about the menu and helped with the meal selection as well as the wine. The maitre de also made sure that I was having a great time as well. That's always a plus in my book when someone in charge performs table touching helping patrons enjoy their time.
The food was very good, but not the greatest. I didn't fall in love with what I had and this is the reason I can't give this restaurant five stars. While dining at this type of fine dining place the food should be near the top of what you have had before. I'm not saying the food is bad at all, just could be a little better.
Overall I have to say the prices aren't that bad and the view is absolutely spectacular. I think this is a great choice for anyone looking for that dinner that will "wow" them while visiting Pittsburgh! And if you live here, it's one of those places you go every so many years. -
Review from Ben F.
New York, NY
5/7/2009
By far, probably the the best maryland style crab cakes ever. I've tried several other places including ones in Manhattan (where I live now) and no one can beat their crab cakes. The taste, texture and consistency is hands down the best I've had. It's also a good portion so you're not left hungry.
The fish is also pretty fresh and the dishes are delicious though as I recall, the fish dishes were uninspiring, offering very little creativity. The ingredients didn't jump out at me. Presentation and ambience is great for Pittsburgh, offering great views of the city. Nice place to take clients or your date. Next to the Original Fish Market in downtown, this is the only place I go for seafood in Pittsburgh because they do it right. -
Review from Kristan K.
Pittsburgh, PA
1/10/2010
Overall, at Monterey Bay, you're paying for the exquisite view and stellar service that you are receiving.
Drinks run about 10 -15 dollars. As an app my lovely boyrfiend, Ryan B, ordered the Ichiban - 2, yes only 2, skewers of various fish cooked in a terryaki liked glaze. Not bad...overpriced at $14. Next, the lobster bisque. Biggest upset of the year 2010. Well presented, bisque poured over a chunk of lobster claw - however, the soup was cold and more like Cambell's tomatoe with some chives in it.
Salads were next - loaded with way too much vinaigrette, a very Asian feel with crispy noodles and a gingery taste. Ask for dressing on the side. The bread is amazing, though!
Ryan's entree was a flash fried ahi steak, stuffed with spicy crabmeat and coated in penko. Only one bite truly was spicy. It was over a bed of rice - however, they called it couscous, and ONE head of bokchoy. Also, a bit cold for my liking. ($45!!! OMG)
I ordered red snapper prepared Oscar style stuffed with crabmeat. Not bad at all! Green beans on the side were delicious. ($33, could have whipped this up at home for about $10.)
Sampled the calamari - very good, a great app for a group. Crabcake was great too - but, best crabcake in Pittsburgh can be found at Willow in the North Hills!
I would recommend drinks and apps here with out of towners. Know in advance it is a lot of money for a restaurant whose view does not compare with its food. -
Review from Emily B.
12/21/2009
My boyfriend and I went here for my birthday dinner last year when we were in Pittsburgh for the weekend. We chose it based on the glowing recommendation we received from the Maitre D' at our hotel.
It's in a pretty cool location atop Mount Washington which overlooks all of Pittsburgh. We took the incline plane most of the way up and then a cab from there which was nice. Once you arrive at the restaurant it kind of feels like being in an apartment building. You take an elevator up to the very top to enter the dining room.
My first impression of the dining room was that it is huge, crowded, and very early-90's in decor. I felt like I should have teased and sprayed my hair and given my bangs a nice blowout before I put on my shoulder-padded jean jacket to come to this restaurant. The lighting is cheesy, it's a mix of tables and booths, and I am almost positive there was a paper placemat on the table. Needless to say, Monterey Bay sort of felt like what my 6-year-old self always thought "fancy restaurants" were like until I actually was old enough to go to one.
Other reviewers don't lie, the view is amazing, but I have to admit it felt like the windows needed washing that night. It was a little hazy.
As for the food, it was priced like any fish restaurant--in the mid-$20's-$35 per plate. This is perhaps a personal chip on my shoulder, but I am never impressed by places that offer to butter-sautee or broil fish when that's not the ideal way for it to be prepared. It feels like a way to cater to not-so-savvy diners who don't really appreciate what good fish is. Our portions were ENORMOUS for everything which is annoying because I hate leaving fish uneaten, but it was just too much. It was prepared well, but our sides were pretty unrefined.
All in all, not a terrible dining experience, but I was not in love with it either. If you could do half-stars, this would get a 2.5 from me. -
Review from JJ R.
Greenbrae, CA
8/30/2011
No self parking & there's horrible valet parking. We waited 20 minutes for the valet to bring our car. When the valet finally brought it the front tire was flat. The valet somehow flattened our brand new tire and the restaurant manager has not honored his verbal promise to pay for this. It's not worth the hassle to dine here.
-
Review from Rob K.
Newport Beach, CA
12/24/2008
As everyone before me mentioned this place has the best view of the skyline in the city. Prices are high, but this is considered to be one of the finer dining experiences one can have while in Pittsburgh.
I would recomend this as a great location for a business meeting or a date. While fish is the speciality on the menu, thier beef and chicken dishes are just as tasty!! -
Review from Emily H.
Butler, PA
1/6/2010
This is a must! For all you seafood lovers out there! The view is amazing, it could not get any better! The food was excellent, and an affordable price:) it was very classy, you will have to dress up~ no
jeans!
