Perfect Banquet Dining in Monterey

As one of the premier restaurants here at the Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, we aim to provide for the varied needs of our diverse clientele. Among our offerings is banquet dining. Whether it’s for a corporate event, a business meeting, or a special occasion, our customers can turn to us for a private lunch or dinner filled with incredible food in a classy atmosphere. Our banquet dining menu is filled with great choices for all courses. The menu is different for Lunch and Dinner, and is further divided into Tiers. Private Lunch Menu Tier 1 for Lunch is $35 per person and includes one starter, two entree choices, and one dessert selection. Tier 2 is $40 per person and includes one starter, three entree choices, and one dessert selection. Menu items are as follows: -Starters: Housemade Boston Clam Chowder, Salinas Valley Mixed Greens, Caesar Salad
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Authentic Italian Dishes Made with Monterey’s Best Seafood

Although Italian cuisine’s shining stars are pasta and pizza, it has a lot more variety than you might think. Traditional Italian dishes use many other tasty ingredients like different kinds of seafood. Cafe Fina’s own founder, Dominic Mercurio, uses family recipes handed down from generation to generation, and we make sure to stay true to our roots. Here at our restaurant, we serve authentic Italian food using only the best seafood Monterey waters have to offer. Seafood Pastas Our specialty, the Pasta Fina, is a classic Italian dish. We use fresh baby shrimp caught in the Bay and serve it up on linguini. We also use roma tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and shallots harvested right from our own garden. To top it all off, we add a rich clam butter sauce.
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Knowing What Makes a Good Caprese Tomato Salad

When you're dropping by restaurants in Monterey, California, it would be good to understand what exactly is going into your dish so you can appreciate it more. Among the more popular ones that you should be paying attention to is the Caprese salad. A classic seaside dish, originally from the island of Capri in Italy, it's a simple and popular meal to enjoy by the coast.

Eating Mussels the French Way

Mussel dishes served in Monterey restaurants are indeed tasty, although they can be tricky to eat. When one goes about slurping them straight out from the shell, they’re likely to end up with sticky fingers and trickling clam juice down their arms or on their pieces of clothing. Granted, this method is part of what makes eating mussels fun. Unfortunately, when eating out, doing so can become extremely messy, not to mention it’s a bit uncouth.

Check Out What’s Blooming at Our Monterey Restaurant!

Cafe Fina is one of the few restaurants in Monterey that promotes sustainability through the choice of ingredients. Whether it’s seafood or fresh produce, we make sure that they are harvested only through the most environmentally-friendly and sustainable methods. To further this cause, Cafe Fina’s founder Dominic Mercurio sought to use as many seasonal and organic vegetables in our dishes all grown right here at his very own garden. We yield a fine selection of vegetables throughout the year. Right now, our Padron peppers and heirloom tomatoes are in full bloom.
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Come to Cafe Fina to Taste the Best Local Seafood Fresh from the Bay

The Monterey Bay is teeming with all sorts of aquatic life around this time of the year. Some of the local seafood choices that are in abundance include rockfish, halibut, pacific salmon, and the Monterey Bay calamari. Located right at Fisherman’s Wharf, Cafe Fina’s chefs get their picks of the day’s catch that are used to create delicious dishes for our customers. Visit us to get a taste of some of the best local seafood fresh from the Bay. Seafood dishes are available for appetizers, lunch, and dinner.
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Monterey’s Delicious Specialties at Restaurants

There’s a reason why the City of Monterey is called the language capital of the world. With its rich history and many foreign influences, it is practically a hodgepodge of cultures in one city. Some of its most prominent influences are Italian, Spanish, German, Greek, and Native American. As such, Monterey has quite a lively food culture. If you’re making your way to the city, here are some of the specialties you definitely have to try at the finest restaurants.

Monterey Seafood: Discover Cafe Fina's Signature Dishes

We can talk about lots of other items from our Daily Specials, but let's focus this time on the Dungeness Crab. Tasty, filling, and fresh from the market, our customers can order this for lunch or dinner with their choice of preparation: steamed, chilled, sautéed, cioppino or salad style. The above are just some of our great items that make us among the premier restaurants in Monterey. To check out our other delectable items on the menu, like the Fresh Local Abalone, continue browsing the Menus section of our site.
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Top 3 Wines to Pair with Seafood

There’s nothing more enjoyable than a good seafood and wine meal. But how exactly do you get the right pairing? Generally, light whites are considered the best for delicate-tasting raw fish and briny shellfish. However, there are times when a piece of grilled salmon will taste much better with good red wine. Here are three of the best wines for seafood:

Our Seafood Connoisseur Puts On Barbecue for His Legendary Friend

When John Madden turned 60, his wife Virginia decided to throw a party at KCBS. She knew that he loved Dominic's cooking so she asked him to cater. Of course, he agreed, bringing along another friend, a duck-hunting buddy named Danny Fialho who, in his own right, has an extensive barbecue expertise simply befitting and perfect for the event. The first time they did the party was a great success and it was decided that it should be done every year. The event was a busy night for Dominic as he moved constantly between the large dining area, the indoor kitchen, and the outdoor barbecue. Regardless, he was delighted to satisfy the palates of his friend Madden and all his guests. The owner of one of the premier seafood restaurants in Monterey, CA and the legend in one of the culture-defining sports in America clearly has great respect for each other.
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Drop By the Best Monterey Restaurants After a Day of Whale Watching

Being so close to the waters, Monterey Bay is home to many of the best restaurants in the world that serve up anything from fresh seafood to Italian classics. At the heart of the thriving food culture of Monterey sits the Old Fisherman’s Wharf where Cafe Fina, a renowned restaurant in Monterey, CA, can be found. The seafood we serve our customers doesn’t get any fresher. We get a fresh supply of many varieties of seafood straight from the docks, cooked to perfection and plated for the enjoyment of our patrons. We serve many seafood favorites like Grilled Sanddabs, Seafood Cioppino, Clam Chowder, .
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Heavenly Dishes of Fresh Seafood in Monterey Served Daily at Cafe Fina

Squid is perhaps one of the most sought after kind of seafood. With their very rich, distinct taste, they are crowd pleasers at all the finest Monterey seafood restaurants. Calamari, as they are called in restaurant menus, can be savored in many ways, from appetizers to a full meal. Cafe Fina recommends starting off a hearty meal with a serving of Deep Fried Monterey Calamari, best enjoyed with a side of cocktail and tartar sauce.
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Seafood Appetizers to Try at Monterey Restaurants

If you are taking the family out to dine at Monterey’s finest restaurants, you should not pass up the chance to sample their fresh seafood appetizers. Monterey is known for its tasty seafood caught right in the local waters and delivered straight to the chefs. If you are new to trying rich seafood dishes, it’s best to start with some appetizers. Here are three good recommendations.

Blue Point Oysters on the Half Shell

Oysters are always a favorite dish on any seafood menu but there’s nothing quite like the Blue Point Oysters. Originally, they are from Blue Point, Long Island and since the 1800s, they have been famous for their distinct taste. They have quite a wild, briny flavor that is very satisfying, especially when served fresh with mignonette and cocktail sauce. 

Deep Fried Monterey Calamari

Calamari has that tenderness and rich taste squid could never hope to compete with. Deep fried in breading, calamari makes for a good snack to wash down with beer or an appetizer to enjoy a nice bottle of red wine with. Whatever your beverage preferences are, calamari is an enjoyable dish with a side of cocktail and tartar sauce.

Crabs: Tasty Crustaceans with Health Benefits

Crabs account for about a fifth of all marine food caught from seas, lakes, rivers and other water resources, and they have always been a part of every seafood lover’s palate. There are misguided notions that crabs aren’t good for the health, but nutritionists have had this disproved. 

For instance, the Dungeness crab, a species that drives fishing economies in Monterey towns, particularly during December and throughout spring, has only 22 mg of cholesterol per ounce, which is just about the same as chicken. Generally, crabs are low in saturated fat, and they contain chromium, which helps control glucose levels in the body, and sterol, which hinders the absorption of bad cholesterol. 

The Dungeness crab is popular among health-conscious people. Its rich-tasting, flaky meat is high in vitamins, minerals and protein. Additionally, its omega-3 fatty acid content also helps prevent heart disease and alleviates discomfort due to rheumatoid arthritis. Nonetheless, too much of anything is unhealthy, so it’s safer to consume this dish in moderation, no matter how tempting it is. If you’re on a controlled diet, consult your dietitian before cracking those shells open. 

Over the years, Monterey seafood restaurants have come up with numerous creative ways of preparing Dungeness crabs. They can be chilled, steamed, or mixed in a salad and are served with different sauces or salsa to further enrich the taste. However it’s preferred, crab meat will always be a global favorite.

Prime Catch: Choosing a Good Seafood Restaurant

Choosing a restaurant in Monterey, California can be tough, especially if you suddenly feel like having seafood. The area is best known for its fresh and scrumptious seafood, and there are so many eateries in the city that serve seafood in one form or another that it is even easier to name those that do not. While the staggering number of restaurants can be intimidating, you can narrow down your search by following these handy tips.

Monterey Restaurants Share Tips on How to Cook as the Italians Do

This approach to cooking helps prolong the average Italian’s lifespan, among the highest in the world. However, you can partake in this health trend just by dining at reputable restaurants in Monterey that adhere to traditional cooking methods. Fresh ingredients and slow cooking make for a wonderful meal. You can find some of these good Monterey restaurants in examples like Cafe Fina. Aside from delicious seafood sourced from Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, our restaurant can also cook up pasta just like how Italians would like it. In fact, we make our own pasta, so rest assured that it’s fresh.
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Monterey Seafood Restaurant Dishes Out on Delectable Sand Dab Fillets

Not many seafood restaurants have them on the menu because they take time to prepare. Sand dabs have a slender and bony body that can be a challenge to work on. As a result, most would prefer to simply fillet it. Here at Cafe Fina, we prepare sand dabs using some choice ingredients like cracker meal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges. We season about 20 to 25 sand dabs with 4 cups of cracker meal and fry them to perfection. Once they have a golden brown color, they are sprinkled with a healthy helping of salt and pepper. They are then plated and garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Cafe Fina is owned by Domenico Mercurio, a chef who is proud of his Sicilian and fisherman heritage. The restaurant is known for its Italian-inspired atmosphere and homemade pastas as well as our excellent wine selection. Today, Cafe Fina is known as one of the best seafood restaurants in Monterey, CA that practices sustainable fishing.
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Dining Etiquette: Canine Edition

If you’re tired of playing Frisbee in the local park with your canine companion, you may want to spice things up by treating your pooch to a dog-friendly restaurant in Monterey the next time you two go out. Your dog will surely enjoy the experience of being served fancy dog-sized portions of food by a waiter.

Arranging a Dog-Friendly Vacation in Monterey

Are you thinking of arranging a vacation with your dog? Travelling can be hard especially if you’re bringing your loyal companions along. Below is a list of dog-friendly places and tourist spots that are sure to keep both your family and your pets entertained:

Protect Our Marine Resources: Support Sustainable Seafood in Monterey

Sustainable seafood is a chef’s recommendation these days, at least for top Monterey seafood restaurants on the wharf like Cafe Fina. Sustainable seafood is fished or farmed responsibly in a manner that preserves or allows their continuous long-term reproduction. This is for the purpose of meeting the present generation’s needs without detriment to the environment’s health, as well as to protect the future generation’s ability to meet their own. As per National Geographic, sustainable fisheries are those which target species thriving in huge numbers because these are the ones most capable of reproducing quickly enough to sustain their population at an ideal size. An example of such fisheries are those found in Bristol Bay, a watershed in Alaska that houses a bountiful population of salmon. The sustainable population is maintained through proper monitoring of the species’ population, establishment of environmental safeguards and strict regulations on fishing practices.
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Fun Things to Do in Monterey

If you’re looking for a good place to spend your weekends, Monterey may be that ideal place. Take a look at the following attractions:

A 17-Mile Nature Drive

You can drive along the trails of Del Monte Forest where you can see nature’s wonders such as the Lone Cypress, Bird and Seal rocks, and the Restless Sea (which is known for its colliding currents). You are also sure to see many wild animals along your way like harbor seals, sea lions, and the brown pelicans - perfect for nature lovers!

Adventures by the Sea

Being near the water can help you find peace and relief from the stress of the daily grind. When that big patch of water is in Monterey, CA, you can find many things to do with friends or loved ones. Here are some of them:

Whale Watching

Anyone who has ever watched the Free Willy movies will be curious about seeing whales first hand. Luckily, Monterey Bay’s whale-watching jaunts peak during April and May. A number of whale-watching operators schedule nature cruises during those two months. With your friends or family on the cruise, the tour guides can educate you on the various marine species out and about Monterey Bay.

Why Cafe Fina is a Must-Try Among Monterey Restaurants on the Water

Looking for a perfect place to dine with your family after a day of fun-filled activities in Monterey? We invite you to visit Cafe Fina, one of the highly-cherished Monterey restaurants on the water along Old Fisherman’s Wharf. From our mouthwatering assortment of dishes and concoctions to our superb customer service, Cafe Fina is a perfect culinary spot for you and your loved ones to bond while enjoying breathtaking views of the open sea. A wide variety of dishes to choose from Cafe Fina is a famous restaurant in Monterey, California that features a splendid fusion of Italian and seafood cuisines. We have it all: from crab, shellfish, prawns and fish to steaks, chicken, pasta and pizzas (gluten-free versions available, too!)—pick whatever you want and expect it served fresh in a matter of minutes while you relish our equally sumptuous starters.
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Bonding with Your Kids: Things to Do in Monterey

Monterey County, California is the perfect spot for fun family activities. There are plenty of things you can explore that kids and adults alike will enjoy. If you’re in town with your kids and you want to spend quality time with them, here are some activities you might want to try:

Appreciating Marine Life at the Aquarium

Young kids, especially, are fascinated with the interesting marine life in the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Even tweens, teens and adults, however, can have a blast watching sea otters. There are also some breathtaking exhibits that you can explore.

Great Kid Friendly Restaurants in Monterey, CA & Fun Activities in the Area

With its many attractions and countless dining options, Monterey is a fine place for family bonding and unforgettable experiences. As one of California's top destinations, the city boasts of many activities and delicious food at Monterey restaurants to enjoy. And with its family-friendly atmosphere and strong Italian traditions, Cafe Fina is foremost among the places to eat ideal for a full dining experience that both children and adults would surely appreciate. Monterey County is located at the heart of California's Pacific coast region, making it a prime spot for attractions and activities that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages. With key locations like the Monterey Museum of Art, Monterey State Beach, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, families will never run out of options for a fun day out. Meanwhile, the Cannery Row and the Fisherman's Wharf are known to have a wide selection of the best restaurants in Monterey.
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Bringing Your Dog Along for Dinner

Looking for a place to bring your pet dog for dinner? After California loosened its reins on the dog ban in restaurants, there have been more venues for man and pet to enjoy quality time together. The new law requires restaurants, which are amenable to accepting pets, to provide an outdoor space for canines.

When it comes to outdoor spaces, restaurants on Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey Bay have plenty of them. Here, you and your pooch can savor the relaxing view of Monterey Bay, as well as the great-tasting food these restaurants offer. Remember, however, that there’s still a dining etiquette you’re expected to follow so as not to disturb other diners’ space and meal.

Great Day in Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf

The Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a great place to visit in Monterey, CA. You can spend the entire day enjoying sights and activities, and have a delightful meal afterwards. Here are a few of the things you can do:

Visiting Dog-Friendly Seafood Restaurants and Other Attractions in Monterey

With its stunning beaches and many attractions, California is one of the most dog-friendly states in the United States. Monterey, in particular is home to many pet-friendly beaches, hotels, and restaurants. Our Monterey seafood restaurant, Cafe Fina, is one of the few places on the Fisherman's Wharf that both pet lovers and pets alike would enjoy sharing spending time in. Along with other fun activities in Monterey County, our establishment features special cuisine for dogs to enjoy. We were even featured in the Wall Street Journal for our canine offerings! Monterey is known for its beautiful coastlines where dog owners can take their beloved furry friends to enjoy sunny days at the Monterey State Beach, Del Monte Beach, or McAbee Beach. Such locations are perfect for activities like leisurely strolls at scenic routes or pleasant afternoons of running around and playing catch.
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