Aquarium Cafe
886 Cannery Row, Monterey
(831) 648-4800
Recent Reviews
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After a wonderful trip to the Aquarium, the meals looked interesting and not too expensive for this kind of venue, but the charge of $9.49 for a simple Ice Tea was ridiculous. Left a bad taste at the end of an amazing visit. There were no prices on the drinks. Be warned.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Food was ok but Not A 5 Star! and as others say kind overpriced! but you will expect to be in that specific place. Why to many people and not much room where to eat.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Expensive but good, convenient, views over bay.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Stays on message: no straws or throwaway plastics that would end up in the ocean. Burger was overcooked but food was otherwise pretty good. Staff was helpful and pleasant. Prices are on the expensive side but not outrageous, given the absence of tipping.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
The staff were friendly but that was about it. The meat was overcooked and the carrots were hard as a rock. The chowder was nice but it was 28 for a bowl. There were no seats, and when we finally found one the table and seats stuck to anything it touched. The aquarium is awesome so definitely try to eat a good meal before visiting.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 3
Surprisingly good but expensive
Total Score: 2.450
Ambiance: 2.5/5
Dirty icky and wobbly tables. At least it’s in an aquarium
The iced shaken espresso was 90% ice 5% air and 5% coffee…
Wow: -1/1
Worst cafe. Overpriced.
Total Score = 3.5*AM + 6*FOOD + 0.5*WOW
This café is located inside the aquarium, offering a unique setting to grab a bite while surrounded by marine life. Visitor traffic varies depending on the time of day and year, as the area is a popular tourist destination that naturally draws large crowds. When it comes to pricing, it’s true that the food is on the expensive side for what you receive. However, it’s worth noting that proceeds from purchases help support the aquarium’s operations and conservation efforts, so your spending contributes to a good cause.
While there are plenty of dining options outside the aquarium—some even considered must-tries—it’s important to remember the café is more of a convenience than a culinary highlight. The food itself is average and won’t impress gourmet enthusiasts, but it’s suitable if you’re looking for a quick snack or light meal during your visit. The staff is friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall experience. Ultimately, this café serves its purpose well: a convenient stop for refreshments during your aquarium visit, rather than a standalone dining destination. If you’re visiting with the expectation of fine dining, consider planning your main meals elsewhere and enjoy the café for what it is—simple, practical, and part of the aquarium experience.
The falafel bowl was delicious! I did ask for a side of hummus too but they wouldn't give that to me which bummed me out cause my son really liked it and I wanted to get him more, but otherwise it was very yummy. Really expensive though! But I'm not surprised.
Coffee was so bad, that I did not drink it (never happened to me). Macaroons were barely edible. Super expensive.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Almost $19 for a bowl of room temperature crab and corn chowder. It had chunks of potato, and potatoes are known to stay hot in stews and soups. Instead, they were barely warm. The a la carte side of bread was pale and looked unappealing. There might be better choices, but I'm not going to be trying them on repeat visits to this aquarium.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
Save your money and appetite. The food here is subpar and over priced. Ordered a chicken sandwhich and it was very dry, hard, rubbery, and chewy. Plenty of restaurants in the vicinity for a better food experience.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
I would have given no star if the option was available. The food is extremely overpriced, and it seems it is not even freshly prepared. Do yourself a favor, and eat before you enter the aquarium.
Food: 2
We took a gander at this cafe its got ample seating and gorgeous food presentation but don't waste your money here.
A cup of chowder is 18 dollars you can go down the block to louie linguini and buy a 9 dollar cup of chowder. We realize that the prices here go right back into the aquarium and the work it does but thats just rediculous.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Great food and prices. Better than leaving for lunch and coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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