Paluca Trattoria

Visited on a Friday night. It wasn't too busy when we arrived, but as the night went on, it was packed! We were kindly welcomed by the hostess and while she worked on getting us a table inside, two guys, a waiter and another staff member, asked if we'd been helped and also pitched in to set the table and lead the way. Within minutes of arriving, the staff made sure we were taken care of and for that we are so thankful and impressed! The waiter was also friendly, informative and quick. We ordered the lobster pasta special with catch of the day cod and the cod fish and chips. Lobster dish was rich and decadent. Fish and chips were thick breaded, crispy, and the tarter sauce was the best I've ever had. Our waiter was also attentive with providing water extra sauces and simply checking in. Would highly recommend this quaint and charming location for any special or spontaneous occasion.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

They have a great view here, and it’s a quiet little spot tucked right inside a busy area. I ordered a cappuccino and a tiramisu—both were decent—but my husband totally won the dessert lottery with his dish (it’s the one in the second picture… I forgot the name, sorry!). If you dine here, I highly recommend trying that one. You won’t regret it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

We sat inside the small dining room on a chilly night, and had a wonderful time. The food was delicious, the service prompt and friendly, and the inside of the restaurant was pleasantly quiet despite it being a smaller room. With two entrees and two drinks we only spent a little over $100. Excellent date night spot!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food in tourist areas is usually bad but it was delicious. 6 happy bellies

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Every other place on the dock seems touristy and gross. Boyfriend found this place as a last resort and it was cute and delicious! An underrated gem. Jenny and Lina were so sweet, attentive and thoughtful. They even came and put the umbrellas over us when the sun came out. You should eat lunch here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Paduca has very good pasta! The nochis were delicious and they offer a good priced kids menu. Sit outside they have s great view of the marina we saw a seal!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Disappointing customer service.
I called the restaurant to check if a table would be available in 10 minutes, and I was told to come, as seating outside was available. Just two minutes before arriving, I received a call informing me that they were closing at 2:20 PM, even though their listed hours online show they are open until 9 PM. This was very inconvenient and unprofessional.

Service: 1

bad employee service

Service: 1

We decided to try Paluca Trattoria in Monterey and unfortunately, it was not a good experience. The food itself was just okay—nothing that stood out or made me want to come back. For the price and location, I expected more flavor and quality, but it was very average.

The biggest disappointment was the service. From the moment we sat down, things felt disorganized. People who arrived after us received their food before we did, which was frustrating and hard to overlook. On top of that, I had to ask my waiter three separate times for bread, and each time he either forgot or didn’t bring it until much later. Something that simple should not be so difficult, and it set the tone for the whole meal.

Normally, I’m a very generous tipper because I understand how hard restaurant work can be. But in this case, I didn’t feel the service deserved one at all. Being ignored and forgotten multiple times is not acceptable, especially when we were polite and patient.

The only reason this review is 2 stars instead of 1 is because of the host. She was welcoming, kind, and friendly when we walked in, and that was the one bright spot in an otherwise disappointing evening. Sadly, the rest of the experience did not match her level of hospitality.

Overall, Paluca Trattoria just didn’t deliver. Between the mediocre food, the long waits, and the inattentive service, it’s not a place I’d return to. There are too many great restaurants in Monterey to waste time and money on one that can’t get the basics right.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

Average food in a pretty location by the sea, staff is nice but this is not enough to make it up for the food unfortunately!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

Perfect place to eat and chill. Wonderful lobster ravioli and shrimps pasta. Best food in usa we’ve encountered so far on our journey.
And same table as ladies in Big Little Lyes

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Gamberoni prawns and Ingridina smoked salmon fettuccine were delicious (but rich, so be prepared). But the Calacrian prawns appetizer was out of this world! I wish I could remember the name of the young man who served us because he was very attentive - with his timing. It was great that we could bring our dog (outside dining only, if course), and the ambiance was just right.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The starters — calamari and clam chowder — were excellent. Unfortunately, the main courses were a huge disappointment. The salmon linguine and the lobster ravioli were both very poorly prepared. One went straight to the garbage, the other sent me straight to the bathroom.

Really unfortunate experience. Based on the food quality, I won’t be returning.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Love the scenery and right at the Wharf doesn't get any better than that! Heaters make a big difference when it's nippy as well.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tiramisu