One lunch in Monterey (seafood or Mexican near the Aquarium?)

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Hey, folks. My wife and I are Floridians who are traveling to San Jose very soon. We've been getting great advice about San Jose restaurants on the San Francisco board, but we're also renting a car for a day trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which will be on a Sunday. I'm a little nervous about driving on unfamiliar California roads, but I'm sure I'll get over that.

So we're hoping for one great meal in Monterey, ideally near the Aquarium -- maybe local seafood or Mexican. I'm not sure if it will be a lunch or a dinner, but I'm thinking probably lunch. We won't want anything fancy or high-end, and neither of us drink. Any suggestions? A co-worker recommended Gilbert's on the Wharf nearby, and suggested the entire Wharf is nothing but seafood restaurants. Is that a good choice?

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Thank you so much for all of your recommendations, but we never made it to Monterey. We had a good time and ate well in San Jose, though!

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/865502

[toodie jane]

Streets layouts can be a bit whacky in Monterey, so I'd rec googling a map of your route and getting familiar with the layout first. The area around the Aquarium is filled with chains, but if you venture out a bit (mere blocks) you can enjoy a more meal. I like the Fishwife in nearby (10 minutes) Seaside for non-fussy and very fresh fish preparations. Street level, no stairs. Cafe Fina on Fisherman's wharf is very nice, no stairs in main dining room, water views.

[Stephanie Wong]

I used to take my 92-year-old mom to Sandbar underneath the Municipal Wharf #2 on Sundays. She like the fresh sanddabs. Unfortunately, getting down the stair has become too tricky for her. The view is up close and personal of the marina.

http://www.sandbarandgrillmonterey.com/

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

That sounds great, except my wife uses a walker and will have problems with the stairs too.

So sanddabs are local fish... but what do they taste like?

[Gail]

Mild, sweet white fish like petrale sole (Pacific) or Dover sole (Atlantic).. Masaro and Santos has stairs also. Stephanie has suggested my favorite place, but I didn't mention it because it isn't that close to the aquarium. It's located on the municipal pier and has great food as well as their sanddabs. There are a few stairs involved, perhaps 7.

[Stephanie Wong]

Masaro and Santos has an outside elevator to comply with ADA (have used it with my dad years ago). Be aware: many scuba divers use the same parking lot. M&S sanddabs were also good

[Gail]

Massaro and Santos is close to the aquarium, located on the Coast Guard pier. It would be a great place to have the local and very delicious sand dabs. The food is good as is the waterfront view.
www.massaroandsantos.com

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Looks great so far, thank you!