Cafe Fina

At Cafe Fina, harbor views & white tablecloths set the scene for Italian-inspired seafood & homemade pasta dishes.

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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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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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Tasty Facts About the Dungeness Crab

Found in the Pacific Ocean waters around Oregon, Washington, and California, the Dungeness crab is considered the king of the West Coast. These crabs will be in season in November, and will undoubtedly be a popular choice among food enthusiasts in Monterey. If you’re curious, here are other interesting things to know about these sumptuous crabs.

They are named after a small village in Washington State. Dungeness, Washington is among the small fishing villages in the Washington State. Since the 1880s, Dungeness crabs have been commercially harvested in this place.

They are trapped in “pots”. Pots are traps containing baits like squid, herring, and razor clams. On average, a boat uses over 250 to 300 pots and fishes in depths between 30 and 300 feet.

They have a sweeter flavor. Unlike snow and king crabs, Dungeness crabs generally have a slightly sweeter flavor. These crabs also don’t possess an ocean scent, and one-quarter of their weight is actually meat.

It’s a “Best Choice”. Monterey Bay’s Seafood Watch has given the Dungeness crab the “Best Choice” rating due to its sustainability.

Freshly caught is still the best way. Online sites like Amazon are offering Dungeness crabs for sale, yet nothing beats having them freshly caught and eaten on the spot. Fortunately, there are few restaurants in Monterey offering these sumptuous crabs, like Café Fina, which you can enjoy with your family.

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Padron Peppers: Local Delicacies to Enjoy

When you're traveling around California, one of the best things to do is enjoy the cuisine. The state is a melting pot of various food traditions as they migrate from various places. A case in point is that one of the dishes that you can absolutely bite into is from Northwestern Spain: Padrón peppers. These green peppers are a tasty appetizer that you can find in many restaurants. A single bite and you will definitely fall in love.

Although designated as peppers, Padróns are actually quite mild. This makes them perfect finger foods and, properly prepared, can be mixed in with other dishes to add their distinct flavor. The secret to great Padrón peppers come down to three basic ingredients. First, you'll want to get good ones and Café Fina actually grows its own seasonal organic padron peppers straight from the restaurant’s farm. Second, you'll want high-quality olive oil. This imparts an additional layer of taste. Finally, there's the salt. Sea salt is best and the Monterey seaside produces some of the best.

If you want to taste a fine appetizer, drop on by at some of California's finest coastal restaurants to taste some of the best Padrón peppers. Fresh sea salt and peppers are an awesome combination that can set the course for a great meal.

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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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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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What to Do on the Monterey Wharf

As with any vacation trip, it’s best to have a plan. Now, while spontaneity is part of what makes anything fun, it’s still better to have a plan to at least guide you. If you’re planning to go to Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, CA, what should you include in your itinerary?

Marina Experience

The ocean provides a plethora of activities: fishing, marine life watching, boat tours, sailing, etc. You can find many establishments that offer these activities.

Entertainment for the Family

Check out performances in wharf theaters or have your caricature drawn. You can also partake in some historical tours.

Satisfy Your Tummy

Try dishes made from freshly caught seafood. Pair them up with the finest wine from California. You should know, however, that restaurants on the wharf are about more than just seafood. There are also steaks and a slew of Italian and other international cuisine. If you bring a dog on your trip, you won’t have to worry—some restaurants on the wharf are dog-friendly and even have doggie menus.

Get Some Souvenirs

Preserve the memories of your trip by picking up some souvenirs or some items to give to your loved ones when you return home. You can find a number of souvenirs and gift shops on the wharf that offer a wide range of items.

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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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Finding the Best Restaurant to Eat at in Monterey

Traveling to a new place is always a delightful experience, one that gives you the opportunity to go on a delightful gastronomical journey as well. Monterey, CA is lovely around this time of the year with its famed beaches, beautiful attractions, and of course, great food. You would not find any better place to sample some of the finest seafood. If you’re in the area and are on the lookout for the best restaurant to dine at, here are some tips to follow:

Family-Friendly

Many people go on vacations with their families. If you’re part of that group, you should find a family-friendly place where the adults, the kids, and even the family dog can enjoy. Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a good place to start. With attractions just around the corner, the whole family can visit some of the best restaurants for lunch or dinner. Look for restaurants that have menus for kids and dogs, like Café Fina.

Where the Locals Go

Seafood specialties of the area include clam chowder, Monterey Bay spot prawns, Dungeness or Alaskan King crab, and lobster. The locals surely know their way around in Monterey, and it’s a good idea to ask them where to eat these treats.

The Best View

Nothing beats dinner with a great view of the Bay in Monterey. Find restaurants with a great view to eat at, preferably at night so you and your family can see the beautiful lights reflected in the waters.

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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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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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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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Having Fun with Your Dog in Monterey

Dog lovers will absolutely love Monterey, CA. With the city’s many dog-friendly establishments, the list of activities dog owners can do with their beloved pooch is almost endless.

Fun Walk at the Beach

Walking your dog by the seaside is both relaxing and fun and you can do so in many beaches in Monterey. The Monterey State Beach, Del Monte Beach, McAbee Beach, and many others allow owners to bring their dogs on-leash.

Trails and Parks

Another good way to walk your pooch and get close to nature at the same time, parks and trails offer a friendly environment for dogs and their owners. The El Estero Dog Park has shades, benches, and mulched ground. Plus, your dog is allowed to be off-leash. It also has a separate area for small dogs.

The Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail has been developed, from a previously unused railroad corridor to a nice trail for you and your dog to walk on.

Whale Watching and Sea Tour

At Fisherman’s Wharf, the Monterey Bay Sailing and Monterey Bay Whale Watch are docked, and they offer tours where you can bring your dog on-leash.

Filling Your Tummies

Returning to Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find restaurants serving fresh seafood and some even have a menu for dogs. You and your pet will be able to enjoy mealtime together.

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Eat Sustainable Seafood at a Monterey Restaurant

Seafood is always a good choice for a night of bringing with friends or a hearty feast with your family. However, the threat of overfishing is always a threat to the sea’s bountiful life. To counter this, the government, as well as many private organizations, are urging the public to make the right choice. By simply eating at a sustainable seafood restaurant, you are doing your part in ensuring that there will still be enough marine life and livelihood for generations to come.

Why Monterey?

Monterey County is a shining example of a sustainable fishing community. Here, fishermen and restaurants alike share the same view about sustainability and are doing everything they can to preserve the balance. The county’s own Monterey Bay Aquarium has established a Seafood Watch program to help fishermen, businesses and even their patrons make ecologically conscious seafood choices. As a result, no restaurant will ever serve seafood labeled “Avoid” and would provide instead an alternative.

Sustainable Seafood

There are many ways to know if you are eating at a restaurant that serves sustainable seafood. Mainly, fish that is harvested in the waters of the U.S. are sustainable as there are laws in place to ensure that fisheries are monitored. Look for restaurants that are advocates of the sustainable seafood movement through trusted sources like Seafood Watch.

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Great Food to Order in Seafood Restaurants

The best way to spend a day in Fisherman’s Wharf is by having a nice meal at a well-known seafood restaurant like Cafe Fina. A lot of visitors to the seaside make the biggest mistake of eating in bistros they can always find inland. If you’re in Monterey Bay, seafood restaurants offer the best treats, so better look for one that will make every meal memorable.

  Appetizers

  Most seafood restaurants suggest starting with appetizers. Soup, pizza, and salad are the ideal treats to get your appetite into gear for the main dishes. You can choose from a wide selection of appetizers, including crab cake, lobster mac and cheese, and deep fried calamari, among many other choices.

  Lunch and Dinner

  Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to go on a gastronomic adventure. Just looking at the menu in popular seafood restaurants will make you drool and want to try everything. From chowder and cioppino to steak and lobster, a filling and delicious meal can get you ready for the afternoon adventure. At Cafe Fina, you can have grilled sand dabs paired with pasta or fish and chips with Mom’s meatballs swimming in house-made marinara sauce.

  Food for the Kids

  Some meals may not appeal to kids. Most seafood restaurants in Monterey Bay have offerings just for kids. You can even bring some as you continue with your journey across the bay. Chicken nuggets and fries, which never fail to entice kids, are often available. Some bistros even serve kids pizza and popcorn shrimp with fries.

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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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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.