Aquarium Cafe

Monterey, CA · Restaurant

Rating
3.5/5
★★★★☆ 3.5
Reviews
20
Rank in Monterey
#112
of 216 restaurants
City Percentile
21%
rating percentile
Address
Aquarium Cafe, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone
(831) 648-4800
Website
www.montereybayaquarium.org/visit/dining-and-shopping

Aquarium Cafe is a restaurant located in Monterey, CA. It is one of 216 restaurants listed in Monterey. Its 3.5-star rating is slightly below the Monterey city average of 4.2 stars. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

Customer Reviews

★★★☆☆ 3.0 MIKE GRAHAM · Jan 2026

The mason jar my latte came in made me feel the price was somewhat justified on that. The sweets display really well, but are overpriced. $9.95 for a chocolate chip cookie. $20 for a large macaroon.If you’re inside and want coffee, you’ll probably end up here one way or another.

★☆☆☆☆ 1.0 Kemmerr Pohl · Feb 2026

If you have food allergies, BEWARE, they may not have much knowledge of the food when you ask who is working there. I thought I had read on some reviews that they have garlic fries and gF buns, but they did not. I also thought it was a sit down food place so maybe my info was not correct. However, minus all that- I won't eat here again if we go back. $87 for 3 fries, 3 drinks and a rib meal. Ridiculous! It's buffet style and not at all relaxing or organized. I gave 2 stars for service only because the woman who helped me check out was nice and enthusiastic. Beautiful windows to see the ocean but way to busy to fully enjoy it.

★☆☆☆☆ 1.0 kacie sharon · Jan 2026

I thought a burger or a mac and cheese would be safe… WRONG. Amazing aquarium but this place serves hot garbage for $18 a plate. The ONLY edible thing on our plates was the fries. There was something off about the meat… Like it was frozen and cooked on the dirtiest, fishiest grill? I don’t know what it was… Worst burger I’ve ever tasted 🤢 Oddly the macaroni had a similar taste and smell. The bill was over $77 for three of us, WITH A DISCOUNT! The craft sodas weren’t good either and $8 for a fountain drink. Save your money.

★★☆☆☆ 2.0 Tracy Forde · Oct 2024

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.

★★★☆☆ 3.0 Amanda Smith · Sep 2024

It was very crowded and expensive. I love the variety but there are some unique takes. I attached a photo of my “popcorn shrimp.” I was unable to photograph the crab sandwich as it had a hair in it. The staff were able to provide a refund, but I didn’t want a new one as my appetite diminished.

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Wheelchair Accessible Entrance ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Restroom ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Services

Restaurant

Top Restaurants in Monterey

NameRatingReviews
M.I.F Seafood★★★★★ 5.020 reviews
Scoops Ice Cream Parlor★★★★★ 4.920 reviews
I Love Cake (Monterey Custom Cakes)★★★★★ 5.016 reviews
Freedom Bakery★★★★★ 5.016 reviews
Old Monterey Inn★★★★★ 4.820 reviews
Antojito’s Del Rancho Quesabírría Truck★★★★★ 4.820 reviews
Nico’s Ice Cream★★★★★ 4.820 reviews
Monterey Abalone Company★★★★★ 4.819 reviews
McAbee Beach★★★★★ 4.720 reviews
El Estero Snack Bar★★★★★ 4.720 reviews

This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.