With spectacular views of Pittsburgh, stellar service, and incredible food, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is definitely a "go to" for that special occasion dinner (an anniversary, milestone birthday, graduation, etc...). After coming here with the family to celebrate my brother's college graduation, I came away extremely pleased with the quality of the food, the service, and the overall experience. Really terrific all around.
Everything I had that night tasted terrific and was presented beautifully. My spicy tomato soup with crab had just the right amount of heat, complemented by a good amount of tender crab. The seafood sampler allowed us to taste their savory crabcake, jumbo shrimp, and ichiban. I also very much enjoyed my Chilean Sea Bass carribean style (with pineapple, jamaican jerk spices, and peppers), and the white chocolate mousse dessert was terrific.
My only complaint is that despite the exceptional flavor the food, the menu does not seem to be terribly inventive or original. Yes, there are good dishes and drinks and everything looks and tastes amazing, but the fare here is by no means unique. It doesn't seem terribly out of place at any other upscale restaurant, banquet hall, or steakhouse. Otherwise, it's definitely a great place to go for that special occasion, and also when you want dinner with a view.