Osteria Al Mare - Monterey (CA)

5 /5 Rhonda Hurtado: Warmly greeted upon entering. Choice of indoor or outdoor seating. Ocean views. Great staff recommendations - was even told soup or salad should be skipped to safe room for dessert. Lovely delicious tiramisu and creamy spumoni. Will definitely return for other meals.

4 /5 Opinion Worth a Thought: Good ambiance with bright and airy decor. We went at night and didnt get to see the view of the bay. Might visit later during the day to see the view Food was hit a miss. Sauce of the clam appetizer seemed watery and diluted. Didnt get much taste out of it. Fried sand dabs and grilled salmon were good, though. My friend enjoyed her spicy seafood pasta with just the right amount of heat which doesnt overpower the pasta sauce Service was polite and attentive, but was a bit on the slow side. They were very busy, but looked to be understaffed

5 /5 Courtney Turner: This restaurant is absolutely divine. Were on a mini vacation from the bay area and left today open to pick random restaurants, whereas I planned/reserved other ones yesterday. I picked this place because it had good reviews and is walking distance from our hotel. In hindsight, I would come here even if I had to drive from my hotel. It is SO good. The server first of all was amazing. No chit chat really, just straight to business, very responsive, paid attention, punctual, and quite handsome with an Italian accent. He was personable and had friendliness in his eyes. We had the polenta to start, 2 specials for entrees, and affogato for dessert. The polenta was perfect - a little grainy, paired with a creamy sauce, cheese, and mushrooms. Well balanced, earthy, delicious. The 2 specials we had were the Swordfish and Lobster with gigantic ravioli. I dont order swordfish often, maybe once every other year, and truly this was the best swordfish ive had. It was served over zucchini with tomato and capers and risotto with spinach. The lobster was cooked absolutely perfect, seasoned simply, was slightly sweet and very juicy. The tail was served over the gigantic ravioli, I forget what the filling was, but they were amazing. Walnut pieces were sprinkled over the ravioli which was a great touch of crunch to an otherwise smooth meal. The espresso over the house made Gelato was the absolutely perfect cap to the experience. Finally, the interior of the restaurant is warm, homey, inviting, cozy. The chairs were comfortable, every staff was friendly and smiled, and the lights they set out on the tables for the evening when the sun sets create ample cozy light at the table. If youre looking for a meal that wont disappoint, and an atmosphere that feels like family, this is the place.

4 /5 Ismael Rivas: Being a low to no carb foodie I always judge these Italian joints by their steamed baby clams, fried calamari and meat options. Their steamed clams in white wine were to die for 9.5/10. Their calamari was tender, well seasoned, lightly battered and not oily at all 9/10. They did have a NY steak option which although I asked for medium rare it came out medium well. They did ask me how I wanted it at first. After it was brought out and I seen how it was prepared I got the feeling that’s they way they prepare it for everybody. Nevertheless the steak had excellent flavor was nice and juicy and the fat on the outside layer was well rendered. I also got a hint of dry aged flavors 8.7/10. Would definitely come back again.