Montrio is committed to serving sustainable seafood, which means every fish and shellfish on the menu is chosen with the health of Monterey Bay in mind. The best way to taste that commitment is the daily Catch of the Day, the Cioppino, and the Seared Sea Scallops.
Our menu and wine list change with the season. The dishes and pairings here are a guide, not a guarantee — please call (831) 648-8880 to confirm what's on tonight.
What 'sustainable' means at Montrio
Sustainability isn't a label we print and forget. It guides which species we buy, which fisheries we work with, and how the menu changes through the year. Sitting on the edge of one of the most biodiverse marine habitats on the planet, Montrio sources responsibly so the bay stays healthy for the next generation of diners.
That's why the menu shifts with what's genuinely available and in season — and why the Catch of the Day exists at all.
Start with the daily Catch
The Catch of the Day is the purest expression of the kitchen's sourcing: sustainably caught fish or seafood prepared to the chef's daily inspiration. Ask your server what came in — it's the freshest, most of-the-moment thing on the menu, and it changes constantly.
The seafood plates worth ordering
Beyond the daily Catch, a few dishes show off Montrio's seafood especially well across courses:
- Cioppino — the centerpiece — crab, P.E.I. mussels, little-neck clams, gulf prawns, and scallops in a Pomodoro-harissa broth
- Seared Sea Scallops — diver scallops with wild mushrooms, Brussels-sprout fricassée, and pomegranate reduction
- Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes — malt vinegar aioli and a petite pea-shoot salad
- Lobster Bisque — poured tableside over Atlantic lobster tail and fennel confit
- Fish Sticks — an elevated take with local rock cod, salmon roe, and Montrio tartar sauce
How to drink with it
Seafood loves bright, high-acid wine. A Monterey Chardonnay like the Storrs or the Deauratus Grenache Blanc suits the scallops and crab cakes; the tomato-forward Cioppino does better with a dry rosé or a lighter Pinot Noir. For the full breakdown, see our wine and cocktail pairing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montrio's seafood sustainable?
Yes. Montrio is committed to serving sustainable seafood and is a certified green restaurant, sourcing fish and shellfish responsibly to support the long-term health of Monterey Bay.
What is the best seafood dish at Montrio?
The Cioppino is the signature seafood centerpiece, and the Seared Sea Scallops are a guest favorite. For the freshest option, ask about the daily Catch of the Day.
Does the seafood menu change?
Yes. Because Montrio sources seasonally and sustainably, the seafood offerings — especially the Catch of the Day — change regularly based on what is freshest and responsibly available.