On our recent trip to the central California coast, we spent two nights in Monterey, and after a really full whole day at the Aquarium (the best we've seen!) we contemplated which of the many restaurants available in that tony city would be our best choice for dinner on this, our last night in town. We'd asked a couple of people we'd met at the aquarium for their thoughts, and one place close by was mentioned by all of them: the Sea Harvest. "It's not fancy," said one, "but I love seafood, and I've never had a bad meal there."
The previous night, we'd strolled around the Cannery Row area, and suspected more than one of the restaurants there of being in the category of "tourist trap:" long on flash (and price) but perhaps a bit short on quality. After the aquarium closed, we strolled over and checked out the Sea Harvest for ourselves. Our new friend was right; it wasn't fancy, but it was clean and busy. A combination fish market and restaurant, they serve beer and wine while offering a limited menu of seafood items, but if you can't find something on their menu that sounds great, you're just not trying. Their menu says they've been family owned and operated since 1983 - also a good omen. Prices weren't cheap, but they didn't strike us as unreasonable, assuming the quality was good.
It's an easy walk to Sea Harvest from the Aquarium.
I hadn't ordered Swordfish in years; as a sport fisherman, I have mixed feelings about the commercial fishery for these mighty and impressive fish, now badly depleted. But I felt sinful that night and ordered it anyway, swallowing my guilt. Mary ordered the Grenadier - actually a sole, we were told - and we waited to see whether we had guessed right. We'd grabbed the last table, so there was a bit of a wait, but not too bad, and at last our plates arrived.
Both dishes were simple and perfect. The fish was succulent and moist, very flavorful; it is not hard to overcook swordfish, and the result is dry and disappointing. This swordfish, simply grilled, was the best I have ever had, absolutely perfect. Mary's sole - a fish that can be quite bland - wasn't this time; it was flavorful and perfectly grilled. The veggies were crisp, fresh and not at all overcooked. The accompanying bread was chewy and perfect, and the salads were refreshing.
As I look back on it, the word that keeps running through my mind is "simple," which is sometimes another way of saying, "just right." It sure was here!
Sea Harvest Restaurant and Fish Market
598 Foam Street
Monterey, CA 93940
831-646-0547