Been coming here for decades. Don't be put off by the touristy setting, this is a first-class restaurant. Excellent seafood and canoli.
January 2024
Loved this place! We decided to make this our first dinner place on vacation and it sure set the standard high. Servers were attentive, food was delicious, place wasn't to crowded! 100% recommend
January 2024
A favorite every time we visit. Incredible clam chowder in a toasted bread bowl and the fried calamari appetizer was just as good. Service and atmosphere were perfect.
Featured on several TV shows Dominic’s excellent cooking has enabled him to be the sole caterer for John Madden’s induction ceremony into the Football Hall of Fame in 2006, and he continues to tour with him every year on the Madden Cruiser to Canton, Ohio. Dominic has earned him visits from Rachel Ray, the Hillstrand Brothers of the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch and other TV stars. Dominic is also committed to his local community, donating on a regular basis to a number of organizations in the Monterey area.
Other Information
Cafe Fina is owned by Sicilian-American Dominic Mercurio, the son of a Sicilian fisherman. Not content to rest on his laurels after more than 25 years, he's constantly stepping up his game. He grows many of his own vegetables and he's not afraid to experiment with new dishes, but always refers back to his inspiration --- his mom's cooking. Her marinara sauce recipe makes for well-balanced pizzas out of the wood-burning oven, or try Dominic's special with pesto, sausage and vegetables. Paella is satisfyingly saffrony, and the chowder is some of the best on the wharf. Gelatos are creamy and bursting with flavor --- we couldn't stop eating the strawberry, even after a great meal. Be warned: Limoncello, also made on the premises, is a truly potent potable. Be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors, and if you can reserve a window seat, grab it. You can bring Fido along to dine on the pet-friendly patio.
