My Kitchen My Table

Anthony's Fish Grotto

I would normally steer clear of a place in a tourist town that calls itself a “fish grotto”. Perhaps it comes from living in San Francisco and knowing what lurks at Fisherman’s Wharf in quality, price gauging, and the tourist factor. So when researching where to eat on a recent trip to San Diego, I was surprised that the grotto appeared on the Best Seafood Restaurant in SD list. Not only was it on this year’s list but it has been on the list for 11 years. Still skeptical, I took a taxi from the airport to my hotel and as we drove by, the driver called out… “If you want a good seafood meal while you’re here, go to Anthony’s”. Upon check in I asked the concierge where I could get the best seafood dinner and guess what she answered. I had to go.

There are 3 Anthony’s in the SD area and I went to the original. It has occupied the same waterfront spot next to the glut of dinner and sunset cruise boats for 62 years. I was committed to giving it the benefit – hey, if it has spawned 2 off-spring, been in business for 62 years and voted best seafood restaurant in SD for the past 11 years, who was I to judge? Without a raised eyebrow, I sauntered through the front doors and was seated at a window table to overlook the view of Coronado Island and the bay. It was dark outside so I only saw the lights but at sunset time, this would be a sweet seat! Our waitress was the sweetest, most attentive little Hispanic lady; by the end of the meal I wanted to hug her and take her home.

As soon as we were seated there was water with lemon and warm bread served with insanely addicting sun-dried tomato butter. I could have eaten this all night if it weren’t for the fact that I placed an order for a cup of Mama Ghio’s Clam Chowder and the Lobster and Prawn Combo – that comes with a salad, baked potato, and vegetable. Paul ordered the Tuna Poke “Martini” and the catch of the day, Mahi-Mahi grilled with Pineapple Slaw and potatoes. Ok, the eyes were bigger than the stomachs and when the parade of food began to arrive we knew that we would be in for a night of good eating.

Anthony’s has seafood nailed. Each dish we were served exceeded expectations. All seafood was fresh and portions generous. My lobster tail came with the meat removed and resting in the tail and 5 large prawns. On the side was a lemon with a hairnet over the top so no rogue seeds would pop out – love that detail – and a ramekin of drawn warm butter, could it get better than this?

Great service, fresh seafood and a good value… now I am a believer in the grotto and will go back again and send friends with a stellar reference! Does this beg the question…? Should those Fishermen’s Wharf Grotto’s be given a chance?

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