Whaling Station Steakhouse -Food CA (Near Monterey)

Sharon We stopped by Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley to pick up our wines and were delighted to stumble upon The Taste — such a wonderful surprise! Chef Micha welcomed us with warmth and shared locally foraged end-of-season boletes — firm, rich with umami, and absolutely unforgettable. The venison, perfectly cooked and paired with chanterelles, was autumn on a plate. And the fig cream pie — with silky vanilla pudding, fresh figs, candied pecans, and fig purée — was the perfect sweet finale. Every detail reflected care, creativity, and the beauty of the season.

Shawn Sheng Absolutely top tier French cuisine. The escargot were fantastic and so flavorful. The interior is wonderfully designed and has a great ambiance. The service is fantastic and everyone is very friendly and helpful. The perfect spot for a date night, it is dimly lit and very intimate. Incredible experience.

Ella H. This place is an absolute hidden gem! If you are craving seriously authentic, fresh Italian food- you really need to dine here. I had the wild caught blue crab cake, linguine with bolognese sauce and the nuova capri salad which was similar to caprese but elevated to a whole new level. Everything is delicious- but you’ll know that when you walk in and are instantly surrounded by heavenly aromas. The staff is absolutely incredible, so kind courteous and attentive. Paulo is so cheerful and knowledgeable, if he recommends anything- it’s worth trying! The owners are so sweet and taking painstaking care to ensure a wonderful experience. I have been a life long loyal customer to another Italian Restaurant in town, and I am happy to say Marcello’s Ristorante is officially my new favorite go to for an excellent meal!

Boris Kazarez We really enjoyed the tasting menu. The food, atmosphere, and service were all wonderful — truly one of the best Michelin-level dining experiences we’ve had.

Moe K We had an outstanding experience at Water Grill, and a big part of that was thanks to our amazing server, Carlos. He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable, his recommendations made a great meal truly exceptional. We started with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, and I can honestly say it was the best crab cake I’ve ever had. The flavor was spot-on, and the texture was perfectly delicate yet rich. It set the tone for an unforgettable meal. Carlos then recommended the Lobster Roll, and it was absolutely phenomenal, something out of this world. The balance of flavors and the creamy, well-seasoned sauce made it a must-try. I’d highly recommend getting this as an appetizer. For our mains, we had the Wild Ross Sea Chilean Sea Bass, another of Carlos’ suggestions. The spices were perfectly balanced, and the fish was cooked to perfection; moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented. We also tried the Prime Split-Bone “Cowboy” Ribeye, which was charcoal grilled and packed with flavor. The smoky aroma from the charcoal gave it an extra edge, and the fat was just right, adding richness without being overwhelming. Every bite was juicy, tender, and delicious. Overall, Water Grill exceeded our expectations in every way. The food was phenomenal, the atmosphere elegant yet comfortable, and Carlos’ exceptional service truly made the night. Can’t wait to come back!

Edna Correa We were out of town visiting Yosemite and stopped here for lunch on our way back home. As a Mexican, I can honestly say this place is really good! We ordered the Milanesa de Pollo, and it was simply delicious. The breaded chicken, rice, and potatoes were all cooked perfectly — it truly reminded me of home in Mexico. The micheladas and aguas frescas were also great, and the entire team was kind and friendly. Highly recommended!