At the pinnacle of Pittsburgh’s famed Mount Washington sits one of its most
acclaimed restaurants. For nearly three decades, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
has rolled out the red carpet for every guest who arrives via its glass
elevator to the top of a ten-story building. From rockstars and local sports
heroes to area residents who want the city’s most extraordinary dining
experience, every guest is treated with a level of hospitality that is rare
these days. From breathtaking views through the floor-to-ceiling windows to
world-class cuisine, Monterey Bay is where exceptional events and
unforgettable memories are made.
The Expertise of Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
As the name suggests, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto specializes in fresh,
sustainably sourced seafood. The culinary team brings a creative and
modern approach, highlighting global influences and seasonal ingredients.
Leading the team is Executive Chef Richie Sphatt, who excels at traditional
dishes — he is classically trained in both French and Italian cuisine —
while embracing a modern style focusing on fresh fish and innovative
preparations.
Taking You to the Sea
The chef team displays its talents with new features and continually
updated menu offerings. Among some of these, for instance, are a new
twist on a classic dish, Penne Vodka with Shrimp. Sphatt sautés Gold
Coast shrimp, cherry tomatoes and Fresno peppers, adds a luscious
tomato cream vodka sauce and serves it over penne pasta. The fresh fish
section of the menu offers a large variety of seasonal species with
complementary preparations, such as King Salmon Miso or Chilean Sea
Bass Wild Mushroom.
Keeping You on Land
For guests who prefer to stay on land, Sphatt has created his French Onion
Filet, with caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, a crouton and rich beef
broth. “Classical cooking never goes out of style,” Sphatt explains. “Many
restaurants that follow trends come and go, but Monterey Bay has been
creating memorable dining experiences for nearly 30 years.”
While recently collaborating with Pittsburgh icon Sarris Candies on her new
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cheesecake, Pastry Chef Zoe Peckich noted,
“It is so nice to walk into a kitchen where creativity and passion are not only
welcomed but celebrated.”
Monterey Bay’s seasonal cocktail menus are built around its partnerships
with local distilleries. “We challenge our beverage team to develop
signature craft cocktails featuring local spirits at the heart of each offering,”
says Assistant General Manager Thomas Sieger.
Taking the Party to Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
In addition to creating new menu items, the staff at Monterey Bay is happy
to work with guests hosting private events. The restaurant has three private
dining spaces, seating groups up to 90 guests. One of the features that
sets Monterey Bay’s private dining apart from the rest is that each guest
orders from a special menu and all dishes are prepared to order. Private
Events Coordinator Angelina Watson is happy to give you a tour and
coordinate the perfect event for your next meeting or celebration.
What truly sets Monterey Bay apart is not just the cuisine or the view – it is
the genuine “Pittsburgh” hospitality. The team is known for going above and
beyond, offering knowledgeable recommendations, anticipating needs, and
treating every guest like a VIP. Whether you are enjoying a nice Friday
night in the lounge listening to live music, celebrating one of life’s
milestones in the main dining room, or entertaining in a private dining
space, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is a choice you will never forget. Sieger
sums it up beautifully, saying, “Monterey Bay holds very special memories
for our guests. It is a great honor to be able to help curate such wonderful
experiences for the moments they share with us.”
Visit Monterey Bay Fish Grotto.
Story and Photos courtesy of Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
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