The Monterey Wharf

More than one hundred years ago, whaling was considered an important industry in our area. Portugese whalers helped develop Monterey as the center of the whaling industry during the late 1800's. Today, a landmark of this special part of our past is the Old Whaling Station on Decatur Street, which is now part of the Heritage Harbor, adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf. Today, whaling lives on, but instead of slaughtering these beautiful creatures, we cruise out into Monterey Bay to watch them and marvel at their grace and power during their annual migrations.

In the early 1900's, Monterey also gained another unique title, as the "Sardine Capital of the World," when sardines were caught in our Bay in such quantities that the supply was thought to be unlimited. In Monterey's early days, sardines could actually be scooped up in a person's hands, or with a basket, by anyone who went to the beaches and waded a few feet into the water. In time, a tremendous fishing and canning industry grew, and canned sardines were shipped all over the world. Thus, Fisherman's Wharf was the home of one of the world's largest sardine fishing fleets.

However, immediately following World War II, the catch of sardines slacked off. The sardines were no longer present in huge quantities and canners then began to import fresh sardines from other California ports and canned them at Monterey. Thus, "Cannery Row" kept busy even though sardines practically disappeared from the area. When the sardines were gone, fishing families had a difficult time. The lucky ones found shore jobs, but many moved away.

Joe and Rose Rappa, with the help of their children, opened a snack bar in 1952 at the end of Fisherman's Wharf. As business improved and their knowledge grew, they expanded. The snack bar became a small restaurant then a little larger one. Just recently, the old building was torn down to be replaced by the new expanded building. Joe Rappa would have been proud.

Tony and Linda Rappa have managed the restaurant since 1980 and they and their staff welcome you.

Buon Appetito!