Whether you’re coming for a weekend, a week, or live in Monterey full time, this round-up of the best places to eat in Monterey is sure to introduce you to a new fave. Consider your meals sorted. Now you can worry about what you’re going to pack, or, better yet, what you’re going to do.
Monterey
In the midst of your adventures, plop yourself down and share a meal with your family and friends at one of these popular eateries in the lively Monterey area.Â
The first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant and market opened in 1996 on Cannery Row in Monterey, California after the success of the movie “Forrest Gump.”
After a day taking in the sites at Cannery Row settle in for dinner with a view at Schooners Monterey. Suspended over the waves of Monterey Bay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, Schooners Monterey serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on carefully sourced seafood. Unobstructed views from the heated waterfront terrace provide a welcoming and lively atmosphere for travelers and locals alike. Voted “best drink with a view” in Monterey, Schooners is the quintessential place to take in the sights and sounds of the Bay.
- Sapporo Sushi & Steakhouse
Regarded as one of the Monterey Area’s finest sushi bars, Sapporo’s menu is innovative and offers delicacies flown in daily from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Sea of Japan. All handpicked to be extraordinarily fresh, and lovingly prepared in a creative and abundant style.
Rosine’s Restaurant opened in 1980 and was an instant success and quickly established a reputation with satisfied customers who enjoy their house made soups, hearty meals and sumptuous array of award-winning desserts and signature craft cocktails.
Located in historic downtown Monterey they are a local, third generation family-run restaurant celebrating 43 successful years.
Benihana in Monterey, California is where you’ll find a dining experience unlike any other. Watch as your personal chef performs the ancient Japanese art of Teppanyaki, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes, as well as your taste buds. Listen as razor-sharp blades slice and dice through mouth-watering steak and tender chicken. Take in the aroma as savory vegetables, shrimp and lobster sizzle right before you.
- The World Famous Sardine Factory
Every city has that one can’t-miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes, and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Dry Aged Beef. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hours, and affordable menu are a casual alternative to the other dining rooms.
Pacific Grove
Away from the hustle & bustle of Monterey, find peaceful and enchanting Pacific Grove restaurants that are sure to delight! Experience the charm Pacific Grove has to offer and be part of the last hometown on the Monterey Peninsula.
- Julia’s Vegetarian Restaurant
Offering simply the best vegetarian cuisine on the Monterey Peninsula, Julia’s Vegetarian Restaurant is a popular spot for all locals and visitors alike so visit here to delight your taste buds and experience something new.
Voted the best Italian restaurant on the Monterey Peninsula 10 years in a row! Visit il vecchio for your taste of Italy.
Serving Seafood and Pasta, FISHWIFE is Pacific Grove’s little secret so be sure to visit. Boasting bold flavors at great prices, this restaurant keeps the community coming back for more!
The Red House Café and Restaurant opened in 1996 in an old, red, historic Victorian house in the heart of Pacific Grove, Butterfly Town, USA. Located on Lighthouse Avenue near the Post Office, they have been busy ever since opening and hope to continue service for a long time to come.
- Aliotti’s Victorian Corner Restaurant
Aliotti’s Victorian Corner is a longtime Italian joint in a historic home boasting a Sicilian menu that features housemade cannoli.
- Beach House Restaurant + Bar @ Lovers Point
You’re invited to experience one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most enchanting dining destinations. Lovers Point Beach has been a destination for over 100 years. Now with the opening of the new Beach House Restaurant, Lovers Point is ready for dinner and cocktails with family and friends.
Peppers is a casual, festive place with good food at reasonable prices. The inviting dining room has wooden floors and tables, lots of pepper art, and a perpetual crowd of regulars who come to suck up beers and savor spicy but well-balanced seafood tacos and fajitas or house-made tamales and chili rellenos.
Carmel By The Sea
In nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll not only find one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces, but fine dining as well.
Cozy, established bistro offering unpretentious French-Italian fare on a weekly-changing menu. The menu changes weekly so no visit is alike. Book ahead to enjoy this Carmel gem.
Platters of rolls, nigiri, sashimi…you name it, we do it all. Eat in, take out, or get catering. Call us at the restaurant to curate the perfect order for your occasion.
Relaxed Irish pub in a cozy two-story house featuring comfort food, craft draft beer & local wines.
- Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro
Situated in the Carmel Plaza in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, our neighborhood brewery & bistro offers beers from our R&D program, an expansive 60+ seat outdoor patio and delicious California coastal cuisine with a worldly influence.
Wherever you decide to go, we’re sure Monterey is going to become a place you come back to (and these restaurants too!). If you’re coming from out of town and looking for a home base, don’t forget the Olympia Lodge. The family-owned lodge is located in the heart of Monterey and the perfect place to start your Pacific coast adventure!
