Why Monterey, CA is a Great Food Destination
Monterey, CA, is known as a culinary paradise teeming with delectable dining experiences, from restaurants serving the freshest seafood to those that offer farm-to-table dishes highlighting regional ingredients.
This picturesque city has a restaurant to satisfy every palate.
Whether you’re a local looking for the latest hot spot or a visitor who would like to explore the region’s gastronomic offerings, these top 10 must-try restaurants in Monterey, CA, each promise a memorable epicurean adventure.
The 10 Best Restaurants to Try in Monterey
1. Rosine's Restaurant
Rosine’s Restaurant is popular among locals for turning traditional American comfort food into an art form. This is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast classics or a hearty lunch.
This pet-friendly establishment offers indoor and outdoor dining, with a diverse menu that features signature dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, along with an extensive list of beer, wine, and signature craft cocktails.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Rosine’s Steak – 10 oz New York steak with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.
- Roasted Turkey Reuben – Sliced roasted turkey, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, Russian dressing on grilled swirl rye bread.
- Cajun Prawn Pasta – Fettuccini, prawns, tomatoes, spinach, corn, red pepper flakes, Cajun cream sauce, Asiago, and Parmesan cheese.
✍️ Reviews:
“Our family had a wonderful dinner here last week during our trip to Monterey. The food was excellent, well-priced and the service was top notch. They are located in downtown Monterey which makes parking a bit tricky but worth it. Our server, Merina was very friendly and recommended the Chicken Parm which didn’t disappoint. Nice experience overall and we plan to dine here again during our next visit.”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $20–$30
- Address: 434 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940
- Click here to check out their menu!
2. Old Fisherman’s Grotto
Located on Historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf since 1950 with breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is one of the must visit seafood restaurants in Monterey CA.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Twin Lobster Tails – Two 6 oz lobster tails, oven broiled and served with clarified butter, toasted Israeli couscous, and sautéed organic vegetables.
- Ultimate Seafood Risotto – 4 oz lobster, salmon, sea scallops and prawns over a spinach risotto with sundried tomato and beurre blanc.
- Seafood Paella with Chorizo – an array of shrimp, clams, fresh fish, lobster, and scallops in a spicy Spanish sauce. Tossed with caramelized onions, green peas, and saffron rice.
✍️ Reviews:
“This restaurant ambience was so welcoming we had to stay and feast. Our waiter Giovanni was amazing so polite with plenty of personality. We ordered appetizers Fried Shrimp, Oysters on the half shell and Crab Cakes. For our entree we ordered the Grilled Combination Platter, Fish & Chips, Jambalaya and Penne Pasta Alfredo with Grilled Chicken. The food was served piping hot, fresh and well-seasoned with lots of flavor. Hats off to the Head Chef & Sous Chefs. We will return when we’re in the area. Thanks for sharing such an enjoyable experience.”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940
- Click here to check out their menu!
3. Schooners Monterey
Suspended over the waves of Monterey Bay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, Schooners Monterey is the perfect spot to celebrate the Central Coast and the wonderful coastal region as one feasts on fresh, sustainable seafood.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- 7oz Red Wine Braised Short Rib – Swank farms sweet corn succotash, wasabi, mashed potatoes, ginger red wine sauce.
- Surf & Turf – 6 oz beef tenderloin, butter poached lobster tail, Italian style orzo, tomato and white wine reduction.
- 10oz Dry Aged Prime Boneless Ribeye – Castroville artichokes, west coast mixed mushrooms, cognac, sauce Diane.
✍️ Reviews:
“This is our favorite restaurant in Monterey. Food is always outstanding and love the outdoor seating right on the Bay. Kid friendly, and easy to walk to from the parking on Cannery Row.”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
- Click here to check out their menu!
4. Chart House
Chart House is one of the best restaurants in Monterey with a view, offering panoramic views of Monterey Bay and the city lights. It’s an amazing place to savor seafood and steak as one gazes at the spectacular views of the water.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Wild-Caught King Crab – Served with marinated grilled vegetables.
- Shellfish Bouillabaisse – Shrimp, scallops, mussels, chorizo, clam, broth, heirloom tomato, fennel, grilled baguette.
- Lobster & Shrimp Carbonara – Prosciutto, peas, linguini.
✍️ Reviews:
“Awesome place for date night! We got a window table with a new view of Monterey bay. Service was impeccable and food was delicious! The lava cake was a little dry but the main dish was great! Get the ravioli beets! The best! Highly recommend!”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 444 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
- Click here to check out their menu!
5. Monterey's Fish House
Monterey’s Fish House is a local’s favorite and one of the best restaurants in Monterey CA to visit when you’re craving for fresh seafood, steaks, and homemade pasta. The restaurant has a festive ambience ideal for celebrating milestones with the family.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Squid Pasta – Squid sautéed with peas in a marinara sauce.
- Fish House Pasta – Baby shrimp sautéed in a clam broth with fresh tomatoes, olives, onions, and shallots.
- Prawn Pasta – Prawns sautéed in a vodka cream sauce with fresh-cut tomatoes, green onions, and shallots.
✍️ Reviews:
“Had dinner here while passing by Monterey during a holiday and can honestly say everything about this place is great. The atmosphere is homely, the service is great (yay to Carlos) and the food amazing! The crab ravioli was the highlight.”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $30–$50
- Address: 2114 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
- Click here to check out their menu!
6. The Sardine Factory
This iconic culinary spot in the historic Cannery Row has been serving delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood to world leaders, sports heroes, and famous entertainment personalities prepared by award-winning chefs since 1968.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Furikake Crusted #1 Sushi Grade Ahi Tuna – Black rice, miso-glazed broccolini, Monterey Bay ogo seaweed, ginger-garlic ponzu sauce, spicy aioli.
- Miso Glazed Butterfish – Smoked trout roe, furikake sushi rice, asparagus, sake butter cream.
- Grilled Spanish Octopus – Gigante white bean hummus, chimichurri, radishes, blistered shishito peppers.
✍️ Reviews:
“Super fun restaurant when visiting Monterey. The outside is catchy with the boat and really fits for the atmosphere. I had a Caesar salad and 1/2 dozen oysters. The drinks were well-made, service was awesome, and food was a nice change during our time in town! Definitely recommend!”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 701 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940
- Click here to check out their menu!
7. Sandbar & Grill
An oceanfront dining destination in Monterey Harbor that serves fresh seafood and provides impeccable service.
Whether you’d like to explore local flavors or have a taste of a classic seafood dish, Sandbar & Grill offers an unforgettable culinary adventure in a magnificent waterfront setting.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Penne Puttanesca – Fresh fish, prawns, steamed clams, garlic, anchovy, chili flakes, capers, olives.
- Sea Scallops – Oven roasted with Madeira, mushrooms, cream, and scallops.
- Sandbar Cioppino – Delicious tomato, vegetable broth filled with shrimp, crab, fresh fish, and calamari.
✍️ Reviews:
“For starters, I NEED to talk about their creme brulee. I always get creme brulee when restaurants provide it, and so far, this creme brulee was the BEST in this area! Besides the dessert, the food was made so well, and the entire place is extremely welcoming. The next time I’m in Monterey, I will be coming back here!!!”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: Municipal Wharf 2, Monterey, CA 93940
- Click here to check out their menu!
8. Montrio
Housed in the city’s first firehouse built in 1910, Montrio prides itself on being one of the five greenest Monterey restaurants, serving dishes made from the freshest ingredients directly sourced from local farmers and using sustainable seafood and prime meats.
Their ever-changing menu of internationally and seasonally inspired small plates and main courses features tasty renditions of familiar European and American cuisines.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Snake River Farms American Wagyu “Eye of Ribeye” – American Wagyu grilled over almond wood, duck fat fried marble potatoes, charred onion, Huckleberry demi-glace.
- Olo Ranch Braised Beef Short Rib – Confit of cherry tomatoes, sauteed spinach, pomme puree, pan jus.
- Braised Cascade Creek Farms Lamb Shank (Dixon, CA) – White bean and celery root puree, grilled broccolini.
✍️ Reviews:
“If you are in Monterey Bay and don’t eat at the Montrio, you will miss the best in town. We had crab cakes – the best ever. Duck breast was tender with delicious vegetables.
Elegant inside with great atmosphere. Excellent service. Everything was organic as I’m very sensitive and had zero digestive problems after. Plus, we were able to enjoy our dinner outside with our dog.”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 414 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940
- Click here to check out their menu!
9. Jacks Monterey
Located inside the Portola Hotel & Spa, Jacks Monterey is known for offering an extraordinary culinary experience in downtown Monterey with acclaimed Chef Danny Abbruzzese at the helm.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Classic Filet Mignon – 4 oz filet, merlot reduction, garlic, smashed potatoes, baby carrots, wild mushrooms, and demi-glace.
- Monterey Bay Salmon – Hoisin vegetables, shiitakes, opal basil sprouts, vermicelli, and hoisin sauce.
- Lobster Thermidor – Half of a Maine lobster served with sauteed spinach, shallots, garlic, and fresh corn on the cob.
✍️ Reviews:
“You can’t beat the ambience here. Javier’s skillet was my choice this morning, my travel companion chose the granola with yogurt and berries. Both were extremely delicious.”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
- Click here to check out their menu!
10. Hula's Island Grill
Hula’s Island Grill offers a refreshing gastronomic experience serving Hawaiian-inspired dishes prepared with the freshest fish, great steaks, seafood with a hint of Asian, a dash of Latin, and a touch of Caribbean.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Spicy Thai Chicken – Boneless chicken breast, Thai sauce, avocado, and fried plantains.
- South Seas Fish Tacos – Grilled barramundi, taco slaw, and sundried tomato pesto aioli.
- Duke’s Luau Pork Plate – Slow-roasted pulled pork, with soy glaze, pineapple, rice, and slaw.
✍️ Reviews:
“This was such a good find during our trip to Monterey! Really cool vibes inside and super friendly waitresses. The food was also great and great little switch up from the cuisine we’d been having during our trip!”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $20–$30
- Address: 622 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
- Click here to check out their menu!
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving fresh fish, tender steak, or authentic Italian, Monterey guarantees an amazing culinary experience.
And, if you’d also like to explore its real estate offerings, please contact me today through (831) 292-5097 or team@heinrichbrooksher.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the best seafood restaurant in Monterey?
Old Fisherman’s Grotto is one of the best seafood restaurants in Monterey, serving delectable dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients while offering breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay. -
What are the best restaurants for a romantic dinner in Monterey?
Chart House is one of the best restaurants for a romantic dinner in Monterey, offering spectacular views of the water. -
Which Monterey restaurants offer outdoor seating?
Rosine's Restaurant is a pet-friendly establishment that offers indoor and outdoor dining.
