Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Monterey

Price
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen restaurant
1. Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen
4.3
Awesome(6)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Monterey
Welcome to the Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen!Join us on Alvarado Street in the beautiful Monterey. We'll be featuring award winning wines that pair with tapas style light bites.Our new location was designed using craftmanship stone and other unique elements to create an elegant and cozy atmosphere.We look forward to meeting you!
A photo of Turn 12 Bar And Grill restaurant
2. Turn 12 Bar And Grill
4.6
Exceptional(390)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Monterey
Booked 13 times today
Due to limited seating during this time we are only accepting phone in reservations.Our outdoor patio is open and we are doing take-out.Turn 12 Bar and Grill waved the green flag on October 1, 2013. The modern and sporty decor surround a spectacular 50 foot custom zinc bar top with tire tread inlay. Vintage motorcycles, historic racing artwork, and multiple televisions capture your attention upon entering. With a menu that serves a little of everything, from steaks and pasta, to pizza, burgers and salads Turn 12 is a casual American Bar and Grill with something for everyone.The name Turn 12 is related to the famous Laguna Seca Raceway that has 11 turns and meant to invite guests to visit us at the corner of Tyler and Franklin as the last turn of the day.
A photo of Shearwater Tavern restaurant
3. Shearwater Tavern
4.1
Excellent(101)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Carmel
Booked 9 times today
Shearwater Tavern in Carmel offers a breakfast experience that is as delightful as its seaside setting. Nestled within the Carmel Mission Inn, this hidden gem is celebrated for its commitment to quality and local sourcing, partnering with local dairy farms, coffee roasters, and bakeries. Patrons rave about the "consistently delicious" meals and the exceptional service, making it Carmel's "hidden secret." The ambiance, coupled with a menu influenced by Chef Fabian Di Paolo’s diverse culinary roots, ensures every breakfast is a unique blend of local freshness and international flair. Whether it’s the "amazing" Parker House rolls or the superbly presented dishes, a morning at Shearwater Tavern is guaranteed to be memorable.
A photo of Monterey Plaza Hotel restaurant
4. Monterey Plaza Hotel
3.9
Excellent(29)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Monterey
Monterey Plaza Hotel's dining experience captures the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a distinct Monterey twist. Patrons rave about the "delicious and high-quality food" and the "professional and friendly service" that punctuate every meal. Renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, the restaurant provides a backdrop that enhances the dining experience. Reviewers consistently highlight dishes like the Red Pepper Hummus Toast, describing them as "super good (5/5)" and applauding the creative use of fresh ingredients. The ambiance, described as "absolutely stunning," complements the meticulously crafted dishes, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether it's the "breathtaking views and food to match" or the "fantastically fresh seafood," Monterey Plaza is an unbeatable destination for authentic Contemporary American cuisine in Monterey.
A photo of Spotted Duck restaurant
5. Spotted Duck
4.8
Exceptional(154)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Pacific Grove
Booked 9 times today
At the heart of Pacific Grove, Spotted Duck stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, delighting diners with its innovative and meticulously crafted dishes. Under the expert guidance of Chef Jerry Regester, the restaurant offers a culinary experience that is both authentic and exceptional. Guests rave about the "life-changing" duck breast and the "best mussels ever had," highlighting the chef's skill in elevating classic flavors with a modern twist. The cozy ambiance and attentive service complement the exquisite food, making every meal memorable. Whether it's the perfectly cooked scallops or the creative duck fries, Spotted Duck has cemented its reputation as a must-visit for those seeking top-notch Contemporary American fare in Monterey.
A photo of Pacific's Edge restaurant
6. Pacific's Edge
4.5
Awesome(3388)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Carmel
Booked 54 times today
Pacific's Edge in Carmel Highlands is a gem for those seeking top-notch Contemporary American cuisine. Perched on the breathtaking California coastline, this restaurant pairs its stunning views with a culinary experience that's both innovative and deeply rooted in local flavors. Diners rave about the "outstanding" Halibut and the "excellent" rack of lamb, highlighting the kitchen's mastery in elevating classic American dishes with a modern twist. The atmosphere is described as "mesmerizing," making every meal a memorable event. As one reviewer puts it, the combination of "amazing food, service, and view is, over the top, the very best ever!" making Pacific's Edge a must-visit for anyone in or visiting Carmel.
A photo of Covey Grill restaurant
7. Covey Grill
4.3
Awesome(317)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Carmel
Booked 10 times today
Experience the essence of Californian cuisine at Covey Grill in Carmel, CA, where the dedication to local, organic sourcing shines through in every dish. Executive Chef Goran Basarov, celebrated for his innovative approach, transforms fresh ingredients from nearby farms into culinary masterpieces. Diners rave about the "excellent food and service" and the "outstanding" meals that improve "every week." The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is underscored by its partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. Whether you're enjoying the serene views by the pond or indulging in the Love Thy Neighbor menu, Covey Grill offers a truly authentic Californian dining experience that is "consistently good" and "fairly priced."
A photo of Baja Cantina - Carmel restaurant
8. Baja Cantina - Carmel
4.6
Exceptional(604)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Carmel Valley
Booked 22 times today
Baja Cantina, nestled in the scenic Carmel Valley, is a culinary gem celebrated for its authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. This vibrant eatery is not just about great food; it’s about an experience, complete with an eclectic automotive memorabilia ambiance and a sunny patio perfect for sipping on their "award-winning margaritas." Patrons rave about their mouth-watering pork dishes and the "crazy yummy" chips and salsa, making it a must-visit destination. Whether it’s the "best stuffed chili relleno" or the flavorful enchiladas, every dish is a hit with locals and visitors alike. As one diner put it, Baja Cantina offers an "excellent food, excellent service and excellent experience overall," making it well worth the drive from anywhere in Monterey or beyond.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Claire
    Hawaii •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Wonderful classy place for breakfast. All the breakfast dishes were really delicious and nice quality
    More info
    Shearwater TavernPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Carmel
    •
    4.1
  • DrewVIP
    California Central Coast •87 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Well prepared food and attentive service. Anson, our server, was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu offerings. The duck breast and scallops were wonderfully prepared and the sweet potato salad combined some interesting ingredients for a delicious starter. Well curated and reasonably priced wines. Would definitely come back.
    More info
    Spotted DuckPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Pacific Grove
    •
    4.8
  • JenniferVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •118 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 23 Dec 2024
    Incredible!!! Not to be missed. The views were amazing!!! Tony took great care of us. We had the crab eggs Benedict and the California eggs Benedict (with mushrooms) and both were outstanding. The fried potatoes were perfectly prepared and the coffee was delicious. We will be back.
    More info
    Pacific's EdgePrice: Very Expensive• American• Carmel
    •
    4.5
  • MarkVIP
    Miami - Dade •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 29 Nov 2024
    Another fantastic Thanksgiving Day dinner experience from Chef Michael Rotondo and crew! If you have ever experienced the Coastal Kitchen 5 star meal, then this is the 5 star Thanksgiving Day dinner meal done right! Diestel family turkey cooked to perfection with outstanding side dishes of cranberry sauce, green beans, corn bread stuffing, mouth watering baby carrots, variety of salads and if turkey is not your style then the slow cooked prime rib with Yukon golden mashed potatoes and gravy can’t be beat either! Thank you Chef for such a wonderful meal!! We will be back next year!
    More info
    Monterey Plaza HotelPrice: Very Expensive• Farm-to-table• Monterey
    •
    3.9
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Alabama •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 10 Sept 2023
    We had planned to go for dinner, but they are not servicing food at this time :( wine was great!
    More info
    Albatross Ridge Winery & KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Monterey
    •
    4.3

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Monterey

Discover the culinary gems of Monterey/Carmel, a hotspot for contemporary American cuisine nestled along California's Central Coast. Here, diners can indulge in a variety of innovative dishes that celebrate local produce and fresh seafood, epitomizing the farm-to-table ethos that defines the region. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, from the creative use of ingredients to the artful presentation, ensuring every meal is not just eaten but experienced. The dining scene in this picturesque location is enhanced by the breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, adding a visual feast to the gastronomical journey. Restaurants in this area are celebrated for their commitment to quality and sustainability, attracting both locals and tourists who seek exceptional dining experiences. With a focus on freshness and creativity, these establishments maintain high standards of service and atmosphere, providing a truly remarkable culinary adventure in Monterey/Carmel. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, exploring the contemporary American dining options in this locale promises an unforgettable experience.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Restaurant Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo