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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Monterey

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26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
1. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.8
Exceptional(1699)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 22 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Montrio restaurant
2. Montrio
4.6
Exceptional(4241)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 19 times today
Montrio is a neighborhood gem located in the heart of downtown Monterey. With its fine European-inspired Californian cuisine, it has been a local favorite for over 25 years. Reviewers rave about the unique atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food. It's the perfect place for a romantic dinner, small business meeting, or a night out with friends. As one reviewer put it, 'From the amazing food, creative cocktails and top notch staff you'll love every minute of it.'
A photo of Domenico's on the Wharf restaurant
3. Domenico's on the Wharf
4.6
Exceptional(1664)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 11 times today
That friendly salutation is an invitation to dine with us and enjoy exceptional bayside ambiance, gracious service and delicious food. Our entire staff here at Domenico's On the Wharf has extended a warm welcome to locals and visitors for more than 35 years, and we proudly present the best seafood in Monterey for your dining pleasure.Our award-winning list of wine features the best from surrounding Monterey County vineyards, and we offer extensive selections from Sonoma, Napa, Italy, and France. The freshest, sustainable, local and Alaskan seafood take center stage in our culinary creations, and we also grill up extraordinary steaks and lovingly prepare in-house pastas and locally grown organic vegetables.Our family style of hospitality continues to win a special place in the hearts of our guests. Let us show you to your table overlooking the beautiful bay waters with a sunny window view of sea lions and pelicans at play.
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
4. Fish Hopper
4.5
Awesome(3790)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 22 times today
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean combined with world-class dining on historic Cannery Row, just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The newly renovated Fish Hopper, housed in an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular views of the stunning Monterey Bay from every table, including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, certified Angus beef, pastas, and live shellfish. Our seafood is either locally caught or shipped in fresh daily, and our produce is locally grown in the Salinas Valley. Some favorites include fresh Monterey Bay abalone, macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” bone-in rib eye, and fresh Dungeness crab. Start your meal with our award-winning clam chowder, and indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations or a selection from our extensive wine collection. While enjoying your delicious meal, you can watch sea otters at play and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale.
A photo of The Whaling Station Steakhouse restaurant
5. The Whaling Station Steakhouse
4.6
Exceptional(2459)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Monterey
Booked 20 times today
The internationally acclaimed Whaling Station Steakhouse, perched just above Steinbeck’s Cannery Row has been Monterey County’s #1 Steak House for over 50 years, The Whaling Station takes the term “Steakhouse” seriously...Select your USDA Prime cut of the USA’s finest beef from a silver tray or enjoy our slow-roasted USDA Prime, Prime Rib. An award-winning wine list and full spirits bar compliment your dining experience. Serving Dinner and cocktails from 4:30pm daily. The Bar at The Whaling Station Steakhouse has its own menu and its own local following, with drink specials and lively conversation served nightly. Parking in our private lot. A private, 50-seat banquet room is also available.
A photo of Passionfish restaurant
6. Passionfish
4.7
Exceptional(7298)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Grove
Booked 25 times today
Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.
A photo of El Torito - Monterey restaurant
7. El Torito - Monterey
3.7
Very Good(1243)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Monterey
Booked 6 times today
The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.
A photo of Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant
8. Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
4.7
Exceptional(4370)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 32 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant
9. Casanova Restaurant Carmel
4.6
Exceptional(2428)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 42 times today
Casanova Restaurant Carmel is a neighborhood gem. It has a rustic and charming setting that transports you to the south of France. Reviewers consistently rave about its romantic ambiance, excellent food and service. A recurring theme is the quality of the Italian and French flavors. It's a place that locals and visitors alike love to return to.
A photo of Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant
10. Carmel's Bistro Giovanni
4.7
Exceptional(2010)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 25 times today
An artful, romantic setting with an international wine list and amazing cocktails. Try some of our specialties: the "Mamma Mia" features mouth-watering meatballs with pasta and southern Mediterranean-spiced sauce, Veal Osso Bucco, Lamb Shank, steaks, and a plethora of seafood including halibut, salmon and sand dabs! For our gluten-free guests, we can also provide gluten free pasta and bread. *Patio availability depending on weather. We do have plenty of heat lamps but do not have covered tables outdoors. Please understand this when booking.* For parties of 6 or more and special events we require a credit card to hold your table with a 24 hour cancellation policy, $40 per person will be applied to your credit card for late cancellations and no shows. We will hold your table for 10 minutes.*We have a $30 corkage fee for a standard size bottle (750 ml.) 2 bottle maximum per table.

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Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Monterey

Discover the charm of California's Central Coast with our curated selection of "neighborhood gem" restaurants in Monterey / Carmel. Each featured eatery stands out for its unique ambiance, exceptional service, and a commitment to culinary excellence, making them true local favorites. Whether you're in the mood for Mediterranean delights, traditional American comfort food, the freshest seafood, or European-inspired Californian cuisine, these restaurants provide an authentic taste of Monterey's diverse dining scene. The area is renowned not just for its picturesque settings but also for its vibrant culinary landscape, offering something for every palate. Enjoy a meal where quality ingredients and heartfelt hospitality meet, ensuring a memorable dining experience every time. These establishments are celebrated not only for their food but also for their ability to craft a truly intimate and welcoming atmosphere — the very essence of a neighborhood gem. Perfect for both casual outings and special occasions, each restaurant promises a delightful exploration of local flavors and traditions.

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