Monterey / Carmel Restaurants
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Spotted Duck
Price: Expensive•Bistro•4.9(171)Join us at our welcoming establishment and indulge in the captivating flavors and unmatched ambiance that can only be found under the guidance of Chef Jerry Regester.
Small Restaurant, with BIG flavors!
From our beloved Duck liver pate, seasonal salads, to seared Duck Breast, or Caramelized Sea Scallops, Chef Jerry personally creates your dinner.
Come into a restaurant that cares for you from the front staff to the kitchen. We look forward to meeting you!Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.9(1,360)We are currently open for dine-in and outdoor heated sidewalk/patio.
We are always available for curbside pickup.
Welcome to Mezzaluna Pasteria and Mozzarella Bar. Chef Soerke and Amy invite you in to enjoy daily house made Pasta, Mozzarella and Gelato.
We offer a full bar with specialty cocktails.
Chef’s Specialties include
Buccatini Al’Amatriciana
Linguini alla Vongole
Chicken Sausage Lasagne
Spaghetti Carbonara
Grilled Octopus
Lamb Meatballs
House-made Charcuterie
Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Dolce Sauce & Black Truffle Oil
Little Gem Caesar Salad with Parmigiano Reggiano
Raviloi di Manzo
Pate di Anatra
Cella
Price: Very Expensive•Californian•4.8(251)Discover CELLA Restaurant + Bar at Cooper Molera Adobe in Downtown Monterey. Step into a sleek, historic venue with a heated pergola and stunning local woodwork. General Manager Bernabe DeLuna leads an exceptional wine program with a remarkable staff. Savor seasonal cocktails and mocktails crafted by Barkeep Joshua Perry. Chef Ben Spungin & Chef Cal Stamenov create an ever-changing menu inspired by the bountiful central coast. Join us and experience the neighborhood's culinary gem!La Mia Cucina
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.9(1,029)Stroll along 17th St., between Lighthouse and Laurel and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its fresh ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are “originals, not reproductions.” That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his ravioli dishes, are a renowned local favorite, and for good reason. They are hand made, with all the care that only a lifetime of creative food combining can bring. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for it's fresh fish and meat specials. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula and daughter Michaela, and the service is personal and inviting.
Old Fisherman's Grotto
Price: Expensive•Seafood•4.8(1,694)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.Coastal Kitchen Monterey
Price: Very Expensive•Farm-to-table•4.7(324)NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH!!
The Coastal Kitchen Monterey is an idyllic setting to enjoy inspirational fine dining. The culinary efforts are on display in the show kitchen and the service team is poised to offer impassioned explanations.
Chef Michael Rotondo’s multi-coursed tasting menu focuses on sustainability and celebrates the bounty of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. A wine pairing of thoughtfully curated wines selected by the Sommelier team is available to complement each captivating course.
Additionally, we are also offering our Champagne Brunch on Sundays for 10am to 2pm.
Dinner Menus: Multiple Course Tasting Menu starts at $145 per person (Tuesday to Saturday Evenings)
3 Course Prix Fixe Menu $85 ( Tuesday to Thursday evenings)
Champagne Brunch Prix Fixe Menu: $75 per person (Sundays from 10am to 2pm)
Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time
Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.
Stokes Adobe Restaurant
Price: Expensive•Californian•4.7(823)Stokes Adobe is a new restaurant located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes. The menu offers chef driven seasonally inspired California cuisine. The bar and cozy outdoor fire pits offer classic cocktails, wines by the glass and local beers.Sardine Factory
Price: Expensive•Seafood•4.7(5,021)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 Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro
Price: Moderate•Gastro Pub•4.8(107)Situated in the Carmel Plaza in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, our bistro offers beers from our R&D program crafted on a pilot five barrel brewhouse - the only of its kind in one of the most picturesque and famed coastal towns in the country. Featuring an expansive, 60+ seat outdoor patio and a full bar, along with an ample dining room that can be sectionalized for private events. And the food! The Bistro offers California coastal cuisine with a regional twist, utilizing locally sourced ingredients that vary with the season.Kona Steak and Seafood
Price: Expensive•Steakhouse•4.8(140)KONA Steak & Seafood was voted the "Best New Restaurant" winner on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula for 2023. Located in the popular Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, just minutes from Carmel, Pacific Grove, & all Peninsula cities.
A fabulous menu! Enjoy fresh seafood, lobster, Hawaiian loco moco, fresh ahi tuna, a great bacon cheeseburger, bone-in rib eye, miso-glazed seabass, filet mignon, macadamia nut crusted halibut, entree salads, cioppino, seafood pasta, Maui onion soup, coconut curry soup, and a large host of enticing appetizers. Enjoy KONA's generous portions, good value, & free abundant parking! The house baked desserts are worth a trip on their own..... incredible!! The gorgeous "ZenDen Bar" features full bar & "Tiki Bar" style concoctions curated with house made ingredients, and nightly Happy Hour from 3:00-9:00pm. Local wine list, craft draft beers, kid's menu, dog-friendly lanai/patio dining, continuous lunch & dinner service 7 days a week from 11:00am.
Outdoor dining in California Central Coast
See what locals rave about in Monterey / Carmel
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- OTOpenTable DinerAtlanta •1 review5.0Dined 1 day agoWe loved everything we ate- 3 appetizers and our entrees- wagyu beef and the pork chop. Our cocktails were wonderful, as well as the service. After dinner we enjoyed a few minutes on the front patio relaxing around the roaring fire of one of 4 fire pits. It was a perfect dinner out!More infoStokes Adobe RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey•4.7
- CGCelinaGPortland / Oregon •2 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoWe had an amazing time celebrating our honeymoon there last night. The food was incredible, i would probably pass on the crab tower appetizer but my husband really enjoyed it even still. I had been on the hunt for a good lemon drop martini and the old fisherman’s grotto did not disappoint! This restaurant is so charming and has a classic feel and nostalgic vibe without sacrificing quality in the least. Thank you for a wonderful evening!More infoOld Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey•4.8
- LLesVIPSan Francisco Bay Area •44 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoThis place is always grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat! Thanks.More infoRosine's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• Monterey•4.6
- TLTrishLCalifornia Central Coast •8 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoDelicious meal and awesome service. Exquisite ambience. ❤️More infoChart House Restaurant - MontereyPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey•4.4
- OTOpenTable DinerLos Angeles •1 review5.0Dined 5 days agoOur server was so nice and the food was delicious! His name was Carlos and we love him.More infoMontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey•4.6
Trending dishes in Monterey / Carmel
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Restaurant experiences trending in California Central Coast
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Private Dining
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Discover Monterey
The California Central Coast is rich in sunlight, ocean views, and fabulous food. There are plenty of ways to burn calories, including a hike along the beach, a visit to the remarkable aquarium or a long stroll through one of the large shopping centers! Once you're ready to dine, Carmel is all set to help you out. Carmel cuisine has long been influenced by French tradition, and in addition to wonderful California wines, you can enjoy anything from delicate pastries to locally harvested salmon. Carmel restaurateurs have also done a great job of putting old buildings to new uses. Looking for a romantic spot? Consider making reservations at a corner table tucked into an old house for an intimate dinner.
Dining around Monterey / Carmel Hot Spots
Landmark
Shopping area
Train Station
Stadium or Arena
Theatre
Popular area
Institution
Convention centre
Monument
Museum
Park
Theme park
Marina
Gallery
Golf Course
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Frequently asked questions
Dog friendly restaurants in Monterey / Carmel include PortaBella Restaurant, Anton & Michel Restaurant and Grasing's
Child friendly restaurants in Monterey / Carmel include Kona Steak and Seafood, El Torito - Monterey and Rosine's Restaurant