Monterey Restaurants

It may not come as a shock that one of the most common type of restaurant along Monterey Bay is the seafood restaurant. With plenty of commercial fishing still occurring in the bay, the fresh catch comes in daily. Tuna, salmon, shrimp, crab… the list could go on and on. Try some sushi for the freshest preparations. Or stop into one of the many American seafood houses for some clam chowder, a seafood sandwich, or some right-off-the-grill fillets. With the Monterey Bay Aquarium nearby, much of the fish caught and served is listed as sustainable on their watch list, too, so you can dig in guilt-free. With so many top-notch hotels in the area, you may not even want to leave your sleeping quarters when looking for some grub. Many hotels have excellent chefs who are masters at integrating the multitude of flavors from California's ingredients into elegant and delicious dishes. When out in Santa Cruz and strolling the boardwalk, you may find yourself hungry and looking for something other than fair food. Don't worry, there are plenty of options within close walking distance. Smaller family-owned Mexican, mid-range Italian, and high-class American restaurants all offer a shoreline view -- just to name a few. To get some international flavors, head to the Moss Landing area for some great authentic Thai food, or to Aptos for some Indian. Sushi and other Japanese flavors can be found almost anywhere. And for the most authentic Mexican food, Watsonville's your place to be. Or in Carmel, like in any well-to-do living area, there are French restaurants galore. Some are overpriced but some are quite reasonable, and many have delicious and sometimes fusion (think French techniques meet California flavors) food. Italian restaurants probably take a close second to French here, and luckily many feature the bay's seafood in pasta dishes and in delicacies like cioppino.

Chart House Restaurant

user rating

expert pick

444 Cannery Row

Fine dining, casual atmosphere...
Read more

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

user rating

expert pick

720 Cannery Row
(@ Prescott St)

Right on the water...
Read more

Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar

user rating

expert pick

400 Cannery Row
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Pricey nibbles and top-shelf drinks...
Read more

The Crown and Anchor

user rating

expert pick

150 W Franklin Street
(between Calle Principal & Tyler St)

Traditional British pub in the heart of Monterey's historic downtown...
Read more

Sardine Factory

user rating

expert pick

701 Wave St.
(Prescott Ave.)

Legendary seafood restaurant...
Read more

Duck Club

user rating

expert pick

400 Cannery Row
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Eclectic cuisine expertly prepared...
Read more

Massaro & Santos

user rating

expert pick

32 Cannery Row
(At Coast Guard Pier)

Italian-Californian cuisine...
Read more

Ambrosia India Bistro

expert pick

565 Abrego Street

Authentic Indian cuisine spanning every region of the subcontinent...
Read more

Tillie Gort's Cafe

expert pick

111 Central Avenue

Read more

Il Vecchio

expert pick

110 Central Ave.

New eatery that serves traditional Italian dishes with a twist...
Read more

Pho King

expert pick

1153 Fremont Blvd

Quick, easy, and delicious Vietnamese dishes that leave the palette wanting more...
Read more

Points Pinos Grill

expert pick

77 Asilomar Boulevard

New restaurant founded by a local chef with a high pedigree...
Read more

Fish House - Monterey's

expert pick

2114 Del Monte Ave

Seafood restaurant...
Read more

Phil's Fish Market & Eatery

expert pick

7600 Sandholdt Road

Seafood restaurant and seafood market...
Read more

Blue Fin Cafe and Billiards

expert pick

685 Cannery Row

Pool Sharks at the Blue Fin...
Read more

The C restaurant + bar

expert pick

750 Cannery Row

Read more

Fish Hopper Restaurant

expert pick

700 Cannery Row
(at Prescott St)

Steaks and seafood...
Read more

First Awakenings

user rating

125 Ocean View Boulevard

The Best Breakfast Place!...
Read more

Whaling Station

user rating

763 Wave St
(between Irving and Prescott Sts)

Top-notch steak and seafood...
Read more

Soif Wine Bar

user rating

105 Walnut Avenue
Santa Cruz

Fine Wining...
Read more
Contact   ·   Privacy   ·   Terms