Best Authentic Restaurants in Pacific Grove

28 restaurants available nearby

1. Fandango

4.7

Exceptional(3833)

Price: Expensive

• European • Pacific Grove

Booked 17 times today

A favorite among Fandango regulars is the succulent Rack of Lamb; other menu items include Fresh Seafood, a variety of pastas, delicious and exotic Mediterranean dishes such as paella and Couscous, and a tempting selection of excellent steaks. Several daily specialties are also available.Desserts we offer, Souffle, Profiteroles, Chocolate Mousse

2. La Mia Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(1002)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pacific Grove

Booked 6 times today

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.

3. Il Tegamino

4.6

Exceptional(1099)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carmel

Booked 9 times today

Just steps off Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel, California, Il Tegamino is Carmel's favorite hidden gem. Wander past Carmel's iconic candy shop to find us tucked behind boutiques in a courtyard off the beaten path. We are a tiny restaurant charmingly hidden in Carmel-by-the-Sea's first courtyard. Dine al fresco in our outdoor space within The Court of the Golden Bough courtyard complete with standing heaters and an awning or feel transported to an authentic Italian bistro in our bustling small dining room. We welcome you to come grab a glass of vino in our new wine room. As a local small business, you will often find owner Giuseppe at your table side to welcome you and serve his menu of Italian comfort food inspired by his upbringing in Southern Italy.

A photo of Stokes Adobe Restaurant restaurant

4. Stokes Adobe Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(747)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Monterey

Booked 21 times today

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.

5. Il Vecchio

4.5

Awesome(74)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pacific Grove

Booked 31 times today

Located near the Aquarium, we offer a true taste of Italy with our homemade pastas and hand-picked Italian wines. Enjoy dishes crafted from cherished family recipes in a warm, rustic setting that evokes the charm of an Italian trattoria. Whether it's a romantic dinner or a family gathering, Il Vecchio promises an unforgettable dining experience with stunning bay views and exceptional hospitality. Voted "Best Italian Restaurant" every year since 2011.

A photo of Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove restaurant

6. Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove

4.8

Exceptional(1301)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pacific Grove

Booked 7 times today

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 includeBuccatini Al’AmatricianaLinguini alla VongoleChicken Sausage LasagneSpaghetti CarbonaraGrilled Octopus Lamb Meatballs House-made CharcuterieGnocchi with Gorgonzola Dolce Sauce & Black Truffle OilLittle Gem Caesar Salad with Parmigiano Reggiano Raviloi di Manzo Pate di Anatra

A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant

7. Il Fornaio - Carmel

4.4

Awesome(2257)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carmel

Booked 25 times today

Il Fornaio - Carmel is a gem of authentic Italian cuisine in downtown Carmel. As one reviewer noted, it serves 'Real authentic Italian cuisine.' The menu boasts wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, house-made pastas, and pizzas baked in an oak wood-fired oven. The restaurant's name, 'Il Fornaio,' which means 'The Baker' in Italian, speaks to its commitment to traditional Italian cooking.

A photo of Enzo Ristorante Italiano restaurant

8. Enzo Ristorante Italiano

4.6

Exceptional(450)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carmel

Booked 7 times today

If a Western Mediterranean version of life exists, you will find it nestled between Ocean ave and Seventh st on San Carlos Street in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The European style village nestled above a picturesque white sandy beach is the perfect backdrop to "ENZO". At Enzo, you will be beckoned by the rustically charming patios surrounded by draping bougainvillea on a sundrenched day or the cozy and simplistic interior warmed by the fireplace when the cool fog blankets the coast.Calabria is a southern region in Italy where the owner, Enzo, comes from. Calabria is a place where life is still slow. It's the beauty, the passion, the family, the love...this is what you will find at Enzo...simplicity, love, comfort, family!

A photo of Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa restaurant

9. Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

4.4

Awesome(854)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Monterey

Booked 13 times today

LIVE MUSIC every Thurs. & Fri. 5:30pm–8:30pmEstéban Restaurant: Spanish-inspired California cuisine.This local favorite offers indoor & outdoor patio (pet-friendly) diningUp-to-date hours: Open for BreakfastMon. – Fri. 7:00am–10:00amOpen for dinner Sun. – Thurs., 4:30pm–8:30pmFri. & Sat., 4:30pm–9:00pmTapas Happy Hour daily 4:30pm–6:00pmLive Spanish Guitarist: Thurs. – Fri. 5:30pm–8:30pmOpen for Brunch: Sat. & Sun. 9:00am–1:30pmGift Certificates Estéban Restaurant, the 2024 Diners' Choice award winner, carries on the Munras family tradition of culinary hospitality and excellence. It offers authentic Monterey dining in the historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a unique culinary experience featuring traditional Spanish-inspired California cuisine with a pinch of adventure. Choose from shared plates and classic selections. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/EstebanRestaurant and Instagram at instagram.com/estebanrestaurant/

10. Dametra Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(221)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Carmel

Booked 32 times today

Dametra Cafe is a gem of a restaurant that truly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. It's all about the authenticity here, with reviewers praising the 'fresh & authentic' food. The atmosphere is often described as familial and fun, and the owner is commended for being 'welcoming'. Plus, the live music and dance parties add an extra layer of authenticity. The food is 'delicious' and 'fresh', with dishes like hummus, lamb shish kebab and baklava being fan favorites.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Camillevip
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My husband and I shared the porterhouse and our granddaughter got the wagu. They both were delicious!! The sides that came with the porterhouse were incredibly yummy (crispy potatoes and an Italian broccoli) We started the the garlic bread - which set a VERY High bar for the next course. I’m dreaming about the garlic bread - PHENOMENAL! Our server, Jane, was knowledgeable, kind and very attentive.
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Stokes Adobe RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
•
4.7
C
Claudia
Mexico City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
After coming here for a few times, this charming Italian restaurant has become a must for us while in Carmel. The food is beyond exceptional. My fav is the Ragu, Jessepe mother’s recipe, which seem to be part of the menu for the last 10 years. You may experience here something infrequent at other places, the friendliness, and charisma the owner makes you feel at home .
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Il TegaminoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
•
4.6
S
Sarah
San Diego •9 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Always a favorite! Consistent, excellent food and dining experience.
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Il VecchioPrice: Moderate• Italian• Pacific Grove
•
4.5
G
Gordon
California Central Coast •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We ordered the Dover Sole and the presentation at the table and the fish were both excellent. Also enjoyed our favorite Profiteroles for dessert. Fandango's is a wonderful restaurant for a special occasion.
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FandangoPrice: Expensive• European• Pacific Grove
•
4.7
D
Darlenevip
California Central Coast •12 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Years since we had dined here. Food continues to be delicious with great service
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La Mia CucinaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Pacific Grove
•
4.8

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Pacific Grove

Best Authentic Restaurants in Pacific Grove

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Fandango

2. La Mia Cucina

3. Il Tegamino

4. Stokes Adobe Restaurant

5. Il Vecchio

6. Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove

7. Il Fornaio - Carmel

8. Enzo Ristorante Italiano

9. Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

10. Dametra Cafe

See what locals rave about

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