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Best Romantic Restaurants in Monterey

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36 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Montrio restaurant
1. Montrio
4.5
Awesome(4224)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 21 times today
Montrio is a charming, elegant restaurant in downtown Monterey. It's a local favorite and a top pick for romantic dinners. Reviewers consistently praise its refined, comfortable atmosphere, with one calling it the 'perfect environment for a romantic dinner.' The excellent food, attentive service, and extensive wine list all contribute to its high ratings. It's a great choice for special occasions.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
2. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.8
Exceptional(1640)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 32 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 Jacks Monterey restaurant
3. Jacks Monterey
4.1
Excellent(286)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 1 time today
Jacks Monterey is poised to provide a refreshing culinary experience in downtown Monterey, inside the Portola Hotel & Spa. Emphasizing local ingredients, high-quality seafood, and an award-winning wine and cocktail program, Jacks philosophy derives from globally-inspired traditions of California Cultural Cuisine highlighting flavor profiles unique to cultures from around the world. With design details throughout the indoor and outdoor dining venue to echo the beautiful surrounding landscape, the atmosphere at Jacks promises to be sophisticated—never pretentious. Jacks offers a variety of seating with a bar, fireplace lounge, and pet-friendly, outdoor space features living walls, bistro lighting, and fire pits. Open for Breakfast & Dinner. For more information visit www.portolahotel.com/dining/jacks-monterey
A photo of Abalonetti Bar and Grill restaurant
4. Abalonetti Bar and Grill
4.4
Awesome(539)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 8 times today
Abalonetti Bar and Grill is a romantic spot, offering breathtaking ocean views, a large waterfront patio, and a casual yet cozy atmosphere. Customers rave about the 'amazing experience', 'outstanding service', and 'mouthwatering dishes'. Perfect for a date or a celebration, it's been a favorite among locals for decades. Plus, the fresh seafood, especially the Monterey calamari, is a crowd-pleaser!
A photo of Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill restaurant
5. Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
4.1
Excellent(43)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Monterey
The Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill, located in historic downtown Monterey, CA., is a brewery and New American restaurant offering locally sourced and thoughtfully created, approachable food and artisan craft beer. We operate primarily as a walk in business with no private dining space. Our bar & beer garden are communal seating areas available on a first come first served basis. We do offer limited reservations for groups of 5-14 in our main dining room. Please call (831) 655-2337 or email monterey@asb.beer for more information.Our mission is to provide our guests, both local and visitor alike, a unique yet casual environment. We look forward to seeing you and inviting your family to become a part of ours at the Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill.
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
6. Fish Hopper
4.5
Awesome(3764)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 58 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 Schooners Monterey restaurant
7. Schooners Monterey
4.6
Exceptional(3035)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 24 times today
Schooners Monterey is a romantic restaurant due to its picturesque setting suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay. Customers have praised the 'beautiful and romantic location', 'memories made for my new wife and myself' and the 'lovely dinner' with 'lovely setting'. The quality of food, service, and ambiance have consistently received high ratings.
A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant
8. Casanova Restaurant Carmel
4.6
Exceptional(2375)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 32 times today
Casanova Restaurant Carmel is often referred to as a 'romantic and charming spot' in reviews. The atmosphere has been described as 'old European with French music playing in the background', creating a perfect setting for an intimate, romantic dinner. It's also been noted for offering 'classic' Italian food that is 'perfectly orchestrated and seasoned', adding to the overall romantic ambiance. The restaurant's service and food also receive high ratings, adding to the overall romantic experience.
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
9. Sardine Factory
4.7
Exceptional(4980)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 16 times today
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.
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
10. PortaBella Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1687)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 41 times today
Our cuisine features beautiful specialties from France, Italy and Spain. The dishes are rich in color and flavor.PortaBella is picturesque: awarded First Prize for Beautiful Flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club.The ambience is stylish and romantic, the setting historic

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Gary
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We’ve never had a bad meal at Jacks. Nice ambiance.
    More info
    Jacks MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    •
    4.1
  • Crystal
    San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We were wowed by Montrio! It was one of our most memorable meals we’ve had a long time. The chef turned out every dish perfectly cooked and well presented. The short ribs were meaty and succulent. The Ceasar salad was excellent and had a twist: wood-smoked bacon. The Alaska halibut was paired with clams in a flavorful sauce. All dishes were great. The service - the manager and our waiter Brigette were incredibly attentive, likable, but never intrusive. The place hummed with quiet efficiency and professionalism. Can’t wait to comeback when we visit Monterey area again. Go!
    More info
    MontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    •
    4.5
  • Bryan
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Our fifth year in a row having Christmas Eve dinner at Abalonetti’s. Delicious as always with exceptional customer service and a damn fine Long Island ice tea. Scampi was amazing!
    More info
    Abalonetti Bar and GrillPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.4
  • Laura
    San Francisco Bay Area •43 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 24, 2024
    We absolutely know we will be treated like royalty when we visit Old Fisherman’s Grotto. Once again they delivered. Sal made us feel like family. We started with calamari and artichokes with a nice drink from the bar. The calamari was crispy with the sauces adding a bit of excitement to each bite. The artichoke was creamy and rich. Bread and butter was served. We felt relaxed and never in a hurry. After the appetizer we put in the order for dinner, double lobster tails for him and 1/2 crab, salmon and grilled shrimp for me. We were both so happy with our meals. Dessert was the cherry on top, ollalieberry pie a la mode for him and and beautiful chocolate and vanilla cake with strawberries for me. Our water was constantly refilled. The view of the harbor was also very relaxing. I can’t wait until we are in town again to enjoy the hospitality once again.
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.8
  • JECAVIP
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •33 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 15, 2018
    We went with a large group and the food and beer were great. I am picky and this place delivered. Try the lamb burger!
    More info
    Alvarado Street Brewery & GrillPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Monterey
    •
    4.1

Discover best romantic restaurants in Monterey

Discover the essence of romance along the scenic California Central Coast in Monterey / Carmel, where a selection of exquisite restaurants awaits to transform your dining experience into a memorable, intimate affair. Each restaurant in this locale captures the unique charm and tranquility of the region, offering settings that range from cozy seaside views to elegant, sophisticated atmospheres. Whether celebrating an anniversary or planning a special date night, these establishments are known for their ability to create unforgettable moments with their inviting ambiance, exceptional service, and delectable cuisine. Indulge in a variety of culinary delights, from freshly caught seafood to expertly crafted gourmet dishes, each prepared to enhance your romantic occasion. The dining scene in Monterey / Carmel is characterized by its commitment to quality and a memorable guest experience, making it a prime destination for lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike. Embrace the romance of Monterey / Carmel and let these restaurants enchant you with their picturesque settings and outstanding gastronomy.

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