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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Monterey

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
1. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.7
Exceptional(1600)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 30 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 Schooners Monterey restaurant
2. Schooners Monterey
4.6
Exceptional(3019)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 17 times today
Schooners, suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay, is a stunning restaurant featuring sustainable seafood and approachable, contemporary American cuisine. The ideal location for celebrating the Central Coast and the spectacular coastal region, the Schooners team commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood is reflected in the creative menu which features a variety of seafood options, both raw and cooked, as well as appetizers, soups, salads and main courses. A creative cocktail menu is served alongside an impressive wine list highlighting Monterey County vintners.
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
3. Sardine Factory
4.8
Exceptional(4942)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 42 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 Fish Hopper restaurant
4. Fish Hopper
4.5
Awesome(3733)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 44 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(2409)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Monterey
Booked 14 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 Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant
6. Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
4.5
Awesome(4283)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 22 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of Grasing's restaurant
7. Grasing's
4.6
Exceptional(3052)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 10 times today
DINING UPDATE: Please call restaurant if desired reservation is not available online.Grasing's is open for indoor dining and limited outdoor dining (weather permitting). Please note if stairs are an issue for any guest. Please continue to visit our website a https://grasings.com for menu updates, holiday offerings and special events. Grasing’s, located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, lies along the Pacific Coast in Central California in Monterey County. Celebrity chef partners, Kurt Grasing and Narsai David, truly created a gem. From friendly and professional service, an award winning wine list and seasonally inspired cocktails to the fresh and sustainable local ingredients.Please contact the restaurant to request dog friendly patio seating.
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
8. Dametra Cafe
4.8
Exceptional(221)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 27 times today
Dametra Cafe is a hot spot in Carmel due to its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Greek cuisine. Customers rave about the high-quality food, friendly service, and engaging environment. The restaurant is consistently packed with its live music and energetic ambiance. One reviewer even mentioned that the restaurant 'erupts into a middle eastern dance party', making it an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
9. PortaBella Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1669)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 39 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
A photo of El Torito - Monterey restaurant
10. El Torito - Monterey
3.9
Excellent(1191)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Monterey
Booked 20 times today
The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Julie
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    First time here, and loved the outside seating. Service was great, and the food was wonderful! Will definitely return!
    More info
    Schooners MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    My wife and I had an amazing experience. We shared a prime rib and the waiter split it down the middle and placed it, a long with shared portions of the sides on separate plates . The food was amazing, the waiter and his assistants were amazing and attentive. I would recommend this place to all of my friends and family.
    More info
    The Whaling Station SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • Bernadettevip
    Chicago / Illinois •83 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    such a great night, parking easy, rainy friday but still able to enjoy evening food amazing Giovanni extremely helpful and provided great suggestions Food came out in good timing and drinks just as tasty! Enjoyed the entire experience everything fresh
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.7
  • Jane
    California Central Coast •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Love to take my out of town guests here. The Local’s menu is a hit and appreciate that Taste of Monterey wines no corkage fees are honored. The ambiance and view are wonderful! Everyone always enjoys dining here!
    More info
    Fish HopperPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.5
  • OpenTable Diner
    Atlanta Metro •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    Try the raspberry sauce Ask for the conservation room Mark was a lovely waiter. Very attentive, very interested in our experience. Actually one of the best waiters I’ve experienced in the country
    More info
    Sardine FactoryPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.8

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Monterey

Discover the culinary delights of Monterey/Carmel, a gem on California's Central Coast renowned for its vibrant dining scene. This area is teeming with hot spots that cater to a variety of tastes and dining experiences. From casual waterfront dining offering fresh seafood to upscale establishments with multi-course tasting menus, each restaurant in this locale brings its own unique flavor and atmosphere. Enjoy expertly prepared dishes that showcase the freshest local ingredients, from Monterey Bay seafood to produce sourced from Monterey County. The restaurants in this region are celebrated not only for their exceptional food but also for their outstanding service and inviting ambiances. Whether you're seeking a lively meal with live music or a quiet dinner with ocean views, Monterey/Carmel offers an unforgettable dining experience that caters to food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

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