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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Monterey

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
1. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.8
Exceptional(1640)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 24 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(3035)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 41 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
4.7
Exceptional(4981)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 17 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(3766)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 43 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(2436)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Monterey
Booked 30 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
4.6
Exceptional(4319)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 32 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of El Torito - Monterey restaurant
7. El Torito - Monterey
3.9
Excellent(1216)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Monterey
Booked 41 times today
The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
8. Dametra Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(241)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 30 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 Rio Grill restaurant
9. Rio Grill
4.6
Exceptional(2472)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 12 times today
Rio Grill, located in the Crossroads in Carmel, has been the place to meet friends, enjoy tasty, flavorful food and relax with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine for over 38 Years.Chef Luis Osorio creative American dishes are some of the most flavorful, colorful and vibrant on the Monterey Peninsula and celebrate flavor in every mouthwatering bite!In addition to the main dining room, Rio Grill has a comfortable lounge and full bar serving refreshing libations including the restaurant’s famous "Rio Rita.” The bar is lined with colorful caricatures of local faces and celebrities. Rio Grill's award-winning wine list by Wine Director, Gabe de la Vega, features more than 250 labels featuring a ton of local wineries and an extensive selection available by the glass.
A photo of Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette restaurant
10. Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette
4.6
Exceptional(1293)
Price: Moderate
• Unspecified • Marina
Booked 14 times today
Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette is a highly-rated upscale seafood restaurant in Marina, CA. Reviewers rave about the 'delicious food and cocktails', 'excellent service', and 'great atmosphere'. The live show kitchen and oyster bar are definite crowd-pleasers. The 'beautiful' setting and 'outstanding' food are mentioned frequently. It's clear this place is a top choice for seafood lovers seeking an exceptional dining experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Desiree
    Fresno / San Joaquin Valley •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Hade the swordfish with a saffron sauce, butternut squash ravioli, English peas and bokchoy, AMAZING! Our waitress was very helpful when asked about the food and made suggestions according to our taste. It’s been a while since I was so pleased with my meal.
    More info
    Fish HopperPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.5
  • Genevieve
    California Central Coast •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Celebrated a birthday. Great place to do so. Was not too busy as we went on a Thursday. I put that we had a child and they were very accommodating there is a kids menu which I forgot to take a picture of. Kids menu consist of steak, chicken, pasta marinara or creamy. I think it was salmon and chips. My daughter got the creamy fettuccine with shrimp Before we ordered our server (I'm so sorry I cannot remember his name I think it started with an "S") Took out drink order then came back to show us the different cuts of steak they had from Nebraska. This was the birthday celebrants first time at the Whaling Station and it did no disappoint. Thank you staff!
    More info
    The Whaling Station SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • PamelaC
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had the crabcakes and the scallops. It was all delicious, and we enjoyed it very much. Our server was very nice and we received our food in a timely manner., and we were very pleased with the whole experience.
    More info
    Schooners MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • BruceVIP
    California Central Coast •73 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Fabulous service Delicious wine Superb meal A wonderful evening
    More info
    Sardine FactoryPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.7
  • 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

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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