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Monterey Restaurants

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Award winning restaurants in California Central Coast

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Monterey

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Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

  1. A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant

    Old Fisherman's Grotto

    Price: Expensive
    Seafood
    4.8
    (1,747)
    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.
  2. A photo of Coastal Kitchen Monterey restaurant

    Coastal Kitchen Monterey

    Price: Very Expensive
    Farm-to-table
    4.7
    (346)
    NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH!!
    The Coastal Kitchen Monterey is an idyllic setting to enjoy inspirational fine dining. The culinary efforts are on display in the show kitchen and the service team is poised to offer impassioned explanations.
    Chef Michael Rotondo’s multi-coursed tasting menu focuses on sustainability and celebrates the bounty of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. A wine pairing of thoughtfully curated wines selected by the Sommelier team is available to complement each captivating course.
    Additionally, we are also offering our Champagne Brunch on Sundays for 10am to 2pm.
    Dinner Menus: Multiple Course Tasting Menu starts at $145 per person (Tuesday to Saturday Evenings)
    3 Course Prix Fixe Menu $85 ( Tuesday to Thursday evenings)
    Champagne Brunch Prix Fixe Menu: $75 per person (Sundays from 10am to 2pm)
    Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time
    Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.
  1. A photo of Kona Steak and Seafood restaurant

    Kona Steak and Seafood

    Price: Expensive
    Steakhouse
    4.7
    (183)
    KONA Steak & Seafood was voted the "Best New Restaurant" winner on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula for 2023. Located in the popular Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, just minutes from Carmel, Pacific Grove, & all Peninsula cities.
    A fabulous menu! Enjoy fresh seafood, lobster, Hawaiian loco moco, fresh ahi tuna, a great bacon cheeseburger, bone-in rib eye, miso-glazed seabass, filet mignon, macadamia nut crusted halibut, entree salads, cioppino, seafood pasta, Maui onion soup, coconut curry soup, and a large host of enticing appetizers. Enjoy KONA's generous portions, good value, & free abundant parking! The house baked desserts are worth a trip on their own..... incredible!! The gorgeous "ZenDen Bar" features full bar & "Tiki Bar" style concoctions curated with house made ingredients, and nightly Happy Hour from 3:00-9:00pm. Local wine list, craft draft beers, kid's menu, dog-friendly lanai/patio dining, continuous lunch & dinner service 7 days a week from 11:00am.
  2. A photo of The Whaling Station Steakhouse restaurant

    The Whaling Station Steakhouse

    Price: Expensive
    Steakhouse
    4.6
    (2,491)
    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.
  1. A photo of Tarpy's Roadhouse restaurant

    Tarpy's Roadhouse

    Price: Moderate
    American
    4.6
    (3,667)
    Relax in this 1917 Roadhouse and enjoy creative, Five Star American Country Cuisine. The wood-burning grill provides wonderful flavors for the freshest seafood and prime steaks. Set on five landscaped acres, the patios and extensive gardens provide a refreshing backdrop for hearty sandwiches, vegetarian entrees and tempting salads. Reservations are recommended.We are limited to outdoor seating. Please wear warm clothes for dinner. Not all tables have heat. All tables of 4 we allow 1 hour 30 minutes. Parties of 6 or more 2 hours. If you need more time please let us know. We require credit cards for parties over 6. All guests must wear a mask while entering the restaurant. You may take it off once seated. If your late for your reservation, please call we allow 15 minute grace period.
    Tarpy's also offers affordable off-site catering drop offs
  2. A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant

    Sardine Factory

    Price: Very Expensive
    Seafood
    4.7
    (5,091)
    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.
  1. A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Monterey restaurant

    Chart House Restaurant - Monterey

    Price: Moderate
    Seafood
    4.4
    (7,037)
    Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.
  1. A photo of Montrio restaurant

    Montrio

    Price: Expensive
    Californian
    4.8
    (4,262)
    Located in the heart of downtown Monterey, Montrio offers a comfortable yet classic dining experience, featuring fine European inspired-American cuisine. For the past 25 years, Montrio has worked to showcase sustainable seafood, fine quality meat, and Monterey County’s best produce in all of its dishes has made this renovated 1910 firehouse a local favorite.
    We feature a variety of appetizers, award-winning small bites, enticing entrees, and indulgent seasonal desserts made by our in house pastry chef. Choose from Montrio's extensive wine list, or try one of our signature cocktails. Come see what everyone is talking about!
  2. A photo of Domenico's on the Wharf restaurant

    Domenico's on the Wharf

    Price: Moderate
    Seafood
    4.6
    (1,681)
    That friendly salutation is an invitation to dine with us and enjoy exceptional bayside ambiance, gracious service and delicious food. Our entire staff here at Domenico's On the Wharf has extended a warm welcome to locals and visitors for more than 35 years, and we proudly present the best seafood in Monterey for your dining pleasure.
    Our award-winning list of wine features the best from surrounding Monterey County vineyards, and we offer extensive selections from Sonoma, Napa, Italy, and France. The freshest, sustainable, local and Alaskan seafood take center stage in our culinary creations, and we also grill up extraordinary steaks and lovingly prepare in-house pastas and locally grown organic vegetables.
    Our family style of hospitality continues to win a special place in the hearts of our guests. Let us show you to your table overlooking the beautiful bay waters with a sunny window view of sea lions and pelicans at play.

See what locals rave about in Monterey

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Restaurant experiences trending in California Central Coast

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Discover Monterey

For decades, this area of California has been known for the quality of its locally grown produce and fresh seafood taken directly from the Pacific Ocean. This may be why many of the most important up-and-coming chefs in the United States are working in the Central Coast region of California. When you combine that type of talent with the quality of the local ingredients, you cannot help but create a vibrant, exciting food culture. The area is filled with unique restaurants, including some overlooking the gorgeous, golden coastline. Quite a few of the establishments also work directly with local farms and fishers, ensuring the freshness and quality of their ingredients from farm to table. Along the interior hillsides, one will find beautiful vineyards producing deliciously complex wines.

Frequently asked questions

The best reviewed restaurant in Monterey is Cafe Fina

The best vegan restaurants in Monterey are Tarpy's Roadhouse, Chart House Restaurant - Monterey and Sardine Factory

The best vegetarian restaurants in Monterey are Rosine's Restaurant, Kona Steak and Seafood and Sardine Factory

The restaurants with the best service in Monterey are Cafe Fina, Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen and Old Fisherman's Grotto

The restaurants with the best ambiance in Monterey are Cafe Fina, Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen and Rockfish Harbor Grill

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