Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast

Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Monterey

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
1. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.8
Exceptional(1698)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 18 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 Domenico's on the Wharf restaurant
2. Domenico's on the Wharf
4.6
Exceptional(1664)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 8 times today
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.
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
3. Fish Hopper
4.5
Awesome(3791)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 18 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 Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant
4. Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
4.7
Exceptional(4368)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 23 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of El Torito - Monterey restaurant
5. El Torito - Monterey
3.7
Very Good(1242)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Monterey
Booked 13 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
6. Dametra Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(267)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 28 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 Sur at The Barnyard restaurant
7. Sur at The Barnyard
4.3
Awesome(536)
Price: Expensive
• American • Carmel Valley
Booked 14 times today
Voted "Best Restaurant in Carmel Valley 2023"!Located in the picturesque Barnyard Shopping Village just off of HWY 1 between Rio Rd and Carmel Valley Rd. Sur at the Barnyard is where foodies, beer lovers and families escape the stresses of their day-to-day lives to enjoy a great meal!If you don't see a reservation available give us a call anytime and we will be happy to assist!Need a reservation for 7 or more? Give us a call at 831-250-7188 or email us any requests at reservations@suratthebarnyard.com
A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
8. Il Fornaio - Carmel
4.6
Exceptional(2310)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 14 times today
Il Fornaio - Carmel is a hotspot due to its authentic Italian cuisine and excellent service. Reviewers rave about the 'fabulous food and service', 'delicious food', 'excellent service and great food', and 'real authentic Italian cuisine'. The restaurant also boasts a 'Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list' and a menu that includes 'wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats', 'pizzas from an oak wood burning oven', and 'fresh salads and house made soups'. The ambiance and atmosphere of the restaurant are also highly praised, making it a favorite among locals and visitors.
A photo of Rio Grill restaurant
9. Rio Grill
4.6
Exceptional(2494)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 9 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(1307)
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.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Stacy
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Thank you, we had a wonderful experience! From being greeted at the door, warm bread on arrival and Tara our server, all was great! Food was fresh and well prepared. I had the tacos special which I loved with Duckhorn Sav Blanc. Husband had Parmesan crusted rock fish. Loved it. And our service dog Redd slept quietly under the table.
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.8
  • Teri
    California Central Coast •6 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I like the hostess, she's always fun to chat with, and very friendly. Our server was attentive and friendly. We were given water and some bread right away. My husband had the salmon, and ate every bite. I had the french dip, which was good but not great. The fries were very good and my husband polished them off since he had a healthy dinner otherwise. We each had a glass of wine, modestly priced, and that was dinner! A very good meal with a view of the water!
    More info
    Beach House Restaurant at Lovers PointPrice: Moderate• Californian• Pacific Grove
    •
    4.7
  • Martin
    San Diego •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This is my Thrid time coming here. Get Food, Great Service, Great View of the Water.
    More info
    Domenico's on the WharfPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • Jared
    Fresno / San Joaquin Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 4, 2025
    Thank you for making the last night of our honeymoon perfect!
    More info
    Fish HopperPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.5
  • Michelle
    San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Mar 1, 2025
    Great views of Monterey Bay. Easy parking - gated lot validated by check-in table, good Mexican food - we had bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer, fajitas and tacos. Too many chips and salsa. We will definitely be back.
    More info
    El Torito - MontereyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Monterey
    •
    3.7

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.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo