Where Else to Eat in Monterey

Pacific Coast Highway Travel recommends where (else) to eat in Monterey based on personal favorites and help from a Monterey restaurant review website.

A salmon fillet on a bed of lettuce in a seafood restaurant

Deciding where to eat in Monterey is a nice problem to have as the city has plenty of options to suit all budgets. There is a range of international cuisines, excellent seafood, of course, and everything from fine dining to fine diners.

We’ve already done one page recommending where to eat in Monterey, but we thought it was about time for an update, with some new places as well as a reminder of some old favorites.

There’s also a good restaurant review website we found recently that reviews Monterey restaurants, so after mentioning a few of our favorites, we’ll tell you about the website.

Where Else to Eat in Monterey

The Sardine Factory

The Steinbeck Room in the Sardine Factory

Located in a historic Cannery Row building, The Sardine Factory is a beloved Monterey institution known for its elegant ambiance and fresh seafood dishes. One of their signature dishes is the Sardine Factory Cioppino, a hearty seafood stew featuring local catch of the day, tomatoes, and herbs. Another popular choice is the Grilled Abalone, a local delicacy prepared with garlic butter and served with seasonal vegetables.

Address: 701 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 373-3775
Website: sardinefactory.com

Montrio Bistro

A sample dish from the Montrio Bistro

Montrio Bistro offers a farm-to-table dining experience in the heart of downtown Monterey. Their menu features a mix of classic American dishes with a modern twist. A must-try dish is the Duck Confit Tacos, featuring tender duck meat, pickled vegetables, and a tangy aioli served in a crispy taco shell. Another popular choice is the Grilled Lamb Chops with a mint chimichurri sauce and roasted fingerling potatoes.

Address: 414 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 648-8880
Website: montrio.com

Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill

The latest beer releases from the Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill

For craft beer enthusiasts and foodies alike, Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill offers a unique dining experience with a focus on locally brewed beers and creative pub fare. Their Beer-Battered Fish and Chips is a crowd favorite, featuring crispy cod fillets served with house-made tartar sauce and seasoned fries. Pair it with one of their rotating selection of craft beers for the ultimate dining experience.

Address: 426 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 655-2337
Website: alvaradostreetbrewery.com

Tarpy's Roadhouse

Sample from the menu at Tarpy's Roadhouse

Tarpy's Roadhouse is a charming restaurant housed in a historic farmhouse with a cozy atmosphere and a menu inspired by California's agricultural bounty. Their signature dish, the Tarpy's Meatloaf, is a comforting classic made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, topped with a savory mushroom gravy and served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. For dessert, don't miss the Warm Apple Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Address: 2999 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 647-1444
Website: tarpys.com

Stokes Adobe Restaurant

Stokes Adobe Restaurant in Monterey

Housed in a historic adobe building, Stokes Adobe offers a refined yet warm ambiance. Their commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients shines in dishes like the Seared Monterey Bay Scallops with creamy polenta, crispy prosciutto, and sweet corn succotash. For a truly Californian experience, try the Roasted Lamb Shank with rosemary-infused natural jus, roasted fingerling potatoes, and grilled seasonal vegetables.

Address: 500 Hartnell St, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 649-6266
Website: stokesadobe.com

Cella Restaurant

A sample dish from the Cella Restaurant

This Michelin-recommended gem boasts a sophisticated setting overlooking Fisherman's Wharf. Chef Brandon Jewell showcases his culinary artistry through innovative interpretations of Californian cuisine. A must-try is the Big Sur Uni Toast, a decadent creation featuring fresh sea urchin, creamy ricotta cheese, and a hint of lemon zest on toasted sourdough. Meat lovers will appreciate the Duroc Pork Belly, slow-braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender and served with apple butter and Brussels sprouts.

Address: Fisherman's Wharf #2, 10 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 375-7775
Website: cellarestaurant.com

Old Fisherman's Grotto

A sample crab dish at the Old Fisherman's Grotto

A Monterey institution since 1950, Old Fisherman's Grotto is a haven for seafood enthusiasts. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Fisherman's Wharf and savor their iconic cioppino, a hearty seafood stew brimming with fresh fish, shellfish, Dungeness crab, and a rich tomato broth. Don't miss the Sand Dabs Monterey, a local favorite featuring delicate sand dabs lightly fried and served with lemon and tartar sauce.

Address: 39 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 375-4604
Website: oldfishermansgrotto.com

Dametra Café

Musician playing for customers at the Dametra Cafe

Escape to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean at Dametra Cafe. Their vibrant patio sets the stage for a delightful culinary journey. Indulge in the Moussaka, a layered masterpiece of seasoned ground lamb, creamy béchamel sauce, and roasted eggplant. For a lighter option, the Grilled Octopus is a revelation, perfectly charred and served with a refreshing lemon vinaigrette and Kalamata olives.

Address: 411 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 649-6400
Website: dametracafe.com

Restaurantji Restaurant Review Website

Best Restaurants in Monterey page on the Restaurantji Restaurant Review Website

Those are some of the Monterey restaurants we’d recommend, where you can’t go wrong. But do check out the Restaurantji.com website for Monterey restaurant recommendations:
Best Restaurants in Monterey

What we like about the site is that they give you an overall best 30 restaurants in Monterey, but then give you recommendations under every category you might be interested in, like Seafood, Mexican, Pizza, Chinese, Japanese, and so on.

Cheap Eats in Monterey page on the Restaurantji Restaurant Review Website

They also then have other categories, like places with outdoor dining or places that are open 24/7. This is really useful as we’re sure we’ve all had those experiences where you need to leave really early and would like more than just a cup of coffee in your hotel room, or you’ve been driving all day, had diversions or other problems, and you get into town so late that everywhere is closed.

So when choosing where to eat in Monterey, check out the places listed above or go to Restaurantji. And no, they’re not paying us to say that! We just really like the site.

Best Guide to Carmel and Monterey

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