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Best Restaurants for Foodies in Monterey

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Montrio restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4198)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 12 times today
Montrio is a foodie paradise, as described in reviews. Patrons praise its 'exceptional food', 'spectacular menu', and 'creative cocktails'. It's noted for its 'sustainable seafood', 'fine quality meat', and 'Monterey County’s best produce'. Montrio offers a 'fine European inspired-American cuisine' with a focus on local, high-quality ingredients. It's also noted for its 'exquisite presentation' and 'notable wine list'.
A photo of Schooners Monterey restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3020)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 47 times today
Schooners Monterey is a foodie haven, offering sustainable seafood and contemporary American cuisine. Reviewers rave about the fresh and organic food, with one stating 'the food is exquisite and you can taste the quality of the ingredients.' The restaurant's location over Monterey Bay and stunning views further enhance the dining experience. The commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood, creative cocktails, and an impressive wine list make Schooners a top choice for foodies.
A photo of Grasing's restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3052)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 7 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 Passionfish restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7213)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Grove
Booked 16 times today
Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.
A photo of Sur at The Barnyard restaurant
4.4
Awesome(497)
Price: Expensive
• American • Carmel Valley
Booked 23 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 Tarpy's Roadhouse restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3577)
Price: Moderate
• American • Monterey
Booked 13 times today
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
A photo of Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa restaurant
4.5
Awesome(854)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Monterey
Booked 19 times today
LIVE MUSIC every Thurs. & Fri. 5:30pm–8:30pmEstéban Restaurant: Spanish-inspired California cuisine.This local favorite offers indoor & outdoor patio (pet-friendly) diningUp-to-date hours: Open for BreakfastMon. – Fri. 7:00am–10:00amOpen for dinner Sun. – Thurs., 4:30pm–8:30pmFri. & Sat., 4:30pm–9:00pmTapas Happy Hour daily 4:30pm–6:00pmLive Spanish Guitarist: Thurs. – Fri. 5:30pm–8:30pmOpen for Brunch: Sat. & Sun. 9:00am–1:30pmGift Certificates Estéban Restaurant, the 2024 Diners' Choice award winner, carries on the Munras family tradition of culinary hospitality and excellence. It offers authentic Monterey dining in the historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a unique culinary experience featuring traditional Spanish-inspired California cuisine with a pinch of adventure. Choose from shared plates and classic selections. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/EstebanRestaurant and Instagram at instagram.com/estebanrestaurant/
A photo of Treehouse Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(266)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Carmel
Booked 10 times today
Treehouse Cafe offers global fare in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
A photo of La Mia Cucina restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1004)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pacific Grove
Booked 4 times today
Stroll along 17th St., between Lighthouse and Laurel and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its fresh ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are “originals, not reproductions.” That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his ravioli dishes, are a renowned local favorite, and for good reason. They are hand made, with all the care that only a lifetime of creative food combining can bring. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for it's fresh fish and meat specials. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula and daughter Michaela, and the service is personal and inviting.
A photo of Rio Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2464)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 10 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tevin
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    A very nice restaurant to have special events. We had my honeymoon out here and we were taken care of the entire time. Perfectly cooked duck breast, excellent wine, and personable staff. What a perfect night!
    More info
    MontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    4.6
  • Mike
    California Central Coast •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great service, very attentive at the table, but not bothersome. Short ribs were amazing and the pairing with the wine was just right.
    More info
    Grasing'sPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    4.6
  • Julie
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days 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
    4.5
  • Kathy
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our food was just delicious and amazing! The scallops were so fresh and prepared just perfect! My sons stripped bass was very flavorful and he loved the fava beans that were with the dish! This is an outstanding seafood restaurant and I would highly recommend it to both visitors and people who live here! And for dessert I had their chocolate sorbet which was so creamy and rich tasting., not to mention since it was my birthday we had some yummy french champagne that all three of us enjoyed.. and it did not come with a high price tag so my husband was happy also.,
    More info
    PassionfishPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pacific Grove
    4.8
  • RossD
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had a delicious dinner served by Austin. He is the perfect amount of attentive!
    More info
    Sur at The BarnyardPrice: Expensive• American• Carmel Valley
    4.4

Discover best foodies restaurants in Monterey

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Monterey/Carmel, where foodies can indulge in a diverse array of culinary delights. Nestled along the California Central Coast, this area is renowned for its fresh, sustainable seafood and innovative American cuisine, making it a must-visit for any gastronome. The restaurants here offer a delightful mix of local and international flavors, often emphasizing organic and locally sourced ingredients that reflect the region's rich agricultural heritage. Whether you're craving comforting American classics, exquisite Mediterranean dishes, or expertly prepared seafood, Monterey/Carmel caters to all palates. Each dining establishment is committed to high-quality service, ensuring a memorable experience with every meal. The scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the relaxed, welcoming atmospheres further enhance the dining experience, making every meal here truly exceptional. For food enthusiasts looking to explore unique and flavorful dishes, Monterey/Carmel is an ideal destination.

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