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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Monterey

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Rosine's Restaurant restaurant
1. Rosine's Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(576)
Price: Moderate
• American • Monterey
Booked 63 times today
Rosine's Restaurant, a family-owned local gem, has been turning traditional American comfort food into an art form for over 43 years. Known for their award-winning house-made desserts, it's a favorite among locals for its 'Best Comfort Food', 'Best Family Restaurant' and 'Best Desserts'. With a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch options, they cater to every palate. One reviewer noted, 'The menu is quite impressive in length. The service was prompt. The food was well presented and the portions were generous.' Another said, 'Reservation a MUST! This restaurant is on the main road through downtown Monterey so it has a lot of food-traffic... so you'll feel awesome when you are seated immediately with your reservation.' So, whether you're in the mood for Eggs Benedicts, Chicken Parmesan, or a juicy Beef Minestrone soup, Rosine's Restaurant is worth the drive!
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
2. Sardine Factory
4.7
Exceptional(4963)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 55 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 Coastal Kitchen Monterey restaurant
3. Coastal Kitchen Monterey
4.6
Exceptional(310)
Price: Very Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Monterey
Booked 5 times today
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 TimeLate Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.
A photo of Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove restaurant
4. Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove
4.8
Exceptional(1318)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Pacific Grove
Booked 26 times today
We are currently open for dine-in and outdoor heated sidewalk/patio.We are always available for curbside pickup.Welcome to Mezzaluna Pasteria and Mozzarella Bar. Chef Soerke and Amy invite you in to enjoy daily house made Pasta, Mozzarella and Gelato. We offer a full bar with specialty cocktails. Chef’s Specialties includeBuccatini Al’AmatricianaLinguini alla VongoleChicken Sausage LasagneSpaghetti CarbonaraGrilled Octopus Lamb Meatballs House-made CharcuterieGnocchi with Gorgonzola Dolce Sauce & Black Truffle OilLittle Gem Caesar Salad with Parmigiano Reggiano Raviloi di Manzo Pate di Anatra
A photo of Tarpy's Roadhouse restaurant
5. Tarpy's Roadhouse
4.6
Exceptional(3586)
Price: Moderate
• American • Monterey
Booked 29 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 Basil Seasonal Dining restaurant
6. Basil Seasonal Dining
4.5
Awesome(911)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 7 times today
Creative and modern Californian/Mediterranean dining located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Our seasonal menu is inspired by the freshest sustainable seafood the Monterey Bay has to offer and the finest organic produce from our local farmers. Compliment your experience with fun and contemporary cocktails as well as an excellent selection of California"s most sophisticated wines. Our menu includes a generous selection of vegetarian dishes as well as gluten free options. We offer outdoor seating that is dog friendly.
A photo of Enzo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
7. Enzo Ristorante Italiano
4.5
Awesome(452)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 12 times today
If a Western Mediterranean version of life exists, you will find it nestled between Ocean ave and Seventh st on San Carlos Street in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The European style village nestled above a picturesque white sandy beach is the perfect backdrop to "ENZO". At Enzo, you will be beckoned by the rustically charming patios surrounded by draping bougainvillea on a sundrenched day or the cozy and simplistic interior warmed by the fireplace when the cool fog blankets the coast.Calabria is a southern region in Italy where the owner, Enzo, comes from. Calabria is a place where life is still slow. It's the beauty, the passion, the family, the love...this is what you will find at Enzo...simplicity, love, comfort, family!
A photo of Le Soufflé restaurant
8. Le Soufflé
5.0
Exceptional(451)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 5 times today
**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN- (CLOSED 12/23-12/27)**We are located in CARMEL, CALIFORNIA, USA. Reservations are only available through OpenTable up to 3 weeks in advance. Intimate indoor dining room can accommodate parties up to 4 guests- Menu changes seasonally- see website for current menu.Le Soufflé is a fine dining restaurant serving a traditional French soufflé lunch menu. Everything is exclusively prepared by our Executive Chef/Co-Owner creating a very unique and finely crafted dining experience. The wine list offers a selection of wines from exquisite boutique producers in France and are all available by the glass or bottle. Our guests can look forward to an elegant escape when they step into our intimate and luxurious dining room. We are located on Dolores Street, just two blocks off Ocean Avenue in the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
A photo of Louie Linguini's restaurant
9. Louie Linguini's
4.2
Awesome(353)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 6 times today
Louie Linguini's is the finest Italian and Seafood restaurant on historic Cannery Row. We offer a large variety of food from seafood to pastas and pizzas. Louie Linguini's provides a fun and family friend atmosphere that is located directly on the water and has some of the best ocean views in the Monterey area. Come and enjoy great food and great service while you learn about Louie's wonderful life.
A photo of Shearwater Tavern restaurant
10. Shearwater Tavern
4.2
Awesome(100)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Carmel
Booked 3 times today
Located in the idyllic seaside community of Carmel, Shearwater Tavern features breakfast and dinner within the Carmel Mission Inn. Our dinner menu has a selection of smaller plates to share along with some larger individual plates. We have partnered with a local dairy, coffee roaster, honey purveyor and bakery. Our Chef Fabian Di Paolo's menu is New American with Influences from his Argentinian, Italian, Floribbean roots. Our cocktail program features beautiful classic and specialty cocktails along with craft beer and California wines. You must try his House made Parker House rolls.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • ChrisVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Wow, wow, wow! The sunset was spectacular. The service was excellent. The food was Michelin star worthy, for sure. The prices, though very high, were well worth a very special experience. Overall, a perfect Christmas dining experience. Hoping to stay a couple of nights this summer. Thank you!
    More info
    Sierra Mar - Post Ranch InnPrice: Very Expensive• Organic• Big Sur
    •
    4.7
  • Karen
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Went on christmas eve. It was expectedly crowded. Food was awesome. Great service. Its a pricey place, we paid $180 for two people. But we don’t eat out much so it was great! The waitress was very nice, attentive. Not like Il Fornaio in Carmel on Thanksgiving. That place had horrible service!! Tarpys is great!
    More info
    Tarpy's RoadhousePrice: Moderate• American• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • AlexaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This was our 3rd dinner at Mezzaluna and everything is as consistently good as the first time - food, service, ambiance. One family member is gluten free and had a great dining experience! Gluten free bread upon request, several gluten free appetizer and dinner options, and a server who helped her navigate the menu choices very knowledgeably and considerately.
    More info
    Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific GrovePrice: Moderate• Italian• Pacific Grove
    •
    4.8
  • Azadeh
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 19, 2024
    Always amazing food and great service, tonight we came back after a year and everything was amazing, the best food in South Bay
    More info
    Dio DekaPrice: Very Expensive• Greek• Los Gatos
    •
    4.8
  • LoriVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 11, 2024
    The food is delicious and the customer service is excellent!
    More info
    Basil Seasonal DiningPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    •
    4.5

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Monterey

Discover a culinary treasure trove along the scenic California Central Coast in Monterey and Carmel, where dining spots are definitely "worth the drive." These restaurants cater to a range of tastes, offering everything from fresh, sustainable seafood to traditional American comfort food, all enhanced by local ingredients and creative culinary flair. The dining scene here is characterized by its commitment to quality and the unique blend of casual elegance, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Each location not only promises delicious meals but also enriches your dining experience with exceptional service, breathtaking coastal views, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes the journey worthwhile. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly spot, a romantic getaway, or a sustainable seafood feast, these establishments ensure a memorable meal that’s worth the drive. Enjoy the blend of culinary excellence and spectacular natural beauty in Monterey and Carmel, where every meal is not just food, but an experience.

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