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

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Pacific Grove

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Passionfish restaurant
1. Passionfish
4.7
Exceptional(7298)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Grove
Booked 27 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 Fandango restaurant
2. Fandango
4.7
Exceptional(3876)
Price: Expensive
• European • Pacific Grove
Booked 13 times today
A favorite among Fandango regulars is the succulent Rack of Lamb; other menu items include Fresh Seafood, a variety of pastas, delicious and exotic Mediterranean dishes such as paella and Couscous, and a tempting selection of excellent steaks. Several daily specialties are also available.Desserts we offer, Souffle, Profiteroles, Chocolate Mousse
A photo of La Mia Cucina restaurant
3. La Mia Cucina
4.9
Exceptional(1033)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pacific Grove
Booked 7 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 Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant
4. Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
4.7
Exceptional(4369)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 23 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
5. Fish Hopper
4.5
Awesome(3791)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 26 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 Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
6. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.8
Exceptional(1699)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 22 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 The Whaling Station Steakhouse restaurant
7. The Whaling Station Steakhouse
4.6
Exceptional(2459)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Monterey
Booked 21 times today
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.
A photo of Montrio restaurant
8. Montrio
4.6
Exceptional(4241)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 16 times today
Montrio is a neighborhood gem located in the heart of downtown Monterey. With its fine European-inspired Californian cuisine, it has been a local favorite for over 25 years. Reviewers rave about the unique atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food. It's the perfect place for a romantic dinner, small business meeting, or a night out with friends. As one reviewer put it, 'From the amazing food, creative cocktails and top notch staff you'll love every minute of it.'
A photo of Fishwife - Pacific Grove restaurant
9. Fishwife - Pacific Grove
4.3
Awesome(895)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Pacific Grove
Booked 7 times today
Fishwife offers a menu of award-winning American cuisine with a Caribbean accent since 1986. With many daily specials, fresh Seafood as well as homemade pastas and dishes for children, there is something for everyone. Daily specials spotlight fresh catch and seasonal fish. Desserts are homemade as well. The atmosphere is casual with a FULL BAR and friendly service, making it a great place to visit with groups and family. Just a short walk from Asilomar Beach and Conference Center. Some of the most popular dishes are Clam chowder, Calamari, Alfredo Combo, Green Lip Mussels, Barramundi and famous homemade Key lime pie. You can also enjoy surf and turf or gluten-free options like the vegetarian bowl.
A photo of El Torito - Monterey restaurant
10. El Torito - Monterey
3.7
Very Good(1242)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Monterey
Booked 14 times today
The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LynneVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We haven’t been to Passionfish since 2020, but we will be coming back a lot more now! Everything was exceptional.
    More info
    PassionfishPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pacific Grove
    •
    4.7
  • 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
  • StanVIP
    New Orleans / Louisiana •81 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We look forward to a visit to Fandango every year when we go to Spanish Bay. The servers are friendly, the prices fair, especially the wine list. They execute a large menu with style and quality. We love the sand dabs, the rack of lamb, the abalone, and the Dover sole. It was a meatless day for me so no osso bucco. But that will be for next time. They make you feel so welcome.
    More info
    FandangoPrice: Expensive• European• Pacific Grove
    •
    4.7
  • KathleenVIP
    Los Angeles •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Fabulous authentic Italian food.Friendly service .
    More info
    La Mia CucinaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Pacific Grove
    •
    4.9
  • 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

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Pacific Grove

Discover the charming allure of neighborhood gems nestled in the scenic area of Monterey/Carmel, specifically in Pacific Grove, along California's Central Coast. These quaint and delightful eateries are celebrated for their unique character and intimate ambiance, making them perfect spots for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience. The dining scene in this locale is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings that blend local flavors with innovative touches, providing a rich gastronomic journey. Each restaurant prides itself on exceptional service, where staff go above and beyond to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Menus are thoughtfully curated to include seasonal ingredients and local produce, ensuring every dish is fresh and flavorful. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a casual place for a family gathering, Pacific Grove's neighborhood gems offer something special for every occasion. Explore these culinary treasures and enjoy a dining experience that epitomizes the essence of California's Central Coast.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
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