Monterey Restaurants
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Sardine Factory
$$$$•Seafood•4.8(5,509)Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 57 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey County" by Monterey County Weekly readers.Coastal Kitchen Monterey
$$$$•Farm-to-table•4.8(507)NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH!!
The Coastal Kitchen Monterey is an idyllic setting to enjoy inspirational fine dining. The culinary efforts are on display in the show kitchen and the service team is poised to offer impassioned explanations.
Chef Michael Rotondo’s multi-coursed tasting menu focuses on sustainability and celebrates the bounty of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. A wine pairing of thoughtfully curated wines selected by the Sommelier team is available to complement each captivating course.
Additionally, we are also offering our Champagne Brunch on Sundays for 10am to 1pm.
Dinner Menus: Chef’s Selection Tasting Menu starts at $155 per person
Choice Menu $95
Champagne Brunch Menu: $75 per person (Sundays from 10am to 1pm)
Corkage Fee $50
Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time
Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.
Cafe Fina
$$$$•Seafood•4.7(633)We personally welcome you to Café Fina. My family and I have been serving diners on Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf since 1989. We specialize in Italian cuisine, make our pastas and raviolis in house, grow our own seasonal organic home-grown vegetables, and serve a variety of only the freshest seafood from the Monterey Bay. Our wood-burning oven prepares excellent pizza, and the quaint Italian decor and ocean views make dining at Cafe Fina a memorable experience.
Café Fina is a full-service fine dining restaurant, serving lunch and dinner. In addition to our award winning food,we also feature a wide variety of wines, including the best of our local wines, the finest wines that Napa valley has to offer, and a fine selection of Italian wines. Dominic’s cooking has enabled Café Fina to be the sole caterer for John Madden’s induction ceremony into the Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and has earned him visits from Rachel Ray and other TV stars.
I hope to see you soonThe Whaling Station Steakhouse
$$$$•Steakhouse•4.7(2,673)The internationally acclaimed Whaling Station Steakhouse, perched just above Steinbeck’s Cannery Row has been Monterey County’s #1 Steak House for over 50 years, The Whaling Station takes the term “Steakhouse” seriously...Select your USDA Prime cut of the USA’s finest beef from a silver tray or enjoy our slow-roasted USDA Prime, Prime Rib. An award-winning wine list and full spirits bar compliment your dining experience. Serving Dinner and cocktails from 4:30pm daily. The Bar at The Whaling Station Steakhouse has its own menu and its own local following, with drink specials and lively conversation served nightly. Parking in our private lot.
A private, 50-seat banquet room is also available.
Nami Restaurant
$$$$•Seafood•4.5(21)Welcome to Nami!
Where the vibrant energy of Monterey meets the artistry of a premier steak and seafood. We've transformed our historic Alvarado St location into a stylish, upscale-casual haven for locals and visitors alike.
Step inside and discover a dining experience that is both sophisticated and wonderfully relaxed, designed for memorable evenings and culinary exploration
We offer an exceptional two large dining rooms, full bar room, and patio space, perfect for pets or dining under the Monterey sky!
Whether you’re joining us for a romantic dinner, celebration with friends or at a work event/conference, Nami offers an inviting atmosphere where exceptional food, warm hospitality, and vibrant flavors come together!Domenico's on the Wharf
$$$$•Seafood•4.6(1,771)That friendly salutation is an invitation to dine with us and enjoy exceptional bayside ambiance, gracious service and delicious food. Our entire staff here at Domenico's On the Wharf has extended a warm welcome to locals and visitors for more than 35 years, and we proudly present the best seafood in Monterey for your dining pleasure.
Our award-winning list of wine features the best from surrounding Monterey County vineyards, and we offer extensive selections from Sonoma, Napa, Italy, and France. The freshest, sustainable, local and Alaskan seafood take center stage in our culinary creations, and we also grill up extraordinary steaks and lovingly prepare in-house pastas and locally grown organic vegetables.
Our family style of hospitality continues to win a special place in the hearts of our guests. Let us show you to your table overlooking the beautiful bay waters with a sunny window view of sea lions and pelicans at play.
The Lantern Room - Monterey Beach Hotel
$$$$•American•4.4(153)Nestled right on the Monterey State Beach, The Lantern Room offers a dining experience like no other, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a menu inspired by the rich offerings of Monterey County. Our dishes celebrate the flavors of the region, each crafted with ingredient sourced from local vendors, ensuring that every bite supports our vibrant community. Complement your meal with a selection of wines and beers exclusively from Monterey County, all while enjoying the calm, nautical ambiance that perfectly frames the ocean’s horizon. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil evening or a memorable meal with a view, The Lantern Room invites you to savor the best of the coast!the C restaurant + bar
$$$$•Seafood•4.7(1,324)Our family-friendly Monterey Bay restaurant is close to the Aquarium, situated over sapphire waters and immersed in the natural beauty of the California coast. The C restaurant features only seafood endorsed by Seafood Watch of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The delicious Arctic Char featured on Executive Chef Matt Bolton's menus is similar to salmon in taste, texture and color, but is available year-round, and is rated a "best choice" by Seafood Watch.
Located at the upscale InterContinental The Clement Monterey hotel on Monterey Bay. Every table at the C restaurant has a view of the pristine and scenic Monterey Bay. Marine life sightings abound, including dolphins, whales, harbor seals and sea otters. Enjoy the parade of sea creatures and shore birds as you savor the finest in California regional cuisine.
Tarpy's Roadhouse
$$$$•American•4.6(3,785)Relax in this 1917 Roadhouse and enjoy creative, Five Star American Country Cuisine. The wood-burning grill provides wonderful flavors for the freshest seafood and prime steaks. Set on five landscaped acres, the patios and extensive gardens provide a refreshing backdrop for hearty sandwiches, vegetarian entrees and tempting salads. Reservations are recommended.We are limited to outdoor seating. Please wear warm clothes for dinner. Not all tables have heat. All tables of 4 we allow 1 hour 30 minutes. Parties of 6 or more 2 hours. If you need more time please let us know. We require credit cards for parties over 6. All guests must wear a mask while entering the restaurant. You may take it off once seated. If your late for your reservation, please call we allow 15 minute grace period.
Tarpy's also offers affordable off-site catering drop offsOld Fisherman's Grotto
$$$$•Seafood•4.7(2,209)Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
Outdoor dining in California Central Coast
See what locals rave about in Monterey
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- CCatherineGoldCalifornia Central Coast •30 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoOnce again, we went to Rosine’s and had a fabulous meal we’re locals we love eating there at least twice a week. This restaurant does not disappoint. Food is always consistent and delicious and reasonably pricedMore infoRosine's Restaurant$$$$• American• Monterey•4.6
- PPaulSan Diego •1 review5.0Dined 6 days agoWe came here in December 25' and got severe by Giovanni and had a great experience, we've been wanting to road trip again and make another visit. This time we were served by Pablo who gave excellent service, the food was amazing. The clam chowder by far is the best around! Can't wait to make another trip back.More infoOld Fisherman's Grotto$$$$• Seafood• Monterey•4.7
- JJiminezSan Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews5.0Dined on Oct 26, 2026We had dinner to celebrate my wife’s milestone birthday. The ambience was perfect. The staff was friendly, attentive and welcoming. The food was spectacular. Everyone at Montrio made our dining experience absolutely amazing and very memorable. Thank youMore infoMontrio$$$$• Californian• Monterey•4.7
- PPhilTahoe / Reno Area •2 reviews5.0Dined on Oct 17, 2026Wonderful staff , are chief cooked to perfection and a great vibe.More infoBenihana - Monterey, CA$$$$• Japanese• Monterey•4.4
- TTom HodgeSan Francisco Bay Area •30 reviews5.0Dined on Oct 15, 2026The fish was fresh and delicious,our waiter was very helpful and entertaining. The view was amazing having seen otters and seals. Overall a very good experience.More infoDomenico's on the Wharf$$$$• Seafood• Monterey•4.6
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Discover Monterey
For decades, this area of California has been known for the quality of its locally grown produce and fresh seafood taken directly from the Pacific Ocean. This may be why many of the most important up-and-coming chefs in the United States are working in the Central Coast region of California. When you combine that type of talent with the quality of the local ingredients, you cannot help but create a vibrant, exciting food culture. The area is filled with unique restaurants, including some overlooking the gorgeous, golden coastline. Quite a few of the establishments also work directly with local farms and fishers, ensuring the freshness and quality of their ingredients from farm to table. Along the interior hillsides, one will find beautiful vineyards producing deliciously complex wines.
Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Monterey is The Gig (opens in a new tab)
The best vegan restaurants in Monterey are Hula's Island Grill - Monterey (opens in a new tab), Montrio (opens in a new tab) and Benihana - Monterey, CA (opens in a new tab)
The best vegetarian restaurants in Monterey are Hula's Island Grill - Monterey (opens in a new tab), Old Fisherman's Grotto (opens in a new tab) and Montrio (opens in a new tab)
The restaurants with the best service in Monterey are The Gig (opens in a new tab), Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar - Monterey Marriott (opens in a new tab) and Mimi's Cafe - Folsom (opens in a new tab)
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Monterey are Mimi's Cafe - Folsom (opens in a new tab), Hula's Island Grill - Monterey (opens in a new tab) and Coastal Kitchen Monterey (opens in a new tab)
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- A Taste of Monterey
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- Monterey Pines Golf Club
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- Monterey Pines Golf Course
- Presidio of Monterey Museum
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- Comfort Inn Monterey by the Sea
- Colton Inn
- Elysium
- Best Western Plus Victorian Inn
- California's First Theatre
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- Best Western Park Crest Inn - Monterey
- Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
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