Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Monterey / Carmel? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Alfredo's Pastaria and Mozzarella Bar

4.9

4.9 (1744)

$31 to $50

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Welcome to Alfredo’s Pastaria & Mozzarella Bar, renowned for its handcrafted pasta, sauces, gelato and housemade mozzarella, all made with fresh ingredients and a commitment to simple, exceptional food. Owner Alfredo Ortiz is dedicated to quality, hospitality, community, and consistency.

Some of our signature dishes include Linguine con Aragosta and Rigatoni alla Buttera, a tribute to restaurant Coco Pazzo in NYC. Our Mozzarella Bar includes a variety of different styles of the beautifully soft cheese paired with accompaniments. Our housemade gelato is the perfect way to top off any meal.

Enjoy a selection from our carefully curated Wine List with vintages from California and Italy. Indulge in our handcrafted cocktails to start or end your memorable dining experience!

Top review

DavidGold

Dined 5 days ago

10/10 every time. Best Italian food and best food on the peninsula

Discover more

Popular dish

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Popular dish

Gnocchi di Patate

Popular dish

Rigatoni alla Buttera

Spotted Duck

4.7

4.7 (324)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Join us at our welcoming establishment and indulge in the captivating flavors and unmatched ambiance that can only be found under the guidance of Chef Jerry Regester.

Small Restaurant, with BIG flavors!
From our beloved Duck liver pate, seasonal salads, to seared Duck Breast, or Caramelized Sea Scallops, Chef Jerry personally creates your dinner.

Come into a restaurant that cares for you from the front staff to the kitchen. We look forward to meeting you!

Top review

PeriGold

Dined on Oct 24, 2026

Lovely space in the old Holman building. We enjoyed seeing the Jo Mora and other art on the walls as we entered and were seated in the corner window table for our anniversary dinner. Our servers were very polite, knowledgeable and attentive. Everything we ordered to eat was next level.. pricey, but that's how things are these days thanks to you know who.. We'll definitely be back and highly recommend for your special night out.

Discover more

Popular dish

spotted duck cheese fries

Popular dish

duck liver pâté

Baja Cantina - Carmel

4.7

4.7 (668)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Carmel Valley

About the restaurant

Baja Cantina is a fun and energetic place that is known for its exceptional automotive memorabilia collection and excellent food. We have a large outdoor patio that is perfect to sit and relax on a sunny afternoon with one of our award winning margaritas. We have special events all year round, including our famous classic car gatherings, holiday parties, tequila tastings, and sporting events. ****We only accept online reservations during off-peak times. If you can’t find a time you want online, please give us a call.***

Top review

LaurieGold

Dined on Oct 23, 2026

The food and service are fabulous!! One of our very favorite Carmel favorites!

Enzo Ristorante Italiano

4.6

4.6 (515)

$31 to $50

Italian

Carmel

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

SteveGold

Dined on Oct 21, 2026

Authentic Italian food from the Calabrian region. Excellent!

Village Corner California Bistro

4.6

4.6 (170)

$30 and under

Bistro

Carmel

About the restaurant

Village Corner California Bistro is a dining institution in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, that locals and travelers have been frequenting for 70 years. Experience our new menu as we work to carry on the tradition guests and Locals have enjoyed for decades.

Illy Cafe Full Espresso menu
Full Wine List featuring Local & California Wine
Enjoy Bloody Mary, Bellini, Mimosa
Certified Green Restaurant
Local Fish Specials
Prime Steaks
Wild Foraged Mushrooms
Vegetarian Dishes
Vegan Dishes - Daily Vegan Specials
Impossible Burger
Al-fresco Dining
Outdoor Patio
Dog Friendly
Kids Menus
Gluten Free Menu, Gluten Free Corn Pasta, Gluten Free Hamburger Buns, Gluten Free Breads, Gluten Free Bagels & English Muffins, Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas.
Brunch
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Wine Dinners
Full Beer Selection
We accept We Chat Pay

Top review

ChristineGold

Dined on Sep 21, 2026

Second time here and not disappointed…..great Bloody Mary with a lot of garnish. Sat next to the fire table nd it was lovely. Ordered soup and shared a sandwich and the sandwich was served when the soup was almost finished..no waiting between courses. The staff makes you feel welcomed …of course we will be back…

Rosine's Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (954)

$30 and under

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Rosine's Restaurant turns traditional American comfort food into an art form. This local family-owned and operated casual dining restaurant has been open since 1980. The Culcasi family, owners of Rosine's, have received a bit of national fame as they appeared on Guy Fieri's show 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives'.
Rosine's offers indoor and outdoor (pet friendly) dining serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, with unique signature craft cocktails. Breakfast offers include Eggs Benedicts, and a variety of other breakfast specialities with gluten free and vegetarian options. For lunch and dinner, there is a mix of American and Italian dishes. The most popular dishes on the menu include their Beef Minestrone soup, Chicken Parmesan and Lasagna. Scrumptious sandwiches, fresh salads and burgers are also elevated. Known world wide for their award-winning house made desserts. A consistent winner with the locals for Best Comfort Food, Best Family Restaurant, Best Desserts + more.

Top review

Jessica

Dined 7 days ago

Amazing food, service & choice. Would highly recommend!

Discover more

Popular dish

Calamari Steak Sandwich

4.6

4.6 (476)

$30 and under

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Located near the Aquarium, we offer a true taste of Italy with our homemade pastas and hand-picked Italian wines. Enjoy dishes crafted from cherished family recipes in a warm, rustic setting that evokes the charm of an Italian trattoria. Whether it's a romantic dinner or a family gathering, Il Vecchio promises an unforgettable dining experience with stunning bay views and exceptional hospitality. Voted "Best Italian Restaurant" every year since 2011.

Top review

Robin

Dined 4 days ago

The food snd service was amazing ! The pappadeli was so delicious! Drenched in walnut pesto-to die for and the grilled chicken thigh on the green salad was do”so tender!!

Discover more

Popular dish

SAFFRON SEAFOOD PASTA

4.5

4.5 (17)

$30 and under

Seafood

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Nestled in the charming coastal town of Pacific Grove, California, La Côte Bleue invites guests to savor a relaxed dining experience inspired by the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. This inviting bistro, a culinary collaboration between Chef-owner Miguel Ponce, his father Chef Juan Ponce, and brother Chef Carlos Ponce, offers a warm ambiance perfect for lingering conversations. The menu artfully blends the vibrant flavors of the French Riviera, Spanish coast, and Italian shores, promising a delightful journey for the palate. With thoughtful lighting, generous table spacing, and curated sound, La Côte Bleue creates a serene atmosphere where every visit feels like a cherished escape to a coastal haven.

Top review

richardGold

Dined 3 days ago

Great first time experience. Perfect service with nicely prepared food. Will return.

Fishwife - Pacific Grove

4.3

4.3 (984)

$30 and under

Seafood

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Lynsey

Dined on Oct 15, 2026

Our server Gabriel was so great!!! Delicious pasta and beautiful space!

Louie Linguini's

3.9

3.9 (392)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

ShirleyGold

Dined on Aug 6, 2026

Had the Garlic Crab are amazing and enough to shared. The garlic was just perfect

Explore Diners' Choice best of Monterey / Carmel

Explore more Diners' Choice lists