Location: Monterey
Top Restaurants in Monterey
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Most Popular Soups food in Monterey, California, United States
Find out what Soups restaurants to try in Monterey. Think picnics on gorgeous, uncrowded beaches, fabulous seafood restaurants, and great hotels overlooking beautiful Monterey Bay… Monterey is a great place for a romantic getaway. Nature buffs can explore the bay by kayak for a close-up look at sea lions, seals and otters.
Things to do in Monterey
10. The Grotto Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By ChuckN518
Shrimp and Crab just like frozen from Samâs Club. Why would the owner be so lazy as not to reap the bounty out his window? Itâs hard to imagine a place this close to the ocean with expensive bad tasteless previously frozen food. $200 did get us a killer view and a polite waiter. But the sweetness of fresh shrimp and fresh crab was replaced by very bland. Donât just stay away run away if this, if is what the super touristy wharf offers as good.
9. Domenico's On the Wharf
Overall Ratings
4 based on 937 reviews
A local favorite since 1981, Domenico's On the Wharf specializes in fresh sustainable seafood, including local Monterey Bay spot prawns, wild sockeye salmon, and Alaskan red king crab. The restaurant also features an award-winning wine list and beautiful
Reviewed By Lynds2
Our concierge recommended this restaurant. Our server Hayley was very good and looked after us well. As always the portions are huge and we keep forgetting to share dishes when ordering. The calamari was excellent and it was a free dish from the restaurant. The halibut was lovely as were the scallops but the chicken masala and pasta was just ok.
8. Fish Hopper
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3394 reviews
The FishHopper * Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, combined with world class dining on historic Cannery Row,within walking distance to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and fine shops.The Fish Hopper, once an original sardine cannery building, offers sp
Reviewed By TauntonBob
We checked out this place earlier in the day and, despite the fact that it had dishes on the menu that were more expensive than on any other menu we had looked at, we decided we liked the look of it and booked a table for later, asking if we might have a window table.When we arrived we were shown to a table right at the far end of the pier section, so that we had windows both behind the table and to the side, which was excellent.We then met our server, Emily, who was very sweet and attentive, and looked after us really well. I was impressed when, having ordered two glasses of Pinot Grigio, she pointed out that we could actually get half a bottle for 50 cents less. Thank you Emily, much appreciated!!Knowing how large portions can be in American restaurants, and having made the mistake the night before, we decided not to have starters. My wife ordered the sesame crusted salmon with coconut prawns and Emily arranged to have an alternative, non spicy, sauce for her. I had the ultimate seafood pasta. I have to say that we were right not to have starters, because the portions were generous and the food was very good. I confess I helped my wife out by finishing some of her salmon and used some of her rice to soak up the very nice pasta sauce.Somehow, though, we did manage to find room for some desserts. For me a creme brulee and for my wife key lime pie. Both very nice.It was certainly not cheap to eat here, but we felt that it was actually very good value for money and we were entirely satisfied with our experience.
7. Cafe Fina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 529 reviews
Receiving rave reviews from both locals and its famous guests, Cafe Fina specializes in Italian seafood and features fresh local seafood, seasonal organic vegetables from the owner's ranch, fresh homemade pasta and a classic wood burning ovenâthe first in
Reviewed By ManiH5
We were lucky to have a table overlooking the Monterey bay, with Sea Lions and otters swimming by. Food was excellent, but not light. Made to Italian gourmet cooking. We had bass and lobster tails. Wish the bread was warm and crunchy, though. Otherwise, we enjoyed every bit of it, together with a Chianti bottle, that didn't disappoint us at all.Service was excellent.Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a nice review. Cafe Fina truly is the best place to sample both the spectacular Monterey Bay view and fresh seafood. Our Italian classics are all made from old family recipes handed down through the generations and can't be beat. So glad you found us; enjoyed the meal, the view and our staff! Please come back again soon.
6. Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 893 reviews
Sea Harvest is owned and operated by local fishermen and has been serving fresh, local and sustainable seafood on the Monterey Peninsula since 1983. Sea Harvest has been voted Best Seafood Market on the Monterey Peninsula for over 20 years in a row.
Reviewed By rb913
This is a very small but obviously very popular restaurant/market. Be prepared for a long wait to get a table. Eventually, I got tired of waiting and just ordered fish & chips to go (which I should have just done to begin with). Food was excellent. Fish was crispy and fries were good (especially with the vinegar packets they provide at the counter). When I finally found a place to "picnic" outside, the food was still hot too.
Most Popular Cafe food in Monterey, California, United States
5. Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2113 reviews
Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar, suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay, is a stunning restaurant featuring sustainable seafood and approachable, contemporary American cuisine. The ideal location for celebrating the Central Coast and the spectacular co
Reviewed By MJK74q
Food was enjoyable but the highlight was looking out from the dining table across Monterey Bay. Ask for a table near the window and look out for Otters playing in the ocean nearby. Sunset was a great time to dine.
Where to eat American food in Monterey: The Best Restaurants and Bars
4. Monterey's Fish House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1764 reviews
Reviewed By seasondtrvlr
This used to be one of our favorite restaurants when visiting the area, however, now it is just average. The 'red' sauce used as a base for most of their pastas & fish dishes is thin and bland. The bread they serve is like Wonder bread rolls and when you're in 'sourdough country', why not serve a decent bread? The grilled baby octopus was overcooked and cold; pasta w/ mussels only fair; artichoke just OK; Rio Grille has the best! Probably the best thing to order is grilled fish - nothing w/ sauces. But coming from the east coast we eat a lot of fish and wanted local fare. The atmosphere is frenetic w/ the waiters rushing through taking orders & serving. And speaking about the waiters, make sure you ask the price of their specials or any change you might make w/ your order (our waiter advised me to order the appetizer size half fried calamari/half Sicilian which should have cost about $15 and he charged us $19) because prices tend to be quite high. The prices which are not listed on the menu appear to be at the discretion of the waiter; keep in mind that their tips are dependent on the amount of your bill. We will not be going back.
3. Old Fisherman's Grotto
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2334 reviews
Located on historic Fisherman's Wharf with stunning views of the Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman's Grotto is a "must visit" restaurant. The "Grotto" has rightfully earned its worldwide reputation for only the finest cuisine in a superb atmosphere and servi
Reviewed By RestlessNative365
Great solo experience at the Grotto. Went for lunch and had an appetizer and poached pear salad. So good. Would go back.
2. Sandbar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 638 reviews
Reviewed By Dale W
I thoroughly enjoy dining here; it's right on the water overlooking the water where one can watch sea lions playing, it has a casual vibe, the service is good, and the staff are welcoming and friendly. And, of course, the food is delicious. I don't get down to Monterey too often, so I ordered copious amounts of food and enjoyed it all. First, the sand dabs are cooked perfectly and are served with a nice tartare sauce; the meat was moist and tender and it's nice as an appetizer that is sufficient for two. I had the grilled fish sandwich; the bread was fresh and there was plenty of fish making it a tasty sandwich. And their strawberry shortcake is amazing; enough for two, it had sweet ripe strawberries and plenty of whipped cream and cream anglaise. The cake was fresh and it was one of the best shortcakes I've ever had. We came on a Sunday afternoon at around 1:30; we found parking right on the wharf next to the restaurant and there was no wait for a table for two. It was all quite a good experience. I look forward to the next time I can make it here.
Where to eat Japanese food in Monterey: The Best Restaurants and Bars
1. Rosine's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1136 reviews
Rosine's Restaurant is located in the heart of Monterey and we are proud to be celebrating over 38 successful years. We have been voted 'Best Family Restaurant', 'Best Desserts' and more by Monterey County since 1992! Rosine's continues a fine tradition o
Reviewed By ephjsh
My daughter chose this restaurant and it was delicious. Definitely try Lasagna- they are famous for. Spaghetti with meat sauce was great. Loved the Wedge salad and is big enough to split! Cream sauce dishes are super heavy. Cake was delicious and huge portion.
