Location: Salinas
Top Restaurants in Salinas
Most Popular American food in Salinas, California, United States
Discover Restaurants offering the best American food in Salinas, California, United States. Salinas /səˈliːnəs/ is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County, California. Salinas is an urban area located just outside the southern portion of the Greater Bay Area and 10 miles (16 km) east-southeast of the mouth of the Salinas River. The population was 157,218 as of 2016. The city is located at the mouth of the Salinas Valley roughly eight miles from the Pacific Ocean and has a climate more influenced by the ocean than the hot-summer interior. The majority of residents live in single-unit detached homes, built between 1950 and 2000, while one third of the housing stock has three or more units per structure. Salinas serves as the main business, governmental and industrial center of the region. The marine climate is ideal for the floral industry, grape vineyards, and vegetable growers. Salinas is known for its vibrant and large agriculture industry and being "The Salad Bowl of the World" as the hometown of writer and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate John Steinbeck, who based several of his novels there.
Things to do in Salinas
10. The Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Albywon
The couldn't get me in and out quick enough! Lightening fast service and rushed through - I think the waiter took exception to me not taking his recommendation of the special?All the same a nice meal with the Salmon a highlight ($26) and the New York Cheesecake ($8) satisfactory. The house Pinot Noir ($7) was however terrible.Not a cheap eats place that is for sure.2062
9. Portobello's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
Everything is made in-house, the greens and vegetables are all fresh, sustainable and locally sourced and the specials change daily.
Reviewed By Peter K
Wonderful variety of entree and deli food. Great for lunch or dinner and the Old Town location next to the Steinbeck Center is perfect. The ambiance is light and airy with a grand downtown feel. Nice bar, too. I only wish there were more vegetarian entree options, but that's the case almost everywhere in this county.
8. Elli's Great American Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By Nellie M
Weâre out-of-towners passing thru. Restaurant exterior looked nice so we stopped and were we ever pleased with our dining experience at Elliâs. The restaurant was busy so we sat in the bar area. Service was prompt and our bar and food orders were out in a short time. The menu had lots of good choices and we were very pleased with our selections. The sand dabs plate was absolutely the best Iâve ever had and my husband loved the clam chowder and tasty French Dip sandwich. We shared a delicious slice of apple pie served warm. Wish we lived closer and could eat here more often.
7. Toro Place Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Evi_02
A little gem off of hiway 68, between Salinas and Monterey. It serves breakfast and lunch and closes around 2:00. The food is always fresh and the service is friendly and helpful. There is in side and outside seating, Parking is out front or in the back. Definitely a good place to eat.
6. Steinbeck House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By lenak63
Not only does one have the privilege of being IN the house where writer, John Steinbeck, was born and in which he grew up, the house is a RESTAURANT! Delicious menu items (my favorite is the tri-tip steak with red potatoes and garden fresh vegetables) and great desserts (my favorite is the Steinbeck brownie which comes with vanilla ice cream).The Steinbeck tea (a mixture of unsweetened tea, pink lemonade and raspberry tea) is refreshing.
5. Monterey Coast Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By WiscRNTraveler
I had the ahi tuna special with grilled veggies and mashed potatoes. The tuna was slightly overdone 9medium rare instead of rare) but still very tasty. The potatoes were fluffy and the veggies perfectly grilled. The Scottish red ale was delicious! The wait staff was friendly, prompt and helpful.
4. Black Bear Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 220 reviews
The city of Salinas has several attractions for residents and visitors to experience, from the Mazda Raceway to the National Steinbeck Center. Of course, youâre going to build up an appetite â and thatâs where we come in. The Black Bear Diner has a wide s
Reviewed By Steve N
I have visited this newly located Big Bear Diner twice during this last week. I was satisfied as always at a Big Bear Diner. Extensive menu with good wholesome food. The parking is great and the service was very attentive. A little bit expensive for breakfast but it is a good option that can always be counted on.We had a long wait during our first visit but got right in for our second visit. Good for any meal.
3. Salinas City BBQ
Overall Ratings
4 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By Artay
After other family members had gone here and on our way back from SoCal we stopped for dinner at 7:35. The board listed that chicken and ribs were out so we tried pulled pork and brisket because they were also out of tri-tip. The pulled pork was mushy and almost all fat When we mentioned this to the server she said âit is all like that nowâ Still debating about going back and currently the inclination is no. The parking is a bit of a challenge also and that should have tipped me off. I rarely write negative reviews but I need to advise my fellow diners.
2. First Awakenings
Overall Ratings
4 based on 365 reviews
Reviewed By Lori006
This is our favorite spot to stop for breakfast going to SoCal from SF Peninsula The restaurant is large with multiple, separate eating areas. Waits to be seated have never been long for us.Their breakfast menu is extensive. I love the crepe eggs with mushrooms, turkey and cheese. If you have been to First Watch, you know what I am describing. Anything else you can think of for breakfast is probably there.This restaurant is located in a very tidy part of Salinas. Surrounded by historic buildings that have had facelifts as well as other contemporary eating spots, the whole area is very appealing..
1. Rancho Cielo
Overall Ratings
5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By Carolyn C
Went for dinner celebrating a birthday, we had a fabulous dinner friendly service from Moses and Albert. Food was done to perfection from appetizers to dessert. Only confusing part was paying the bill with everyone drinks and different dinners, no separate tabs.We will be back. Congratulations to the class of 2019!
