Location: Monterey
Top Restaurants in Monterey
Most Popular Restaurants 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
1. Compagno's Market & Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By Bubuflu - Mission Viejo, California
Campagno's is simply the best place to get a great sandwich anywhere on the Peninsula. The bread is always fresh and delicious and the meats are quality with nobody looking at a diagram to figure out how much to give you. Whenever I'm back in Monterey I'll check in, get some sandwiches to go so I can eat them while I'm taking in the spectacular views of the area. I would recommend to tell them light on the mayo or no mayo in my case, because they tend to slather it on otherwise. OH, and this place can get busy during weekday lunch time, when DLI students flood the place.
2. Loulou's Griddle In The Middle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Loulou's Griddle in the Middle is the tiny diner on Wharf #2. We always say we're "tiny but mighty." We cook with a lot of heart, soul, and deep care about every detail. We aim to make your experience comfortable, fun, delicious, and a little like being at a home-away-from-home. The kitchen is open so you can see our chefs preparing right in front of you. Our community of customers--both local and visitors from far away--also make Loulou's special. We bend over backwards to accomodate your requests, when we can, and we might crown you with a tiara if your requests are many....but all in fun. The diner opened in 1948, so it's rich with history. We're blessed with one customer, Henry, who has been coming EVERY morning since 1948 and he's earned a customized stool, a plaque, his own coffee mug, and a warm place in our hearts.
Reviewed By Julie S - Sacramento, California
My friend from the UK adores American diners. So I was pretty sure she’d love LouLou’s. She did. There’s no group-from coffee, just huge portions of delicious food. Best pancake I ever had! Split an order if you can—we felt badly about all the food we couldn’t eat. It did set us up for the day. We sat at the counter and had a nice chat with people from Boston and Salt Lake City. We watched the cooks and peeked out at the harbor. You do have to pay for parking but it’s just $1.50 an hour. Our wait time at 10 am was about 5 minutes.
3. Old Monterey Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 479 reviews
Reviewed By roadwarriorstwo - Salinas, California
We are so disappointed in what was one of our favorite breakfast restaurants.
The coffee was awful; in an area where such good quality coffee is available, why are they using such poor, weak coffee? My Denver omelet was so poorly prepared with overcooked, browned edges. Now, my husband 's country potato special was very good , he says; something he has eaten there in the past. And the service was excellent. But I doubt if we will return again.
4. Montrio Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By droppinout - Atlantic City, New Jersey
We had a reservation at Schooner's at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, but they cancelled due to a power outage. We were lucky to get into this very popular restaurant. We tried several small/medium plates, and all of them were excellent. We really like that style of eating so it worked out well for us. We would definitely go back.
5. Hula's Island Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Tami D - Merced, California
Ohhhh, my favorite little getaway. I love the Blood red Orange Martinis are to die for. Paired with the Hawaiian cheveche is what memories are made out of. Chrispy wontons come with the cheveche it is just a beautiful appetizer. I see others ordering dinner, its looking real good .The place is decorates so cool and there is an awesome backyard with heaters.
6. Bistro Moulin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 reviews
Bistro Moulin is a cozy European Bistro located on Cannery Row in Monterey. French chef/owner Didier Dutertre's classic cuisine is exquisitely prepared and French wine selections are plentiful. You'll swear you're in Paris!
Reviewed By HAPPY2GO30 - Pleasant Hill, California
Not the first time here. We go as often as possible when in Monterey. Please make reservations in advance as it is a locals favorite. Small and intimate. The chef here is hands down the best. The staff is fantastic well informed on food and...MoreThank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you visit us when you're in the area and always have a fantastic time! We appreciate your patronage and look forward to seeing you again!
7. Crystal Fish
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By erklein - Los Angeles, California
Great service, and extensive menu and beautiful fresh sushi and sashimi, as well as other Japanese dishes. Something for everyone. The crispy calamari sushi had some of the best calamari I've ever eaten. We loved our dinner here.
8. Whaling Station Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
The internationally acclaimed Whaling Station, perched just above Steinbeck’s Cannery Row has been Monterey County’s #1 Steak House for over 40 years, The Whaling Station takes the term “Steak House” seriously... See the restaurant’s dry-aging room, select your USDA Prime cut of dry-aged beef from a silver tray, your Prime, Prime Rib from the antique 1930’s silver carving trolley, and enjoy your Caesar Salad being tossed tableside. An award winning wine list and full spirits bar complement your dining experience. Serving Dinner and cocktails from 5pm daily. THE BAR at The Whaling Station has its own menu and its own local following, with drink specials and lively conversation served nightly. Parking in our private lot. A private banquet room is available.
Reviewed By Mcaenriquez - Monterey, California
Whaling Station Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouse in Monterey Peninsula, the wine selection is wide range, food is a feast and guest service is stamped with Monterey hospitality and warmth! This is an awesome place for fining dining or for happy hour, come visit! As a local, I frequent this place for dessert and happy hour. I highly recommend it to anyone!!! 5 stars. :)
9. Monterey's Fish House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By acbor
We got to this small restaurant on a Sun night for a 7:30pm reservation. The place is small and super busy. Seafood is the must so that's what we had getting their pastas. Enough to share we tried 4 dishes for 6 people. Very decent dinner. Not fine dinning but good dinner.
10. Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 coastal region, Executive Chef Waller's commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood is reflected in the creative menu which features a variety of seafood options, both raw and cooked, as well as appetizers, soups, salads, large platters meant for sharing, and wood-fired dishes. A creative cocktail menu is served alongside an impressive wine list highlighting Monterey County vintners. The high-energy bar, bustling open kitchen, and dramatic outdoor patio personifies a relaxed, fun and joyous atmosphere.
Reviewed By n c - Saint Charles, Illinois
Visited on Friday; views are just okay. Restaurant ambiance could be better as well. Seating was disjointed and full of miscommunication. Had clam chowder in Santa Barbara the day before which was much better than this clam chowder. My guest did not like her meal. Totally expected more with these great reviews!
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