A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.
Local favorites & classics
Passionfish. Pacific Grove · Sustainable seafood — Multiple-time 'Best Restaurant in Monterey County' winner and the first local restaurant certified green by Monterey County. The ever-changing menu of…
Old Fisherman's Grotto. Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey · Seafood / Italian — A Wharf institution named best clam chowder in Monterey 23 consecutive years. Grilled Castroville artichokes, Monterey Bay-caught calamari, sand…
Bernardus Winery Tasting Room. Carmel Valley · Wine tasting — Carmel Valley's anchor winery with a sun-drenched terrace and tasting room showcasing estate Sauvignon Blanc and signature Bordeaux-style Marinus red blend. The…
Rosine's Restaurant. 434 Alvarado St · 4.5★ (4,684 reviews)
Sandbar & Grill. Municipal Wharf 2 · 4.5★ (2,767 reviews)
La Bicyclette Restaurant. Dolores St & · 4.5★ (2,722 reviews)
Mission Ranch Restaurant. 26270 Dolores St · 4.5★ (2,649 reviews)
The Sardine Factory. 701 Wave St · 4.6★ (1,744 reviews)
Cafés, bakeries & casual
Fishwife at Asilomar Beach. Pacific Grove · Caribbean-California seafood — A laid-back, beloved Pacific Grove spot serving sustainably sourced fish with Caribbean-influenced preparations — think Caribe-style grilled fish tacos…
Treehouse Café. San Carlos St · 4.5★ (1,821 reviews)
Carmel Bakery. Ocean Ave · 4.3★ (2,103 reviews)
Captain + Stoker. 398 E Franklin St · 4.6★ (1,226 reviews)
Alta Bakery and Cafe. 502 Munras Ave · 4.5★ (1,421 reviews)
Parker-Lusseau Pastries. 539 Hartnell St · 4.7★ (610 reviews)
Paris Bakery Cafe. 271 Bonifacio Pl · 4.4★ (889 reviews)
Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel. Carmel-by-the-Sea · California coastal tasting menu — The only two-Michelin-starred restaurant on the Monterey Peninsula, with Executive Chef Justin Cogley's eight-course menu ($285) built almost…
Chez Noir. Carmel-by-the-Sea · French-California coastal — One-Michelin-starred restaurant from husband-and-wife team Jonny and Monique Black (alumni of Atelier Crenn and Quince). A focused four-course…
Stationaery. Carmel-by-the-Sea · California seasonal / brunch — Michelin Guide-recognized neighborhood restaurant in San Carlos Square, beloved locally for its California-inflected takes on brunch classics —…
Lucia Restaurant & Bar. Carmel Valley · California country / French-influenced — The flagship restaurant at Bernardus Lodge & Spa, listed in both the 2025 Michelin Guide and Forbes Travel Guide. Chef Christian Ojeda…
Montrio Bistro. Downtown Monterey · New American / farm-to-table — A Michelin-recognized fixture in a converted 1910 firehouse on Calle Principal. For 25-plus years Montrio has built its menus around sustainable…
Roy's at Pebble Beach. 2700 17 Mile Dr · 4.6★ (1,255 reviews)