With spectacular coastal scenery, natural produce, old-fashioned shops, and restaurants, as well as a renowned golf course and aquarium; Monterey is a must-visit destination for those who appreciate adventure, individuality, and a personal touch to their experience. The restaurant scene is vast, and it boasts of contemporary and classic options for any occasion.
Let’s explore the seven best restaurants to eat at Monterey.
Cannery Row Brewing Company
For those sports fans seeking a venue to relax while watching their favorite team kick it off, Cannery Row Brewing Company is a great choice. With 90’s hits on the sound system and exposed brick décor, exposing elements from the venue’s previous life as a busy cannery, you’ll find a large selection of interesting beers on tap, and food that’s comforting and honest. Try the house pastrami, sliders or grilled cheese paired with a new beer. For other wonderful options, you can visit the Monterey restaurant guide, What’s Up Monterey, and find out more.
Parker-Lusseau Pastries
The Californian-French couple who run this character café are both talented pastry chefs, and you’ll find that out pretty quickly when sampling their freshly baked delights. Parisian style fruit tarts, caramelized cannelés, and Kouign-amanns are just some of the standout options. Ensure that you find a seat on the outside patio on a warm day as it’s the perfect place to enjoy them with a great cup of coffee.
Café Lumiere
You’ll find this light and airy hipster haunt alongside, and connected to, The OsioTheater. It’s an ideal venue to get some work done while enjoying affordable house-made pastries, cooked breakfasts, and quality coffee. Choose from a ground-level seating area or the balcony and be sure to check out the brunch offering on Sundays.
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
Take advantage of the happy hour at this craft brewery from 3-6pm every day. With exceptional bar food served in the outdoor space and a more extensive menu indoors, you’ll find over 20 draft beers on offer to wash it down with. The crawfish mac ‘n cheese, fish tacos, and dry-rubbed chicken wings make it worth the visit.
Monterey Fish House
You can’t go wrong with the beautifully fresh and tactfully prepared seafood at Monterey Fish House. This Monterey restaurant guide staple is the quintessential coastal restaurant and offers elevated but simple versions of the classics, often using their “oak-grilled” technique. Try the oysters or fish of the day for good value and spectacular quality.
A Taste of Monterey
For the discerning wine drinker or beer lover, A Taste of Monterey is the place to visit. Show-casing some of the best views on the North Shore and delicious Italian-American bistro fare, you’ll be encouraged to sample a variety of exceptional wines paired perfectly with dishes from their menu.
El Cantaro Vegan Mexican Restaurant
Even the most carnivorous among us will find something to love at this spot. Bold tastes and contrasting flavors are the names of the game here, with the exclusion of animal products. Try the potato tacos and vegan chicken taquitos.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for sophisticated pub grub, pastries that are to die for, incredible wine, or merely a place to work, Monterey has it all, amidst natural beauty and gorgeous ambiance.
