Monterey California ~ Restaurants

Below you will find the best and most popular restaurants in Monterey, Carmel, and the surrounding area. Reservations are a must for weekends and holidays and we are happy to assist you with this. The top restaurants below are listed in alphabetical order. Find your perfect Monterey restaurant for a romantic and fun night on the town or contact us and we will steer you in the right direction.

Chart House on Cannery Row is a traditional steak house with beautiful ocean views from every table, and is a local and guest favorite for fine dining. Dress upscale casual.  Price Range:  15-50.  Reservations highly suggested.  Phone: (831)-372-3362.

chart house cannery row monterey ca
Photo Provided by the Chart House

Epsilon in Monterey is located just down the street.  This small, home grown Greek restaurant has a full menu great for lunch or dinner.  Epsilon has very reasonable pricing, great atmosphere, and great service.  Request a table in the window for the most local flavor. The dress is casual. Price: 12-30.  Reservations suggested.  Phone: (831) 655-8108.

Fandango Restaurant in Pacific Grove, is deliciously European in feeling with a Basque & Continental menu, plus a wide selection of fresh fish, pastas, and salads.  They also offer some rarer foods to the region such as paella, North African couscous, lobster, and abalone. Dress Upscale Casual Price Range: $17-$40.  Reservations suggested.  Phone: (831) 373-0588.

fandango restaurant pacific grove ca
Photo Provided by Fandango

Fish Wife in Pacific Grove serves fresh fish, quality soups, and even better: flautas!  This is a local favorite and a great spot for casual fish or pasta.  Their cuisine is described as Californian with a Caribbean accent.  Price: $12-$35.  Reservations recommended. Phone: (831) 375-7107.

Flying Fish Grill is a cozy restaurant in Carmel that offers wonderful seafood with Asian and Hawaiian lineages. Every table begins with a serving of crisp wonton skins and a rice vinegar and ginger salsa.  Dress Casual.  Price Range:  $12-$40 Reservations suggested.  Phone: (831) 625-1962.

Pepe’s Little Napoli Bistro Italiano in Carmel is a fun, gregarious restaurant with “squeezed-in” seating. The eats are outstanding home cooked Italian cuisine.  This cute little restaurant delivers exactly what its name implies, a big taste of Little Napoli.  Dress Casual.  Price:  $15-$40.  Reservations suggested.  Phone: (831) 625-4033.

Max’s Grill in Pacific Grove is a great spot for a relaxing casual dinner. The simple surroundings and creative entrees are flavored with Max’s gentle sauces and glazes. A guest favorite and just right down the street in PG.  Dress Casual.  Reservations suggested but not needed.  Phone: (831) 375-7997.

Mission Ranch Restaurant located behind the Carmel Mission offers nostalgia, ranch themed food, and an old world piano player and bar. Here is where you will find steaks, prime rib, baby back ribs, and twice baked potatoes, as well as good drink service from a full bar.  Dress Casual.  Price: $15-$35.  No reservations, walk-in only.  Phone: (831) 625-9040.

Monterey Fish House in Monterey offers fabulous fresh fish in a casual venue. This is a local favorite so the noise level can be high.  Please note that reservations do not guarantee seating and or a specific time. You will take priority over any walk-ins but no guarantees.  As casual as you can get!  Price: $10-$30.  Phone: (831) 373-4647.

Montrio Bistro is located in the heart of downtown Monterey in an historic firehouse.  Montrio is a local and guest favorite!  With a wide variety on the menu, this restaurant is a good place to enjoy tapas in the bar, or a fine dining experience.  Dress upscale casualPrice: $15-$45Reservations highly recommended.  (831) 648-8880.

Passionfish is located in Pacific Grove. As the name implies, their specialty is serving fresh seafood iconic of Monterey’s cuisine.  They have great ambience and delicious food to go with it.  Dress Casual. Price: $15-$35.  Reservations suggested.  Phone: (831) 655-3311.

Peppers Mexicali Cafe in Pacific Grove is our guest’s favorite Mexican restaurant that serves the usual expected fare, plus some special preparations that range from vegetarian to shellfish.  Open for lunch and dinner, this Mexicali café is great if you’re feeling like a casual taco.  Closed Tuesdays.  Dress Casual. Price: $10-$30. Phone: (831) 373-6892.

Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing is a great place for live music (Mon, Wed, and Thurs), good food, and a wide variety of fresh seafood.  With a lively and local atmosphere, this isn’t your typical dining experience! Prepare yourself for a lively atmosphere and delicious casual fish. This is the restaurant that beat Bobby Flay in the Cioppino Throwdown! No Reservations.  Phone: (831) 633-2152.

Roy’s at Pebble Beach at the Inn at Spanish Bay offers innovative Euro-Asian cuisine.  Combined with their spectacular sunset views over the ocean, and the Golf Course at Spanish Bay, this is a restaurant that has food as delectable as it is beautiful. Don’t miss this Old Monterey Inn favorite.  Dress casual upscale.  Price Range: $15-$60.  Reservations Suggested.  Phone: (831) 647-7500.

Sardine Factory is one block up from Cannery Row, a Monterey icon for over 36 years.  With the deceptive appearance of an old warehouse on the outside, this award-winning restaurant has four individually decorated dining rooms & wonderful lounge, and is truly elegant on the inside.  Dress upscale casual.  Price: $15-$50.  Reservations highly recommended.  Phone: (831) 373-3775.

Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar on Cannery Row, is a favorite spot for lunch.  Boasting fresh seafood and cocktails, this coastal kitchen and bar is perfect for a sunny day.  Their stunning ocean views and balcony seating are beautiful and worthy of Monterey’s Cannery Row.  Dress Casual.  Price: $12-$40.  Walk-ins are welcome.  Phone: 831-372-2628.

schooner coastal kitchen cannery row monterey ca
Photo Provided by Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar

Whaling Station Steakhouse in Monterey has a casual yet sophisticated dining style. This restaurant offers the finest USDA Prime Beef (exclusively). Located in a historic building off of Cannery Row, this restaurant’s fine cuts of meat and fish are outstanding.  Business Casual. Price: $15-$45.  Reservations suggested.  Phone: (831) 373-3778.

whaling house monterey cannery row
Photo Provided by Whaling Station Steakhouse

evening wine reception at old monterey inn

Wine & Champagne

We would love to make your stay more special. Old Monterey Inn conveniently offers a wide selection of wines and champagnes for your enjoyment. View our champagne, wines and chocolates and add them onto your room when making your reservation.

The ultimate romantic getaway to Monterey awaits with our luxurious lodging, exceptional restaurants in the area, outdoor activities and more. We hope to see you soon.