The culinary scene in Monterey County is one of the best right now in California. With several new restaurants opening up in Seaside to Carmel-by-the-Sea, you don’t want to miss these best restaurants in Monterey County.
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While I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Monterey Peninsula and beyond several times over the years, this was the first trip I took through the eyes of culinary. In partnership with Monterey County CVB, I set out to taste the tried and true, and discover the newest culinary gems.
What I found was something synonymous between all dining establishments — a strong love for the local and abundant landscape of ingredients. From their very own “Artichoke Trail” to fresh, locally-caught seafood, Monterey County borders both land and sea.
So while visiting Monterey County, set out to these restaurants, from Salinas all the way south to Big Sur. This is where to dine now.
Planning a Trip to Monterey County? Here Are My Favorite Hotels:
- Villa Mara, for the best boutique hotel
- Hotel Carmel, for the best village hotel
- Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave, for the best new hotel
- Alila Ventana, for the best all-inclusive resort
- Carmel Valley Ranch, for the best luxury resort
The Best Restaurants in Monterey County
Big Sur Restaurants
Highlighted Restaurant: COAST Big Sur
Right off Highway 1, COAST Big Sur is one of the best restaurants on the California Coast. With Chef Nick Balla hailing from San Francisco’s favorite Bar Tartine, he has given the restaurant a lovely spin on the Mediterranean meets Japanese technique. Each dish is delightful and be sure to not overlook the mezze lunch bowl with their popular sprouted hummus. Afterward, stroll through the gallery and take in the ocean views with one of their soft serve ice creams in hand.
Address: 49901 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Nepenthe
A Big Sur classic, Nepenthe is a favorite for watching the sun dip down with a good drink and plate of food in hand. Come in any time, but sunset is my first choice for enjoying the ambiance. The food here is good, you’ll find easy-going yet deliciously wonderful plates like their Ambrosiaburger and Steak Frites. It’s no reservations, so the early bird gets the worm on the weekends.
Address: 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Sierra Mar
For those wanting to dip into fine dining, snag a seat at Sierra Mar located inside the luxurious Post Ranch Inn. While their dinner-tasting menu is well-known, I’m a big fan of coming for lunch. It’s set at $75 and gives you a wonderful taste of the exquisite food.
Address: 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Big Sur Bakery
Big Sur Bakery is always worth a stop for its extra-large pastries and good coffee. It’s my personal favorite before heading out on the trail or right after when you need a snack.
Address: 47540 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
More Big Sur Guides to Help Plan Your Trip
Carmel Valley Restaurants
Highlighted Restaurant: Lucia Restaurant & Bar
Inside the Bernardus Lodge houses the upscale Lucia Restaurant & Bar. Chef Christian Ojeda pulls his inspiration from local ingredients (some grown right on the property), and puts forward a sophisticated California cuisine menu. Listed on the Michelin Guide to California, the food here is a wonderful meal for a night out.
Address: 415 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Baja Cantina
As you enter Carmel Valley, stop off at Baja Cantina for just a downright good time. Between the fun and quirky space, their cantina-style food is great. You’ll find classics like tacos to tostadas, and when the weather is right, the patio is lovely.
Address: 7166 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
ROUX
One of my personal favorite finds in the valley was a dinner at ROUX. Chef Fabrice Roux takes his French roots and has created a playful menu that has the French classics with a Spanish flare. The patio is lively in the summer months, and a wonderful spot to wind down after a day of wine tasting.
Address: 6 Pilot Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Cafe Rustica
Pop in for lunch or dinner at the laidback yet great Cafe Rustica. Their thin, wood-fired pizzas are the best here, which is what I typically go in for.
Address: 10 Del Fino Pl, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
More Carmel Valley Guides to Help Plan Your Trip
Carmel-by-the-Sea Restaurants
Highlighted Restaurant: Chez Noir
If you need a reason alone to plan a trip to the Monterey Bay Peninsula, the newly opened Chez Noir is it. One of the most anticipated openings for the California coastal dining scene, Chez Noir is an intimate gem box inspired by European bistros. Chef Jonny Black and Monique Black (husband and wife co-owners) have their culinary background from time working at Michelin-starred restaurants like Quince, Atelier Crenn, and Per Se.
Their roots in fine dining are experienced through every element of the meal at Chez Noir. From finely cubed cucumber in their halibut crudo to the perfectly balanced 9.47 Perceval Knife set with their delicate mille-feuille, there’s not a detail overlooked. Do book your table in advance here.
Address: 5th Ave between Dolores and, San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
La Bicyclette
A timeless restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea, La Bicyclette is all things French meets Italian. Their lunch and dinner service are both wonderfully, downright good. You can’t beat the charm of the ambiance here and not feel instantly transported.
Address: Dolores St &, 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Cantinetta Luca
For authentic Italian food, book your table at Cantinetta Luca. It’s a restaurant I’ve been going to since high school for wood-fired pizzas and hearty pasta. The cozy dining experience is what always sticks with me and especially on a colder day on the peninsula.
Address: Ocean Ave &, Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Stationaery
The laidback, neighborhood restaurant Stationaery is a total favorite, and one walk past the lines on the weekend will tell you why. It’s downright, good food. My preference is brunch (a table reserved of course), and a sample of their savory dishes. Don’t miss the potatoes pancake topped with smoked trout and a bright “sauce gribiche” and soft-boiled eggs. And do be sure to ask about their cinnamon roll — it’s just delicious.
Address: San Carlos Street, 3 NE of 6th Avenue, San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
More Carmel-by-the-Sea Guides to Help Plan Your Trip
- First-Timer’s Guide To Carmel, California
- Best Things To Do In Carmel, California
- The Best Hotels In Carmel, California
- 20 Best Restaurants In Carmel, California
Monterey Restaurants
Highlighted Restaurant: Alejandro’s
To feel instantly transported to Mexico, step into Alejandro’s. While the restaurant feels Tulum meets Mexico City, the menu has a strong Oaxacan flair. To start, you’ll find fresh-made blue corn tortillas served alongside traditional queso fundido, and even totopos, an Oaxacan style tortilla chip smothered in crema, cotija cheese, and tomatillo salsa.
Further down the menu, don’t overlook their tacos. The birria and bone marrow is the favorite for the shredded beef tacos served alongside split bone marrow, hot and ready to be scooped out. Everything here is delicious, and I’d recommend sharing a few plates with friends or family.
Address: 474 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940
Old Fisherman’s Grotto
A Monterey institution, the Older Fisherman’s Grotto is my choice for all things fresh seafood. As you step in, it gives you that old-world feeling with wood-sided walls and windows peering out onto the water. On the menu, don’t miss their clam chowder, served in a fluffy bread bowl where the top has been crisped with garlic and herbs, perfect for dipping. Another favorite is the grilled artichokes, sourced right from Castroville in Monterey County, the artichoke capitol of the world.
Address: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
Alvarado Street Brewery
Brewpub and restaurant, Alvarado Street Brewery is a good spot for a casual bite to eat and a great local brew. The weekends do get busy here, but addiotional locations are now open in Carmel-by-the-Sea and downtown Salinas.
Address: 426 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940
Alta Bakery
You’ll want to stop here at least twice, once to eat in and another to take pastries home. Alta Bakery is neighborhood cafe and bakery that serves housemade pastries like ham and cheese croissants to egg sandwiches. Pop in for a pastry, coffee, or a bigger breakfast while in Monterey.
Address: 502 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
Seaside Restaurants
Highlighted Restaurant: Maligne
Set in the small town of Seaside, Maligne is changing the local culinary landscape with its contemporary European meets American dining. The airy and design-forward space is laidback yet has a simple elegance to it.
Lunch and dinner are both memorable here, the menu taking you through thoughtful and playful dishes. What makes their food have that extra flavor, is their large wood-fire oven that a lot of dishes pass through. From local moules frites to their grilled polenta (a personal favorite), it’s a destination restaurant not to miss.
Address: 600 Broadway Ave, Seaside, CA 93955
Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza
Handcrafted pasta and pizza you can’t go wrong with in Seaside, California. Gusto has a classic menu of Italian favorites, with several seafood dishes like their Linguini di Scampi or Linguini di Mare. It’s a wonderful neighborhood restaurant to pop into when visiting Monterey County.
Address: 1901 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955
Salinas Restaurants
Highlighted Restaurant: El Charrito
There is never not a line at El Charrito for their authentic Mexican food. This is local, good food. It’s an easy-going menu, burritos, bowls, and tacos with several meat options like carnitas, chile colorado, and pollo guisado. One gem is their taquitos, stuffed with beef and potatoes, something that’s not always easy to find.
Address: 122 W Market St, Salinas, CA 93901
Villa Azteca
The colorful, bright Villa Azteca is a tasty restaurant to dine in when in Seaside. It’s elevated Mexican cuisine, with housemade tortillas and salsas. One of the best dishes on the menu is their “Tuetano” — roasted bone marrow served alongside two black bean sopes with a side guacamole and their famous chili oil.
Address: 157 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901
Brew- N- Krew
The hip, Woman-owned brewery called Brew-N-Krew Ale House opened up its doors with innovative beers and fun pairings. The interior space here is fun, and bright — think disco balls hanging from the ceiling and pops of color. Stop in for a flight of beer when in Salinas.
Address: 155 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901
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