Top Rated Restaurants en Cafés in Pacific Grove

Dametra Cafe is virtually impossible to get into for dinner without a reservation, the tiny restaurant features only 14 tables and is extremely popular as a dining spot. serving up a selection of authentic Greek and Middle-Eastern inspired dishes, the atmosphere is lively and convivial and warm. From the decor to the food you'll feel swept away to a different place. Often featuring live music and impromptu dancing, guests can relax over a good glass of ouzo and try out specialities like Spanakopita, Baba Ghanoug, Hummus with Pita and Lamb Shish kebab. For reservations, give them a call.

The kitchen and rotisserie are completely open for all to see in this colorfully decorated bistro that combines American, Italian and French cuisines. The interior is fancy and sleek, but the attitude is very casual, which accounts for the wide-ranging clientele. It won Esquire's award for "best eatery of 1995" for plates such as Grilled Gulf Prawns over Caramelized Leek Risotto and Veal Cheeks over Mustard Whipped Potatoes. Beginning at around USD20 for the house varietals, the impressive wine list includes some alternative whites and adventurous reds. The friendly service will bring you back many times. See website for menu, wine list and more.

In spite of its somewhat suggestive name, this restaurant is a model of propriety. The dining room is comfortable yet sophisticated. The cream-colored walls are adorned with just a bit of artwork, but not too much. Low lights and proper white table linens add a refined touch. The specialty of the house is its ever-changing selection of fresh, locally caught fish. The wine list has won awards in the past, and the restaurant is proud to offer many of the vintages at very affordable prices.

It is easy to guess what this restaurant's focus is after you learn that it is the namesake of a famed Italian winemaker. Do not visit for a good glass of porter. Instead, select from the impressive list of rare and expensive wines. The Tuscan-inspired cuisine is a treat with or without wine. Almost all of the decadent desserts have been thoroughly soaked in liquor. The restaurant is handsome, dignified and graceful, perfectly conducive to either hand-holding or deal-closing.

This authentic eatery received awards for the best Greek food in Monterey from both the Coast Weekly Readers' Poll and Dining Weekly. Tucked away behind a music store and a tobacco shop, it might be hard to find, but the simple delicacies here are to die for. All the standard Greek fare, like Moussaka, Pastitsio, and Dolmades, are ripe for the picking here, and everything is totally affordable. The decor is unpretentious and simple, like the food. A great place to sample the wonderful cuisine of the Greeks with excellent service too.

Hawaiian super-chef Roy Yamaguchi brings his signature cuisine to the Monterey Peninsula. While California Cuisine is nothing new to foodies, Roy's mixture of ancient Asian cooking traditions and cutting-edge Pacific Rim techniques can make even jaded palates take notice. Accompany your meal with a red wine from Roy's own label. Relax in sophisticated surroundings, attended by an expert server. You will understand why Roy's is an island treat and a new mainland favorite.