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.
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.
Situated in an old stone house dating back to the 1880s, this Monterey restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner. Dine inside by the fireplace or under the stars on the flowery patio. Rooms are available for private parties and catering is also available. The extensive wine list begins at the low end and includes several Syrah, Cabernets, and rare Magnums. The impeccable service attracts many types, from couples on romantic getaways to tourists to locals.
This gem of a restaurant in Pacific Grove serves up fresh Italian cuisine and seafood specialties. Known for their famous ravioli's made daily, the lobster and mascarpone are by far the local favorite. Nightly specials of seafood and meat add variety to the menu, while the pasta dishes are usually light and full of flavor. The crisp white decor is enriched from the giant European advertising posters that line the walls, which of course, are original productions! The wine list features a bevy of Italian labels with a few local labels as well. If you're up for it, the dessert is made in-house with mouthwatering offerings like berry cobbler and tiramisu.
A throwback to classic tiki restaurants and bars found in California in the 50s and 60s, this island themed establishment is anything but drab and boring. A bamboo lined bar, large colorful tropical flowers, tiki wooden sculptures and more make you feel like you've been transported to an island watering hole. The menu offers a huge selection of vegetarian options like spicy tofu tacos, salads, lemon sauce pot stickers, veggie burgers and more. Carnivorous options like ahi poke, choice of preparation and fresh fish, crab curry, Jamaican jerk chicken and barbecue ribs are also on offer. Don't forget to try one of their themed cocktails, locals rave about the Hula's Hurricane.
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.
A historic house now converted into a restaurant, the Steinbeck House allows you to mix food and culture. Enjoy the old time atmosphere and learn more about the famed author John Steinbeck, while you dig into dishes made from the freshest of the area's produce. A visit here not only guarantees you an interesting tour but an array of wholesome seasonal fare. Sink your teeth into literary and culinary pleasures!
This Seaside coffee house has a laid-back vibe and some of the best gourmet coffee in town. Roasting their own beans, Acme Coffee has bold flavor profiles without the additives of syrups and creams. A great place to spend a few hours watching the world go by, this hip coffee joint is a coffee enthusiasts dream come true.
This gem of a restaurant in Pacific Grove serves up fresh Italian cuisine and seafood specialties. Known for their famous ravioli's made daily, the lobster and mascarpone are by far the local favorite. Nightly specials of seafood and meat add variety to the menu, while the pasta dishes are usually light and full of flavor. The crisp white decor is enriched from the giant European advertising posters that line the walls, which of course, are original productions! The wine list features a bevy of Italian labels with a few local labels as well. If you're up for it, the dessert is made in-house with mouthwatering offerings like berry cobbler and tiramisu.
Cultura Comida y BebidaCarmel is the place to sample some authentic, Mexican food. A haunt for locals as well as tourists, the restaurant has a cozy interior that's perfectly illuminated and well-furnished. The patio with its fire pit comes most recommended when the weather is nippy. Cultura Comida y BebidaCarmel covers all things Mexican allowing patrons to indulge their palate in delicious empanadas, tacos, guacamole and the famous pork mole. There are potent cocktails to quench your thirst. Cultura Comida y BebidaCarmel also hosts live music events and Salsa nights on certain evenings.
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.