Sometimes, we think Monterey should launch a restaurant redistribution program for towns lacking truly great dining. (Send a few of those tourist traps on Cannery Row elsewhere, perhaps.) Until then, there are plenty of spots to sift through. Whether you crave fresh seafood with ocean views, farm-to-table innovation, or cozy Italian trattorias, here’s where to eat in Monterey.
Petra Cafe
$ | (831) 646-2080 | WEBSITE
My friend once ordered the vegetarian combo at Petra Cafe, and the server said, “Of course.” The server then delivered what was actually a platter with stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and a side salad. That’s because this is a “Mediterranean restaurant,” and all the dishes on offer are made accordingly, with Mediterranean flavors. This is a Monterey institution that you should check out at least once.
Just enter through the small dining area, and you’ll find what looks like a cozy, local spot with just a handful of tables.
El Torito
$$ | (831) 373-0611 | WEBSITE
There are Mexican restaurants, and there are upscale dining spots. Sometimes, it’s hard to find the in-between: a normal Mexican restaurant. El Torito is one of these places. This spot—overlooking the bay with otters and seals—is where you can get delicious birria tacos or a relleno that won’t cost $30. The setting is nice without feeling overly fancy, and you could easily have a family meal or a weekend brunch here. Even better news?
They serve an immense Sunday brunch selection that you can enjoy.
El Estero Snack Bar
$ | (831) 372-8446 | WEBSITE
El Estero Snack Bar has been a Monterey favorite for years, tucked away as a true hidden gem. Some might worry it’s too simple compared to flashy fast food chains. But thankfully, everything about this spot remains wonderfully unchanged. There’s still limited seating inside, with a few worn wooden tables that have seen better days. The cheeseburgers are juicy and straightforward, and cost around $6. The cheese fries are a must—crispy, salty, and generously topped.
The staff is kind and thoughtful, just like always. Whether you grab a table or bring a blanket to the park outside, it’s a great alternative to the usual chains, with food that’s cheaper and far superior to the last bite.
Enzo
$$ | (831) 624-6545 | WEBSITE
Enzo livens up Carmel with authentic Italian cuisine and some fantastic pasta. In a cozy and welcoming room, attentive and patient staff move around a warm and toasty dog-friendly patio, and servers occasionally tend to a lovely fire indoors when the vibe is chill. Try the simple yet effective spaghetti carbonara for one, made with homemade fresh pasta, which rivals Rome’s best.
El Charrito Express
$ | (831) 884-5143 | WEBSITE
What happens when you take a tiny space and fill it with the scent of fresh tortillas, then round out the experience with burritos that are anything but greasy? You get El Charrito Express. When you’re in Monterey and absolutely need a quick, delicious meal that won’t weigh you down, this place should be your number one choice. It’s fresh. But if you come during peak lunch hours, you might have to wait a few minutes for your order.
Wild Plum Kitchen
$ | (831) 747-1086 | WEBSITE
This hidden cafe has two key features that draw most of its fans in: substantial and excellent chef’s salads and a large and excellent sunny patio. Unlike most Monterey “sunny patios,” the one here is not simply a cramped sidewalk with two wobbly tables where the staff puts out the recycling at the end of the day. They have impressive Mediterranean sandwiches and pastries, so it’s a good place to bring your “quick meal friends.”
El Cantaro
$ | (831) 646-5465 | WEBSITE
Everyone’s enjoying a satisfying meal at El Cantaro. Maybe it’s the spinach enchiladas with mild red sauce and pinto beans, or the crispy potato taco with its warm filling and outer crispy layer, or the overall fresh and flavorful vegan vibe. Whatever the case, the atmosphere is prime here—not fancy, but not so casual that you can’t appreciate the hearty and well-seasoned dishes.
The spinach salad with strawberries, jicama, and pumpkin seeds offers a simple and delicious option, while the mushroom taco delivers juicy and umami-rich satisfaction. With great portions, lovely staff, and a 100% plant-based menu, El Cantaro is a must-visit for anyone in Monterey looking for a satisfying vegan meal, though spice-sensitive individuals should be cautious as the sauce can be surprisingly spicy.
The Wine Experience
$$ | (831) 324-4974 | WEBSITE
The Wine Experience is a charming wine bar in the Cannery Row area, offering a cozy atmosphere and a variety of wine and beer options. There’s no standing room here, and the space feels like a rustic cottage from the 1970s, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and warm lighting. It’s essentially a wine bar that isn’t pretentious, and it’s a great option for when you want to unwind but don’t necessarily need to be in a crowded place where you might get jostled.
The menu features small bites like charcuterie, flatbreads, and a popular sourdough pretzel with Dijon mustard, with most items priced between $12 and $18. Guests can enjoy wine flights served in unique test tubes, adding a touch of whimsy to the experience, and the friendly staff creates a welcoming environment for both groups and solo wine enthusiasts.
A local favorite is the meat and cheese tray, which pairs perfectly with the selection of wines, and the bar also hosts events like quiz nights, enhancing the social vibe. Visitors appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to decompress after a long day.
Sapporo Sushi & Steakhouse
$$ | (831) 333-1616 | WEBSITE
Great views of the port and sea are hard to come by in Monterey, and especially so near the wharf. But they’re at Sapporo Sushi & Steakhouse, from the same team behind several local favorites. During busy hours, this place gets packed with families looking to try standout dishes like the steak and Spicy Korean salad (which you should do). But we like Sapporo best during the week for a catch-up over sushi rolls while Japanese music plays through the speakers.
Grotto Fish Market
$$ | (831) 372-3769 | WEBSITE
You will inevitably order more than one bowl of clam chowder at this seafood spot right on the water. That’s fine, the relaxed version of yourself will blend right in with the other diners, who all seem to be savoring something special. The seafood is all remarkably fresh and goes down easy. Yes, there’s a lobster roll, but it’s buttery and packed with generous chunks of lobster. And there’s grilled snapper, but it’s perfectly cooked with just the right seasoning.
Add some Dungeness crab cakes to round out the meal, and finish your visit with oysters Rockefeller—they happen to complement the cozy waterfront atmosphere.
Easy Street Billiards
$$ | (831) 333-0825 | WEBSITE
After spending an hour or two at Easy Street Billiards, you’ll walk away knowing a lot more about pool than when you walked in. The tables here, which are plentiful and well-maintained, are perfect for both casual players and APA league regulars, and all of the local craft beers on tap are meant to enhance your game. Most of all, this welcoming place just feels like a hangout where you could either shoot pool with your friends or take a casual date.
