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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Monterey

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33 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1625)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 20 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Montrio restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4216)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 16 times today
Montrio is a Californian restaurant in Monterey with a classic dining experience. It features a fine European-inspired menu with sustainable seafood and quality meat. Reviewers consistently mention it as a great place for special occasions, praising its atmosphere, food quality, and exceptional service. One even said, 'The staff was genuinely friendly, upbeat, and extremely professional. They make each experience a special occasion.'
A photo of Rosine's Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(575)
Price: Moderate
• American • Monterey
Booked 28 times today
Rosine's Restaurant is a family-owned gem on the Monterey scene, serving American comfort food with a twist. Known for their award-winning desserts and wide variety of Italian inspired dishes, it's a favorite among locals. With its non-pretentious, family-oriented atmosphere and excellent service, it's the perfect choice for special occasions, as noted in reviews such as 'It’s also great for families' and 'This is an old school, good value place for your birthday meal'.
A photo of Domenico's on the Wharf restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1635)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 9 times today
That friendly salutation is an invitation to dine with us and enjoy exceptional bayside ambiance, gracious service and delicious food. Our entire staff here at Domenico's On the Wharf has extended a warm welcome to locals and visitors for more than 35 years, and we proudly present the best seafood in Monterey for your dining pleasure.Our award-winning list of wine features the best from surrounding Monterey County vineyards, and we offer extensive selections from Sonoma, Napa, Italy, and France. The freshest, sustainable, local and Alaskan seafood take center stage in our culinary creations, and we also grill up extraordinary steaks and lovingly prepare in-house pastas and locally grown organic vegetables.Our family style of hospitality continues to win a special place in the hearts of our guests. Let us show you to your table overlooking the beautiful bay waters with a sunny window view of sea lions and pelicans at play.
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3750)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 61 times today
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean combined with world-class dining on historic Cannery Row, just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The newly renovated Fish Hopper, housed in an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular views of the stunning Monterey Bay from every table, including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, certified Angus beef, pastas, and live shellfish. Our seafood is either locally caught or shipped in fresh daily, and our produce is locally grown in the Salinas Valley. Some favorites include fresh Monterey Bay abalone, macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” bone-in rib eye, and fresh Dungeness crab. Start your meal with our award-winning clam chowder, and indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations or a selection from our extensive wine collection. While enjoying your delicious meal, you can watch sea otters at play and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale.
A photo of Schooners Monterey restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3029)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 27 times today
Schooners Monterey is a special occasion restaurant that offers a stunning waterfront setting and fresh, sustainable seafood. Many customers have praised the exceptional service, beautiful views, and delicious food. It's a place where you can celebrate special events, like anniversaries, birthdays, and even propose. The attentive staff makes guests feel like royalty, making every dining experience unforgettable.
A photo of Stokes Adobe Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(760)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 30 times today
Stokes Adobe is a new restaurant located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes. The menu offers chef driven seasonally inspired California cuisine. The bar and cozy outdoor fire pits offer classic cocktails, wines by the glass and local beers. ** We will be closed on Wednesday, 12.25**
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4963)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 18 times today
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.
A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Monterey restaurant
4.5
Awesome(6863)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 65 times today
Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.
A photo of Passionfish restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7233)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Grove
Booked 19 times today
Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Laura
    San Francisco Bay Area •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We absolutely know we will be treated like royalty when we visit Old Fisherman’s Grotto. Once again they delivered. Sal made us feel like family. We started with calamari and artichokes with a nice drink from the bar. The calamari was crispy with the sauces adding a bit of excitement to each bite. The artichoke was creamy and rich. Bread and butter was served. We felt relaxed and never in a hurry. After the appetizer we put in the order for dinner, double lobster tails for him and 1/2 crab, salmon and grilled shrimp for me. We were both so happy with our meals. Dessert was the cherry on top, ollalieberry pie a la mode for him and and beautiful chocolate and vanilla cake with strawberries for me. Our water was constantly refilled. The view of the harbor was also very relaxing. I can’t wait until we are in town again to enjoy the hospitality once again.
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    4.7
  • alejandra
    Mexico City •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had a great waiter, Rafael! Food was good. Scallops with bacon were only 2 :/. We had clam chowder . Salmon. Prawns and calamari. Food was very good in general
    More info
    Fish HopperPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    4.5
  • Daun
    Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent bar, fabulous food, and the menu is almost entirely gluten free! Only 2 or 3 items cannot be GF. We love Montrio!
    More info
    MontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    4.6
  • Terri LynneVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our experience was outstanding. The staff was kind and responsive. The holiday decorations were festive. The food was fantastic.
    More info
    Rosine's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• Monterey
    4.6
  • Candyce
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Dec 2024
    Such a great restaurant. We were there early (long story), but were seated anyway. Monterey had just experienced a huge rainstorm and power outage (although Fisherman's Wharf seems to have gotten its power back sooner than the neighboring area). The servers and staff were unbothered and waitstaff was prompt, cordial, and friendly. Plus the food was great! you can't go wrong with seafood in Monterey. But this was a notch up.
    More info
    Domenico's on the WharfPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    4.5

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Monterey

Discover the perfect destinations for celebrating special occasions in Monterey/Carmel, a gem on California's Central Coast. This region boasts a diverse array of dining options that cater specifically to making your celebrations memorable. From serene waterfront settings offering sustainable seafood to cozy, family-owned establishments serving comfort food with a twist, each restaurant promises a unique ambiance and quality dining experience. The dining scene in Monterey/Carmel is renowned for its combination of breathtaking views and culinary excellence, making it an ideal choice for any festive gathering. Guests frequently applaud the attentive, personalized service that transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable event. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or any milestone, the restaurants here are equipped to make every occasion extraordinary. Emphasize the importance of ambiance, service, and culinary delight as you plan your next special event in this picturesque locale.

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