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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Monterey

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28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1646)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 25 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(4225)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 17 times today
Montrio is a neighborhood gem located in the heart of downtown Monterey. With its fine European-inspired Californian cuisine, it has been a local favorite for over 25 years. Reviewers rave about the unique atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food. It's the perfect place for a romantic dinner, small business meeting, or a night out with friends. As one reviewer put it, 'From the amazing food, creative cocktails and top notch staff you'll love every minute of it.'
A photo of Domenico's on the Wharf restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1643)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 13 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 Schooners Monterey restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3037)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 36 times today
Schooners, suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay, is a stunning restaurant featuring sustainable seafood and approachable, contemporary American cuisine. The ideal location for celebrating the Central Coast and the spectacular coastal region, the Schooners team commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood is reflected in the creative menu which features a variety of seafood options, both raw and cooked, as well as appetizers, soups, salads and main courses. A creative cocktail menu is served alongside an impressive wine list highlighting Monterey County vintners.
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4981)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 35 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 Fish Hopper restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3768)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 45 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 The Whaling Station Steakhouse restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2440)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Monterey
Booked 23 times today
The internationally acclaimed Whaling Station Steakhouse, perched just above Steinbeck’s Cannery Row has been Monterey County’s #1 Steak House for over 50 years, The Whaling Station takes the term “Steakhouse” seriously...Select your USDA Prime cut of the USA’s finest beef from a silver tray or enjoy our slow-roasted USDA Prime, Prime Rib. An award-winning wine list and full spirits bar compliment your dining experience. Serving Dinner and cocktails from 4:30pm daily. The Bar at The Whaling Station Steakhouse has its own menu and its own local following, with drink specials and lively conversation served nightly. Parking in our private lot. A private, 50-seat banquet room is also available.
A photo of Passionfish restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7254)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Grove
Booked 20 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.
A photo of Grasing's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3083)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 13 times today
DINING UPDATE: Please call restaurant if desired reservation is not available online.Grasing's is open for indoor dining and limited outdoor dining (weather permitting). Please note if stairs are an issue for any guest. Please continue to visit our website a https://grasings.com for menu updates, holiday offerings and special events. Grasing’s, located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, lies along the Pacific Coast in Central California in Monterey County. Celebrity chef partners, Kurt Grasing and Narsai David, truly created a gem. From friendly and professional service, an award winning wine list and seasonally inspired cocktails to the fresh and sustainable local ingredients.Please contact the restaurant to request dog friendly patio seating.
A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2384)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 41 times today
Casanova Restaurant Carmel is a neighborhood gem. It has a rustic and charming setting that transports you to the south of France. Reviewers consistently rave about its romantic ambiance, excellent food and service. A recurring theme is the quality of the Italian and French flavors. It's a place that locals and visitors alike love to return to.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jay
    Dallas - Fort Worth •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always a great time. Been coming here regularly anytime my family visits the peninsula. Ty so much.
    More info
    Sardine FactoryPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    4.7
  • Dennis
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Hands down, there is no finer restaurant on Fishermans Wharf in Monterey, CA. From our appetizer to our dessert, our dinner was exquisite! Our server, Tara, was fantastic in every way. She was friendly and made menu recommendations for us to consider based on what guests at her other tables were raving about earlier in the evening. We were treated as if we were the only diners in the restaurant. The food she delivered to our table was artfully arranged and worthy of taking numerous photos to remember this most perfect dining experience.
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    4.8
  • Lilly
    Fresno / San Joaquin Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Food was wonderful and the restaurant had such pretty views. Our server zane was so nice and attentive. Definitely recommend the salmon stuffed with other seafood.
    More info
    Domenico's on the WharfPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    4.5
  • Gina
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    First time to Schooners and we all enjoyed it so much! Great view, good service and excellent food. We went in for a late lunch. Enjoyed the focaccia and seafood tostada for starters. Crab pasta, crab blt and cioppino were all delicious! Will definitely return.
    More info
    Schooners MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    4.6
  • Katy
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 4 Jan 2025
    So many tasty things on the menu makes it hard to choose. But they are all a good choice
    More info
    MontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    4.6

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Monterey

Discover the charm of California's Central Coast with our curated selection of "neighborhood gem" restaurants in Monterey / Carmel. Each featured eatery stands out for its unique ambiance, exceptional service, and a commitment to culinary excellence, making them true local favorites. Whether you're in the mood for Mediterranean delights, traditional American comfort food, the freshest seafood, or European-inspired Californian cuisine, these restaurants provide an authentic taste of Monterey's diverse dining scene. The area is renowned not just for its picturesque settings but also for its vibrant culinary landscape, offering something for every palate. Enjoy a meal where quality ingredients and heartfelt hospitality meet, ensuring a memorable dining experience every time. These establishments are celebrated not only for their food but also for their ability to craft a truly intimate and welcoming atmosphere — the very essence of a neighborhood gem. Perfect for both casual outings and special occasions, each restaurant promises a delightful exploration of local flavors and traditions.

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