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What to Eat in Monterey
Because of Monterey's location along the Pacific Ocean, fresh seafood is, of course, a staple on menus throughout the area. Old Fisherman's Wharf is often the first choice of those looking to sample Monterey's famous clam chowder. Yet despite the wharf's unbeatable views and abundant free samples, travelers have found the establishments to be overpriced and mediocre. To break from the crowds and sample better seafood, walk one pier over to LouLou's Griddle in the Middle for cheaper chowder and a delightfully kitschy atmosphere.
Serious seafood lovers should look no further than Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing. Located just under 20 miles north of Monterey, Phil's is considered to be one of the best seafood spots in Monterey County, serving seafood in all shapes and sizes, hot and cold. It's so popular that Bobby Flay paid a visit for a Food Network throwdown (chef Phil DiGirolamo beat the celebrity chef and restaurateur with his signature Cioppino stew).
If you're hungry for something other than the catch of the day, travel inland to the hillside neighborhood of Seaside for some of the region's tastiest Mexican restaurants. Carne asada connoisseurs in particular enjoy Baldemiro's Taco Shop for its robust carne asada fries.
Head south to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach and you'll quickly see the finer things in life can be just as tasty. Carmel-by-the-Sea prides itself on having no chain restaurants, so Starbucks-lovers will have to trade in their fraps for a mom-and-pop-brewed cup of joe. Those looking for a fine dining experience should book a table at the award-winning Aubergine restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel. The restaurant features an eight-course chef's menu that changes daily, as well as a 2,500-wine cellar featuring wines from the region as well as France.
If you have an extra day to spare, take a drive out to Carmel Valley and explore the area's many wineries, situated among the picturesque Santa Lucia Highlands. Talbott Vineyards in particular makes a mean Pinot Noir.
Find the Best Restaurants in Monterey
- #1Compagno's Market & Deli#1 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (383)$ | American, Deli2000 Prescott Ave, Monterey, CA 93940-2031Read More » - #2Bistro Moulin#2 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (484)$ - $$ | French, European867 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940-1054Read More » - #3Montrio Bistro#3 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (1236)$ - $$ | American414 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940-2706Read More » - #4Paris Bakery Cafe#4 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (575)$ | French, Cafe271 Bonifacio Pl, Monterey, CA 93940-3042Read More » - #5Wave Street Cafe#5 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (161)$ - $$ | American, Cafe550 Wave St Lower Level, Monterey, CA 93940-1478Read More » - #6Hula's Island Grill#6 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (1724)$ - $$ | Bar, Polynesian, Hawaiian, American622 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940-1008Read More » - #7Crystal Fish#7 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (424)$ - $$ | Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, Asian514 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940-1423Read More » - #8Loulou's Griddle In The Middle#8 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (1364)$ - $$ | American, Seafood, DinerMunicipal Wharf 2, Monterey, CA 93940Read More » - #9Old Monterey Cafe#9 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (635)$ - $$ | American, Cafe489 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940-2722Read More » - #10Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop#10 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (519)$ - $$ | American660 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940-1055Read More » - #11Rosine's Restaurant#11 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (1163)$ - $$ | Soups, Italian, American, Healthy434 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940-2711Read More » - #12Sandbar & Grill#12 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (657)$ - $$ | American, Bar, Seafood, Soups9 Municipal Wharf No2, Monterey, CA 93940Read More » - #13Esteban Restaurant#13 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (354)$ - $$ | Mediterranean, Spanish700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940-3110Read More » - #14Old Fisherman's Grotto#14 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (2398)$ - $$ | Steakhouse, Seafood, Soups39 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940-2432Read More » - #15Whaling Station Steakhouse#15 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (442)$$ | American, Steakhouse763 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940-1016Read More » - #16Crown & Anchor#16 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (499)$ - $$ | Bar, British, Pub150 W Franklin St, Monterey, CA 93940-2708Read More » - #17Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar#17 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (2169)$ - $$ | American, Bar, Seafood400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940-7501Read More » - #18Monterey's Fish House#18 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (1797)$ - $$ | American, Seafood, Soups2114 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940-3712Read More » - #19The Club Room#19 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (397)$ - $$ | American2 Portola Plz, Monterey, CA 93940-2419Read More » - #20Chart House#20 of 257 Places to Eat in Monterey
Tripadvisor (1103)$$ | American, Seafood444 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940Read More »
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