Monterey, California, is a coastal city in the heart of the Monterey Bay, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. One of the most popular tourist destinations in California, Monterey attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn to its iconic attractions like Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. But what about the food? Monterey is renowned for its fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and farm-to-table cuisine, making it a foodie’s paradise. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Monterey, CA, covering everything from casual eats to fine dining, and from seafood to farm-to-table delights.
Seafood Lovers Rejoice!
Monterey is famous for its seafood, and for good reason. The city’s proximity to the ocean means that fresh seafood is always available, and many restaurants take advantage of this bounty. Here are some of the best seafood spots in Monterey:
The Fish Hopper
Located on Cannery Row, The Fish Hopper is a popular spot for seafood enthusiasts. Their menu features a wide range of options, from fish tacos to seafood paella, and they’re known for their fresh, sustainable seafood. Be sure to try their famous fish and chips, made with locally-caught cod.
Abalonetti Bar & Grill
Abalonetti is a waterfront restaurant located on Fisherman’s Wharf, offering stunning views of the bay. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including fresh oysters, lobster, and fish. They’re also known for their daily happy hour, featuring discounted drinks and appetizers.
Monterey Fish House
Located in the heart of downtown Monterey, Monterey Fish House is a cozy spot for seafood lovers. Their menu features a range of options, from fish sandwiches to seafood pasta dishes, and they’re known for their fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Be sure to try their famous cioppino, a San Francisco-style seafood stew.
Farm-to-Table Delights
Monterey is also known for its farm-to-table cuisine, with many restaurants featuring locally-sourced ingredients and creative menus. Here are some of the best farm-to-table spots in Monterey: (See Also: Where to Eat in Maldon? Top Recommendations)
Passionfish
Passionfish is a popular spot for farm-to-table cuisine, located in the heart of downtown Monterey. Their menu features a range of options, from vegetarian dishes to seafood and meat options, and they’re known for their creative use of locally-sourced ingredients. Be sure to try their famous seasonal vegetable dishes, made with fresh produce from local farms.
La Balena
La Balena is a cozy Italian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Monterey. Their menu features a range of options, from pasta dishes to risottos, and they’re known for their creative use of locally-sourced ingredients. Be sure to try their famous handmade pasta, made with fresh eggs from local farms.
Monterey’s Own Farmers Market
Monterey’s own farmers market is a must-visit for foodies, featuring a wide range of local produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods. The market is held every Wednesday and Saturday morning, and is a great place to pick up fresh ingredients for a picnic or to try some new flavors.
Casual Eats
Monterey is also home to a range of casual eats, from burgers to tacos and everything in between. Here are some of the best casual spots in Monterey:
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill is a popular spot for craft beer and casual eats. Their menu features a range of options, from burgers to sandwiches, and they’re known for their creative use of locally-sourced ingredients. Be sure to try their famous beer-battered fish and chips, made with fresh cod.
Monterey Tacos
Monterey Tacos is a casual spot for tacos and burritos, located in the heart of downtown Monterey. Their menu features a range of options, from classic street-style tacos to more adventurous options like Korean BBQ tacos. Be sure to try their famous carne asada tacos, made with fresh grilled steak. (See Also: Where to Eat in Stoke on Trent? Foodie Guide)
La Bicyclette
La Bicyclette is a charming French bakery and cafe, located in the heart of downtown Monterey. Their menu features a range of options, from pastries to sandwiches, and they’re known for their delicious quiches and croissants. Be sure to try their famous chocolate croissants, made with fresh, high-quality chocolate.
Recap and Recommendations
Monterey is a foodie’s paradise, with a range of options to suit every taste and budget. From seafood to farm-to-table delights, and from casual eats to fine dining, there’s something for everyone in this charming coastal city. Be sure to try some of the best seafood spots, like The Fish Hopper and Abalonetti Bar & Grill, and don’t miss out on the farm-to-table delights at Passionfish and La Balena. For casual eats, Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill and Monterey Tacos are great options. And for a sweet treat, be sure to visit La Bicyclette for some delicious pastries and quiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best seafood spot in Monterey?
A: The Fish Hopper is a popular spot for seafood enthusiasts, featuring a wide range of options from fish tacos to seafood paella. Be sure to try their famous fish and chips, made with locally-caught cod.
Q: What is the best farm-to-table spot in Monterey?
A: Passionfish is a popular spot for farm-to-table cuisine, featuring a range of options from vegetarian dishes to seafood and meat options. Be sure to try their famous seasonal vegetable dishes, made with fresh produce from local farms.
Q: What is the best casual eat in Monterey?
A: Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill is a popular spot for craft beer and casual eats, featuring a range of options from burgers to sandwiches. Be sure to try their famous beer-battered fish and chips, made with fresh cod. (See Also: Where to Eat in Rome on Christmas Day? A Foodie’s Guide)
Q: What is the best place to get a sweet treat in Monterey?
A: La Bicyclette is a charming French bakery and cafe, featuring a range of sweet treats from pastries to quiches. Be sure to try their famous chocolate croissants, made with fresh, high-quality chocolate.
Q: What is the best spot for a romantic dinner in Monterey?
A: La Balena is a cozy Italian restaurant featuring a range of options from pasta dishes to risottos. Be sure to try their famous handmade pasta, made with fresh eggs from local farms, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.