104 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 FOOD country-style restaurant. 223 17th St., Pacific Grove. (831) 372-3456, fandangorestaurant. com Fishwife Seafood For such an unassuming place, Fishwife can put a world of seafood on the table—hints of Hawaii, Mexico, Italy, the Caribbean and more. 1996 1/2 Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove (next to Asilomar Beach). (831) 375-7107, fishwife.com Grill at Point Pinos American Point Pinos reveals the skill and versatility of the chef’s team when it comes to hearty and familiar fare. The seaside location at the Pacific Grove Golf Links makes it one of P.G.’s most appetizing destinations, especially for Sunday brunch. 79 Asilomar Blvd., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-1313, grillatpointpinos.com Heatwaves American Once a week—on Sundays, to be precise—Chef Rudolfo Ponce turns Rudolfo’s into the pleasantly scorching indoor popup Heatwaves. The specialty is Nashville hot chicken at four sweltering heat levels. 543 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 920-1381, heatwaves831.com Il Vecchio Italian The interior of this trattoria is as accessibleyet-sophisticated as the food that comes out of its kitchen. Pastas are either handmade or imported from Italy. It stays true to the neighborhood trattoria. 110 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 324-4282, ilvecchiorestaurant. com International Cuisine Eclectic International Cuisine is all over the place, with pizza, hummus, chicken gyros, a Hawaiian burger, stroganoff, tacos and more. A family kind of place. 620 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-9999, internationalcuisinepg.com Julia’s Vegetarian Restaurant Vegetarian There are innovative takes on vegetarian fare here. The brunch is robust, as are the soups. The mood is as comforting as the food, much from the chef’s own farm. 1180 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 656-9533, juliasofpacificgrove.com La Mia Cucina Italian White tablecloths and a touch of formality, yet the dining room remains comfortable. The kitchen remains true to Italian tradition, with a few local touches. Pasta is prepared in house. 208 17th St., Pacific Grove. (831) 373-2416, lamiacucinaristorante.com Little Chicken House Barbecue Sure, you can go for pulled pork or ribs from the smoker out front. But this is called Little Chicken House for a reason. Eat in or use the drive-thru. 1193 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 655-1704 Love Thai Cuisine Thai A menu of pad Thai and other noodle dishes, curries, tom kha and other Thai favorites, plus nods to the local (fried calamari) and some surprises (fish and chips). 1180 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 241-6398, lovethaipg. com. Lucy’s on Lighthouse American Classic surf shack fare is on offer at Lucy’s, with a menu featuring 17 ways of serving hot dogs (and veggie dogs), plus shakes, malts and floats. A casual outside dining space, as well. 1120 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 920-2006, lucyspg.com Mai Thai Cuisine Thai A family place that started as a food stand until customers demanded more. The owner had a restaurant in Thailand, so there’s an aura of authenticity—with a little traveled flair. 1219 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 9013963, maithaicuisinepg.com Max’s Grill American Mastery of classic French and Japanese cuisine makes this a local treasure for fans of good food and warm hospitality. A local favorite for a reason. 209 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-7997, maxgrill.com Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar Italian The pasta is prepared in house. The mozzarella is also made in house. Actually, that’s a theme. This spot draws continuous raves, not only as one of the top Italian spots, but also for the cocktails. 1188 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 372-5325, mezzalunapasteria. com Michael’s Taqueria & Grill Mexican Burritos and combination plates and more that are satisfying and budget-friendly. The family-run restaurant has been around since 1986. 1126 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 647-8654, michaelstaqueriapg.com Nura Sushi & Island Grill Pacific Unlike many places, Nura keeps its sushi menu brief. And they understand that spicy is the first word in spicy tuna roll. 589 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 4009999, nurasushi.com Pacific Thai Cuisine Thai The restaurant has been around for a while now, its popularity based in part on a core of recipes inspired by family dishes prepared years ago in Thailand. The menu features curries, noodle and rice dishes. 663 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 646-8424, pacificthaipg.com Woody’s at the Airport
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