106 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 FOOD Passionfish Seafood This repeat readers’ favorite has earned its cult-like status among foodies who swoon over its pioneering sustainability ethics and Wine Spectator award-winning cellar. 701 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 6553311, passionfish.net Peppers Mexicali Cafe Mexican Mexican with Californian, Southwestern and Central American influences. They call it “Mexicali,” which hits it. 170 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 373-6892, pepperspg.com Petra Mediterranean Gyros, kebabs and simple Greek and Mediterranean plates, with sandwiches for something easy and a royal feast when the entire family wants to go big in a casual space. 477 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 6492530 Red House Café American Simplicity, comfort and relaxation reign here. Three small dining rooms and a porch fill up with locals looking for “contemporary American” that includes robust salads and a popular brunch. 662 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 643-1060, redhousecafe.com Rudolfo’s Cafe Italian The pasta is made from scratch, but it may be hard to overlook the pizza here. The chef does pies right, with Italian flair. There is also a lineup of burgers and sandwiches from this unassuming but worthwhile spot. 543 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 9201381, rudolfoscafe.com Snack Shack at Lovers Point American One burger, two breakfast sandwich options, snacks, sweet treats and hydration—just what you need in a break from the beach, park or the Rec Trail. 618 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove. (831) 334-0133, snackshackloverspoint.com. Spotted Duck American Unassuming, but very good. The chef doesn’t go over the top, instead choosing to prepare classics like steak frites or pan-seared black cod just the right way. They even make ice cream for dessert. 542 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 920-2662, spottedduckpg.com Takara Sushi Japanese This mom-and-pop place draws a regular crowd. It has a small sushi counter and small dining room, but is warm and friendly. 218 17th St., Pacific Grove. (831) 655-2730 Taste Café & Bistro European In Taste Café’s dishes, the main ingredient anchors each dish, with additional inputs adding contrast. And the dishes are as European as grilled rabbit. In the morning, Taste doubles as a coffee shop. 1199 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 655-0324, tastecafebistro.com Toasties Cafe Diner Fresh breakfasts are the highlight of this popular eatery. The cute converted house has the kind of loyal local following any restaurant hopes for. 702 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 373-7543, toasties.cafe Ttobongee Chicken Korean, American Part of a small California chain that serves chicken in many forms. Korean galbi-style? Yes. Green onion chicken? Sure. Whole fried chicken? Of course. Chicken salad? They have that, too. 1184 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 658-0134, ttobongeeus.com Vivolo’s Chowder House Seafood, Italian You would expect to see a place like this on a New England cove. It’s simple and homey, with a centuries-old feel. 127 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 372-5414, vivoloschowderhouse. com Wild Fish Seafood The emphasis here is on “wild.” Plates feature freshly caught, local seafood and regional farms provide much of the rest. With this game plan, the menu can change frequently. 545 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 3738523, wild-fish.com Winston’s Diner A brunch hangout, foremost. You can find staples—pancakes, Benedicts, buttermilk fried chicken—as well as go old school (remember egg salad?). 602 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 324-4162 Delis, Markets and Shops Grove Market A neighborhood market of the old school, with local products and a serious meat counter. It may be small, but it packs more than enough into its space. 242 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-9581, grovemarketgrocery.com Happy Girl Kitchen Co. Award-winning jams, marmalades and pickled vegetables on the shelves. Yes, it’s a shop, where they pickle everything. But it is also a popular vegetarian cafe open for breakfast and lunch. 173 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 373-4475, happygirlkitchen.com Forest Produce Market The colorful haven of produce stocks fruits and vegetables not commonly found in grocery stores. There are also global spices, local goods and more. Tip: There’s parking in the back. 1169 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 747-1119 Bakeries, Ice Cream and other Treats Bagel Kitchen The dough is boiled in kettles and then baked in the early morning hours (as in, still dark outside) to be ready for the morning customers. 1132 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 3244330, bagelkitchen.wixsite.com Colette’s This new ice cream parlor opened in the late spring of 2025, just as this guide was going to press. We could tell you more, but Colette’s sold out every time—which promises something good. 520 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 999-0987, colettesicecream.com Pavel’s Backerei The butterhorns, the wild cherry dainties. They might still be on the racks. Breads, however, are plucked by happy customers not long after the place opens—Saturday only. 219 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. Patisserie Bechler Classics like Napoleons, opera cakes, gateaus and more are on the menu from a baker steeped in French tradition. 1225 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-0846, patisseriebechler.com The Bagel Bakery See listing under Monterey. 130 Country Club Gate Center, Pacific Grove. (831) 649-6272, thebagelbakery.com Coffee, Tea, Juices BookWorks There is still a local coffee shop adjacent to a local bookshop. A popular study spot and place to gather. 667 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 372-2242, bookworkspg.com. Captain + Stoker See listing under Monterey. 206 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. captainandstoker.com PEBBLE BEACH Hay’s Place Mexican This is Mexican with inspired touches and a bit of American fun (like tin can nachos). Because Tiger Woods designed the golf course it sits on—and because he loves fajitas—Tiger’s fajitas are on the menu, too. Inside opens out to a great patio. The food is as good as the views. 3253 Stevenson Drive, Pebble Beach. (800) 877-0597, pebblebeach.com
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