116 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 FOOD Other Brother Beer Co. American Other Brother is a standout brewery. But they have a kitchen and a chef who can make the simple seem very big indeed. The burgers are memorable. 877 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 747-1106, otherbrotherbeer.com Rocky’s Cafe Diner Rocky’s is tucked along busy Del Monte Boulevard among workaday shops. It may not call out to you, but this little diner is neat inside. And the kitchen is pretty deft with roadside favorites. 1642 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside. (831) 747-1414, rockys-cafe.weebly.com Seaside Seafood & Market Seafood Take the taste of the South, mix it with the fresh seafood of the West Coast. You’ll find a selection of New Orleans-style po’ boys, platters of fish and Southern favorites. 789 Trinity Ave., Seaside. (831) 394-2027, seasideseafoodmarket.com Sushi Time Japanese The massive menu includes no fewer than 30 “special rolls,” from the common to bold American adaptations. The lunch specials are filling bargains. 1153 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 884-5011, sushitime.menu11.com Taqueria Zarape Mexican It can be difficult to find parking at times, especially around lunch and dinner—this unassuming taqueria is that good. 1107 Fremont St., Seaside. (831) 899-1125, taqueriazarape. com The Oven Pizzeria Pizza Two styles of pizza are in play here. One is a California style, but the other is a type of pie most West Coast places mess up: New York. It’s the closest thing to old-school Big Apple crust that you’ll find in the county. 720 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 899-1762, 2peasdmd.wixsite.com/theoven Tricycle Pizza Pizza Tricycle uses a wood-fired oven and takes pride in the crust. Also serves Detroit-style. 1950 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 4024305, tricyclepizza.com Delis, Markets and Shops The Meatery The Meatery is an old-school butcher with upscale meats—pasture-raised, prime, the good stuff. Yet it also serves as a deli, with some outstanding options (think 18-hour brisket). It’s impossible not to leave with a pound of this, two pounds of that. 1534 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 656-8810, themeatery.us Bakeries, Ice Cream and other Treats Angelina’s Bakery Angelina’s is known for their breakfast pastries loaded with fresh fruit. Also their cakes and cookies and everything else. Tres leches? Try cuatro leches. 1725 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 394-8808, angelinasbakery. com La Media Naranja Choose from a colorful range of cold-pressed juices. So many refreshing flavors. 1450 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 747-1232 Lupita’s Bakery The family behind Lupita’s has been baking since the late 1800s, starting in Mexico. You can order tacos, but that’s hard when you see the bakery’s signature line of cake bars. 1048 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 394-0188, lupitasbaking.com MYO Pure Frozen Yogurt See listing under Carmel. 840 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 375-3769, myofrozenyogurt. com Paris Bakery See listing under Monterey. 1232 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 394-7798, parisbakery.us Red’s Donuts See listing under Monterey. 1646 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. redsdonutsinc.com Sweet Elena’s Bakery and Café Sweet Elena’s is known for pies and pastries, but it is often referred to as the best restaurant in Sand City. Light soups, quiches and sandwiches are served. 465-D Olympia Ave., Sand City. (831) 393-2063, sweetelenas.com Coffee, Tea, Juices Acme Coffee Roasting Co. A little stand with a loyal customer base for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and more (to go; it’s a coffee stand). 485 B Palm Ave., Seaside. (831) 393-9113, acmecoffeeroasting.com Counterpoint Coffee Coffee drinks and beer to go along with paninis or pastry. Good seating, both indoors and out. 565 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 2300503 SOUTH COUNTY Cocuyo’s Restaurant Mexican It’s almost like sitting down in a home with a Mexican grandmother cooking the family meal. The small place is popular beyond its size. 185 Kidder St., Soledad. (831) 237-5004 Cork & Plough American A handsome space with an inviting bar and a reputation for dishes made with care. 200 Broadway, King City. (831) 386-9491, thecorkandplough.com King City Grill Diner This popular diner is synonymous with brunch, which is why travelers detour from the highway—it’s worth it just for the potatoes. There is a list of benedicts and French toast. 5 Broadway Circle, King City. (831) 386-1112 Luigi’s Italian Expect big plates of pasta and other Italian fare, plus a locally focused wine list and friendly service. 346 Alta St., Gonzales. (831) 675-7800, luigisrestaurantmenu.com Restaurante El Rinconcito Mexican The place can get crowded because it has a reputation for exceeding expectations, which then brings people back for more. 246 El Camino Real, Greenfield. (831) 856-8228, elrinconcitorestauran.com Tacos La Potranca de Jalisco Mexican Choose your meat for tacos, burritos or try their vegetarian burrito. The place has been around for a while, so you know it has fans. 201 Broadway St., King City. (831) 385-7500, tacoslapotrancadejalisco.com Taqueria Pacheco Mexican Located inside La Placita, a grocery store, Taqueria Pacheco still manages to draw traffic from the highway thanks to made-to-order tortillas. 325 Front St., Soledad. (831) 678-1808 Coffee, Tea, Juices Hestia Cafe This is the place to go in South County for a latte fix. But that’s not the only thing they do well. Pastries are homemade, the tea is loose leaf and they are good for an unadorned brew, too. 320B Broadway St., King City. (831) 3861265 SANTA CRUZ Hula’s Island Grill Hawaiian See listing under Monterey. 221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz. (831) 426-4852, hulastiki.com Shadowbrook American, Steak Unlike lots of casual settings around here, you have to dress up in your hard pants and shoes to dine here—no flip-flops and beach attire. The dress code gives you a sense of the quality to expect. 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola. (831) 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
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