78 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 FOOD Homestead Restaurant American Tucked into Big Sur Lodge in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the kitchen keeps the menu small, but somehow manages to have something for everyone (where else is it possible to find plant-based seafood next to a Wagyu burger?). 47225 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-3100, bigsurlodge.com Nepenthe American People come for the scenery and fall in love with the food, drinks and charismatic staff. For over 75 years, Nepenthe has been cooking up all-American favorites like steak, seafood and burgers; it also boasts one of the world’s best south-facing views of the Pacific. 48510 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2345, nepenthe.com Restaurant at River Inn American Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be served inside. But there’s that deck seemingly part of the forest itself, and the plates—meat, chicken, fish, salads—can be brought outdoors. 46800 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2700, bigsurriverinn.com Sierra Mar American Wine Spectator Grand Award. Caviar. Wagyu— all of that speaks to the level of this muchhonored destination. There is a prix fixe menu of four courses and offerings change, often daily. The quality does not. Reservations required for dinner. 47900 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2800, postranchinn.com Solstice International Ingredients are sourced with the utmost care, from locally caught rock fish to the seasonal produce of California. And the dishes on this four-course menu are pretty to look at, too. Open seasonally. 46840 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-1700, thevillagebigsur.com The Sur House International Organic, seasonal produce harvested from Ventana’s gardens allows for cooking and presentation with an upscale flair, though without being stuffy. The dishes are on the level with the patio’s Pacific-facing views. Alila Ventana Big Sur, 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 6674242, ventanabigsur.com Delis, Markets and Shops Big Sur Deli This place has been around for three decades. They serve the expected range of deli sandwiches (loaded), as well as some nice breaks from the usual. 47520 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2225 CARMEL Aabha Indian Cuisine Indian Aabha’s kitchen prepares butter chicken, rogan josh, curries, vindaloos, biryanis, tandoori dishes and more. But when they turn to a variation like tikka masala, it rivals what you find in England. 3690 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 250-5940, aabhaindian.com Akaoni Japanese Sashimi and other dishes are wonders. The tofu can be memorable. There’s an elegance— and then there are the new items scribbled on the board. Amberjack gill, perhaps. Or steamed monkfish liver. This is not your typical American sushi place. Mission and 6th, Carmel. (831) 620-1516 Allegro Gourmet Pizzeria Pizza, Italian A longtime institution for pizza, pasta and salads. Allegro was the first parlor in the area to treat pizza as gourmet, yet the vibe is low-key. 3770 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 626-5454, allegropizzeria.com Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro Pub This is a pub, elevated. The menu lists pizza, wings and burgers, sure. But you can find options like a fava bean and asparagus salad, falafel sandwiches, halibut caught locally and pan seared. And the beer list is just as broad. Mission between Ocean and 7th (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 293-8621, asb.beer Anton & Michel Varied Anton & Michel is classic, right down to the gracious service. It’s the type of place you expect to find duck breast, rainbow trout or New York steak, but also spring rolls with a fine dining touch. Mission between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 624-2406, antonandmichel.com Aubergine International With the Central Coast’s longest-running Michelin star—now with two stars—this is a 12-table gem of orchestrated excellence, along with a cellar which features a 3,500-bottle wine collection. The eight-course menu changes daily, based on the finest ingredients. L’Auberge Carmel, Monte Verde and 7th, Carmel. (831) 624-8578, auberginecarmel. com Bistro Giovanni European The bar is central, with a wrap-around counter of mustard-hued cement where customers can drink, dine and chat. The food is California bistro style. San Carlos between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 626-6003, carmelbistro.com Brophy’s Tavern Pub Beer—note the wall of empties—fish and chips, burgers, fries. This is a neighborhood-style pub in the heart of Carmel. And the bartenders aren’t bad at classic cocktails, either. 4th and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 586-5566, brophystavern.com Oystertown
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