92 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 FOOD American Burger Burgers There are different burgers to choose from. There’s a basic one and a few hot, spicy and wild ones. And two vegetarian burgers—you get the point. 738 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 373-7573, americanburger.wixsite.com Benihana Japanese Teppanyaki-style steak, chicken and shrimp are specialties at this branch of the national franchise, strategically located adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf and Custom House Plaza. 136 Olivier St., Monterey. (831) 644-9007, benihana.com Bistro Moulin European Long known for its fine French standards, Bistro Moulin is also deft with classic Italian and other European dishes. The wine list is as full of as many dynamic flavors as the sauces. A favorite spot for gourmands in the know. 867 Wave St., Monterey. (831) 333-1200, bistromoulin.com Bon Ton L’Roy’s Lighthouse Smokehouse Varied This place makes a case for barbecue, but the menu ranges to New Orleans and Russia. And there is generally a dessert that is well worth trying. 794 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 375-6958 Bulgogi House Korean The narrow restaurant with its open kitchen is aptly named. Bulgogi is the star here, but they also offer rice bowls, kalbi and snacks. Plates come with three banchan, because a Korean restaurant table should be crowded. 413 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 920-1251, bulgogihousemonterey.com C Restaurant + Bar American At the Intercontinental Hotel’s restaurant the menu is designed with three fundamentals: creativity, freshness and sustainability. Outside seating and bay placement make it a regional landmark. And breakfast cocktails are a nice touch. Clement Monterey Hotel, 750 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 375-4800, thecrestaurant-monterey.com Cafe Fina Seafood, Italian Cafe Fina serves fresh, local seafood and Italian dishes in a beautiful waterfront setting. Italian family recipes are the heart of this favorite spot. Pizza from the wood-burning oven, too. 47 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 372-5200, cafefina.com Cella Restaurant & Bar American An irresistible setting next to the Cooper Molera Adobe may distract guests from the plates and cocktails—until they arrive at the table. 525 Polk St., Monterey. (831) 9201046, cellarestaurant.com Chart House Seafood Although the Chart House is technically a chain, with locations in 15 states, plates at the high-end eatery have a local touch, with seafood from the adjacent coast. 444 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 372-3362, chart-house.com Chopstix Vietnamese Chopstix’s welcoming, family-owned outposts (there are four around the county) draw swarms of loyal local eaters with familiar dishes at very reasonable price points. 1244 Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 372-2622, chopstixboba.com Cibo Ristorante Italiano Italian Yes, there are plenty of pasta dishes and other favorites. But Cibo is also known as a haven for live jazz. 301 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 649-8151, cibo.com Coastal Kitchen International It’s not unusual for guests to fall silent as they become captivated by the dishes. This is cooking at a high level. The chef prepares a changing tasting menu of four courses plus an amuse bouche. Wine pairings are exquisite, as are the views—outside and on the plate. 400 Cannery Row (in Monterey Plaza), Monterey. (831) 920-6710, montereyplazahotel.com Crab House Seafood Remember that scene in Forrest Gump where Bubba lists all the ways to prepare shrimp? Well, Crab House is like that, substituting the namesake ingredient. 60 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 717-4898, crabhousemonterey.com Crab Louie’s Bistro Seafood If you crave the king of seafood salads, this is the place. The seafood is fresh, naturally. 46 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 6551173, crablouiemonterey.com Crêpes of Brittany Creperie The Peninsula’s oldest creperie, and there’s a reason it has been around so long. The crêpes are so pleasingly authentic that they need to put that little accent mark over the first e. 211 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 649-1930, crepesofbrittany.com Crêpes on the Row Creperie A handy spot for those visiting the Aquarium. Crepes range from sweet—think Nutella and strawberries or bananas and chocolate—to savory items with meat and cheese. 807 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 641-7004 Sardine Factory
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