96 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 FOOD Jack’s Bao Chinese Jack’s runs on steam power—dumplings, bao and other Shanghai specialties, to be more precise. 751 Cannery Row, Monterey. jacksbao.com Jacks Monterey Varied This restaurant spills out into the stylish Portola Hotel lobby. The menu is seasonal, but you will find a bit of everything, from pizza to poke and prime rib. The cocktails are inspired. 2 Portola Plaza (in the Portola Hotel), Monterey. (831) 649-7830, jacksatportola. com Kona Steak & Seafood Hawaiian Spacious and handsome, with a menu of seafood and Pacific island influences. The “Zen Den” bar is simply cool and there’s a shave ice shack. 1200 Del Monte Center, Monterey. (831) 920-2911, konamonterey.com Krua Thai Thai The owners came to Monterey from Thailand, bringing the flavors of their home country along. Yes, you can find pad Thai and spring rolls. But crave chu chee trout and they have that, too. 731 Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 655-9797, kruathaimonterey.com La Bahia Mexican A casual, family-operated spot with a friendly feel. The menu leans toward Jalisco flavors and the tortillas are handmade. 675 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 884-5269 La Casa del Sazón Mexican See listing under Salinas. Items are made to order. 431 Tyler St., Monterey. (831) 2300570, lacasadelsazon.com Lalla Oceanside Grill American Unimpeded views over McAbee Beach and funky contemporary chandeliers give the place a festive ambiance. And there is a massive range of choices. 654 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 324-0891, lallaoceansidegrill.com Lantern Room American Steaks, seafood, roasted butternut squash and a seasonal menu that leans on local ingredients. The Lantern Room overlooks Monterey Bay from the Monterey Beach Hotel. 2600 Sand Dunes Drive, Monterey. (831) 8994544, lanternroom.com Lighthouse Bistro Global Cuisine Varied The team at this spot newly opened in 2025 means “global.” Go from gyros to fish and chips, clams and linguini, kebabs, curry, steak or rack of lamb. There is weekend breakfast. 570 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. Louie Linguini’s Italian Louie Linguini’s has built a reputation in seafood and Italian with a spot smack in the middle of Cannery Row. Classic recipes and a few twists, served with a stunning view of the bay. 660 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 6488500, louielinguinis.com Manasiri’s Crepes and Sandwiches Creperie You can go sweet or savory with the crepes and there are plenty of options. Manasiri’s also prepares paninis, avocado toast and desserts. 321 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 373-4646 Melville Tavern American This downtown Monterey bar-and-grill enjoys a strong local following, thanks to its casual vibe and a menu loaded with comfort foods. 484 Washington St., Monterey. (831) 643-9525, melvilletav.com Mission 19 Taqueria Mexican An unassuming space on a Lighthouse Avenue corner that will not catch your attention until you approach the counter. Yes, they are making tortillas by hand. Yes, the birria has been simmering all day. 598 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 717-4843 Monterey Bay Aquarium Restaurant Seafood Sustainable seafood is just part of the menu here. You don’t have to leave your Aquarium tour. 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 6484800, montereybayaquarium.org Monterey Cookhouse Varied There’s pizza, pasta, meats cooked on a woodfired grill, meats that have been smoked, barbecue-style, seafood, salads, burgers and more. Friendly service and a well-stocked bar. 2149 N. Fremont St., Monterey. (831) 6429900, montereycookhouse.com Monterey’s Fish House Seafood As the name implies, seafood is the Fish House’s strong suit. Traditional homestyle cooking with an Italian influence and a touch of nostalgia. Often a line out the door. 2114 Del Monte Ave., Monterey. (831) 373-4647, montereyfishhouse.com Montrio American While the chef can get creative—almond butter pork belly, for example—the real emphasis is on quality ingredients and a bar known for its cocktails. The menu updates seasonally. 414 Calle Principal, Monterey. (831) 648-8880, montrio.com Nacho Bizness Eclectic The owners don’t know the limits of nachos, or at least they haven’t found any. Chips (regular or hella sized) with your choice of cheese sauce (vegan included), meat and toppings. 470 Alvarado St., Monterey. nachobiz.biz Namaste Indian Bistro Indian The dining room is bathed in inviting aromas from the kitchen. You will find a range of Indian favorites, including vegetarian options. And the portions are satisfying. 538 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 641-0130, namasteindiabistro.com Old Fisherman’s Grotto Seafood For almost 60 years, Old Fisherman’s Grotto has been serving fish, lobster, crab, pasta, chicken, steaks and its world-famous clam chowder. Another plus: Pretty much every table has an ocean view. 39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 375-4604, oldfishermansgrotto.com Old Monterey Cafe Diner What makes breakfast so special at Old Monterey Cafe? The selection is set against an old-school charm. Choose a staff favorite or find your own. 489 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 646-1021, oldmontereycafeca.com Osteria Al Mare Italian Seafood the Italian way, but with a Monterey Bay view. That’s Osteria Al Mare, perched atop the Coast Guard pier. The menu leans toward traditional Old World dishes, though the ingredients are much more local. 32 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 920-2833, osteriaalmare.com Oystertown Seafood, Varied California oysters are just the starting point. The small menu ranges beyond seafood to unexpected favorites such as meatballs, spicy mushroom soup or the tiramisu ice cream sandwich. Portions allow you to order more and bar seating invites conversation. 281 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 312-8150, oystertownusa.com Paluca Trattoria Italian One of the better Italian restaurants in the county is hidden in plain sight on Fisherman’s Wharf. While they import some necessities from Italy, much of what they serve is sourced locally, particularly the seafood, which can come straight from the boat to the kitchen. 6 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 3735559, palucatrattoria.com
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