96 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2023-2024 food family-run place will wow you. 157 Main St., Salinas. (831) 256-2669, villaazteca.com Yangtse’s Taste of Thai Thai, Chinese No, the Yangtze River doesn’t run through Thailand. But proprietors of this joint in Oldtown Salinas include a variety of dishes from the Chinese mainland in their menu, giving the place a little something for everyone. 328 Main St., Suite A, Salinas. (831) 7542223, yangtsetasteofthaica.com Delis, Markets and Shops Star Market A longtime grocery run by a local family, it is a perfect spot to grab some snacks or pick up a bottle of Monterey County wine. Plenty of local products on the shelves. 1275 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 422-3961, starmkt.com Bakeries, Ice Cream and other Ttreats Bakery Station Housed in a circa-1920s service station, the Bakery Station offers a great variety of freshmade treats, from sticky buns and scones to muffins and granola. Some hefty deli sandwiches, too. 202 Monterey St., Salinas. (831) 783-1140, thebakerystation.salinas.com DollyCakes A little bakery that can, especially when it comes to cupcakes, pies and cookies. Don’t expect more, but expect smiles to follow. 343 Monterey St., Salinas. (831) 206-6686 Emma’s Bakery & Cafe Emma’s is a versatile place. You can select from fruit pies, cream pies and other pastries. But the kitchen also prepares breakfast and lunch. 1182 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 7577437, emmasbakeryandcafe.com La Plaza Bakery & Cafe See listing under South County. 1036 N. Davis Road, (831) 422-0748; 20 N. Sanborn Road, (831) 422-0578; 107 Bardin Road, (831) 7516028. laplazabakery.com MYO Pure Frozen Yogurt See listing under Carmel. 1091 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 759-9769, myofrozenyogurt. com The Farm There’s always a ready selection of pies to take home and reheat. But they bake pot pies on Wednesdays and fruit pies on Fridays, if you can’t wait. Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 455-2575, thefarm-salinasvalley.com The Great British Bake Shop A little space that captures the tradition of British meat pies—as well as shortbread and other treats. Take home, reheat. Jolly good. 8 W. Gabilan St., Salinas. (831) 356-0005, thegreatbritishbakeshop.com Coffee, Tea, Juices Beerded Bean Their tagline “the best of both brews” refers to the beer and coffee on offer. In other words, it’s an invitation to linger all day. 210 S. Main St., Salinas, (831) 202-0966, thebeerdedbean.com Cherry Bean Coffeehouse This Oldtown mainstay is a place to run into everyone you know, as well as to get caffeinated. 332 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 424-1989, cherrybeancoffeehouse.com Perfectly Pressed Here’s a question: Does good for you mean it doesn’t taste good? Hardly. At this juice spot they add no sugar, no preservatives, no artificial stuff. Why should they? There are organic fruits and vegetables to work with. 961 W. Alisal St., Salinas. (831) 998-8770, perfectlypressedjuice.com Seaside and Sand city Baan Thai Thai Baan Thai is known locally for its curries, family friendliness, heaping helpings and fiery chiles, not to mention notably friendly service. 1760 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 394-2996, baanthaiseaside.com Barba Azul Mexican To be more specific, Barba Azul is a Sinaloastyle seafood restaurant. From the moment it opened in 2022, it drew raves. Many are fans to the ceviche offerings. 1301 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 747-1385 Bayonet Grill American A classic golf clubhouse restaurant—except not all such restaurants enjoy 180-degree coastal views, tons of space and dishes non-golfers venture in for. Settle down by the fireplace with beer and wine. 1 McClure Way, Seaside. (831) 899-7271, bayonetblackhorse. com Chopstix See listing under Monterey. 1868 Fremont Ave., Seaside. (831) 899-2622, chopstixboba. com El Migueleño Mexican, El Salvadoran This unassuming spot serves pupusas that have many fans, as well as fried plantains and other Salvadoran favorites. But the kitchen also branches out into Mexico and even TexMex. 1066 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 899-2199 El Milagro Mexican Don’t expect frills at this humble Mexican spot. Or much English, for that matter. However, some of the dishes will stick in your memory with words like “just as it should be” alongside. 1104 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 324-4125 Googie Grill American Googie travels back to the age of comfort food with a selection of classic café plates including sandwiches, salads, soups and specialty dishes. Great and hearty breakfasts are a highlight. 1520 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside. (831) 392-1520, googiegrill.com Gusto Gourmet Pizza & Pasta Italian, Pizza Italian instincts and local-sourcing loyalties play into authentic Northern Italy-style thincrust pizzas like the memorable tirolese. They also offer handmade pastas plus commendable charcuterie. Superb service and nice ambiance too. 1901 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 899-5825, gusto1901.com Harumi Sushi Japanese For the traditionalist, Harumi offers nigiri and simple makis; for the more adventurous, a variety of specialty rolls. The menu also features many cooked dishes, tempura and bento boxes. 1760 Fremont Blvd. #H4, Seaside. (831) 899-9988, harumiseaside.com Ichi-Riki Japanese Want to know why Americans fell so hard for sushi? Ichi-Riki is a good place to start because, well, it opened in Seaside more than 30 years ago. That’s back when many Americans were still afraid of raw fish. 1603 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside. (831) 394-7733 Jose’s Mexican Grill American-Mexican The perfect stop for no-frills, Mexican cuisine with Americanized sensibility. Jose’s boasts fresh ingredients and a friendly vibe. 1612 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside. (831) 899-0345 Kokoro Ramen & Roll Japanese That it is a ramen spot makes Kokoro stand out, especially along the taqueria-saturated streets of Seaside. The ramen stands out, too. Black garlic pork, for instance, brings warm, murky goodness to the broth. And the bowls are filling. 880 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 920-1040, kokoro.menu11.com La Tortuga Mexican This is Mexican food made slowly, with layered flavors, generous portions and all-around big flavors. 1257 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 899-8429
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