include the three-mushroom omelet on the savory side, or the lemon ricotta pancakes on the sweet side—fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with a tangy lemon curd and buttery blueberry compote. The Grill at Point Pinos 79 Asilomar Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-1313, grillatpointpinos.com Located smack in the middle of the Pacific Grove Golf Links (between the 9th and 10th holes, to be exact), The Grill at Point Pinos is an understandable draw for golfers and golf lovers. But we’re here to tell you that it’s worth a trip regardless of your exact feelings toward golf— the well-appointed brunch menu and beautiful view from the patio make it so. Menu highlights include the huevos rancheros and papas poblanos. There’s also a range of benedicts for those who wish to opt for a classic, and special vegan and/or gluten-free options for those that require. Order a Bloody Mary, sit back and enjoy. Aliotti’s Victorian Corner 541 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 372-4641, victoriancornerpg.com Family-owned since 1977, Aliotti’s occupies a spacious corner spot with decidedly old-school charm, down to the historic photos that decorate the walls. Weekday mornings see regulars filling their regular tables, while the weekend is more of a mix-and-match with tourists visiting the area. “Quality counts,” Dominic Aliotti says of the secret to the restaurant’s longevity. Specialties include the huevos rancheros (homemade salsa) and the decadent crab cake benedict, as well as “Victorian Toast”—an Aliotti’s take on French toast using sourdough bread and served with a homemade orange sauce. Breakfast is served from 8am to 3pm, with the lunch menu kicking in at 10am. Toasties Cafe 702 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 373-7543, toasties.cafe Need to get an early start? Toasties begins slinging omelets at 6:30am (7am on Sundays—an early start isn’t a requirement, though, because breakfast is served until 3pm). But there’s no need to feel constrained to the egg here. Toasties’ breakfast menu includes a little bit of everything, from homemade corn beef hash to hot cakes and waffles. Plus, there’s a special kids’ menu to keep the little ones happy. First Awakenings 300 David Ave., Monterey. (831) 372-1125, firstawakenings.net Okay, yes, this is technically in Monterey. But for its location just over the line on David Avenue, it deserves mention on the Pacific Grove breakfast spot guide. The bustling morning crowds at First Awakenings (which also has a location in Salinas) are matched only by the absolutely packed menu, which includes a whole section of skillets (potatoes and cheese topped with eggs, served with an English muffin), omelets and pancakes in every flavor profile. The location, conveniently near Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium for post-breakfast exploration, certainly doesn’t hurt. This stalwart is open 7am2pm daily, or until 2:30pm on weekends. Wild Fish 545 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 373-8523, wild-fish.com Seafood. Fine dining. For brunch? Yes, it can be done. A smoked sablefish benedict, or a wild mushroom omelette, maybe a seared ahi tostada is how Wild Fish interprets brunch. The menu changes seasonally and according to the day’s catch, but oysters are always an option, as is the restaurant’s signature fish and chips (with the chips done “London style”). It happens 11:30am-3pm on Sunday, and they offer Saturday lunch, as well, plus a normal resturant schedule. Step brunch up a notch. Brunch Bunch Red House Cafe 12 The Best of Monterey Bay ® EAT + DRINK 2023-2024 Nik Blaskovich
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==