Restaurants BEST KOREAN Pangaea Grill Ocean between Lincoln and Dolores, Carmel (831) 624-2569, pangaeagrillcarmel.com While the great Indigenous nations of the West—Comanche, Lakota, Shoshone and others—resisted white settlement of their lands, Koreans of the Joseon era were embattled, as well. Europeans and Americans tried to open the peninsula to trade by force, but failed. Eventually, however, the Japanese were successful. Perhaps this is why it took so long for Korean dishes to find their way to the U.S. But patience has been rewarded with kalbi, japchae, dumplings and other favorites. Given the history, it is probably fitting that Pangaea Grill is not strictly a Korean restaurant. As the name suggests, they draw from the world. But, as Weekly readers know, the Korean flavors stand out. BEST JAPANESE/SUSHI Crystal Fish 514 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 649-3474, crystalfish.com The daily line out the door should never deter fans or newcomers to the consistent winner as Best Japanese. There is something for everyone at Crystal Fish, be they traditionalists who only do simple nigiri and handrolls, or adventure types into fusion and opt for things like the rainbow roll or the indulgent firecracker roll. But Japanese food is more than sushi. Crystal Fish also offers different types of udon, teriyaki and karage (Japanese fried chicken), all impeccably prepared. BEST ITALIAN Il Vecchio 110 Central Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 324-4282, ilvecchiorestaurant.com Il Vecchio is no stranger to being at the top of the Best of Monterey County® awards. Its new owners are also no strangers. Chef Stefan Shatto and his mother, Kelly, took over the restaurant in June of 2024. But before that, Stefan actually helmed the kitchen at Il Vecchio for its first three-anda-half years of existence. He doesn’t intend to change the menu, which, after all, he helped create in the first place. Why mess with success? BEST INDIAN Ambrosia India Bistro 565 Abrego St., Monterey (831) 641-0610, monterey-ambrosiaib. com Readers have made it a habit to vote Ambrosia the best Indian cuisine in Monterey County. Founded in 2007 downtown Monterey, it also has branches in Aptos, Los Gatos and Scotts Valley. In addition to obvious Indian classics, such as butter chicken, one can explore more regional favorites like vegan aloo parantha (stuffed flatbread with potatoes and spinach) or mulligatawny soup made of lentils, coconut milk and curry leaves. For an American all-you-can-eat flair, Ambrosia offers a lunch buffet, too. BEST FRENCH Bistro Moulin 867 Wave St., Monterey (831) 333-1200, bistromoulin.com French artist Jules Tavernier toured the West, depicting Native American culture in his 1878 painting “Dance in a Subterranean Roundhouse at Clear Lake, California.” Since then, the French have been as fascinated with the Wild West as Americans are with French cuisine. Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show had a seven-month run in Paris. As for the food, Bistro Moulin speaks the language. It’s a European bistro, but at its core are favorites like escargot, gratinée l’oignon, steak au poivre and more. And it’s a cozy little place with a nice wine selection to boot. BEST RESTAURANT - BIG SUR Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn 48865 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-2377, deetjens.com Take a step back in time to the 1930s for truly historic hospitality at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn. Think about it: When this place opened, some of the famed outlaws and lawmen of the Old West were still around. The restaurant is known and loved by locals and visitors alike due to its hearty and elevated California cuisine. Breakfast is a must—the eggs benedict are a favorite, but that’s if you can keep yourself from coveting the huevos rancheros or pancakes at the table next to you. Your coffee cup will never run dry and the orange juice could not be fresher. 90 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST FOOD TRUCK ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 YOU ARE THE BEST! THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US!
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