114 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2024-2025 food Mangia Italian Mangia reminds you of why people love Italian cooking, especially when it’s done well. The dishes are familiar, except that the chef’s touch is so deft that even something like a gorgonzola cream sauce becomes heaven. 328 Main St., Salinas. (831) 256-2170 Mi Taqueria Mexican Tacos, tortas and burritos—oh, my. A kitchen dedicated to fast food, Mexican style. 1220 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 998-8083 Patria European One of Oldtown Salinas’ most popular spots, thanks to a charming farmhouse interior and Northern European cuisine. Patria specializes in housemade pastas, stylish pizzas, grilled game and unique salads. A traditional chef using traditional techniques. 228 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 424-5555 Portobello’s Sandwiches A range of sandwiches and salads for every taste feature local ingredients. The lunch rush gets busy here. 150 Main St., #116, Salinas. (831) 753-0797 Pupuseria Marleny’s Salvadoran A menu of pupusas that go beyond the rudimentary beans and cheese or pork and cheese. Also plates and fried yucca. 337 Monterey St., Salinas. (831) 998-7629, orderpupuseriamarlenys.com Restaurante El Michoacano Mexican The list of dishes is long and maybe a bit daunting. And that’s the restaurant’s approach to portion size, as well. But don’t be daunted. 2015 N. Main St., Salinas. (831) 272-6182 Salinas City BBQ Barbecue Full of down-home goodness like brisket, ribs, tri-tip, pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw and several kinds of house-made barbecue sauce, it’s a smoky, sweet choice for barbecue in the county, repeatedly voted the county’s best. 700 W. Market St., Salinas. (831) 758-2227, salinascitybbq.com Steinbeck House Eclectic Dine at John Steinbeck’s boyhood home. And just like at home, there is an entree (with a few options, just in case) and dessert. The menu changes every few days and there is Saturday tea. 132 Central Ave., Salinas. (831) 424-2735, steinbeckhouse.com Stonies Taphouse & Bistro Barbecue, Eclectic There are wings and rings, burgers and a lot of things thrown over the fire. Barbecue—especially the ribs—is the focus, but attention to other dishes is such that tortillas are handmade. And they like to play, loading up fries and even pretzels. 1366 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 202-0632, stoniestaphouse.com T&A Cafe, Home of Kleinfeldt Family BBQ Barbecue The tri-tip here is wildly popular, prepared Santa Maria style. The pitmaster turns to the smoker for pork and chicken. For those about to venture along the River Road wine trail, this is a good spot to pack a lunch. 1 Harris Road, Spreckels. (831) 225-0447, tacafespreckels. com Point Pinos Grill
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