FOOD Catch Seafood A seafood haven. Salmon, halibut, shellfish and more. You can order it grilled, fried, tossed with pasta baked on a pizza and…wait, what? That’s right, where else can you order a roasted garlic and shrimp pizza. And Catch relies as much as possible on sustainably caught fish. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 624-5659, catchcarmel.com Chez Noir Global Opened in 2022 by kitchen standout Jonny Black, the restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2023 and was a finalist for a James Beard award in 2024. The menu strives to be hyperlocal. The chef likes to take advantage of local seafood and farm produce. But he also likes to forage, free dive and spearfish. Who knows what might end up on the plate. You just know it will be exquisite. 5th between Dolores and San Carlos, Carmel. cheznoircarmel.com Chopstix Vietnamese See listing under Monterey. 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel. (831) 625-2622, chopstixboba.com Crossroads Barbecue Barbecue It’s a classic BBQ joint set in Carmel’s Crossroads shopping center—casual, with counter service. The smokers are visible just outside. And it’s a sibling of Salinas City BBQ, so…you know. That’s a serious credential for this area. 241 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 250-7616, thecrossroadsbbq.com Cultura Comida y Bebida Mexican This social hub features a menu focused on traditional yet adventurous dishes—fried grasshoppers, anyone?—with precisely sourced ingredients and a deft touch in the kitchen. The menu features an updated take on Oaxacan tradition and a deep selection of artisanal mezcals. Dolores between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 250-7005, culturacarmel.com Dametra Cafe Mediterranean They speak tzatziki here, and moussaka. But also ravioli and kebabs. There’s even an all-American cheeseburger on the menu. Something for all, including a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. Ocean and Lincoln, Carmel. (831) 622-7766, dametracafe.com Edwin’s Kaona Pacific Islands, Global Call it Pacific fusion and beyond (“calibonara,” a take on the Italian carbonara, for example). The kitchen draws on Island and Pacific rim flavors, but there are unexpected moments. A grilled cheese sandwich is on offer, as is oxtail. Live music on many nights. 6th and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 250-7744, edwinscarmel.com El Bistro by-the-Sea Diner There are Mexican favorites galore for lunch. But before the kitchen shifts to noon-hour service, they put their focus elsewhere: omelets, pancakes and French toast. So many French toast options, like you’ve never seen before. Mission between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 309-8264 Enzo Ristorante Italiano Italian Simple fare, stylish approach—that’s the Enzo way. The chef remains true to tradition, so the dishes are not dressed with fusion flavors. Yet somehow there’s an elegance to it all. San Carlos between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 624-6545, enzocarmel.com 80 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2024-2025 Voted Best Indian Restaurant by the Weekly readers 16 times! DOWNTOWN MONTEREY 565 Abrego Street (831) 641-0610 Lunch Buffet 11:30am-2:45pm, Dinner 4-9pm ambrosiaib.com LOS GATOS 133 N. Santa Cruz Ave.(408) 827-4339 Lunch 11:30am-2:45pm, Dinner 4pm SCOTTS VALLEY 6006 La Madrona Drive #D (831) 713 -5594 Lunch 11:45am-2:45pm, Dinner 4:30pm APTOS 207 Sea Ridge Road (831) 685-0610 Lunch 11:30am-2:45pm, Dinner 4:30pm ’08-’23 NOTHING LESS THAN OUR BEST Ambrosia_1-3s_ED24_gk.indd 1 4/22/24 10:26 AM BEST JAPANESE/ SUSHI RESTAURANT For 14 Years! 2010– 2023 Open Mon-Thurs 11:30am-2pm, 5-9:30pm Open Fri: 11:30am-2pm, 5-10pm Open Sat: 12pm-10pm Open Sun: 12pm-9pm crystal fish 514 Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey 649-3474 crystalfish-monterey.com crystal-fish_1/6v_VG24_kpr.indd 1 6/17/24 4:34 PM
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