Visitors Guide 2024

94 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2024-2025 food est continuously operating course west of the Mississippi (and Pebble Beach’s original course). 1300 Sylvan Road, Monterey. (831) 373-2700, pebblebeach.com Domenico’s on the Wharf Seafood, Italian For a steaming, flavorful bowl of cioppino and a gorgeous view of the water, there’s always Domenico’s. Seafood is served with an Italian accent and a view from every table. 50 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 3723655, domenicosmonterey.com Dos Victorias Mexican A stop for breakfast, late night and in between. Dos Victorias promises something for everyone, but it’s hard to get past those asada fries. 299 Cannery Row #B, Monterey. (831) 372-7298, dos-victorias.com Duffy’s Tavern Pub Some places claim a neighborhood vibe. Duffy’s is truly a neighborhood space. There’s a list of burgers, baskets and appetizers, as well as a kids menu. Go for a burger. Worth it. 282 High St., Monterey. (831) 644-9811 El Cantaro Vegan Mexican Restaurant Vegan, Mexican Two words that you never expect to see together—vegan Mexican—marry at El Cantaro. Somehow they get flavors and textures right, all without dairy or meat, in dishes like crispy potato tacos. Spicy salsas and rich, deep moles are made in house. 791 Foam St., Monterey. (831) 646-5465, elcantaro.us El Charrito Express Mexican See listing under Salinas. This is a scaleddown lunch place behind Alejandro’s (see above). 474 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 8845143, elcharrito.com El Estero Snack Bar Burgers Order at the window, dine at a picnic bench. The snack bar is situated between Dennis the Menace playground and Sollecito Ballpark. And what goes well with baseball and children? Burgers and hot dogs, of course. 777 Pearl St., Monterey. (831) 372-8446 Epsilon Greek Old-school Greek menu and the cooking to match at this venerable downtown institution. Dishes learned long ago with a family touch. Always friendly and enjoyable. 422 Tyler St., Monterey. (831) 655-8108, epsilonrestaurant. com Estéban Restaurant Spanish It’s all about the tapas and the paella, although some of the main plates may intrude and catch your interest—as may the patio fire pits. There is a sure hand in the kitchen, which makes this place even more compelling. 700 Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 375-0176, estebanrestaurant.com Fin and Field American Monterey Marriott impresses with their restaurant/bar, featuring locally sourced foods that are affordable, too. The menu changes seasonally. 350 Calle Principal, Monterey. (831) 647-4000, marriott.com First Awakenings Diner Puffy pancakes stuffed with all manner of fruits and fiber are the specialty at this favorite breakfast spot with regular lines up the block. New location, same favorite breakfast classics. 300 David Ave., Monterey. (831) 3721125, firstawakenings.net Full Moon Chinese Full Moon offers the standard dishes found in an American Chinese restaurant—but there are a few exceptions, such as boiled fish and cold plates (triple beef, bean jelly, and so on). 429 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 333-1288, fullmoonmandarincuisine.com Gianni’s Pizza Pizza Since 1974, Gianni’s has been a favorite pizza connection. The pies feature a fresh crust—made with a guarded family recipe— covered with sauce, loads of mozzarella and meats and vegetables of your choosing. 725 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 649-1500, giannispizzamonterey.com Great Wall Chinese The list of Mandarin, Szechuan and other dishes you expect from a Chinese restaurant, and there are plenty of options. 724 Abrego St., Monterey. (831) 372-3637, greatwallmonterey.com Heirloom Pizza Co. Pizza A selection of deep dish or thin crust pizzas will be tempting, though you can always build your own. Either way, Heirloom strives to be as local, seasonal and organic as possible. The pizzas are simple excellence—which also happens to be the restaurant’s goal, along with sustainability. 700 Cass St. #102, Monterey. (831) 717-4363, heirloompizzapie.com Hula’s Island Grill Hawaiian This delightful slice of Hawaiiana in Monterey serves island-inspired dishes like poke in a charming, kitschy, split-level room with a charming courtyard out back. One of the best vibes and happy hours in the region, with the tropical cocktails to prove it. A second location in Santa Cruz. 622 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 655-4852, hulastiki.com International Cafe Mediterranean From the folks at the popular International Market & Deli comes this cafe, opened in 2024. Fans of the market will know the menu: gyro, shawarma, falafel, baba ghanouj and other favorites are on the manageable list. 296 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 2151817, internationalcafemonterey.com Jack’s Bao Chinese Jack’s runs on steam power—dumplings, bao and other Shanghai specialties, to be more precise. But there are other favorites, like panfried pork tenderloin and roast duck (served with pancakes, Peking-style). 751 Cannery Row, Monterey. jacksbao.com Jacks Monterey Global This restaurant goes big on style and spills out into the elegant Portola Hotel lobby. The menu is seasonal and the cocktails inspired. 2 Portola Plaza (in the Portola Hotel), Monterey. (831) 649-7830, jacksatportola.com Kona Steak & Seafood Hawaiian Newly opened in 2023, it immediately created a buzz for outstanding seafood and its island influences. There are many not-to-miss dishes from sea and land. The “Zen Den” bar is simply cool and there’s a shave ice shack. So much to like. 1200 Del Monte Center, Monterey. (831) 920-2911, konamonterey.com Krua Thai Thai The owners came to Monterey from Thailand in 2003, bringing the flavors of their home country along. Yes, you can find pad Thai and spring rolls. But crave chu chee trout and they have that, too. 731 Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 655-9797, kruathaimonterey.com La Bahia Mexican A casual, family-operated spot with a friendly feel. The menu leans toward Jalisco flavors and the tortillas are handmade. 675 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 884-5269

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