remain largely unknown. Shawarma King & More, a little kitchen tucked into the back of a Castroville gas station, opened in 2022 with no fanfare and barely any visible presence from the street—or at least any that would promise a rewarding experience. Within weeks, however, it had gained a reputation for shawarma, falafel and later cheesesteak. Regulars were happy to drive from Salinas, the Peninsula or further afield for the privilege of dining in a Chevron parking lot. Yet it is still possible for places to slip out of sight, out of mind. And there are still locations that escape notice, disappearing from view behind a veil of traffic or other distractions. A hidden gem in the modern sense is, therefore, not necessarily an unknown. Neither must it reside too far from a main drag. One does not simply happen across a hidden gem. It is a restaurant or bar that a firsttime guest must seek out—even if that search begins on a screen. So this list of the county’s “hidden gems”—and it’s not a comprehensive one—will be familiar to many, but hopefully a revelation to some people. COASTAL KITCHEN Few hidden gems are of Michelin caliber. Such places are not out of mind for long. Chef Michael Rotondo crafts a multi-course tasting menu that is like an art gallery—each plate its own canvas, some rich and contemplative, others playful, all with moments that capture your senses. The restaurant also elevates brunch to a new level. It is one of the finest restaurants in the county. Yes, it is also in a busy hotel. Coastal Kitchen is hidden in that Schooners, the daily restaurant adjacent to Coastal Kitchen in the Monterey Plaza Hotel, gets the foot traffic. This place puts the emphasis on “gem.” 400 Cannery Row, Monterey. 645-4064, coastalkitchenmonterey.com. DUFFY’S TAVERN This spot has a patina so downhome and comfortable, it might send the wrong impression. Although steps away from a Presidio gate, it is also part of a residential neighborhood and wears the aura of time. Although the menu suits that of a casual diner, dishes themselves reveal a much higher level of attention. Any of the burgers— eight different options with meat, two vegetarian—reward your palate with that bittersweet savor scored into the patty by a well-seasoned grill. Duffy’s is a reminder that age-old warmers, like chili or Irish stew, can make the day better. 282 High St., Monterey. 644-9811. EL ESTERO SNACK BAR At sit-down restaurants, chefs pile on the toppings to create a gourmet burger. Yet it was the backyard burger, hot off the grill, that made us fall for the sandwich. Simplicity—that’s what El Estero is all about with their burgers and hot dogs. And it’s a welcome reminder that simplicity is what a burger craves. The theme extends to the establishment itself, which is just a walk-up window with a few picnic tables. 777 Pearl St., Monterey. 372-8446. PALUCA TRATTORIA Call it “hidden in plain sight.” Away from the bright signs and beckoning samples of the Fisherman’s Wharf midway sits an Italian restaurant where the dishes recall Old World family dinners. The flavors call to you from distant locations—Marzamemi, Santa Flavia, Palermo. The dishes are opulent and the flavors can be intricate yet intense (simple puttanesca is like a hearty carnival on the palate). Even a salad described concisely as “fig & greens” becomes a tangy, earthy, smoky, bittersweet swirl. Like many places on the wharf, the kitchen can call on local fishing boats for the morning’s catch. 6 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. 373-5559, palucatrattoria.com. ROCKY’S CAFE To those passing by on Del Monte, Rocky’s has the appearance of a diner, a roadside joint with someone named Mel flipping things on the flattop. Instead of Mel, the kitchen is helmed by Juan Contreras, who also prepares plates for a destination restaurant in Pebble Beach. The menu may be breakfast and lunch, but Contreras makes his statement on the plate, giving anything from chicken and waffles to burgers or huevos rancheros an unexpected dimension. Just about everything is made from scratch, and there is evident pride in the cooking. 1642 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside. 747-1414, rockys-cafe.weebly.com. 28 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® EAT + DRINK 2025-2026 Woody’s at Del Mesa DANIEL DREIFUSS
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