SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION A Taste of Monterey Small Plates and Shareables New for 2026 - a rotating menu based on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients from new executive Chef Bruce Finch. A classic array of options to accompany wine tasting from regional winemakers. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, (831) 646-5446 atasteofmonterey.com Alvarado Street Brewery Smashburgers The menu features a lineup of smashburgers, including the Classic Smashburger, built with grilled and pressed ground chuck patties, grilled onions, white and yellow American cheese, and garlic aioli on a Nisi’s Bakery brioche bun, served with seasoned fries or a side salad. For those looking to turn up the heat, the Fuego Smash brings Fresno chiles, bacon, habanero jack, and spicy aioli into the mix. 426 Alvarado St, Monterey, (831) 655-2337, 301 Main St, Salinas, (831) 293-0219, Carmel Plaza, Suite 112, Carmel, (831) 293-8621, asb.beer Ambrosia Lunch & Champagne Brunch Buffet Regularly voted Best Indian Restaurant in Monterey County by Weekly readers, Ambrosia hosts their locals’ favorite buffet seven days a week. For classic Indian dishes and specialty dishes, line up at the buffet and pile on your favorites. On the weekend, enjoy the buffet with champagne and take your time. 565 Abrego St, Monterey, (831) 641-0610, monterey.ambrosiaib.com Bistro Moulin Rack of Lamb At Bistro Moulin - which was voted 2025 best European restaurant in Central California, simply reading the menu will make your mouth water. If your decision is difficult, stick with the classics and enjoy a New Zealand Lamb rack roasted in the oven and served with yukon gold potatoes, seasonal vegetables all of which can swim in the delectable lamb au jus. 867 Wave St, Monterey, (831) 333-1200, bistromoulin.com Butter House Adobo Pork Belly Fried Rice Rice fried in—as the name of the restaurant almost demands—butter with soy sauce, bell peppers, garlic, onions, and a slab of adobo pork belly is then served with two eggs on top. Amid a rich family-friendly menu, this dish is a true highlight. 1760 Fremont Blvd, Suite B-1, Seaside, (831) 394-2887, thebutterhouse.com C restaurant + bar Applewood Smoked Liberty Duck Breast The applewood-smoked Liberty duck breast from Sonoma Farms is served with farro, heirloom carrots, chanterelle mushroom, and a huckleberry jus. If you are seeking sustainable seafood, a fine steak or other culinary delights, there are no wrong choices when you are in a setting as beautiful as the C restaurant + bar. 750 Cannery Row, Monterey, (831) 375-4800, www.thecrestaurant-monterey.com Cafe Fina Pasta Gianna and Pizza Mia Stop by this longtime local Italian seafood and pasta restaurant on the wharf for a lunch or dinner to remember. Opt for the Pasta Gianna or Pizza Mia named after owner Dominic Mercurio’s granddaughters. The Pasta Gianna features baked rigatoni with ground sausage, meatballs, mushrooms, peas and cheese. The Pizza Mia has prosciutto, sun-dried tomato, crushed pistachio, fresh basil and mozzarella. Enjoy the sealife right outside the windows. 47 Fisherman’s Wharf #1, Monterey, (831) 372-5200, cafefina.com Coastal Kitchen 5 Course Tasting Menu Savor in a 5 course Chef’s tasting menu with optional sommelier wine pairings with each course. An example course is a Wood Roasted Black Cod with Smoked Sweet Potato, Blood Orange and an Octopus and Chorizo Vinaigrette. 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, (831) 645-4064, coastalkitchenmonterey.com Coniglio Deli Deli Sandwiches From classic favorites like muffaletta to any wacky combination you could imagine, the folks at Coniglio Deli have your sandwich needs covered. And we do mean ANY combination—the menu lists 18 different meats and 24 different cheeses. These selections are also available by the pound if you want to take it to go. 750 Cannery Row, Suite 108, Monterey, (831) 901-3175, conigliodeli.com 46 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® EAT + DRINK 2026-2027 Signature Dishes Alvarado Street Brewery
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