Editors , Picks Picks BEST RESTAURANT THAT IS HIDDEN IN PLAIN (SOMEWHAT) SIGHT Coastal Kitchen Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, 400 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 645-4064, coastalkitchenmonterey. com Circus barkers don’t whisper. To slip quietly along would not attract crowds to the big top. In terms of hospitality, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is the big top (see Best Hotel). But its signature restaurant prefers to speak softly. Chef Michael Rotondo and his team serve Michelin star-worthy dishes in an almost serene atmosphere—great view, reverence for ingredients—nearby the much more boisterous Schooners restaurant. Instead of calling for attention, Rotondo prefers to let the dishes speak for the restaurant. And with each bite, guests fall under their spell—hence the hush that falls over the room. So one of the best restaurants in Monterey County is there, but you might not notice. BEST SAVE OF AN INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION Soka University’s acquisition of MIIS (831) 647-4166, soka.edu/apply-monterey-institute The odds didn’t seem good for the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS), a graduate school in Monterey, after Vermont-based Middlebury College President Ian Baucom announced in September 2025 that the institute would close down after graduation in 2027. It would mark the end of various programs in global governance and policy, translation and interpretation, international development and more—and mean job losses for the globally minded faculty teaching all those courses. Then in 2026, Southern Californiabased Soka University of America swooped in to save the day, acquiring the institute from Middlebury in a deal that closed in September. Applications opened on Oct. 1 for the next academic year and MIIS lives on—with the same acronym and its former name, Monterey Institute of International Studies. BEST BURGER WALK-THROUGH (YES, NO CAR LANE) THAT COMES WITH A VIEW Snack Shack at Lovers Point 618 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove The Snack Shack at Lovers Point has a small menu. But its fast casual burger is big top time. It’s a smashburger that is rich and juicy, with bittersweet notes from the grill. And this comes with a view of the bay and Lovers Point cove and picnic table seating. And an order of fries is hefty enough that a strongman might struggle. But one caveat: You have to park and walk to get this burger. So wear comfortable clown shoes. BEST EVENT REVIVAL El Grito in Salinas We bet El Grito (meaning the Cry of Dolores) is a grand party in Mexico, celebrating the nation’s independence from Spain. We know it’s a grand party in Salinas, with a huge festival and parade (with horses!) hosted annually by Tradición Por Siempre, bringing music, inspirational speeches, performances and as many as 10,000 people to celebrate on Alisal Street in East Salinas. So there was heartbreak when organizers announced in August that the 2026 El Grito was canceled due to lack of funds. There is a redemption arc (that’s what makes this a Best Of), when a few days later, Tradición Por Siempre leaders put the event back on the schedule—they got support from Salinas city staff to push through necessary permitting, and $10,000 from County Supervisor Luis Alejo’s discretionary fund (10 percent of that annual pool) to help offset the roughly $80,000 event cost. ¡Viva México, viva Salinas! BEST COFFEE SHOP MERCH Six Over Coffee 160 Webster St., Monterey Yes, the coffee is what brings the people to the grandstand. But the secret weapon performance might just be the merch. Six Over coffee has a way with crafting simple yet smashing tanks and tees, with notes of punk and a splash of grunge. Styles are always changing, from camouflage to crop tees with old western art and “Six Over” written in barbed wire font. Come for the coffee, leave with a new hoodie, block print or tank. BEST WAY TO EITHER STAY IN ONE DISTANT CULINARY PLACE OR TRAVEL THE WORLD, ALL WHILE NEVER LEAVING LIGHTHOUSE AVENUE Curry Journey 794 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 582-8325, curryjourney.com Lighthouse Bistro Global Cuisine 570 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 601-1880, lighthouse-bistro.com 120 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2026 montereycountynow.com/bestof 1180 Forest Ave, Suite F, Pacific Grove • (831) 656-9533 • www.JuliasVeg.com ’21 Breakfast Lunch and Dinner Everyday ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 Are You Experienced? Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Monterey County Best Gluten-Free Restaurant ’26 ’26
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