montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2026 83 BEST NEW RESTAURANT OF 2026 Crema 631 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove (831) 375-1300, cremapg.com Like a circus magic act, Tamie Aceves has transformed her popular restaurant operations over the years from Crema in downtown Pacific Grove, to the former Grill at Point Pinos at the Pacific Grove Golf Links and back to Crema, now located on beautiful Lovers Point overlooking Monterey Bay. Her many fans were very happy to see her reopen this year, even though it was without a kitchen. That’s still in the works, she says. In the meantime her crew is serving up coffee and breakfast items, soups, salads and sandwiches, plus cocktails, beer and wine. “I think they’re excited that the place is open and bustling and they get to enjoy the view, and that we’re back,” Aceves says of Crema’s popularity among patrons. “We’re blessed to have a great following and we don’t take that for granted…I’m so excited and full of joy that there are people locally and visitors who get to enjoy that killer view now.” BEST OUTDOOR DINING Schooners 400 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 372-2628, schoonersmonterey.com Schooners may not have the best seats in the house for watching a trapeze artist (although a show over the bay would be cool), but this Cannery Row restaurant does have a stunning view. Their outdoor space boasts an unobstructed panoramic vista of the deep blue waters of Monterey Bay. And if their outdoor seating is full, even indoor diners get in on the sea breeze and marine vibes, since the staff often opens multiple glass doors to the elements. Many people would pay hundreds to get a peek at the Pacific looking its best, but at Schooners all it costs is a small seafood tower and a glass of sparkling wine. BEST PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH Woody’s at the Airport Monterey Regional Airport, 200 Fred Kane Drive, Monterey (831) 373-1232, woodysmontereyairport. com Aerial acts are part of most circuses. Guests at Woody’s are also treated to aerial performances, every day of the year. Of course, they are not as thrilling as The Flying Wallendas or Jules Leotard. But that’s OK, because the real interest at Woody’s is what’s on the plate (or being shaken by the bartender, if you’re a Mad Men sort). For a business lunch, you want all three rings: Good food, good drinks and something—like a plane taking off—to start the conversation. Woody’s is the place. BEST RESTAURANT FOR ROMANTIC DINING Pacific’s Edge Hyatt Carmel Highlands, 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel (831) 622-5445, hyatt.com Most people who choose to join the circus live life on the edge. At Pacific’s Edge, you can dine on the edge (literally) of that great big ocean we are so fortunate to live near. Located inside of the Hyatt Carmel Highlands property, this casual restaurant offers amazing views of the California coastline while serving up meals made up of local ingredients, alongside a hefty wine list and delectable cocktails. Service is friendly, polite and discreet when you want that time to gaze into each other’s eyes. BEST RESTAURANT FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION Chez Noir 431 5th Ave., Carmel cheznoircarmel.com In Monterey County, Chez Noir is a leading contender for The Greatest Show on Earth. The kitchen and service are exquisitely choreographed without being stiff or stuffy. The atmosphere is just as you would have it—welcoming, alive and fun. But the real entertainment is on each plate of the multi-course prix fixe menu. The presentation, the nuanced flavors will make you gasp. Anticipation for the next course is as great as those moments before the shallow pool diver makes the plunge. And as Michelin, James Beard and other critics will attest, Jonny Black is one of the best chefs in the entire nation. Restaurants Best Restaurant in Monterey County, Best Wine List, Best Sommelier - David Sidener | Sardine Factory
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