Restaurants Carmel’s food scene, started by restaurateur duo Bashar Sneeh and Faisal Nimri. Drawing from their Levantine roots and also surrounding countries like Greece, Spain, Lebanon and Italy, the partners curated a menu that reads like a cruise around the region. After years of success, they expanded into Monterey and Marina with a fast-casual model, so even the most timepressed amongst us can grab a dolma and falafel to go. BEST KOREAN Jeju Kitchen Carmel Plaza, 526 Ocean Ave., Carmel (831) 574-8693, jejukitchencarmel.com Like “Zazel,” the human cannonball who was shot into the air at London’s Royal Aquarium, a stunt that immediately drew thousands of people to watch her fly, Jeju Kitchen quickly soared into the limelight. After only two years, the Korean-American fusion restaurant in Carmel had already made its mark, dishing out everything from Korean classics like dolsot bibimbap and kimchi pancakes to smashburgers and Korean short ribs. “I’m just cooking from the heart, storytelling and combining flavors of a Korean childhood in an American home,” says Ashley Wolff, owner of Jeju Kitchen. “What I’ve always found special about my food is that it feels like home.” BEST JAPANESE/SUSHI Crystal Fish 514 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 649-3474, crystalfish-monterey.com Year after year, readers vote Crystal Fish the best place for sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine. The restaurant’s decor is simple, but maybe that’s because their focus is on serving only the finest nigiri, maki and sashimi in the county. The chefs also serve up creative bento boxes and tasty udon noodle soup at lunchtime. Try the mussel shooters as an appetizer. Not in the mood for sushi? The restaurant prepares popular tempura, chicken katsu and teriyaki dishes. BEST ITALIAN Il Vecchio 110 Central Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 324-4282, ilvecchiorestaurant.com Some may say Italian food is like a circus. You take a few simple ingredients, like eggs and flour, and then turn it into an endless array of wonBest Restaurant in Seaside | Butter House Thank You For Voting and BEST Restaurant More Than 10 Years Old Available to order from anywhere - at the bar and in the main dining room. Enjoy the menu you love from any seat! ’26 BEST STEAKHOUSE 30 Times 92 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2026 montereycountynow.com/bestof
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