100 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 FOOD Malinka European Mini Market Cheeses, smoked fish, cookies, pickles and other items that are difficult to find elsewhere. The focus is largely on eastern and central Europe, although the shop does also look further across the continent. 484 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 241-9051 Monterey’s Tasty Olive Bar When someone says “extra virgin olive oil,” it just brings up questions from the folks at this shop. Some olive oils are grassy, some fruity, earthy, bitter, buttery or a combination. And then there are balsamics. 751 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 242-8900, montereystastyolivebar.com Piccolo There are at least 10 panini options on the menu, as well as soups and salads. Sit indoors or out, either way you have a view of the bay and the Coast Guard pier. 32 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 718-8520, piccolopaninigrill.com Peninsula Produce The name doesn’t convey the scope of this market. Fruit and vegetables fill shelves inside and—on many days—out. 2400 Del Monte Ave., Monterey. (831) 373-4626 Cafes/Bakeries/Ice Cream/ Other Treats Ad Astra Bread Co. There’s a reason area restaurants boast about serving Ad Astra bread. It can very reasonably be argued that it’s the best around. The hard part is picking. Sourdough? Olive bread? 479 Alvarado St., Monterey. adastrabread.com Alta Bakery and Cafe A local’s favorite for many reasons, including its outdoor seating. There are pastries, coffee drinks and bites that can count as lunch. 502 Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 920-1018, altamonterey.com Austino’s Patisserie A delightful bakery in a light and airy space delivers quality and convenience on Cannery Row. 851 Cannery Row, Monterey, (831) 6555015, austinospatisserie.com Bagel Bakery Yep, they have bagels, with unique spreads. The bakery also serves hot deli sandwiches and a few surprises for lunch. There are additional locations in Carmel, Sand City, Pacific Grove and Salinas. 452 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 372-5242, thebagelbakery. com Beans of Eden A corner cafe with espresso drinks, freshbaked pastries, flatbreads, sandwiches and even soft-serve ice cream. The welcoming space features monthly specials and seasonal flavors. 711 Cannery Row, Monterey. Candy Land If it’s sweet and colorful, they have it here. Kids and adults can go crazy. Candy Land, 700 Cannery Row. (831) 655-7744; Candy Land II, 200 Alvarado St. (831) 655-0295; Candy World, 1 Fisherman’s Wharf. (831) 6551212; Candy Factory, 685 Cannery Row. (831) 655-7746. Monterey. Captain + Stoker A local favorite, this bright and open space is serious about good coffee, and also good avocado toast. The Pacific Grove location has a smaller selection of bites. 398 E. Franklin St., Monterey. (831) 901-3776, captainandstoker. com Carousel Candies Carousel makes candies by hand. They make caramel popcorn in house. They’ve been doing treats from scratch since 1960. This place is a must for those with a sweet tooth. 31 Fisherman’s Wharf. (831) 646-9801, carouselcandies.com Crêpes of Brittany The Peninsula’s oldest creperie, and there’s a reason it has been around so long. The crêpes are so pleasingly authentic that they need to put that little accent mark over the first e. 211 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 649-1930, crepesofbrittany.com Crêpes on the Row A handy spot for those visiting the Aquarium. Crepes range from sweet—think Nutella and strawberries or bananas and chocolate—to savory items with meat and cheese. 807 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 641-7004 Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream America’s favorite futuristic treat comes in 20-plus flavors of mini ice cream marbles. 711 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 655-5080, dippindots.com East Village Cafe This is a popular coffee shop with both large tables for group gatherings and rooms with simple two-tops. 498 Washington St., Monterey. (831) 392-6617 Freedom Bakery An order and pickup location for the familyowned bakery in Watsonville. Some treats are ready the next day. 305 Webster St., Monterey. (831) 722-5223, freedombakery. com Gelato by the Sea Expected to open fall 2026. See listing under Pacific Grove. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop In the same vein as San Francisco’s wharfside factory, the chocolatier headliner’s Cannery Row shop features creamy and decadent treats for passersby. 660 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 373-0997, ghirardelli.com Habibi Mediterranean Cafe A coffee shop, expected to open summer 2026. 225 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey Layers Cakes A dangerous place to visit, thanks to the colorful case of cookies, pastries and cakes. The bakery is regularly named by Weekly readers as the best. 9 Soledad Drive #A, Monterey. (831) 655-1544, layerscake.com Colette’s Ice Cream DANIEL DREIFUSS
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