104 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 FOOD MEDITERRANEAN Shawarma King & More The best shawarma in Monterey County, and it comes from a kitchen wedged in a gas station. No seating. 11601 Merritt St., Castroville. (831) 633-3333 SEAFOOD Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery For decades a Moss Landing destination (Phil beat Bobby Flay in a cioppino throwdown), the new location of this iconic restaurant has one advantage: parking. Otherwise, it’s the same seafood menu. 10700 Merritt St., Castroville. (831) 633-2152, philsfishmarket.com Sea Harvest Fresh seafood, outdoor seating and a commitment to sustainability define the restaurant. 2420 Highway 1, Moss Landing. (831) 7287081 Delis/Markets/Shops Phil’s Snack Shack & Deli A typical deli doesn’t serve calamari sandwiches. But Phil’s is on the coast and is hardly your typical deli. Burgers, burritos and hot dogs put the snack in this Moss Landing fave. 7912 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing. (831) 633-1775, philssnackshack.com Cafes/Bakeries/Ice Cream/ Other Treats El Nopal Looking for traditional Mexican breads? El Nopal has been baking it—and attracting lines of customers—for more than 50 years. 103 Salinas Road, Pajaro. (831) 724-0473 The Power Plant It’s a coffee shop and hip bar space. But Thursday-Sunday, Power Plant also becomes a restaurant, thanks to a food truck that serves the dining room. Urban cool in Moss Landing. 7990 Highway 1, Moss Landing. (831) 4530022, thepowerplant.com Pacific Grove Restaurants AMERICAN/REGIONAL AMERICAN Beach House Restaurant + Bar Part steak and seafood haven, part neighborhood favorite serving homestyle fare—and a few surprises. A breathtaking location perched right above Lovers Point. 620 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-2345, beachhousepg.com Heatwaves Once a week—on Sundays, to be precise—Chef Rudolfo Ponce turns Rudolfo’s into the pleasantly scorching indoor popup Heatwaves. The specialty is Nashville hot chicken at four sweltering heat levels. 543 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 920-1381, heatwaves831.com Julia’s Vegetarian Restaurant There are innovative takes on vegetarian fare here. The brunch is robust, as are the soups. The mood is as comforting as the food. The pizzas are often recommended. Serves breakfast, too. 1180 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 656-9533, juliasveg.com Red House Café Simplicity, comfort and relaxation reign here. Three small dining rooms and a porch fill up with locals looking for “contemporary American” that includes robust salads and a popular brunch. 662 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 643-1060, redhousecafe.com Spotted Duck Unassuming, but very good. The chef doesn’t go over the top, instead choosing to prepare classics like steak frites or pan-seared black cod just the right way. They have even made ice cream for dessert. 542 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 920-2662, spottedduckpg.com The Caledonian New for 2026 and highly anticipated, the chef puts great technique and ingredients into even burgers or onion dip. The menu leans toward seafood, but also features steaks, roasted chicken and other favorites. A modern space with a good bar. In the Kimpton Mirador Hotel. 150 Fountain Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 3934210, caledonianpacificgrove.com ASIA/PACIFIC Nura Sushi & Island Grill Unlike many places, Nura keeps its sushi menu brief. And they understand that spicy is the first word in spicy tuna roll. 589 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 4009999, nurasushi.com Ocean Sushi Deli See listing under Monterey. 2701 David Ave., (831) 649-1320, oceansushi.com Ttobongee Chicken Part of a small California chain that serves chicken in many forms, with an emphasis on Korean. Galbi-style? Yes. Green onion chicken? Sure. Whole fried chicken? Of course. Chicken salad? They have that, too. 1184 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 658-0134, ttobongeeus.com BARBECUE Little Chicken House Sure, you can go for pulled pork or ribs from the smoker out front. But this is called Little Chicken House for a reason. Eat in or use the drive-thru. 1193 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 655-1704 BURGERS/DINERS/PUBS Lucy’s on Lighthouse Classic surf shack fare is on offer at Lucy’s, with a menu featuring 17 ways of serving hot dogs (and veggie dogs), maybe more—plus tots, shakes, malts and floats. A casual outside dining space, as well, sometimes with entertainment. 1120 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 920-2006, lucyspg.com Snack Shack at Lovers Point Smashburgers, both hot dogs and chili dogs, a chicken sandwich, two breakfast sandwich options, snacks, sweet treats and hydration— just what you need in a break from the beach, park or the Rec Trail. 618 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove. (831) 334-0133, snackshackloverspoint.com. Toasties Cafe Fresh breakfasts are the highlight of this popular eatery. The cute converted house has the kind of loyal local following any restaurant hopes to create. 702 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 373-7543, toasties-cafe.restaurants-world.com FRENCH/EUROPEAN Fandango A Pacific Grove standard with an exceptional atmosphere provide the hallmarks of this European, country-style restaurant. 223 17th St., Pacific Grove. (831) 372-3456, fandangorestaurant.com Taste Café & Bistro In Taste Café’s dishes, the main ingredient anchors each dish, with additional inputs adding contrast. And the dishes are as European as grilled rabbit. In the morning, Taste doubles as a coffee shop. 1199 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 655-0324, tastecafebistro.com Winston’s A brunch hangout, foremost. You can find staples—pancakes, Benedicts, buttermilk fried chicken—as well as go old school (remember egg salad?). 602 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 324-4162 GLOBAL/ECLECTIC International Cuisine International Cuisine is all over the place, with pizza, hummus, chicken gyros, a Hawaiian burger, stroganoff, tacos and more. A family kind of place. 620 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-9999, internationalcuisineca.com INDIAN/THAI/VIETNAMESE Love Thai Cuisine A menu of pad Thai and other noodle dishes, curries, tom kha and other Thai favorites, plus nods to the local (fried calamari) and some surprises (fish and chips). 1180 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 241-6398, lovethaipg. com.
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