106 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 FOOD Mai Thai Cuisine A family place that started as a food stand until customers demanded more. The owner had a restaurant in Thailand, so there’s an aura of authenticity—with a little traveled flair. 1219 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 9013963, maithaicuisinepg.com Pacific Thai Cuisine The restaurant has been around for a while now, its popularity based in part on a core of recipes inspired by family dishes prepared years ago in Thailand. The menu features curries, noodles and rice dishes. 663 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 646-8424, pacificthaica.com ITALIAN/PIZZA Alfredo’s Pastaria & Mozzarella Bar The pasta is prepared in-house. The mozzarella is also made in-house. Actually, that’s a theme. This spot draws continuous raves, not only as one of the top Italian spots, but also for the cocktails. 1188 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 372-5325, alfredospastariaandmozzarellabar.com Il Vecchio The interior of this trattoria is as accessibleyet-sophisticated as the food that comes out of its kitchen. Pastas are either handmade or imported from Italy. It stays true to the neighborhood trattoria. 110 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 324-4282, ilvecchiorestaurant. com La Mia Cucina White tablecloths and a touch of formality, yet the dining room remains comfortable. The kitchen remains true to Italian tradition, with a few local touches. Pasta is prepared in-house. 208 17th St., Pacific Grove. (831) 373-2416, lamiacucinaristorante.com Rudolfo’s Cafe The pasta is made from scratch, but it may be hard to overlook the pizza here. The chef does pies with personal flair. There is also a lineup of burgers and sandwiches from this unassuming but worthwhile spot. 543 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 920-1381, rudolfoscafe.com MEDITERRANEAN Petra Gyros, kebabs and simple Greek and Mediterranean plates, with sandwiches for something easy and a royal feast when the entire family wants to go big in a casual space. 477 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 6492530 MEXICAN/CENTRAL AMERICAN Aquino’s Birrieria You can settle for a regular burrito, or go all in with a super burrito. They jack up quesadillas, as well. 1116 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 224-6760, aquinosbirrieria.com Michael’s Taqueria & Grill Burritos and combination plates and more that are satisfying and budget-friendly. The family-run restaurant has been around since 1986. 1126 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 647-8654, michaelstaqueriapg.com Peppers Mexicali Cafe Mexican with Californian, Southwestern and Central American influences. They call it “Mexicali,” which nails it. 170 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 373-6892, pepperspg. com SEAFOOD Fishwife For such an unassuming place, Fishwife can put a world of seafood on the table—hints of Hawaii, Mexico, Italy, the Caribbean and more. 1996 Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove (next to Asilomar Beach). (831) 375-7107, fishwife.com La Cote Bleue A seafood spot specializing in whole fish, herb-crusted cod and the like, with a little Mediterranean accent. But there are also recommended dishes like short rib. 209 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 233-9286, lacotebleuepg.com Passionfish This repeat readers’ favorite has earned its cult-like status among foodies who swoon over its pioneering sustainability ethics and Wine Spectator award-winning cellar. 701 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 6553311, passionfish.net Vivolo’s Chowder House You would expect to see a place like this on a New England cove. It’s simple and homey, with a decades-old feel. 127 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 372-5414, vivoloschowderhouse. com Wild Fish The emphasis here is on “wild.” Plates feature freshly caught, local seafood and regional farms provide much of the rest. With this game plan, the menu can change frequently. 545 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 3738523, wild-fish.com SOUTH AMERICAN Café Guaraní The tastes of Paraguay—empanadas, croquettes, savory breads, sopas and cakes, plus Yerba Mate—are on offer, along with a cozy back patio. 111 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 747-1551, cafeguarani.com Delis/Markets/Shops Grove Market A neighborhood market of the old school, with local products and a serious meat counter. It may be small, but it packs more than enough into its space. 242 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-9581, grovemarketgrocery.com Happy Girl Kitchen Co. Award-winning jams, marmalades and pickled vegetables on the shelves. Yes, it’s a shop, where they pickle everything. But it is also a popular vegetarian cafe open for breakfast and lunch. 173 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 373-4475, happygirlkitchen.com Old Fisherman’s Grotto DANIEL DREIFUSS
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