116 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 Other Brother Beer Co. Other Brother is a standout brewery. But they have a kitchen and a chef who can make the simple seem very big indeed. The burgers are memorable. 877 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 747-1106, otherbrotherbeer.com Rocky’s Cafe Rocky’s is tucked along busy Del Monte Boulevard among workaday shops. It may not call out to you, but this little diner is neat inside. And the kitchen is pretty deft with roadside favorites. 1642 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside. (831) 747-1414, rockys-cafe.weebly.com The Butter House There’s nothing finer than a diner, and The Butter House is that. Go for pancakes, waffles, French toast and more, as well as sandwiches. There are some unique Filipino-inspired rice offerings. One of the few places serving SOS, too. 1760 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 3942887, thebutterhouse.com INDIAN/THAI/VIETNAMESE Baan Thai Baan Thai is known locally for its curries, heaping helpings and fiery chiles, not to mention friendly service. A cozy dining room. 1760 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 394-2996, baanthaiseaside.com Chopstix See listing under Monterey. 1868 Fremont Ave., Seaside. (831) 899-2622, chopstixboba. com Congo Go At first a stop for boba and small bites, Congo Go has since expanded the food menu. One can find Cambodian-style pho, papaya salad and stir fries to go with the small bites list. 800 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 202-1829 ITALIAN/PIZZA East West Pizza Many of the pies and pastas here are familiar. But this parlor also delights in applying Indian flavors to Italian-style plates. And so you can have curry on your pizza or pasta. 1772 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 394-0300, eastwestpizzas.com. Gusto Gourmet Pizza & Pasta Italian instincts and local-sourcing loyalties play into authentic Northern Italy-style thincrust pizzas like the memorable tirolese. They also offer handmade pastas plus commendable charcuterie. Superb service, a full bar and nice ambiance, too. 1901 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 899-5825, gusto1901ca.com The Oven Pizzeria Two styles of pizza are in play here. One is a California style, but the other is a type of pie most West Coast places mess up: New York. It’s the closest thing to old-school Big Apple crust that you’ll find in the county. 720 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 899-1762, 2peasdmd.wixsite.com/theoven Tricycle Pizza The draw is a wood-fired oven. But the hours are limited, because Tricycle focuses on frozen pies. 1950 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 4024305, tricyclepizza.com MEXICAN/CENTRAL AMERICAN Barba Azul To be more specific, Barba Azul is a Sinaloastyle seafood restaurant. From the moment it opened in 2022, it drew raves. Many are fans of the ceviche offerings. 1301 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 747-1385 El Migueleño This unassuming spot serves pupusas that have many fans, as well as fried plantains and other Salvadoran favorites. But the kitchen also branches out into Mexico and even TexMex. 1066 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 899-2199 La Tortuga There are essentially two menus. One includes tortas and tacos and such—and should not be overlooked. However, the final page is devoted to Oaxacan specialties. This is Mexican food made slowly in generous portions. 1257 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 899-8429, latortugaseaside.com Mariscos Puerto Nuevo Flavor-focused and often packed, Mariscos presents a huge variety of Mexican-style seafood dishes as well as many of the land-based standards. 580 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 583-0411, mariscospn.com Mi Tierra Mercado y Taqueria Newly reopened in 2026 after an excruciating four-year renovation—excruciating because the taqueria’s al pastor, carnitas, salsas and pretty much everything else are wildly popular. 1000 Broadway Ave., Seaside. Sarita’s Mexican Grill See listing under Monterey. 1936 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 394-4407, saritasmexicangrill.com Taqueria Zarape It can be difficult to find parking at times, especially around lunch and dinner—this unassuming taqueria is that good. 1107 Fremont St., Seaside. (831) 899-1125, taqueriazarape. com Delis/Markets/Shops Anita’s Market A selection of Mexican and Central American goods, as well as Salvadoran fare, with a friendly and helpful staff. 1276 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831)-241-6637 Filipinas Market Focused on Filipino and other Asian goods, plus produce and take-away dishes. 1760 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 393-1383 Filipino Indian Market The name says it all. Noted also for its fresh fish and produce section. 1914 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 393-9175 FOOD Hatch Southwest Kitchen DANIEL DREIFUSS
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