118 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 FOOD First Oriental Market Korean and Japanese products. A good selection tucked into a small space. 777 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 393-8989 Mi Tierra Mercado y Taqueria The taqueria is a local favorite (see listing under Mexican/Central American), but it is also a market for produce, meats and Mexican items. 1000 Broadway Ave., Seaside. Monterey Halal Market Breads and Middle Eastern spices, as well as respectable shawarma and other foods. 825 Hamilton Ave., Seaside. (831) 392-1100 The Meatery The Meatery is an old-school butcher with upscale meats—pasture-raised, prime, the good stuff. Yet it also serves as a deli, with some outstanding options (think 18-hour brisket). It’s impossible not to leave with a pound of this, two pounds of that. 1534 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 656-8810, themeatery.us Cafes/Bakeries/Ice Cream/ Other Treats Acme Coffee Roasting Co. A little stand with a loyal customer base for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and more (to go; it’s a coffee stand). 485 B Palm Ave., Seaside. (831) 393-9113, acmecoffeeroasting.com Angelina’s Bakery Angelina’s is known for their breakfast pastries loaded with fresh fruit. Also their cakes and cookies and everything else. Tres leches? Try cuatro leches. 1725 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 394-8808, angelinasbakery. com Caffé by Rosine’s From the popular Monterey family restaurant comes a handy grab-and-go cafe. There are coffee drinks and more, along with breakfast options, a small lunch menu and—of course— Rosine’s famous cakes. 2160 California Ave., Sand City. (831) 291-5182, caffebyrosines. com Captain + Stoker Take-away coffee and pastries. See listing under Monterey. 1793 Catalina St., Sand City. captainandstoker.com Counterpoint Coffee Coffee drinks and beer to go along with paninis or pastry. Good seating, both indoors and out. 565 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 2300503 Creperie Café The menu packs a lot into a short list. There are savory crepes and sweet options include fruit. The batter for all crepes is vegan. And there are clever paninis, as well as a creative coffee bar. 1123 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 901-3900 La Media Naranja Choose from a colorful range of cold-pressed juices. So many refreshing flavors. 1450 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 747-1232 Lilikoi Monterey Bay Boba tea and other refreshing drinks with a tropical flair that are both colorful and addictive. Hungry? Spam musubi made daily. 1159 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 717-3130, lilikoibobamonterey.com Lupita’s Bakery The family behind Lupita’s has been baking since the late 1800s, starting in Mexico. You can order tacos, but that’s hard when you see the bakery’s signature line of cake bars. 1048 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 394-0188, lupitasbaking.com MYO Pure Frozen Yogurt See listing under Carmel. 840 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 375-3769, myofrozenyogurt. com Paris Bakery See listing under Monterey. 1232 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 394-7798, parisbakery.us Red’s Donuts See listing under Monterey. 1646 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. redsdonutsinc.com Sweet Elena’s Bakery and Café Sweet Elena’s is known for pies and pastries, but it is often referred to as the best restaurant in Sand City. Light soups, quiches and sandwiches are served. 465-D Olympia Ave., Sand City. (831) 393-2063, sweetelenas.com Zimatlan Bakery & Deli Mexican breads and custom cakes, plus tortas and other Mexican dishes with Oaxacan flavors. 1291 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. zimatlanbakery.com South County Restaurants AMERICAN/REGIONAL AMERICAN Cork & Plough A handsome space with an inviting bar and a reputation for dishes made with care. 200 Broadway, King City. (831) 386-9491, thecorkandplough.com The Windmill Restaurant Hearty breakfast to start the day, American favorites such as burgers, club sandwiches, loaded potatoes, steaks and seafood in the afternoon and evening. They will even serve you a banana split. 1167 Front St., Soledad. (831) 678-1775, thewindmillrestaurantca.com BURGERS/DINERS/PUB King City Grill This popular diner is synonymous with brunch, which is why travelers detour from the highway—it’s worth it just for the potatoes. There is a list of benedicts and French toast. 5 Broadway Circle, King City. (831) 386-1112 ITALIAN/PIZZA Luigi’s Expect big plates of pasta and other Italian fare, plus a locally focused wine list and friendly service. 346 Alta St., Gonzales. (831) 675-7800, luigisrestaurantmenu.com MEXICAN/CENTRAL AMERICAN Cocuyo’s Restaurant It’s almost like sitting down in a home with a Mexican grandmother cooking the family meal. The small place is popular beyond its size. 185 Kidder St., Soledad. (831) 237-5004 Restaurante El Rinconcito The place can get crowded because it has a reputation for exceeding expectations, which then brings people back for more. 246 El Camino Real, Greenfield. (831) 856-8228, elrinconcitorestauran.com Taco’n Madre y Sazon Leo Plates, tortas and seafood, plus a lineup of burgers and something called the Pitbull Dog. A kids menu, too, and a popular food truck. 707 Front St., Soledad. (831) 261-0900 Tacos La Potranca de Jalisco Choose your meat for tacos, burritos or try their vegetarian burrito. The place has been around for a while, so you know it has fans. 201 Broadway St., King City. (831) 385-7500, tacoslapotrancadejalisco.com Taqueria Pacheco Located inside La Placita, a grocery store, Taqueria Pacheco still manages to draw traffic from the highway thanks to made-to-order tortillas. 325 Front St., Soledad. (831) 678-1808 Cafes/Bakeries/Ice Cream/ Other Treats Hestia Cafe This is the place to go in South County for a latte fix. But that’s not the only thing they do well. Pastries are homemade, the tea is loose leaf and they are good for an unadorned brew, too. 320B Broadway St., King City. (831) 3861265 Santa Cruz Hula’s Island Grill See listing under Monterey. 221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz. (831) 426-4852, hulastiki.com Shadowbrook Unlike lots of casual settings around here, you have to dress up in your hard pants and shoes to dine here—no flip-flops and beach attire. The dress code gives you a sense of the quality to expect. 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola. (831) 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
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