92 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 FOOD Sardine Factory Overlooking Cannery Row, this landmark restaurant boasts one of the area’s finest wine cellars as well as a reputation for impeccable service, excellently prepared local seafood and quality meats. Superior happy hour bargains, and you can sit in Clint Eastwood’s seat. 701 Wave St., Monterey. (831) 373-3775, sardinefactory.com Sea Root Sea Root gives a hotel menu of steak, seafood and pasta Mediterranean flair but with local ingredients and a California vibe. An off-thebeaten-path gem, even if it is in a large hotel. 1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey. (831) 6576588, hyatt.com Tarpy’s Roadhouse An attractive stone ranch house, built in 1917, is the setting for innovative yet familiar entrées that are hearty and heartfelt. Billed as a steakhouse, Tarpy’s can be homey (meatloaf) and locally inspired (coal-fired artichoke). Really, there’s something for almost every taste. 2999 Highway 68, Monterey. (831) 6471444, tarpys.com Turn 12 Bar & Grill Think comfort fare—burgers, pizza, spaghetti and meatballs—with a California impression (ahi tuna tower, anyone?) and global touches. The popular lunch and dinner spot has a nice bar area serving boozy milkshakes. 400 Tyler St., Monterey. (831) 372-8876, turn12barandgrill.com Woody’s at the Airport American classics in a dining room with a view of takeoffs and landings draws local residents. A salad- and sandwich-centric lunch menu gives way at dinner to classics like ribeye, sand dabs and calamari. USA Today named it Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant. 200 Fred Kane Drive, Monterey. (831) 373-1232, woodysmontereyairport.com ASIA/PACIFIC Benihana Teppanyaki-style steak, chicken and shrimp are specialties at this branch of the national franchise, strategically located adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf and Custom House Plaza. 136 Olivier St., Monterey. (831) 644-9007, benihana.com Bulgogi House The narrow restaurant with its open kitchen is aptly named. Bulgogi is the star here, but they also offer rice bowls, kalbi and snacks. Plates come with three banchan, because a Korean restaurant table should be crowded. 413 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 920-1251, bulgogihousemonterey.com Crystal Fish The quarters are cozy and the sashimi is fresh. Don’t let the humble exterior fool you, Crystal Fish has earned the Best Sushi vote from Weekly readers in the past. 514 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 649-3474, crystalfishmonterey.com Full Moon Full Moon offers the standard dishes found in an American Chinese restaurant—but there are a few exceptions, such as boiled fish and cold plates (triple beef, bean jelly and so on). 429 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 333-1288, fullmoonmandarincuisine.com Great Wall The list of Mandarin, Szechuan and other dishes you expect from a Chinese restaurant in the U.S., and there are plenty of options. 724 Abrego St., Monterey. (831) 372-3637, greatwallmonterey.com Hula’s Island Grill This delightful slice of Hawaiiana in Monterey serves island-inspired dishes like poke in a charming, kitschy, split-level room with a courtyard out back. One of the best vibes and happy hours in the region, with the tropical cocktails to prove it. 622 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 655-4852, hulastiki.com Jack’s Bao Jack’s runs on steam power—dumplings, bao and other Shanghai specialties, to be more precise. 751 Cannery Row, Monterey. jacksbao.com Kona Steak & Seafood Spacious and handsome, with a menu of seafood and Pacific Island influences. The “Zen Den” bar is simply cool and there’s a shave ice shack. 1200 Del Monte Center, Monterey. (831) 920-2911, konamonterey.com Ocean Sushi Deli Take your time, it’s a big menu. Simply put, if it is Japanese, they probably serve it. You can dine in, but most people take out. The Pacific Grove location is take away—with a smaller menu. 165 Webster St., Monterey. (831) 6459876, oceansushi.com Sapporo Steak and Sushi Teppan tableside dining, sushi and Japanese dishes are prepared right before your eyes. Dockside views of the harbor and bay come with every show. Municipal Wharf 2, #3, Monterey. (831) 333-1616, montereysapporo. com Sushi Kuma They don’t call them specialty rolls at Kuma. They are designer rolls. So there’s a fun attitude to go along with the familiar lineup. 414 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 324-4745, kumamonterey.com Toribashi With a slogan “Inspired by Japan, created in California,” you know this counter-service restaurant is going to bend the ramen rules just a little. 487 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 6439556, toribashi.com BURGERS/DINERS/PUBS Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill Burgers, fish and chips—there are brewpub staples. But one can order seared ahi sandwiches or bar pies and other creative fare that goes well with the rotating house-brewed drafts. There is often a wait. 426 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 655-2337, asb.beer American Burger There are different burgers to choose from. There’s a basic one and a few hot, spicy and wild ones, as well as two vegetarian burgers—you get the point. 738 Lighthouse Ave., La Casa del Sazón DANIEL DREIFUSS
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