96 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 FOOD Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 372-2622, chopstixboba.com Curry Journey If ever a restaurant’s name was on point, this is it. Khao soi, panang, green, yellow and a house special. There are other Thai favorites, but it is a compact menu. The kitchen sticks to what they do well. 794 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 582-8325, curryjourney.com Krua Thai The owners came to Monterey from Thailand, bringing the flavors of their home country along. Crave chu chee trout and they probably have it. 731 Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 655-9797, kruathaimonterey.com Namaste Indian Bistro The dining room is bathed in inviting aromas from the kitchen. You will find a range of Indian favorites, including vegetarian options. And the portions are satisfying. 538 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 641-0130, namasteindiabistro.com Rice & Roots The kitchen is steeped in Vietnamese home cooking, but the team is not bound by tradition. There are bowls and banh mi, smoky meats and sprinkles of herbs. But the flavors also reflect California, with its seafood and produce. 422 Tyler St., Monterey. (831) 2416789, riceandrootsmonterey.com Zab Zab Thai Cuisine The menu spans some of Thailand’s culinary regions, but the instincts behind it are from Isaan and the country’s north. The kitchen also enjoys spicing things up. 401 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 747-2225, zabzabmonterey.com ITALIAN/PIZZA Cafe Fina Cafe Fina serves fresh, local seafood and Italian dishes in a beautiful waterfront setting. Italian family recipes are the heart of this favorite spot. Pizza from the wood-burning oven, too. 47 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 372-5200, cafefina.com Fired Up Fisherman Wood-fired pizza, expected to open fall 2026. 638 Wave St., Monterey Gianni’s Pizza Just what does a pizza parlor look like? Step inside Gianni’s for the answer. No need to even see the word “pizza” to know what they serve. (But note, there is also gelato.) 725 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 649-1500, giannispizzamonterey.com Heirloom Pizza Co. A selection of deep-dish or thin-crust pizzas will be tempting, though you can always build your own. Either way, Heirloom strives to be as local, seasonal and organic as possible. 700 Cass St. #102, Monterey. (831) 717-4363, heirloompizzapie.com Louie Linguini’s Louie Linguini’s has built a reputation in seafood and Italian with a spot smack in the middle of Cannery Row. A stunning view of the bay. 660 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 6488500, louielinguinis.com Osteria Al Mare Seafood the Italian way, but with a Monterey Bay view. That’s Osteria Al Mare, perched atop the Coast Guard pier. The menu leans toward traditional Old World dishes, though the ingredients are much more local. 32 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 920-2833, osteriaalmare.com Paluca Trattoria One of the better Italian restaurants in the county is hidden in plain sight on Fisherman’s Wharf. While they import some necessities from Italy, much of what they serve is sourced locally, particularly the seafood, which can come straight from the boat to the kitchen. 6 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 3735559, palucatrattoria.com MEDITERRANEAN Estéban Restaurant It’s all about the tapas and the paella—almost. Some of the main plates may intrude and catch your interest—as may the patio. Rotating specials, a solid brunch and clever craft cocktails round out what is a popular local spot. 700 Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 375-0176, estebanrestaurant.com International Cafe From the folks at the popular International Market & Deli down the street comes this cafe. Gyro, shawarma, falafel, baba ghanouj and other favorites. 296 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 215-1817, internationalcafemonterey.com Petra Cafe A little quick-service restaurant with a few tables offering gyros, shawarma, hummus and other favorites. 435 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 646-2080 MEXICAN/CENTRAL AMERICAN Alejandro’s Put aside notions of a taqueria or Tex-Mex place. This is Mexican-style fine dining. The flavors are inspired and even the simple dishes are done well. And the bar is equal to the kitchen in its preparations. Plus, it’s a handsome space. 474 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 717-4781, alejandros.co Dos Victorias A stop for breakfast, lunch or a dinner on the go. It’s hard to get past those asada fries. 299 Cannery Row #B, Monterey. (831) 372-7298, dos-victorias.com El Cantaro Vegan Mexican Restaurant Somehow they get flavors and textures right, all without dairy or meat. Spicy salsas and rich, deep moles are made in-house. A popular spot. 791 Foam St., Monterey. (831) 6465465, orderelcantaro.com Sardine Factory DANIEL DREIFUSS
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