98 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 FOOD El Charrito Express See listing under Salinas. This is a scaleddown lunch place behind Alejandro’s (see above). 474 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 884-5143, elcharrito.com La Bahia A casual, family-operated spot with a friendly feel. The menu leans toward Jalisco flavors and the tortillas are handmade. 675 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 884-5269 La Casa del Sazón See listing under Salinas. Items are made to order. 431 Tyler St., Monterey. (831) 2300570, lacasadelsazon.com Mission 19 Taqueria An unassuming space on a Lighthouse Avenue corner that will not catch your attention until you approach the counter. Yes, they are making tortillas by hand. Yes, the birria has been simmering all day. 598 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 717-4843 Sarita’s Mexican Grill An extensive menu with one emphasis: feeding customers well. Think big platters and combo plates. 21 Soledad St., Monterey. (831) 350-0555, saritasmexicangrill.com Taqueria Del Mar Although it doesn’t look like much from the outside, Taqueria Del Mar concentrates on what’s inside, with an emphasis on seafood. And they use locally caught fish when it’s available. 530 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 372-7887 SEAFOOD Abalonetti Bar & Grill Treat yourself to the joy of squid at this local seafood landmark with a dockside view. Order Abalonetti’s famous calamari prepared six different ways. 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 373-1851, abalonettimonterey.com Chart House Although the Chart House is technically a chain, with locations in 15 states, plates at the high-end eatery have a local touch, with seafood from the adjacent coast. 444 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 372-3362, chart-house.com Crab House The name suggests a crab-centric menu, however the kitchen prepares all manner of seafood, including local favorites such as sand dabs. 60 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 717-4898 Crab Louie’s Bistro If you crave the king of seafood salads, this is the place. The seafood is fresh, naturally. 46 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 6551173, crablouiemonterey.com Domenico’s on the Wharf For a steaming bowl of cioppino and a gorgeous view of the water, there’s always Domenico’s. Seafood is served with an Italian accent and a view from every table. 50 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 3723655, domenicosmonterey.com Fish Hopper If it’s seafood and a view you want, this would be one of Cannery Row’s popular choices—it’s a go-to seafood spot on Cannery Row. But if you want pasta or prime rib, they have you covered, too. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 372-8543, fishhopper.com Monterey’s Fish House As the name implies, seafood is the Fish House’s strong suit. Traditional homestyle cooking with an Italian influence and a touch of nostalgia. Often a line out the door. 2114 Del Monte Ave., Monterey. (831) 373-4647, montereyfishhouse.com Old Fisherman’s Grotto For six decades Old Fisherman’s Grotto has been serving fish, lobster, crab, pasta, chicken, steaks and its world-famous clam chowder. Another plus: Pretty much every table has an ocean view. 39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 375-4604, oldfishermansgrotto.com Oystertown California oysters are just the starting point. The small menu ranges beyond seafood to unexpected favorites such as meatballs, spicy mushroom soup or the tiramisu ice cream sandwich. Portions allow you to order more and bar seating invites conversation. 281 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 312-8150, oystertownusa.com Rockfish Harbor Grill All manner of seafood dishes are featured here. And the view is outstanding. But there are little innovations that set this place apart. Vegetarian? Try the roasted vegetable tower. 101 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. (831) 3244375, rockfishmonterey.com Sandbar & Grill Suspended a dozen feet above the water beneath the commercial fishing wharf, the Sandbar offers classic seafood dishes in a warm and friendly setting with a lovely view. It’s a locals’ favorite and a semi-hidden gem. A good bar, as well. Municipal Wharf 2, Monterey. (831) 373-2818, sandbarandgrillmonterey.com Schooners When a restaurant is this close to the bay, the seafood is going to be a focus. There are also steakhouse touches to the menu. All of it comes with a patio and great bay scenery. 400 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 372-2628, schoonersmonterey.com Sea Harvest Sea Harvest is a choice for fresh ocean catches. Grilled or broiled fish are available from the restaurant, or shop in the market and cook at home. 598 Foam St., Monterey. (831) 646-0547, seaharvestfishmarketandrestaurant.com STEAKHOUSE Whaling Station Steakhouse Aged beef is the star here: USDA prime, American Wagyu—they do not stoop below the best meat, even in appetizers. And they are willing to go big, with prime rib, porterhouse for two, beef Wellington and more. Of course, the chef is no slouch at seafood, chicken or rack of lamb, either. Big value bar menu. 763 Wave St., Monterey. (831) 373-3778, thewhalingstation.com Delis/Markets/Shops Cannery Row Deli Cannery Row Deli is small, but that doesn’t hurt its popularity. They serve breakfast—burritos and plates—and a range of deli sandwiches for lunch. It’s just a few steps from the Rec Trail, so you can work off that burrito. 101 Drake Ave., Monterey. (831) 645-9549, canneryrowdeli.com Carmel Honey Company See listing under Carmel. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 205-0085, carmelhoneycompany.com Compagno’s Market & Deli There is almost always a line for their deli sandwiches. That’s the big draw here (big has two meanings, in this context), but there’s also a selection of chips and other groceries. 2000 Prescott Ave., Monterey. (831) 375-5987 Coniglio Brothers Italian Deli Maybe it’s best to go with one of the house sandwiches, or a classic like pastrami on rye or a muffaletta. To build your own—let’s put it this way: There are 18 different meats on the menu and 24 different cheeses. Take your time. 750 Cannery Row #108, Monterey. (831) 901-3175, conigliodeli.com Elroy’s Fine Foods One can shop for groceries at Elroy’s. There are a number of local items, and an emphasis on organic. And you may desperately need smoked Maldon sea salt for a recipe. But there is also a smoothie bar, prepared foods, bulk items. 15 Soledad St., Monterey. (831) 373-3737, elroysfinefoods.com International Market It’s far too easy to overlook this spot. And once inside, you still can’t imagine how much stuff— groceries, spices—fits into such a tiny space. 580 LIghthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 3759451, internationalmarketanddeli.webs.com La Sala’s Bi-Rite Market Among the city’s hidden gems. This deli and market features the meats, cheeses and breads you expect, along with daily specials. 250 Casa Verde Way, Monterey. (831) 3726824, lasalasbiritemarketca.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==