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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Monterey

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34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
1. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.8
Exceptional(1646)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 25 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Montrio restaurant
2. Montrio
4.6
Exceptional(4225)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 17 times today
Montrio is a Californian restaurant in Monterey with a classic dining experience. It features a fine European-inspired menu with sustainable seafood and quality meat. Reviewers consistently mention it as a great place for special occasions, praising its atmosphere, food quality, and exceptional service. One even said, 'The staff was genuinely friendly, upbeat, and extremely professional. They make each experience a special occasion.'
A photo of Domenico's on the Wharf restaurant
3. Domenico's on the Wharf
4.5
Awesome(1643)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 15 times today
That friendly salutation is an invitation to dine with us and enjoy exceptional bayside ambiance, gracious service and delicious food. Our entire staff here at Domenico's On the Wharf has extended a warm welcome to locals and visitors for more than 35 years, and we proudly present the best seafood in Monterey for your dining pleasure.Our award-winning list of wine features the best from surrounding Monterey County vineyards, and we offer extensive selections from Sonoma, Napa, Italy, and France. The freshest, sustainable, local and Alaskan seafood take center stage in our culinary creations, and we also grill up extraordinary steaks and lovingly prepare in-house pastas and locally grown organic vegetables.Our family style of hospitality continues to win a special place in the hearts of our guests. Let us show you to your table overlooking the beautiful bay waters with a sunny window view of sea lions and pelicans at play.
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
4. Fish Hopper
4.5
Awesome(3768)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 46 times today
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean combined with world-class dining on historic Cannery Row, just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The newly renovated Fish Hopper, housed in an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular views of the stunning Monterey Bay from every table, including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, certified Angus beef, pastas, and live shellfish. Our seafood is either locally caught or shipped in fresh daily, and our produce is locally grown in the Salinas Valley. Some favorites include fresh Monterey Bay abalone, macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” bone-in rib eye, and fresh Dungeness crab. Start your meal with our award-winning clam chowder, and indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations or a selection from our extensive wine collection. While enjoying your delicious meal, you can watch sea otters at play and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale.
A photo of Schooners Monterey restaurant
5. Schooners Monterey
4.6
Exceptional(3037)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 35 times today
Schooners Monterey is a special occasion restaurant that offers a stunning waterfront setting and fresh, sustainable seafood. Many customers have praised the exceptional service, beautiful views, and delicious food. It's a place where you can celebrate special events, like anniversaries, birthdays, and even propose. The attentive staff makes guests feel like royalty, making every dining experience unforgettable.
A photo of Stokes Adobe Restaurant restaurant
6. Stokes Adobe Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(782)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 26 times today
Stokes Adobe is a new restaurant located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes. The menu offers chef driven seasonally inspired California cuisine. The bar and cozy outdoor fire pits offer classic cocktails, wines by the glass and local beers.
A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Monterey restaurant
7. Chart House Restaurant - Monterey
4.5
Awesome(6911)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 68 times today
Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
8. Sardine Factory
4.7
Exceptional(4981)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 38 times today
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.
A photo of Passionfish restaurant
9. Passionfish
4.7
Exceptional(7254)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Grove
Booked 21 times today
Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.
A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant
10. Casanova Restaurant Carmel
4.6
Exceptional(2384)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 39 times today
Casanova Restaurant Carmel is a special place for celebrations, as seen in the glowing reviews. It's described as a 'romantic and charming spot' with 'excellent food and service'. Many patrons celebrate their special occasions here, including birthdays, anniversaries, and even 46th wedding anniversaries. The staff is also praised for their helpfulness in making special arrangements for these events. The atmosphere is described as 'Old World' and the food as 'perfectly orchestrated and seasoned'. The restaurant's extensive wine list is also a hit.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Steve
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We have been coming to the Fish Hopper Restaurant for many years. We love the locals menu. It is a great value without sacrificing quality. The macadamia crusted local halibut is also a favorite. Thank you Sabu!
    More info
    Fish HopperPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.5
  • Dennis
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Hands down, there is no finer restaurant on Fishermans Wharf in Monterey, CA. From our appetizer to our dessert, our dinner was exquisite! Our server, Tara, was fantastic in every way. She was friendly and made menu recommendations for us to consider based on what guests at her other tables were raving about earlier in the evening. We were treated as if we were the only diners in the restaurant. The food she delivered to our table was artfully arranged and worthy of taking numerous photos to remember this most perfect dining experience.
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.8
  • Lilly
    Fresno / San Joaquin Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Food was wonderful and the restaurant had such pretty views. Our server zane was so nice and attentive. Definitely recommend the salmon stuffed with other seafood.
    More info
    Domenico's on the WharfPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.5
  • Gina
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    First time to Schooners and we all enjoyed it so much! Great view, good service and excellent food. We went in for a late lunch. Enjoyed the focaccia and seafood tostada for starters. Crab pasta, crab blt and cioppino were all delicious! Will definitely return.
    More info
    Schooners MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • Katy
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 4, 2025
    So many tasty things on the menu makes it hard to choose. But they are all a good choice
    More info
    MontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    •
    4.6

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Monterey

Discover the perfect destinations for celebrating special occasions in Monterey/Carmel, a gem on California's Central Coast. This region boasts a diverse array of dining options that cater specifically to making your celebrations memorable. From serene waterfront settings offering sustainable seafood to cozy, family-owned establishments serving comfort food with a twist, each restaurant promises a unique ambiance and quality dining experience. The dining scene in Monterey/Carmel is renowned for its combination of breathtaking views and culinary excellence, making it an ideal choice for any festive gathering. Guests frequently applaud the attentive, personalized service that transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable event. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or any milestone, the restaurants here are equipped to make every occasion extraordinary. Emphasize the importance of ambiance, service, and culinary delight as you plan your next special event in this picturesque locale.

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