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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Monterey

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11 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 Schooners Monterey restaurant
2. Schooners Monterey
4.6
Exceptional(3036)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 33 times today
Schooners, suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay, is a stunning restaurant featuring sustainable seafood and approachable, contemporary American cuisine. The ideal location for celebrating the Central Coast and the spectacular coastal region, the Schooners team commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood is reflected in the creative menu which features a variety of seafood options, both raw and cooked, as well as appetizers, soups, salads and main courses. A creative cocktail menu is served alongside an impressive wine list highlighting Monterey County vintners.
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
3. Sardine Factory
4.7
Exceptional(4980)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 50 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 Fish Hopper restaurant
4. Fish Hopper
4.5
Awesome(3768)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 18 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 The Whaling Station Steakhouse restaurant
5. The Whaling Station Steakhouse
4.6
Exceptional(2440)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Monterey
Booked 26 times today
The internationally acclaimed Whaling Station Steakhouse, perched just above Steinbeck’s Cannery Row has been Monterey County’s #1 Steak House for over 50 years, The Whaling Station takes the term “Steakhouse” seriously...Select your USDA Prime cut of the USA’s finest beef from a silver tray or enjoy our slow-roasted USDA Prime, Prime Rib. An award-winning wine list and full spirits bar compliment your dining experience. Serving Dinner and cocktails from 4:30pm daily. The Bar at The Whaling Station Steakhouse has its own menu and its own local following, with drink specials and lively conversation served nightly. Parking in our private lot. A private, 50-seat banquet room is also available.
A photo of Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant
6. Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
4.6
Exceptional(4321)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 24 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of El Torito - Monterey restaurant
7. El Torito - Monterey
3.9
Excellent(1216)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Monterey
Booked 15 times today
The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
8. Dametra Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(243)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 30 times today
Dametra Cafe is a hot spot in Carmel due to its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Greek cuisine. Customers rave about the high-quality food, friendly service, and engaging environment. The restaurant is consistently packed with its live music and energetic ambiance. One reviewer even mentioned that the restaurant 'erupts into a middle eastern dance party', making it an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
9. Il Fornaio - Carmel
4.5
Awesome(2279)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 20 times today
Il Fornaio - Carmel is a hotspot due to its authentic Italian cuisine and excellent service. Reviewers rave about the 'fabulous food and service', 'delicious food', 'excellent service and great food', and 'real authentic Italian cuisine'. The restaurant also boasts a 'Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list' and a menu that includes 'wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats', 'pizzas from an oak wood burning oven', and 'fresh salads and house made soups'. The ambiance and atmosphere of the restaurant are also highly praised, making it a favorite among locals and visitors.
A photo of Rio Grill restaurant
10. Rio Grill
4.6
Exceptional(2475)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 13 times today
Rio Grill, located in the Crossroads in Carmel, has been the place to meet friends, enjoy tasty, flavorful food and relax with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine for over 38 Years.Chef Luis Osorio creative American dishes are some of the most flavorful, colorful and vibrant on the Monterey Peninsula and celebrate flavor in every mouthwatering bite!In addition to the main dining room, Rio Grill has a comfortable lounge and full bar serving refreshing libations including the restaurant’s famous "Rio Rita.” The bar is lined with colorful caricatures of local faces and celebrities. Rio Grill's award-winning wine list by Wine Director, Gabe de la Vega, features more than 250 labels featuring a ton of local wineries and an extensive selection available by the glass.

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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 1 day 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 1 day 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
  • Marcia
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Enjoyed a wonderful birthday dinner for my husband. Good service, excellent food. The parking was an unexpected bonus! We will be back.
    More info
    The Whaling Station SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • Gina
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 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
  • BruceVIP
    California Central Coast •73 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 2, 2025
    Fabulous service Delicious wine Superb meal A wonderful evening
    More info
    Sardine FactoryPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.7

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Monterey

Discover the culinary delights of Monterey/Carmel, a gem on California's Central Coast renowned for its vibrant dining scene. This area is teeming with hot spots that cater to a variety of tastes and dining experiences. From casual waterfront dining offering fresh seafood to upscale establishments with multi-course tasting menus, each restaurant in this locale brings its own unique flavor and atmosphere. Enjoy expertly prepared dishes that showcase the freshest local ingredients, from Monterey Bay seafood to produce sourced from Monterey County. The restaurants in this region are celebrated not only for their exceptional food but also for their outstanding service and inviting ambiances. Whether you're seeking a lively meal with live music or a quiet dinner with ocean views, Monterey/Carmel offers an unforgettable dining experience that caters to food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

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