Restaurants near Monterey Bay Aquarium

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

64 restaurants available nearby

1. Sardine Factory

4.7

Exceptional(5023)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Monterey

Booked 41 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.

2. Fish Hopper

4.5

Awesome(3791)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Monterey

Booked 32 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

3. The Whaling Station Steakhouse

4.6

Exceptional(2462)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Monterey

Booked 32 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 the C restaurant + bar restaurant

4. the C restaurant + bar

4.6

Exceptional(1231)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Monterey

Booked 4 times today

Our family-friendly Monterey Bay restaurant is close to the Aquarium, situated over sapphire waters and immersed in the natural beauty of the California coast. The C restaurant features only seafood endorsed by Seafood Watch of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The delicious Arctic Char featured on Executive Chef Matt Bolton's menus is similar to salmon in taste, texture and color, but is available year-round, and is rated a "best choice" by Seafood Watch. Located at the upscale InterContinental The Clement Monterey hotel on Monterey Bay. Every table at the C restaurant has a view of the pristine and scenic Monterey Bay. Marine life sightings abound, including dolphins, whales, harbor seals and sea otters. Enjoy the parade of sea creatures and shore birds as you savor the finest in California regional cuisine.

5. Il Vecchio

4.4

Awesome(127)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pacific Grove

Booked 12 times today

Located near the Aquarium, we offer a true taste of Italy with our homemade pastas and hand-picked Italian wines. Enjoy dishes crafted from cherished family recipes in a warm, rustic setting that evokes the charm of an Italian trattoria. Whether it's a romantic dinner or a family gathering, Il Vecchio promises an unforgettable dining experience with stunning bay views and exceptional hospitality. Voted "Best Italian Restaurant" every year since 2011.

A photo of El Torito - Monterey restaurant

6. El Torito - Monterey

3.7

Very Good(1241)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Monterey

Booked 32 times today

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

7. Louie Linguini's

4.3

Awesome(357)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Monterey

Booked 3 times today

Louie Linguini's is the finest Italian and Seafood restaurant on historic Cannery Row. We offer a large variety of food from seafood to pastas and pizzas. Louie Linguini's provides a fun and family friend atmosphere that is located directly on the water and has some of the best ocean views in the Monterey area. Come and enjoy great food and great service while you learn about Louie's wonderful life.

A photo of Schooners Monterey restaurant

8. Schooners Monterey

4.7

Exceptional(3051)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Monterey

Booked 61 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 Chart House Restaurant - Monterey restaurant

9. Chart House Restaurant - Monterey

4.4

Awesome(6974)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Monterey

Booked 71 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 Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant

10. Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point

4.7

Exceptional(4362)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Pacific Grove

Booked 37 times today

Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.

Dining near Monterey Bay Aquarium at a glance

Updated on 2025-03-08

Spotted Duck

4.9

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From verified diners like you

E
Elvira
Orange County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I had very nice dinner on my business trip to Monterey. Jennifer was very professional and friendly, food was excellent and atmosphere was very nice. Outstanding decorations inside. Would be perfect for romantic dinner as well. Highly recommend.
More info
Sardine FactoryPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
•
4.7
J
Jacqulyn
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was fantastic and well worth the prices.
More info
Il VecchioPrice: Moderate• Italian• Pacific Grove
•
4.4
J
Jared
Fresno / San Joaquin Valley •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Thank you for making the last night of our honeymoon perfect!
More info
Fish HopperPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
•
4.5
P
Peter
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great food! Great service! Wonderful experience! Thank you!
More info
The Whaling Station SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Monterey
•
4.6
L
Lorraine
California Central Coast •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 26, 2025
We had a lovely dinner and the service was top notch! We shared a baked banaska for desert it was outstanding.
More info
the C restaurant + barPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
•
4.6

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