Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast

Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Marina

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighbourhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette restaurant
1. Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette
4.5
Awesome(1282)
Price: Moderate
• Unspecified • Marina
Booked 13 times today
Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette is a top-notch seafood restaurant in Marina, CA. It's not just about the food, but the whole experience. As one reviewer put it, it's a place where you'll have 'an unforgettable dining experience'. The live show kitchen, oyster bar, and sunset sessions add a unique touch. Plus, they're known for making special occasions even more special with personalized touches like acknowledging anniversaries and offering free champagne.
A photo of Schooners Monterey restaurant
2. Schooners Monterey
4.6
Exceptional(3019)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 19 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 Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
3. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.7
Exceptional(1600)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 30 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 Passionfish restaurant
4. Passionfish
4.8
Exceptional(7211)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Grove
Booked 17 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 Sardine Factory restaurant
5. Sardine Factory
4.8
Exceptional(4942)
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.
A photo of Stokes Adobe Restaurant restaurant
6. Stokes Adobe Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(748)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 18 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
4.4
Awesome(6832)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 41 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
8. Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
4.5
Awesome(4283)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 21 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of Montrio restaurant
9. Montrio
4.6
Exceptional(4196)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 12 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 Fish Hopper restaurant
10. Fish Hopper
4.5
Awesome(3733)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 43 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.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Perivip
    California Central Coast •62 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I've been telling people about Saltwood all day... We got there late because there was a traffic tie-up but they could still seat us at a nice table. First off I enjoyed washing my hands with the salt scrub they provide in the restroom. Then we ordered cocktails from their menu.. both were excellent. Our friends arrived and chose the $18 burger special with fries and their choice of beer. We ordered chilled oysters for $3 each but large, served with two different sauces. I ordered a bowl of clam chowder, which was super creamy and delicious, with big chunks of clam throughout. It was probably the best I can remember having, though I'll need to go back to Fisherman's Grotto to compare. The Grotto offers 6 oysters for $16, which is another reason to go back there. Overall I highly recommend Saltwood (parking is way better here than Fisherman's Wharf but requires a drive to Marina.) There's no view to speak of but the decor is fresh and uplifting. The servers are very thoughtful and we will definitely be back.
    More info
    Salt Wood Kitchen and OysterettePrice: Moderate• undefined• Marina
    •
    4.5
  • Julie
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    First time here, and loved the outside seating. Service was great, and the food was wonderful! Will definitely return!
    More info
    Schooners MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • Kathy
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our food was just delicious and amazing! The scallops were so fresh and prepared just perfect! My sons stripped bass was very flavorful and he loved the fava beans that were with the dish! This is an outstanding seafood restaurant and I would highly recommend it to both visitors and people who live here! And for dessert I had their chocolate sorbet which was so creamy and rich tasting., not to mention since it was my birthday we had some yummy french champagne that all three of us enjoyed.. and it did not come with a high price tag so my husband was happy also.,
    More info
    PassionfishPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pacific Grove
    •
    4.8
  • Bernadettevip
    Chicago / Illinois •83 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    such a great night, parking easy, rainy friday but still able to enjoy evening food amazing Giovanni extremely helpful and provided great suggestions Food came out in good timing and drinks just as tasty! Enjoyed the entire experience everything fresh
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.7
  • nicholas
    Edmonton / Northern Alberta •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Food was 10/10, really good. Only draw back was the higher price range. Service was really good as well, awesome recommendations by our server.
    More info
    Casanova Restaurant CarmelPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    •
    4.6

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Marina

Discover the perfect dining destinations for special occasions in the picturesque California Central Coast, specifically in Marina, Monterey, and Carmel. Whether you're celebrating a milestone anniversary, a memorable birthday, or any other significant event, the restaurants in this region offer a variety of atmospheres from intimate and cozy to vibrant and scenic. These establishments are renowned for their exceptional service, where every detail is meticulously crafted to enhance your celebration. Culinary offerings are diverse, with menus featuring locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared to satisfy every palate. The dining scene here is characterized by a blend of sophistication and relaxation, reflecting the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Central Coast. Enjoy personalized touches such as custom cakes or champagne toasts that make your special occasion truly unforgettable. Each restaurant strives to create an experience that not only delights but also leaves lasting impressions, making them ideal choices for those cherished celebratory moments.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo