The best restaurants in Monterey County
115 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
Browse another shelf: all of Monterey County’s best · Beauty · Shopping · Bakeries & Sweets · Entertainment · Health & Wellness · Nightlife · Home & Garden · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Arts & Culture · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Cafes · Parks & Outdoors · Pets
Pinned in Monterey County today
This spot is open today.
Two pinned places a day in Monterey County — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Five Guys
RestaurantsFast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.
Five Guys
RestaurantsThe Oven Pizzeria
RestaurantsNew York-style pizza plus calzones & other Italian fare in a casual, family-style setting.
The Oven Pizzeria
RestaurantsDel Monte Grill & Cafe
RestaurantsWhether you crave pancakes for dinner or a burger before coffee, Del Monte Grill & Cafe does breakfast and lunch all day, with Manuel A,…
Del Monte Grill & Cafe
RestaurantsBaldemiro's Taco Shop
RestaurantsCozy spot offering tacos, burritos, and other traditional Mexican eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Baldemiro's Taco Shop
RestaurantsPizza Factory Monterey
RestaurantsOrder-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.
Pizza Factory Monterey
RestaurantsErik's DeliCafé
RestaurantsWhen lunchtime sneaks up, Erik's DeliCafé nails the fast, fresh thing with made-to-order deli classics, hot soups, and crisp salads that…
Erik's DeliCafé
RestaurantsBlack Bear Diner Monterey
RestaurantsEasygoing chain serving familiar all-day comfort food & desserts in a woodsy setting.
Black Bear Diner Monterey
RestaurantsLittle Caesars Pizza
RestaurantsCarry-out chain featuring chicken wings, signature breadsticks & pizza tossed from housemade dough.
Little Caesars Pizza
RestaurantsHarumi
RestaurantsSimple Japanese cafe featuring a sushi bar with dozens of rolls, bento boxes, beer & sake.
Harumi
RestaurantsPapa Chevo's Taco Shop
RestaurantsSimple eatery with tacos, enchiladas & other Mexican staples, plus all-day breakfast burritos.
Papa Chevo's Taco Shop
RestaurantsLas Cazuelas Taqueria
RestaurantsBurritos, tacos & Mexican favorites served in contemporary quarters for three meals a day.
Las Cazuelas Taqueria
RestaurantsEast West Pizza
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering a wide range of pizzas – some with curry, alongside garlic twists, wings and salads.
East West Pizza
RestaurantsValnizza's Deli & Market
RestaurantsDeli known for its sandwiches, also offering breakfast burritos, wine, and firewood.
Valnizza's Deli & Market
RestaurantsTricycle Pizza
RestaurantsCasual, family-run pizza place for hearty pies served in a modern interior & lively open-air patio.
Tricycle Pizza
Restaurants3 Mundos Sandwich Shop
RestaurantsWhen simplicity wins, 3 Mundos Sandwich Shop keeps it classic with piled-high sandwiches and hearty burgers, plus legit veggie options for…
3 Mundos Sandwich Shop
RestaurantsMariscos Puerto Nuevo
RestaurantsSince 1991, Mariscos Puerto Nuevo has been serving Monterey Bay with traditional recipes, from big seafood platters and classic combo…
Mariscos Puerto Nuevo
RestaurantsSaritas Mexican Grill Restaurants
RestaurantsMexican fare such as enchiladas and breakfast options offered in a comfy setting.
Saritas Mexican Grill Restaurants
RestaurantsEl Migueleno Restaurant
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery serving traditional Salvadoran & Mexican grub such as pupusas, tacos & enchiladas.
El Migueleno Restaurant
RestaurantsMountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.
Mountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsLindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill at Hotel 1110
RestaurantsLindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill at Hotel 1110 serves craft cocktails, locally sourced wine and beer, and Mediterranean-leaning plates that…
LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill at Hotel 1110
RestaurantsTOGO'S Sandwiches
RestaurantsCounter-service chain offering made-to-order hot & cold sandwiches in straightforward surroundings.
TOGO'S Sandwiches
RestaurantsWoody’s At The Airport
RestaurantsA Monterey standby since 1966, Woody’s At The Airport keeps it classic with well-executed seafood and steaks, plus legit breakfasts and…
Woody’s At The Airport
RestaurantsSushi Time
RestaurantsSushi Time keeps it friendly and unfussy, with creative sushi rolls alongside familiar Japanese favorites that make weeknights feel easy.…
Sushi Time
RestaurantsRound Table Pizza
RestaurantsLong-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.
Round Table Pizza
RestaurantsArigato Sushi
RestaurantsArigato Sushi keeps Salinas cravings satisfied with specialty rolls, comforting miso, and teriyaki classics when you want easy, plus an…
Arigato Sushi
RestaurantsTaqueria Taquitos
RestaurantsWhen the taco mood hits and you want something straightforward and satisfying, Taqueria Taquitos keeps it classic with tacos, burritos,…
Taqueria Taquitos
RestaurantsSarku Japan
RestaurantsChain offering made-to-order teppanyaki-style Japanese dishes cooked on sizzling grills, plus sushi.
Sarku Japan
RestaurantsTHE BAGEL BAKERY
RestaurantsFrom crack-of-dawn bakes to all-day batches, The Bagel Bakery keeps Salinas happily carb-loaded with bagels voted best by Monterey County…
THE BAGEL BAKERY
RestaurantsBJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
RestaurantsFamily-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
RestaurantsSalinas Pizza
RestaurantsSalinas Pizza keeps it fun for the family with a mini arcade, plus a menu that swings from classic pepperoni to Pizza Mexicana with nopal…
Salinas Pizza
RestaurantsPizza House
RestaurantsPizza House keeps it simple and Salinas-proud with Californian pizzas, stuffed sandwiches, and crisp salads made with locally grown…
Pizza House
RestaurantsStraw Hat Pizza
RestaurantsStraw Hat Pizza has been a family favorite since 1959 for a reason, with fresh-made dough every day, a thin California crust with tangy…
Straw Hat Pizza
RestaurantsMountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.
Mountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsPastability's
RestaurantsPastability's does fast, fresh build-your-own bowls with your choice of pasta, sauces, and toppings, plus hearty lasagnas and even…
Pastability's
RestaurantsRafael Mexican Grill
RestaurantsCasual Mexican restaurant serving breakfast, burritos, and other comfort dishes in a kid-friendly setting with a patio.
Rafael Mexican Grill
RestaurantsCasa Sorrento Pizzeria
RestaurantsSince 1962, Casa Sorrento Pizzeria has been the local go-to for classic pies and Italian comfort made from original family recipes, with…
Casa Sorrento Pizzeria
RestaurantsThe Village Restaurant
RestaurantsThe Village Restaurant is an independently owned Salinas staple where Chef Alfredo blends Italian, American, and a Latin touch into hearty…
The Village Restaurant
RestaurantsRound Table Pizza
RestaurantsLong-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.
Round Table Pizza
RestaurantsGino's
RestaurantsSince 1975, Gino's has been the Bozzo family's salute to Calabria right here in Salinas, turning out fresh, quality-driven pasta and…
Gino's
RestaurantsMi Tierra
RestaurantsFor a no-fuss Mexican spot locals lean on, Mi Tierra turns out hearty huevos con chorizo, chile colorado, fajitas de carne asada, and…
Mi Tierra
RestaurantsTaqueria 3 Hermanos
RestaurantsTaqueria 3 Hermanos keeps Salinas fed with legit Mexican staples that taste homemade, from chicharon and caldos to enchiladas, tortas,…
Taqueria 3 Hermanos
RestaurantsKokoro Sushi
RestaurantsKokoro Sushi keeps it simple and satisfying with teriyaki and other Japanese hot plates alongside a lineup of creative and classic sushi…
Kokoro Sushi
RestaurantsMountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.
Mountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsLos Altos Restaurant
RestaurantsLos Altos Restaurant keeps it casual with a sprawling menu of street‑style favorites and hearty plates, the kind of place you pop into…
Los Altos Restaurant
RestaurantsEl Michoacano
RestaurantsCasual eatery dishing up familiar Mexican fare plus seafood plates, cocktails and beer.
El Michoacano
RestaurantsChuck E. Cheese
RestaurantsKid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.
Chuck E. Cheese
RestaurantsEl Pollo Loco
RestaurantsEl Pollo Loco does citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken right, chopped into tacos, tostadas, burritos, and family meals with warm…
El Pollo Loco
RestaurantsPasta Mia | Italian
RestaurantsWhen you need dinner to be both good and fast, Pasta Mia comes through with co-owner Chef Jose Aranda’s signature plates alongside the…
Pasta Mia | Italian
RestaurantsPizza Factory
RestaurantsOrder-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.
Pizza Factory
RestaurantsBlazin' Bagelz
RestaurantsBlazin' Bagelz has that New York style chew and a menu full of bagel sandwiches and specialty drinks that actually wake up a weekday.…
Blazin' Bagelz
RestaurantsLa Cocina Vallarta
RestaurantsWhether you’re juggling homework and hunger or just want legit flavors without turning on the stove, La Cocina Vallarta has ready-to-eat…
La Cocina Vallarta
RestaurantsSushi Daruma
RestaurantsSushi Daruma nails the weeknight craving with chef’s choice omakase nigiri, hearty Daruma Specials, and a roll list that swings from…
Sushi Daruma
RestaurantsSalinas Pizza & Pints
RestaurantsSalinas Pizza & Pints teamed up with JagoLedak to bring wood-fired pies, crispy wings, and a heat scale you control from mellow to Level 5,…
Salinas Pizza & Pints
RestaurantsMountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.
Mountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsSamurai | Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsSamurai | Japanese Restaurant keeps it simple in the best way, with traditional Japanese comforts and creative, colorful rolls that don’t…
Samurai | Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsSalinas City BBQ
RestaurantsSalinas City BBQ brings the real stuff, with brisket, ribs, and steaks slow-smoked over California oak. Load up on classic sides, snag a…
Salinas City BBQ
RestaurantsChick-fil-A
RestaurantsFast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.
Chick-fil-A
RestaurantsEl Charrito
RestaurantsEl Charrito has been doing its thing since 1981, turning out craft burritos wrapped in hand-stretched flour tortillas that hit that warm,…
El Charrito
RestaurantsDenny's Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Denny's Restaurant
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsFin + Field Restaurant and Bar
RestaurantsFin + Field Restaurant and Bar keeps it Monterey with Californian coastal plates sourced from local farms and fisheries, a waterfront…
Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar
RestaurantsPeter B’s
RestaurantsMonterey’s original craft brewery, Peter B’s pours handcrafted, award-winning beers brewed on-site and turns out elevated pub favorites…
Peter B’s
RestaurantsEstéban Restaurant, Locals' Favorite
RestaurantsBetween crispy patatas bravas, empanadas, and paella that actually stops conversation, Estéban Restaurant, Locals' Favorite nails…
Estéban Restaurant, Locals' Favorite
RestaurantsBistro Moulin
RestaurantsWhether you want an easy, unpretentious night out or an excuse to linger, Bistro Moulin delivers chef-driven plates and a hand-selected…
Bistro Moulin
RestaurantsBlack Bear Diner Salinas
RestaurantsBlack Bear Diner Salinas keeps it simple in the best way with breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, plus Summer Sips made with real fruit…
Black Bear Diner Salinas
RestaurantsLittle Napoli
RestaurantsGenerous portions of rustic Italian cuisine & by-the-glass Chianti served in cozy quarters.
Little Napoli
RestaurantsSchooners Monterey
RestaurantsSchooners Monterey is suspended over the waves at Monterey Plaza Hotel, serving contemporary American plates built around carefully sourced…
Schooners Monterey
RestaurantsLalla Grill Oceanside
RestaurantsSometimes you just want New American done right with a side of water views. Lalla Grill Oceanside nails it with a bright, unfussy vibe,…
Lalla Grill Oceanside
RestaurantsZab Zab Thai Cuisine
RestaurantsWhen your week needs flavor, Zab Zab Thai Cuisine brings Northeast Thai style that leans spicy, hot, and seriously delicious. Think lunch…
Zab Zab Thai Cuisine
RestaurantsPizza My Heart
RestaurantsPizza My Heart does California-style pies the way locals like them, with award-winning pizzas loaded with locally grown and produced…
Pizza My Heart
RestaurantsVietnamese Grill
RestaurantsVietnamese Grill is all about com tam, the broken rice plates stacked with lemongrass-soaked pork chops, shredded pork skin, fried eggs, or…
Vietnamese Grill
RestaurantsThe Salty Seal
RestaurantsThe Salty Seal serves up fish ‘n’ chips, chowder bread bowls, burgers and tacos with handcrafted cocktails, local beers and mocktails. Grab…
The Salty Seal
RestaurantsChart House
RestaurantsHigh-end chain eatery serving seafood & steakhouse fare in a classy setting with views.
Chart House
RestaurantsCella Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsCella Restaurant & Bar turns a historic space into a modern dinner spot with seasonal, produce-driven dishes, thoughtful cocktails, and a…
Cella Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsHog's Breath Inn
RestaurantsRefined spot founded by Clint Eastwood, dishing up artisan steak, meats & seafood.
Hog's Breath Inn
RestaurantsVesuvio Restaurant
RestaurantsRomantic eatery featuring pizzas & traditional Italian pasta & meat entrees, plus a rooftop terrace.
Vesuvio Restaurant
RestaurantsFirst Awakenings
RestaurantsCraving a proper a.m. refuel? First Awakenings nails the classics with big, satisfying plates like the Homemade Belgian Waffle and the…
First Awakenings
RestaurantsThe Sardine Factory
RestaurantsThe Sardine Factory has that special-occasion glow locals rely on, serving elevated regional dishes built around sustainable seafood and…
The Sardine Factory
RestaurantsMidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company
RestaurantsCrave legit Neapolitan pie without leaving town this week? MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company turns out wood-fired pizzas made with…
MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company
RestaurantsSly McFly's
RestaurantsNeed an easy weeknight escape? Sly McFly's keeps Cannery Row buzzing with food, cocktails, and live music that turns dinner into a good…
Sly McFly's
RestaurantsPassionfish
RestaurantsCalifornian-inspired fare featuring seafood along with hard-to-find wines in a small, modern room.
Passionfish
RestaurantsRosine's Restaurant
RestaurantsRosine's Restaurant is the move when you want a big, no-fuss American menu and a finale that actually matters, like carrot cake and German…
Rosine's Restaurant
RestaurantsPiccolo
RestaurantsPiccolo, a vibrant Italian eatery by Maurizio Cutrignelli, turns out 11+ panini, handcrafted pizzas, homemade soups and crisp salads using…
Piccolo
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsOrient Restaurant
RestaurantsFamily-run since 1986, Orient Restaurant is the kind of low-key Chinese and Vietnamese standby locals keep in their back pocket when they…
Orient Restaurant
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsSapporo Sushi & Steakhouse
RestaurantsSapporo Sushi & Steakhouse brings hibachi energy to weeknights, with knife-twirling chefs searing chicken, steak, and seafood right in…
Sapporo Sushi & Steakhouse
RestaurantsCrystal Fish
RestaurantsWhether you're team sashimi or roll loyalist, Crystal Fish keeps it fresh and unfussy, with signature bites like spicy tuna and the Cannery…
Crystal Fish
RestaurantsWave Street Cafe
RestaurantsWave Street Cafe nails that European-style bistro vibe with New American breakfast and lunch, plus an outdoor patio that’s perfect when you…
Wave Street Cafe
RestaurantsAmerican Burger
RestaurantsWhen you need a midweek pick-me-up that’s more than a drive-thru, American Burger brings Certified Angus Beef patties, the Monterey Burger…
American Burger
RestaurantsJulia's
RestaurantsHomey vegetarian eatery emphasizing farm-to-table ingredients, plus weekly live music.
Julia's
RestaurantsNoodle Bar
RestaurantsVietnamese spot with limited seating serves bahn mi plus a host of traditional noodle dishes.
Noodle Bar
RestaurantsOcean Sushi Deli
RestaurantsServing the Central Coast for over 40 years, Ocean Sushi Deli is that low-key Monterey go-to when you want classic rolls plus comfort-heavy…
Ocean Sushi Deli
RestaurantsGianni's Pizza
RestaurantsWhen you're craving classic, no-frills comfort, Gianni's Pizza turns out pies with great crust, plenty of cheese, and generous toppings,…
Gianni's Pizza
RestaurantsPelican Pizza
RestaurantsPelican Pizza keeps it classic with hand-tossed dough aged two days, sauce made daily, and a blend of California cheeses, plus wings, subs,…
Pelican Pizza
RestaurantsHula's Island Grill
RestaurantsHula's Island Grill is your easy weeknight escape, serving a California twist on island classics and cool cocktails that clock out with…
Hula's Island Grill
RestaurantsThe Breakfast Club
RestaurantsWhen the craving hits for a legit greasy-spoon spread, The Breakfast Club in Seaside delivers with cinnamon roll pancakes, Bananas Foster…
The Breakfast Club
RestaurantsTarpy's Roadhouse
RestaurantsTarpy's Roadhouse is that rare Monterey spot where expertly prepared steaks meet rustic stone patios framed by lush gardens, so dinner…
Tarpy's Roadhouse
RestaurantsLouie Linguini's
RestaurantsWhen you want Italian-inspired seafood without fuss, Louie Linguini's leans into Monterey Bay’s bounty... salmon, calamari, mussels, plus…
Louie Linguini's
RestaurantsStokes Adobe Restaurant
RestaurantsThis week, slip into the 1833 two-story adobe locals have gathered in for ages. Stokes Adobe Restaurant turns that neighborhood warmth into…
Stokes Adobe Restaurant
RestaurantsGusto | Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza
RestaurantsItalian bistro for pizzas, pastas & other classic fare, some served family-style in a warm setting.
Gusto | Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza
RestaurantsMontrio
RestaurantsCraving a not-boring dinner this week? Montrio turns a 1910 downtown firehouse into a Michelin-rated, certified green restaurant for…
Montrio
RestaurantsCoastal Kitchen
RestaurantsUpscale eatery offering tasting menus paired with wine views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific.
Coastal Kitchen
RestaurantsMonterey Cookhouse
RestaurantsMonterey Cookhouse nails that Italian-American sweet spot with housemade ravioli, thin-crust pies from a wood-fired oven, and a…
Monterey Cookhouse
RestaurantsOld Fisherman’s Grotto
RestaurantsOld Fisherman’s Grotto has decades of Monterey cred and a true fine dining vibe, plus bay views that make their champion clam chowder taste…
Old Fisherman’s Grotto
RestaurantsCalifornia Pizza Kitchen at Monterey
RestaurantsCalifornia Pizza Kitchen at Monterey keeps dinner interesting with creative pies spanning classic to globally inspired flavors, plus bright…
California Pizza Kitchen at Monterey
RestaurantsSpotted Duck
RestaurantsCasual restaurant whipping up small plates and entrees including popular duck dishes.
Spotted Duck
RestaurantsThe Crossroads BBQ
RestaurantsRelaxed BBQ joint serving brisket, ribs, and other comfort foods, plus beer and wine.
The Crossroads BBQ
RestaurantsMelville Tavern
RestaurantsMelville Tavern is the off-the-beaten-path local hang for proper gastropub cravings, from juicy burgers and wood-fired pizzas to salads,…
Melville Tavern
RestaurantsOsteria Al Mare
RestaurantsPatio seats with ocean views, handmade pastas, and cocktails that actually taste like someone measured things, Osteria Al Mare is that…
Osteria Al Mare
RestaurantsTides Waterfront Kitchen
RestaurantsWhen you want a low-key dinner that still feels special, Tides Waterfront Kitchen delivers coastal flavors, just-caught seafood, and a…
Tides Waterfront Kitchen
RestaurantsKona Steak and Seafood
RestaurantsKona Steak and Seafood keeps things laid back with Hawaiian Asian fusion plates, from Black Angus steaks and Macadamia Crusted fish to Ahi…
Kona Steak and Seafood
RestaurantsMountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.
Mountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsSur Burger
RestaurantsSur Burger is Bill and Teresa Lee’s burger spot where the fries are hot, the art is coastal, and the burger combos push past the usual. If…
Sur Burger
RestaurantsBulgogi House
RestaurantsWhether the craving hits for bulgogi or a steaming bowl of ramen, Bulgogi House keeps it simple and satisfying. Chill vibe, hearty plates,…
Bulgogi House
RestaurantsNothing matched that. Know a spot we’re missing? Tell us →
Listed here?
You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →
New spots land in the newsletter first
Free, every morning — this list is what we've already told Monterey County about.
One email a day. Unsubscribe anytime.