The best restaurants in Monterey

Shopping-center Japanese joint serving sushi & typical cooked fare, Monday to Friday only.

3730 N First St #115 (San Jose)

Pizzeria chain offering build-your-own pies, along with spaghetti, wings & salad.

1347 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Indian-flavored eatery featuring creative pizzas such as tandoori chicken and paneer, plus wings and beer.

4190 N First St Unit 50 (San Jose)

Fast-food chain outpost known for Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken.

1299 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Chill, wood-clad eatery offering Hawaiian poke made with a variety of seafood & Asian flavors.

1308 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Casual Japanese eatery serving nigiri & rolled sushi as well as teriyaki dishes & classic desserts.

7130 Santa Teresa Blvd (San Jose)

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

1298 Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ & hot pot meals are the specialty at this bright, informal restaurant.

3085 Meridian Ave (San Jose)

Breakfast spot for Southern grub featuring beignets (traditional fried-dough pastries), waffles, biscuits and chicken fried steak.

2071 Camden Ave (San Jose)

Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar keeps it Monterey with Californian coastal plates sourced from local farms and fisheries, a waterfront…

350 Calle Principal

Monterey’s original craft brewery, Peter B’s pours handcrafted, award-winning beers brewed on-site and turns out elevated pub favorites…

Two Portola Plaza

At La Pizza & La Pasta, watch pizzaioli blister wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies while housemade pasta lands perfectly al dente. Pair with…

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd (San Jose)

Milan Italian Restaurant brings the comfort-food side of Italy to your week with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a bar pouring rich…

1712 Meridian Ave F (San Jose)

Lamella Tavern pairs a casually sophisticated vibe with excellent cocktails, bubbles, and small plates that lean oceanward... think…

1109-10/A Lincoln Ave (San Jose)

Chic spot for Spanish & Mediterranean fare with an indoor fireplace & outdoor patio with fire pits.

700 Munras Ave

No-frills sushi spot offering specialty rolls plus an array of classic Japanese entrees.

547 W Capitol Expy (San Jose)

Unassuming local go-to for hearty French bistro fare & wine has an intimate space with European art.

867 Wave St

Casual takeout joint offering Italian comfort food, including popular garlic bread.

336 Commercial St (San Jose)

Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.

61 Curtner Ave (San Jose)

Casual restaurant serving authentic Mexican fare, including signature burritos, plus beer.

336 E William St (San Jose)

Upscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.

184 S Market St Ste 100 (San Jose)

Generous portions of rustic Italian cuisine & by-the-glass Chianti served in cozy quarters.

Dolores St (Carmel-By-The-Sea)

Eatery serving Italian staples and offering pizza, pasta and other cooked dishes.

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd (San Jose)

Bustling late-night spot offering pho plus a mix of Vietnamese & Filipino fare in casual digs.

3074 Landess Ave (San Jose)

Pancake restaurant serving eggs and hashes for breakfast and brunch in a casual diner-style setting.

1205 The Alameda (San Jose)

Homey eatery featuring standard Mexican fare, plus a bakery serving pastries and bread.

1098 Leigh Ave (San Jose)

Creative & traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas turned out in cozy environs with exposed brick.

87 N San Pedro St (San Jose)

Elegant venue where modern American fare featuring carefully sourced seafood is served with a view.

400 Cannery Row

Bright, understated New American restaurant with water views, sidewalk seats & a basement bar.

654 Cannery Row

Easygoing Southern Italian eatery offering pizza & pasta dishes alongside beer, wine & cocktails.

791 Auzerais Ave (San Jose)

Casual eatery featuring sourdough-crust pizza, sandwiches and wings in a family-friendly setting.

354 E Santa Clara St (San Jose)

Curries, noodles & other familiar Thai entrees are the draw at this cozy eatery with patio seating.

401 Lighthouse Ave

Surf-themed California chain for pizzas with local ingredients in a low-key counter-serve setting.

660 Del Monte Center

Historic mountainside destination for classic American cuisine offering beef, veal & seafood dishes.

15005 Mt Hamilton Rd (San Jose) · ✓ checked Aug 4

English bar bites & local draft beers offered in a rustic sports bar set in a 1929 building.

653 Cannery Row

Casual, colorfully decorated eatery featuring Mexican staples, cocktails and a dance-club vibe after 9pm.

155 W San Fernando St (San Jose)

Bustling eatery serving classic Seafood staples in a dining room with beautiful sea views.

700 Cannery Row

Counter-serve chain specializing in bagels. Also sells breakfast sandwiches & pastries.

1140 Lincoln Ave (San Jose)

Family-friendly spot serving a big array of breakfast specials & lunch fare like sandwiches & soups.

1583A Meridian Ave (San Jose)

High-end chain eatery serving seafood & steakhouse fare in a classy setting with views.

444 Cannery Row

Modern eatery in a historic space serving seasonal dishes, along with cocktails and wine.

525 Polk St

Upscale casual eatery featuring steaks, seafood, small-batch bourbons & a cozy outdoor fire pit.

1580 Hamilton Ave (San Jose)

Refined spot founded by Clint Eastwood, dishing up artisan steak, meats & seafood.

547 San Carlos St (Carmel-By-The-Sea)

Brunch spot with outdoor seating serving mimosas and breakfast standards.

860 Willow St #100 (San Jose)

Generous plates of BBQ & sandwiches are the draw at this down-to-earth counter serve with a patio.

1362 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

All-day option for burgers, brunch fare and cocktails, plus beer and wine.

43 Post St (San Jose)

Comfortable eatery serving pit-smoked meats such as brisket, chicken and pork ribs.

1349 Blossom Hill Rd (San Jose)

Burgers, ribs, Texas BBQ & beer served in a roomy tavern with Wild West decor & an outdoor patio.

73 N San Pedro St (San Jose)

Casual American eatery in Terminal B of San Jose Mineta International Airport serving breakfast and quick bites.

SJC Terminal B (San Jose)

Local chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.

1628 Hostetter Rd f (San Jose)

Romantic eatery featuring pizzas & traditional Italian pasta & meat entrees, plus a rooftop terrace.

6th Ave &, Junipero St (Carmel)

Compact counter-serve Mexican joint serving tacos & burritos with drinks in a low-key space.

854 N 13th St (San Jose)

Student-friendly quick fix for Mexican mainstays topped with the trademark "orange sauce" condiment.

140 E San Carlos St (San Jose)

Hearty breakfast & other classic fare served in a relaxed venue with outdoor seating.

300 David Ave

Easygoing counter-service operation serving a menu of crêpes, omelets & sandwiches.

150 S Second St (San Jose)

Snack joint dishing up burgers, chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and milkshakes in a casual space.

87 N San Pedro St Suite 123 (San Jose)

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

859 Blossom Hill Rd (San Jose)

Thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas draw a bustling scene at this casual Italian standby with patio seats.

334 Santana Row Apt 1065 (San Jose)

Well-known seafood restaurant featuring elevated regional dishes & a vast wine menu.

701 Wave St

Chill environment with quirky decor & nautical-themed drinks for East Coast-style seafood & plates.

4180 N First St Unit 10 (San Jose)

Family-friendly, casual Cannery Row American eatery & bar featuring live music & dancing at night.

700 Cannery Row

Californian-inspired fare featuring seafood along with hard-to-find wines in a small, modern room.

701 Lighthouse Ave (Pacific Grove)

Extensive menu of basic American cuisine plus desserts like carrot cake german chocolate.

434 Alvarado St

Casual deli, for hearty sandwiches and pizzas with a terrace at the Monterey Marina.

32 Cannery Row

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

1553 Fremont Blvd Suite D3 D3 (Seaside)

All-you-can-eat restaurant with contemporary decor & classic Korean BBQ & hot pot options.

1610 E Capitol Expy (San Jose)

Laid-back eatery featuring a variety of breakfast-themed dishes alongside lunch eats such as burgers.

1411 Bird Ave. (San Jose)

Family-run spot since 1986 offering Chinese & Vietnamese standards in a low-key, strip mall setting.

1760 Fremont Blvd Ste C2 (Seaside)

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

1350 Del Monte Blvd (Seaside)

Vietnamese restaurant for traditional dishes, with a focus on pho noodle soup.

951 McLaughlin Ave (San Jose)

Contemporary Italian eatery lures locals with its traditional dishes served in a cheerful interior.

350 W Julian St (San Jose)

Spot serving chicken, steak & seafood prepared by knife-twirling chefs on the hibachi, plus sushi.

3 Municipal Wharf 2

Local chain serving beer, burgers & various flavors of wings in a casual space with sports on TV.

5018 Almaden Expy #30 (San Jose)

Casual, family-owned Italian joint dishing up pizza, pasta & other comfort food standards.

1445 Foxworthy Ave (San Jose)

Storefront sushi spot offers Japanese favorites, in addition to wine, beer, sake & lunch specials.

514 Lighthouse Ave

Buzzing bar with a sports lounge, outdoor tables & TVs serving pub-grub staples & local beers.

301 Sharks Wy (San Jose)

Tiny, unfussy pizzeria serving pies with daily made dough & sauce, topped with Buffalo mozzarella.

1431 Bird Ave. (San Jose)

Burgers, bowls, poutine & more in a lively, relaxed restaurant & bar that has happy hour specials.

301 S 1st St (San Jose)

Airy-chic eatery inside Hotel Valencia serves modern & traditional tapas plus shareable plates.

355 Santana Row (San Jose)

Relaxed, lodge-chic chain serving global comfort fare, including stir-fries, pot roast & pastas.

5305 Almaden Expy (San Jose)

An ever-changing selection of sushi rolls & other traditional Japanese items in an unassuming space.

250 Jackson St (San Jose)

New American breakfast & lunch fare in a charming, European-style bistro with an outdoor patio.

550 Wave St

Pizza option featuring Persian-style toppings and crust that can bring back childhood memories.

2951 Monterey Rd Unit 50 (San Jose)

Chef-driven restaurant serving scratch-made plates, salads, sandwiches & bowls, dine-in or to-go.

3055 Olin Ave #1020 (San Jose)

Counter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.

579 Coleman Ave Ste 50 (San Jose)

Laid-back burger joint offering milkshakes, classic sides & frequent live music.

738 Lighthouse Ave

Mexican eatery (often a truck) selling burritos, quesadillas, and tacos, plus sauces and burgers.

717 S 1st St (San Jose)

Homey vegetarian eatery emphasizing farm-to-table ingredients, plus weekly live music.

1180 Forest Ave Ste f (Pacific Grove)

Vietnamese spot with limited seating serves bahn mi plus a host of traditional noodle dishes.

1944 Fremont Blvd (Seaside)

Popular chicken joint featuring sliders, tenders and sandwiches offered in varying spice levels.

1085 E Brokaw Rd #10 (San Jose)

Low-key sushi spot boasts a menu of 200+ warm Japanese dishes, in addition to the sushi staples.

165 Webster St

No-frills restaurant featuring a variety of pies in addition to calzones, pasta & gelato.

725 Lighthouse Ave

Neighborhood pizzeria serves all the staples such as bread sticks, wings & subs, plus wine & beer.

522 Lighthouse Ave

Tropical, tiki-inspired outpost offering a range of Hawaiian eats with an American spin & drinks.

622 Lighthouse Ave

Pizzeria turning out thin-crust pies in a space lined with New York City street signs & graffiti.

3443 Stevens Creek Blvd (San Jose)

Simple counter-serve spot with outdoor seating for breakfast fare, burgers & other American grub.

2485 Forest Ave (San Jose)

Greasy spoon offering a relaxed atmosphere & plenty of American fare for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

1130 Fremont Blvd #201 (Seaside)

New American eatery showcasing a local, seasonal menu in rustic-chic digs with an open kitchen.

1110 Willow St (San Jose)

Sprawling American restaurant dishes up casual fare for brunch, lunch & dinner among rustic decor.

2999 Monterey - Salinas Hwy Ste #1

Italian-inspired seafood in a casual setting with full bar, wrap-around porch & harbor views.

660 Cannery Row

This Southern-style BBQ joint slow-smokes ribs, brisket & pork & serves them in a modest setting.

1144 N 4th St (San Jose)

Known for old-world style ravioli, this homey Italian deli dishes up hot dishes & hefty sandwiches.

3454 McKee Rd (San Jose)

Relaxed Japanese find with a traditional feel & an eye for plate presentation plus a sake selection.

1305 N First St (San Jose)

Rustic, romantic, adobe eatery with a patio for seasonal fare such as wagyu steak and duck confit, plus cocktails and wine.

500 Hartnell St

Italian bistro for pizzas, pastas & other classic fare, some served family-style in a warm setting.

1901 Fremont Blvd (Seaside)

Unfussy strip-mall go-to for large & unique patties such as ostrich & bison, plus a condiment bar.

1645 W San Carlos St (San Jose)

Casual, late-night Mexican joint dishing up tacos, quesadillas, and other comfort eats.

2915 Monterey Rd (San Jose)

Inventive New American cuisine & a carefully curated wine list served in a converted firehouse.

414 Calle Principal

Upscale eatery offering tasting menus paired with wine views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific.

400 Cannery Row

Sushi rolls, sashimi & Japanese mains offered in a laid-back, airy restaurant with seating.

2424 Almaden Rd (San Jose)

Festive American grill serving everything from wood-fired pizza to ribs plus cocktails, wine & beer.

2149 N Fremont St

Eatery serving boutique wines, beer & espresso plus seafood-heavy Sicilian classics on the wharf.

6 Fishermans Wharf Suite D

Bustling spot for seafood serves clam chowder with water views & a side of old-school elegance

39 Fishermans Wharf

Modern sushi house lures locals with its creative rolls & Japanese fare served in a warm atmosphere.

26 N San Pedro St (San Jose)

Chain eatery serving up inventive pizzas, plus pastas & salads in a modern setting.

1100 Del Monte Center

Neighborhood bar & eatery known for its wood-fired pizzas, pastas & weekend brunch.

1560 Hamilton Ave (San Jose) · ✓ checked Aug 4

Casual restaurant whipping up small plates and entrees including popular duck dishes.

542 Lighthouse Ave #5 (Pacific Grove)

Relaxed BBQ joint serving brisket, ribs, and other comfort foods, plus beer and wine.

241 Crossroads Blvd (Carmel-By-The-Sea)

American gastropub fare in a homey space with vintage accents and a welcoming neighborhood vibe.

484 Washington St Ste d

Family-friendly restaurant offering shrimp & classic southern fare in a casual setting.

720 Cannery Row