The best restaurants in Monterey
182 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
Browse another shelf: all of Monterey’s best · Beauty · Bakeries & Sweets · Shopping · Entertainment · Nightlife · Arts & Culture · Home & Garden · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Health & Wellness · Cafes · Parks & Outdoors · Pets · Services · Sporting Goods
Pinned in Monterey today
This spot is open today.
Two pinned places a day in Monterey — $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
RestaurantsRelaxed restaurant serving breakfast eats such as omelets and pancakes, plus lunch items.
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
RestaurantsSendo Sushi
RestaurantsKeep it easy and delicious with Sendo Sushi, a San Jose staple pairing fun vibes with skillful cooking. From fresh rolls to comforting…
Sendo Sushi
RestaurantsPizza Guys
RestaurantsPizzeria chain offering build-your-own pies, along with spaghetti, wings & salad.
Pizza Guys
RestaurantsShan Tandoori Pizza
RestaurantsWhen your crew wants something beyond plain pepperoni, Shan Tandoori Pizza hits the spot with desi twist pies like Chicken Tikka Masala,…
Shan Tandoori Pizza
RestaurantsEl Pollo Loco
RestaurantsEl Pollo Loco does citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken that actually tastes like it touched real flames, piled into meals, tostadas,…
El Pollo Loco
RestaurantsPoke House - South Winchester
RestaurantsWhen you want a fast, feel-good lunch that isn't another sad salad, Poke House - South Winchester turns out house-made poke bowls and fresh…
Poke House - South Winchester
RestaurantsSushi Boat Town
RestaurantsSushi Boat Town does the hits the way you want them, from clean-cut nigiri and playful rolls to teriyaki plates you can actually crave…
Sushi Boat Town
RestaurantsTaco Bell
RestaurantsFast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.
Taco Bell
RestaurantsGoku Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
RestaurantsGoku Korean BBQ & Hot Pot delivers the all-you-can-eat twofer of Korean BBQ and hot pot in a bright, informal setting that’s made for…
Goku Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
RestaurantsHuckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch
RestaurantsBreakfast spot for Southern grub featuring beignets (traditional fried-dough pastries), waffles, biscuits and chicken fried steak.
Huckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch
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
RestaurantsMilan Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsMilan Italian Restaurant brings the comfort-food side of Italy to your week with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a bar pouring rich…
Milan Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsLamella Tavern
RestaurantsLamella Tavern pairs a casually sophisticated vibe with excellent cocktails, bubbles, and small plates that lean oceanward... think…
Lamella Tavern
RestaurantsEstéban Restaurant, Locals' Favorite
RestaurantsBetween crispy patatas bravas, empanadas, and paella that actually stops conversation, Estéban Restaurant, Locals' Favorite nails…
Estéban Restaurant, Locals' Favorite
RestaurantsCha Cha Sushi
RestaurantsNo-frills sushi spot offering specialty rolls plus an array of classic Japanese entrees.
Cha Cha Sushi
RestaurantsDough Burger
RestaurantsDough Burger keeps it simple with halal smashburgers, fries, and classic shakes made fresh, and that focus pays off in big, beefy flavor.…
Dough Burger
RestaurantsBistro Moulin
RestaurantsUnassuming local go-to for hearty French bistro fare & wine has an intimate space with European art.
Bistro Moulin
RestaurantsPasta Mobsters!
RestaurantsPasta Mobsters! is bringing old-school Italian comfort to your Milpitas routine with rich sauces, generous portions, and that buttery…
Pasta Mobsters!
RestaurantsFamous Dave's Bar-B-Que
RestaurantsOutlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
RestaurantsLa Plaza Best Food Trucks
RestaurantsWhen the group chat can’t agree, La Plaza Best Food Trucks lines up Colombian burgers from Royal Burger, Dominican comfort from El Fogon…
La Plaza Best Food Trucks
RestaurantsCalifornia Wet Burrito and Catering
RestaurantsWhen only a wet burrito will do, California Wet Burrito and Catering delivers casual, authentic Mexican favorites and an ice-cold beer to…
California Wet Burrito and Catering
RestaurantsMorton's The Steakhouse
RestaurantsUpscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.
Morton's The Steakhouse
RestaurantsLittle Napoli
RestaurantsGenerous portions of rustic Italian cuisine & by-the-glass Chianti served in cozy quarters.
Little Napoli
RestaurantsEataly
RestaurantsEatery serving Italian staples and offering pizza, pasta and other cooked dishes.
Eataly
RestaurantsPho Mai #1 Noodle House
RestaurantsThis week, hit Pho Mai #1 Noodle House for slurp-worthy pho and a massive menu of Vietnamese and Filipino favorites, over 170 entrees…
Pho Mai #1 Noodle House
RestaurantsPuerta Del Sol Restaurant
RestaurantsPuerta Del Sol Restaurant brings Spain to San Jose with jamón ibérico, saffrony paella, and shareable tapas, led by Chef José Acosta, who…
Puerta Del Sol Restaurant
RestaurantsUncle John's Pancake House
RestaurantsUncle John's Pancake House brings a modern twist to classic diner comfort with fluffy stacks, Swedish crepes, Cuban Benedict, and proper…
Uncle John's Pancake House
RestaurantsLa Superior Taquería
RestaurantsWhen a craving hits on a Campbell weeknight for simple, satisfying Mexican staples and something sweet for later, La Superior Taquería…
La Superior Taquería
RestaurantsPho John
RestaurantsPho John is the kind of Vietnamese spot you keep in your back pocket for when only a steaming bowl of phở will fix the day.…
Pho John
RestaurantsPizza Bocca Lupo
RestaurantsFamily-owned and tucked inside San Pedro Square Market, Pizza Bocca Lupo does hand-stretched, wood-fired thin crust pies with fresh…
Pizza Bocca Lupo
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
RestaurantsBright, understated New American restaurant with water views, sidewalk seats & a basement bar.
Lalla Grill Oceanside
RestaurantsPalermo Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsPalermo Italian Restaurant keeps it easygoing with classic Sicilian pizzas, pastas, and cocktails, leaning on fresh California ingredients.…
Palermo Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsThe Last Round Tavern
RestaurantsWhen you want a legit sourdough-crust pizza with that tangy chew, The Last Round Tavern turns out pies, stacked sandwiches, and saucy wings…
The Last Round Tavern
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
RestaurantsSurf-themed California chain for pizzas with local ingredients in a low-key counter-serve setting.
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
RestaurantsMesquite and Oak
RestaurantsMesquite and Oak is all about traditional barbecue with a classic twist, plus a legit lineup of beer to match. Grab a plate with friends or…
Mesquite and Oak
RestaurantsThe GrandView
RestaurantsPerched in the hills above San Jose, The GrandView does classic American indulgence right, from rich cuts of beef and veal to seafood that…
The GrandView
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
RestaurantsEl Cabron Kitchen & Cantina
RestaurantsCraving bold Mexican flavors without leaving the South Bay bubble, El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina dishes out fresh, legit staples and…
El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina
RestaurantsMoveable
RestaurantsMoveable turns events into lively mini-markets, coordinating from a network of 90 food trucks and 2,200 creative small businesses to handle…
Moveable
RestaurantsFish Hopper
RestaurantsBustling eatery serving classic Seafood staples in a dining room with beautiful sea views.
Fish Hopper
RestaurantsNoah's NY Bagels
RestaurantsHard to beat a warm bagel and a proper schmear, and Noah's NY Bagels keeps it classic with fresh-baked rings, legit lox, and hearty egg…
Noah's NY Bagels
RestaurantsCafé San José
RestaurantsIf you want a family-friendly place that nails the basics without the song and dance, Café San José serves a big range of breakfast…
Café San José
RestaurantsChart House
RestaurantsHigh-end chain eatery serving seafood & steakhouse fare in a classy setting with views.
Chart House
RestaurantsFox Tale Fermentation Project
RestaurantsIf you haven't dropped into Fox Tale Fermentation Project in downtown San José, you're missing inventive beers, a food menu, and kombucha…
Fox Tale Fermentation Project
RestaurantsCella Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsModern eatery in a historic space serving seasonal dishes, along with cocktails and wine.
Cella Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsSilver Creek BBQ
RestaurantsSilver Creek BBQ keeps the smoke rolling, and their crew sets up a fully stocked buffet so you can actually enjoy your party. If you want…
Silver Creek BBQ
RestaurantsDry Creek Grill
RestaurantsDry Creek Grill nails that upscale casual sweet spot with standout steaks, seafood, and small-batch bourbons. When evenings cool off, that…
Dry Creek Grill
RestaurantsPho Now
RestaurantsPho Now is the Communication Hill area go-to for Vietnamese comfort, especially the signature Pho Tai Lan with stir-fried rare beef…
Pho Now
RestaurantsHog's Breath Inn
RestaurantsRefined spot founded by Clint Eastwood, dishing up artisan steak, meats & seafood.
Hog's Breath Inn
RestaurantsMimosas Cafe Willow Glen
RestaurantsWhether you’re posting up on the patio or grabbing a table inside, Mimosas Cafe Willow Glen delivers breakfast standards, fluffy pancakes,…
Mimosas Cafe Willow Glen
RestaurantsSouth Winchester BBQ
RestaurantsSouth Winchester BBQ is all about real smoke, tender brisket, and sandwiches you have to hold with two hands. This week, try breakfast…
South Winchester BBQ
RestaurantsThe Club On Post
RestaurantsClose-by spot for when you want a legit burger, brunch-y plates, and a good drink without the fuss, The Club On Post keeps it fun with…
The Club On Post
RestaurantsThe Barbeque Pit
RestaurantsComfortable eatery serving pit-smoked meats such as brisket, chicken and pork ribs.
The Barbeque Pit
RestaurantsThe Old Wagon Saloon & Grill
RestaurantsIf your week needs a little yeehaw, The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill brings modern saloon vibes to San Pedro Square with local beers, a deep…
The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill
RestaurantsMac + Cheese Kitchen
RestaurantsCasual American eatery in Terminal B of San Jose Mineta International Airport serving breakfast and quick bites.
Mac + Cheese Kitchen
RestaurantsGen Korean BBQ House
RestaurantsLocal chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.
Gen Korean BBQ House
RestaurantsVesuvio Restaurant
RestaurantsRomantic eatery featuring pizzas & traditional Italian pasta & meat entrees, plus a rooftop terrace.
Vesuvio Restaurant
RestaurantsTaqueria Lorena's
RestaurantsThis week, when the taco urge hits, Taqueria Lorena's delivers the classics right with juicy al pastor and carne asada tacos, big burritos,…
Taqueria Lorena's
RestaurantsLa Victoria Taqueria
RestaurantsA San Jose staple since 1998, La Victoria Taqueria keeps locals fed with breakfast burritos, tacos, nachos, and more, made with fresh…
La Victoria Taqueria
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
RestaurantsWhispers Cafe and Creperie
RestaurantsWhispers Cafe and Creperie is that easygoing counter-service spot for crêpes, omelets, and sandwiches when you need brunch without the song…
Whispers Cafe and Creperie
RestaurantsHella Good Burger
RestaurantsHella Good Burger does the classics right, from juicy burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches to golden fries and thick milkshakes, all in a…
Hella Good Burger
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsPizza Antica
RestaurantsChef Angelo Smith keeps Pizza Antica dialed into California’s best, turning local farm goods into thin-crust pies, house-made pastas, and a…
Pizza Antica
RestaurantsThe Sardine Factory
RestaurantsWell-known seafood restaurant featuring elevated regional dishes & a vast wine menu.
The Sardine Factory
RestaurantsBlue Water Seafood and Crab
RestaurantsBlue Water Seafood and Crab is your Silicon Valley, East Coast-style crab house fix this week, rolling out fresh oysters, fish and chips,…
Blue Water Seafood and Crab
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
RestaurantsCasual deli, for hearty sandwiches and pizzas with a terrace at the Monterey Marina.
Piccolo
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsQ Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot
RestaurantsBring your indecisive crew to Q Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot, where you can grill meats and simmer your own hot pot at the same table. Fresh…
Q Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot
RestaurantsToast Cafe & Grill
RestaurantsFor a laid-back, California-style breakfast that runs all day, Toast Cafe & Grill delivers the classics and then some, with lunch plates…
Toast Cafe & Grill
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
RestaurantsPho Nhat Minh
RestaurantsVietnamese restaurant for traditional dishes, with a focus on pho noodle soup.
Pho Nhat Minh
RestaurantsPaesano Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsPaesano Ristorante Italiano keeps things honest with authentic, traditional Italian dishes served in a cheerful room right over in San…
Paesano Ristorante Italiano
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
RestaurantsSmokeEaters Hot Wings
RestaurantsWhen the craving hits, SmokeEaters Hot Wings brings crispy wings and 24-hour brined tenders tossed in scratch-made sauces from Garlic…
SmokeEaters Hot Wings
RestaurantsGiorgio's Italian Food and Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual, family-owned, and reliably satisfying, Giorgio's Italian Food and Pizzeria is that go-to red-sauce spot for San Jose locals when…
Giorgio's Italian Food and Pizzeria
RestaurantsCrystal Fish
RestaurantsStorefront sushi spot offers Japanese favorites, in addition to wine, beer, sake & lunch specials.
Crystal Fish
RestaurantsHenry's World Famous Hi-Life
RestaurantsSince 1960, Henry's World Famous Hi-Life has delivered oak-wood flame-broiled steaks, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, and barbecue…
Henry's World Famous Hi-Life
RestaurantsBibo's NY Pizza
RestaurantsAll about the dough, Bibo's NY Pizza makes its crust fresh daily at each location. When you just want classic, honest pizza without the…
Bibo's NY Pizza
RestaurantsOriginal Joe's
RestaurantsOriginal Joe's has been a downtown standby since 1956, the kind of spot you lean on when you want hearty Italian‑American plates without…
Original Joe's
RestaurantsOveja Negra
RestaurantsOveja Negra at Hotel Valencia Santana Row is the unruly side of tapas, mixing modern twists with traditional favorites for shareable,…
Oveja Negra
RestaurantsLazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsRelaxed, lodge-chic chain serving global comfort fare, including stir-fries, pot roast & pastas.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsKazoo Sushi Boat – Japantown San Jose
RestaurantsLongtime Japantown favorite Kazoo Sushi Boat – Japantown San Jose keeps things lively with sashimi, premium sushi, creative rolls, and the…
Kazoo Sushi Boat – Japantown San Jose
RestaurantsMarthas Catering Food Truck
RestaurantsFrom handmade tortillas and birria to carnitas and memelas, Marthas Catering Food Truck delivers family recipes that taste like home, no…
Marthas Catering Food Truck
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
RestaurantsWOWMIA PIZZA
RestaurantsPizza option featuring Persian-style toppings and crust that can bring back childhood memories.
WOWMIA PIZZA
RestaurantsUrban Plates
RestaurantsChef-driven restaurant serving scratch-made plates, salads, sandwiches & bowls, dine-in or to-go.
Urban Plates
RestaurantsSmashburger
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.
Smashburger
RestaurantsNothing matched that. Know a spot we’re missing? Tell us →
Showing the 120 most recent of 182. See what changed this month →
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 about.
One email a day. Unsubscribe anytime.