Fandango Restaurant

We came to Bistro Moulin with a group, which was perfect because we got to share and try several…read moredishes. I had the filet mignon special, and it was genuinely out of this world...perfectly cooked and served with asparagus, carrots, and silky puréed potatoes. We also shared the Sicilian eggplant pasta, which was absolutely delicious, along with the arugula salad and several desserts. Everything we tried was excellent. Incredible food, wonderful service, and such a warm, charming atmosphere. I already can't wait to come back to Monterey and eat here again!

We were really looking forward to our meal, but unfortunately it didn't meet our expectations. The…read moremussels had a strong, unpleasant odor that concerned us. I felt bad about sending them back and was apologetic when we brought it to the owner's attention. He was responsive, explained that it was the natural smell of the sea, and kindly showed us the invoice proving they were purchased that day. He also offered to check with the vendor. While we appreciated his efforts, the smell was off-putting enough that we decided to order something else. We tried the lamb lollipop special instead. For $42, the portion was quite small--just five thin, uneven pieces--and the lamb was overcooked and overly salty. When we gently mentioned this to our server, she responded with an eye roll, which was disappointing. We genuinely dislike leaving negative feedback, especially for small independent restaurants, but the overall experience left us quite disappointed. Hoping they can improve these items, as the restaurant has potential.

Inside

Seafood Risotto

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Patisserie Bechler

4.3(380 reviews)

1.1 mi

Very cozy place, pastries are excellent. Bought blueberry…read moremuffin, raisin roll, pistachio roll, very delicious. Very good price compared to other French bakeries.

Cute little bakery in Monterey/Pacific Grove. We had lunch nearby and I wanted to grab my mom…read moresomething sweet for her birthday. I got her an almond raspberry croissant. It was really very tasty and good sized. They had a lot of other cute desserts that looked good. Service was friendly and efficient.

Dining area

Delicious carrot ginger also and yummy turkey/swiss cheese on 1/2 croissant.

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The Spotted Duck

4.7(181 reviews)

0.1 mi

The Spotted Duck is a small restaurant with the dining area on the main floor, with a cozy bar…read morearea, a few tables as well as the kitchen upstairs. Upon entry, we were heartily greeted by the owner and staff. There were only a couple tables left on the main floor as there was a large party of fifteen people seated in most of the main dining area. It was extremely loud with voices reverberating because of the gregarious group. The owner invited us upstairs to see if a high-bar table would be suitable. The table was quite small even though it overlooked the entire first level, so we declined as another table by the front windows had become available. The Charcuterie + Cheese board was a wonderful start to the evening. It consisted of prosciutto di parma, sopressata, duck prosciutto, bella vitano, triple cream brie, chèvre, almonds, and fig jam served with sliced grilled sourdough. Delish. We enjoyed their Sauteed Rock Cod entrée which consisted of pan-fried cod served with potato puree, artichokes + capers in a Meyer lemon brown butter sauce. The portion was of moderate size, and the dish was excellently prepared and plated. In addition, we had the Drunken Skillet Seared Octopus, which was a nice portion of octopus in a preserved black-bean honey sauce, along with Chef Jerry's seasoning. I recommend this starter as an appetizer or as a main entrée for a light appetite. All was quite delicious. This is an intimate venue for wonderfully prepared meal. The atmosphere of the restaurant is a little lacking which could account for the bad acoustic issue. The service is outstanding as the staff was attentive and watchful without interrupting the customer's dining experience. A serious negative would be that the restrooms are not located on the main dining level, and could pose a problem for patrons who need assistance. Food 4.9 Atmosphere 3.7 Service 4.9

Made a reservation for a Friday date night at 6pm. It wasn't crowded when we arrived and we were…read moresat right away. We were greeted by friendly wait staff and given a rundown of the menu highlights. Ended up ordering all of the recommendations, which included the duck liver pâté, the drunken skillet seared octopus, and the seared duck breast with a side of crispy brussels sprouts. The pâté was an interesting but delicious dish, creamy, savory, rich, and perfect on the Ad Astra sourdough (I wish there had been one more piece of bread though). The octopus was tender and beautifully seared, with a black bean sauce that I couldn't get enough of. We felt obligated to try the duck breast and were not disappointed. It was very tender, with some bits of crispy skin and nicely rendered fat (some of the best duck I've had). It went nicely with the polenta, which soaked up the jus. I was a big fan of the tomato jam, which added some acidity and a light sweetness to the dish. The Brussels sprouts were crispy and I liked the carmelized onions with them, but they deep fry the sprouts and I found that they had an oily taste and texture that wasn't my favorite. To drink, I had a low alcohol drink called the PG spot, which has saké. It was refreshing and the light bitterness went nicely with this meal. We were very full by the end of the meal. Good experience overall. We'll definitely be back. I felt that the ambience could be elevated for the cost of the food. White walls and a couple of art prints. Personally, I think it would be lovely with dark green walls and gold/brown accents, with a lot more duck-themed décor.

Upstairs area

Duck Liver Pate

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Saké |$12

Taste Cafe & Bistro

4.6(504 reviews)

1.0 mi

My family and I would definitely recommend this restaurant. We came to Pacific Grove with our dog…read morefor the second time and we had to eat outside. The owner gave me a blanket and turned on the outdoor heater and made us feel welcome. We weren't very hungry to start, but we ordered the escargot appetizer, the Sea-bass special which included soup or salad and we had the Caesar salad with that. My husband and I had wine and we enjoyed the red blend Behringer and the Pinot from Monterey. Our Apple galette is coming right now and we know it's good because we had it last time. So remember, dog, friendly, and great customer service!

Went to a wedding reception here and the food was incredible, got the salmon dish and loved the…read moresauce, fish and vegetables were so fresh. Crème brûlée was also solid. Interior is beautiful, honestly no complaints and want to come here for dinner now sometime.

Coffee

Butterscotch Pudding

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Tuna steak with broccoli and mashed potatoe

Crepes of Brittany

4.5(1.8k reviews)

1.9 mi

Such incredible crepes, both sweet and savory! We got the brie and caramelized onion crepe and the…read morenutella and strawberry and banana crepe. Inside is so cute and very french vibes. Owners are so sweet :D

Awesome spot for a breakfast or lunch! The crepes were so fresh and warm, the toppings were great…read more The sweet and savory crepes were both great. I got a make your own with onions, tomato's, and turkey. So good. The apple cinnamon dessert one was really good too. Food was out pretty quick. Glad I got to check it out!

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Cella Restaurant & Bar

4.4(177 reviews)

2.1 mi

While I can't speak to the restaurant normal operations I can speak to their event hosting. We held…read morea farewell brunch the morning after our wedding at this restaurant and it was fabulous! The staff were easy to work with in setting up the event and more than accommodating with the several dietary restrictions that we brought up given the size of the party that would be stopping by (roughly 80 or so). They had a wide variety of pastries, meats, and other desserts that's were all absolutely spectacular. And bother internal and external of the venue are absolutely beautiful. We had a nice sunny morning so most of our party were sitting outside in the wonderful patio space and everyone was raving about how good the food was.

Cella Restaurant and Bar is a beautiful space in the heart of Monterey, with a warm interior and a…read morelovely back patio with heat lamps. Our server was very nice and attentive, but there was some unevenness in the courses due to a disconnect between what he described and what the kitchen actually delivered. For example, I mentioned that my partner has an aversion to cilantro, and in one course the kitchen actually replaced it entirely with chives, which was amazing. However, when our server came by, he mentioned they had put the cilantro on the side. In another dish, a full cilantro stalk came right on top of the plate. Not a huge deal since we could just pick it off, but it was a sign of inconsistency in service. We also ordered the cod dish, and when we mentioned we were avoiding undercooked proteins, our server said he would make sure it was cooked through, which confused me a bit since I believe cod is always fully cooked through. On to the food itself, we started with the plum lacquered duck kefta, which came out on two cinnamon sticks used as the skewers. These were absolutely fantastic, with the yogurt sauce acting as the perfect foil for the expertly seasoned duck and the cinnamon stick adding a subtle spice. The Moss Landing black cod was likewise delicious, with the cod cooked to a buttery and flaky texture, and it was paired with a sumptuous vanilla bean butter sauce over a bed of pepper and green bean panzanella that was out of this world. My only complaint was that for the steep price, the portion was quite small. The curried lamb shoulder was exceptional as well. It arrived with a striking presentation, encased in a three-quarter dome puff pastry shell filled with shredded lamb shoulder meat. It came with a side of some kind of fruit compote or chutney, though we were not given a detailed description of most dishes. This portion felt appropriate for the price and was the favorite of the night. We mentioned we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, and while we were not expecting anything over the top, we were a bit disappointed when we saw them bring out a dessert with a candle for what I assume was a birthday celebration at another table. For a restaurant of this caliber and at this price point, I have always experienced at least some sort of gesture, even if just a small card or message at the table. Overall, we had a pleasant evening, but it is not somewhere we would return to based on the uneven service and the mismatch between price and portions.

Kitchen

GRILLED SPANISH OCTOPUS: ARTICHOKE * GIGANTÉ BEAN * OLIVE * ALMOND *ROMESCO

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Sea bass

Montrio

4.3(1.6k reviews)

1.9 mi

•$$$$

Locally owned & operated

Vegetarian friendly

We had another delicious meal at Montrio with family while we visited Monterey. Located downtown,…read moreit has indoor and outdoor seating. On some occasions, they will open up the front wall which provides a great environment during good weather. Our food was excellent. I had short rib ravioli, which I never had before. The dish convinced me it should be one of my favorites. For desert, we had Chocolate cake with ices cream. The service was fantastic! Looking forward to coming back and enjoying their food again next time!

The ambience was great! I ordered the catch of the day, and it was an explosion of flavors... it…read morewas the best dish. My husband ordered bbq short ribs and my daughter got pasta and chicken from the kids menu, these plates were just like a regular plate at any other place, nothing outstanding. Service could had been better, there was not much engagement from the waitress to explain the menu or to give suggestions, somehow the service felt a bit rushed. They were great at accommodating us with a toddler and a young child. There was just a thing that was a bit of a controversy... when we stepped in, we noticed a homeless shopping cart parked to the side of the restaurant, but the closer we got to the entrance, a really strong smell welcomed us into the door. Seems like they have offered food to a homeless person and sat her on their exterior seating area. My humanity says it's a kind and a generous act, but at the same time it was very displeasing to be welcomed with that smell right at the door and before having dinner.

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Sandbar & Grill

4.0(1.7k reviews)

2.0 mi

Carli is the best server ever. Great food and views. Highly recommend. The clam chowder is to die…read morefor. A great locals hangout!

We were visiting friends in the area. After going to the aquarium, my family of 4 decided to meet…read moreour friends--another family of 4--here for lunch on a Sunday all because I told my husband "Just take me somewhere with Sanddabs on the menu." The hostess didn't seem overly thrilled when we showed up to this tiny restaurant (we didn't know how tiny it was when we chose the place) asking for a table for 8, but after a 30-ish minute wait, they were able to accommodate us. I really appreciate how kid friendly they were. It had a great kids menu beyond the typical chicken finger/burger options that are standard at most restaurants. But going further than that--the waitress offered to bring the kids' food out first, which is next level service. The food was delicious. Our glasses stayed filled. The oysters were fresh and wonderful, and my sanddabs were perfection. A really great meal with a fabulous view of the boats passing by. But if you're going to roll up with a party of 8, I'd recommend a reservation or be prepared to wait a bit. But definitely worth it either way.

Hot chocolate with a view.

Crème Brûlée

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Cheers!

Manasiri’s Crepes & sandwiches

4.0(634 reviews)

2.0 mi

Wanted a quick breakfast so swung by here. Service was quick! I would say there was less than a 10…read moreminute wait between walking in and leaving with my 2 orders. I got a smoke salmon crepe and chocolate crepe. Both were great. If I'm ever in the area again, will definitely stop by.

Firstly the restaurant was so gorgeous and smelled amazing. The staff were incredibly friendly and…read moreknowledgeable when assisting us in our order. The coffee was FANTASTIC, not milky or burnt. The food was FANTASTIC. Paninis were nice and crisp outside. The salad that came with the panini was like a balsamic dressing and the tomatoes were so fresh. 10/10 I'm so glad we stopped by.

The reception space!

Mo's Omlette

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Tiramisu latte!! Fave item :)

Bargetto Winery Monterey Tasting Room

4.3(153 reviews)

1.1 mi

The hubby and I wandered in while waiting for our dinner reservation for a tasting. Our kids were…read morein the candy store next door and shopping around for souvenirs to take home. Dash went above and beyond to take care of us. I enjoyed our experience, but wish we could have stayed longer. We each had their reserve flight. While we were here, we were able to sample their honey wine. I'm not a huge fan of dessert wines or sweeter wines as a whole, but I would have brought this one home with us. Their wines are from Santa Cruz, another favorite place of ours to visit. We'll have to make a trip there to visit their vineyard. This tasting room is family friendly which is perfect in such a touristy location. Our kids were welcome to come and hang while we finished up our last tasting. I wouldn't hesitate to return next time we're hanging on Cannery Row. Thank you Dash for your hospitality. We hope you're here on our next trip to Monterey.

Great spot! Stopped in for a drink after visiting the aquarium and ended up staying for 2. Nice…read moreoutdoor seating area and flight options. Workers were friendly and personable and made me feel welcomed during a not-so-busy time of day.

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Display of wines

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Etched glasses

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giuseppe m.

17 years ago

After reading in the Monterey County Weekly that Fandango Restaurant had been voted the "best place to take a three hour vacation in 2009," I was reminded of what a great restaurant we locals have and decided to make a reservation. What a great idea! My wife and I had dinner Friday night and had the most romantic dining experience. We sat in the "new room," an cozy addition that was erected several years ago, according to our waiter. The walls are hand painted and it feels as if you have been transported inside a European landscape. The whole restaurant is festive with beautiful bouquets of fresh sunflowers and vases of fragrant roses. Our waiter was friendly and efficient. He offered meal and wine suggestions and that did not disappointed. Like the owner, Pierre, our waiter hailed from Europe, too, and that made our experience even more like stepping into another place and time. My wife ordered the Osso Buco and couldn't stop praising it. I stuck to my favorite dish, the Sand Dabs. They melted in my mouth. The Pinot Noir our waiter suggested was perfect with the food. We also made sure to save room for dessert. It is not often I find Grand Marnier Souffle on the menu! I can hardly give words to the delicious satisfaction of finishing a meal with a melt in your mouth spoonful of souffle! The Weekly was right, Fandango is the best "three hour vacation" I've had lately without leaving town. Thanks Pierre and Marietta Bain. read more

DanvilleMommy M.

11 years ago

As a bay area native, I have been coming to Monterey/Carmel my entire life. We have our regular "go to" restaurants, but wanted to try something new and went to Fandango at the recommendation of a hotel concierge. I would like to say this is one of the best restaurants in the area! There is no water view, but the place is charming, intimate, and romantic. We actually went with our adult children, but it would be a great date restaurant. The onion soup was spectacular, mild with the ability to taste the beef base as you might find in France, topped with a good high quality cheese. We ordered the Scallop appetizer, and they were probably the best scallops I have ever had with a sauce that was to die for. I had the sand dabs, which were amazing. As a perfect end to an amazing meal, was the souffle. Probably one of the most amazing ever. We also had the cream puffs, which were wonderful, but get the Souffle it is wonderful. The food was absolutely spectacular! I highly recommend this restaurant! Yum!! read more

Chris W.

16 years ago

Fandango was kind of a joke. From the corny exterior of the building to the old fashioned white table cloth interior, the decor leaves something to be desired. Upon our arrival, it took the host (who appeared to be the owner) about five minutes to greet us. Our table wasn't ready, so we ordered a glass of wine from the bar. Mine was sub-par. My wife ordered the steak, which was mediocre at best. I ordered the cassoulet, which came with four meats, two of which were so bad I didn't bother to eat them. All the while, the all male staff clopped around the wooden floors loudly and rapidly, making it difficult to relax and enjoy one's meal. I got the impression that the staff are pretty comfortable and lax at this point and weren't too concerned about ensuring that diners were also comfortable. Overall, Fandango is kind of a caricature of an old time restaurant, and a very big disappointment, especially given the prices. Won't be going back. read more

charley w.

15 years ago

Dropped in for lunch the other day. It's not bad-just not great. Nice decor, pleasant service, prices a little on the high side, food mixed. Most of the seafood dishes that we have tried have been well prepared, but we can't say the same thing for the sides. The french fries are particularly suspect. Twice they have arrived part hot and part cold and we are mystified how they could accomplish that . We were thinking that possibly they mixed up two batches and served them together. We also had some pretty limp asparagus, which had been overcooked. We just think that there are better places out there on the Peninsula for this type of food, but Fandango is worth another try before we give up. read more

Karoline A.

11 years ago

We had a great meal at Fandango tonight as part of our family vacation along the coast in California. The servers were excellent. Attentive, but never hovering, and they treated our 7 year old very well. We don't often take her when we go to finer restaurants, but since we are here on vacation it was a lovely treat for her. Our meals and wine were excellent. My brother's giant scallops were beautifully cooked and my petit filet mignon and scampi were equally fantastic. My daughter declared her burger to be awesome the fries some of the best she's ever had. The profiteroles were a delectable treat for dessert. 6 thumbs up for this family! read more

Robert S.

14 years ago

Consistency is something that is sorely lacking in the World these days but as long as I've been alive, my Parents and I have been going to Fandango and I cant ever remember a bad meal. I always have the Escargot and Tortellini Maison and every time it's as good as the first time I had it. Granted, it's not the place to go if you're a Year 2000 Food Blogger who's looking for a quick meal to write about in your precious 12-hits-a-day blog on Google. It's much more of a traditional, savory experience and soothing experience. Pierre and Family are wonderful and always highly recommended. read more

Hannah v.

16 years ago

The food and wine selection was, of course, excellent but I cannot rave enough about the dessert!!!! I ordered an ice cream sundae, foolishly thinking that it would be a small scoop with a splash of hot fudge, nuts and a cherry on top. A large ice cream sundae glass was surrounded by small dishes of toppings, including melted butterscotch, melted chocolate, toasted marshmallow, raspberry drizzle, mixed berries, nuts and whipped cream. The amount of combinations I was able to make using the selection of toppings made it the most fantastic sundae I've ever had. read more

Salomon S.

17 years ago

After visiting the world and tried many different restaurants I came to the conclusion that Fandango in Pacific Grove is the best. Every time I go to the restaurant I have Rack of lamb. The lamb is just incomparable the taste and presentation are just outstanding. The soufflé they offer for dessert is just mouth watering its grand-marnier flavor is just out of this world. Every time I go to Pacific Grove I have to stop at Fandango and enjoy their great food and service. This is a place I definitely recommend to anybody coming to the Monterey Peninsula read more

M S.

16 years ago

Fandango is by far the best restaurant on the Monterey peninsula. We live in San Diego and visit Monterey a few times a year. Every time we visit it is a must that we eat at Fandango at least once, if not more! Everything on the menu is wonderful. My favorite dishes are sandabs, scallops, rack of lamb (the best ever), fillet, paella, osso bucco...I could just go on and on. And the hot souffle for dessert is to die for! The profiteroles and vacherain are also wonderful desserts. I recommend this to everyone I know who visits Monterey. read more

Holly D.

14 years ago

When i was a child we lived near Vernon and my Father would go to lunch at La Villa Basque (which i just knew had food mom didn't make)... I'm sorry my Father is gone - he would have loved Fandango's. I've read some of these reviews and I find them to be amusing - I'm glad I know the difference between one experience and my opinion of a restaurant. At any rate - top notch food. Lovely property. Charming people. And I'd send someone there is a heartbeat. It's one of my top picks for a classy but comfortable dining experience. read more

Manny E.

16 years ago

When I first got the menu, I had a hard time deciding between the scallops, the signature rack of lamb, the paella, or the short ribs. After ordering the short ribs, I decided to start with an appetizer. The tapas platter was a variety of pate, fine cheese, roasted peppers and much more and definitely hit the spot. I thought it couldn't get better until my main course arrived. Perfectly seasoned meat falling off the bone and melting in your mouth. A fabulous glass of merlot made the evening's meal 5 stars! read more

Heide W.

16 years ago

Fandango has been a wonderful spot for me to meet with friends and family for over 20 years. It all started with the perfect salad Nicoise, which I hadn't had in its proper form since moving to the United States from Europe. It has continued throughout the years due to Fandango's friendly atmosphere and staff that remember your name and treat you as if you were a member of their family. I definitely recommend Fandango as a place to eat for a special occasion or simply because you are hungry for great food! read more

Caleb G.

16 years ago

We went in for appetizers and a light dinner. The French onion soup was covered in a thick layer of cheese over a piping hot bread/onion combination. The house cured salmon was satisfying, but the real treat was our fresh sandabs. Light, buttery with just the right amount of lemon. Fabulous! Our glasses of water were never empty and the waiter was helpful and friendly. The owners themselves came over to ask how we were enjoying our meal. All in all a wonderful dining experience. read more

lynda l.

17 years ago

We went to Fandango's for Mother's Day brunch thinking that it would be a wonderful treat. Instead we had the worst meal we, (there were 5 of us) had ever had there. The portions were very, very small. I ordered the salmon and as small as it was, it was raw in the middle. There were plain bland green beans and a very small portion of mashed potatoes. We were all so disappointed, that it will be a long time before we go back for their dinner, which in the past was quite good. read more

Shelley B.

3 years ago

Held a retirement party at this restaurant. Service was a 2, food was returned by 3 of my guest as it was cold, potatoes were hard and steak was not cooked as asked for. Party coordinator was excellent at first but was not clear with pricing and took no responsibility for this. Party was really fun but ruined at end. i have eaten here many times with party of 4 and is was great but I do not recommend for large parties. Service and cooks cannot handle large numbers of people. read more

Linda C.

16 years ago

Perfect spot for Sunday Brunch. A hidden gem, most people don't know they have a brunch menu. The Eggs Benedict are the best I've had in a long time and I'm very picky about the sauce. Wonderful French Toast, Belgian waffles, Cheese Blintzes, great Bloody Mary's, I could go on and on. My daughters and I always enjoy dining here, great ambiance, great service, great food, what more can you ask for! read more

Steve E.

309

10 years ago

Really, Really Good. My fiancé and I made a trip down and hit some of my favorites to see what she thought was best. Roy's at Spanish, Passion Fish, Fandango, Sardine Factory and tried Red House Café. Fandango was hands down favorite. Food service and ambiance all outstanding. Next was Roy's, Passion Fish (TIE). Next was Sardine Factory. AND a resounding last, DO NOT GO dud, Red House Cafe read more

Peter S.

8 years ago

This has become our favorite place for special dinners. The food is always good. The upstairs dining area can be a bit noisy but there are small rooms downstairs. The only reason I did not give 5 stars is that they usually recognize special occasions. On July 9th we went for my mother in laws birthday. I included it in the reservation and mentioned it to the server, it seem they forgot. read more

Holly J.

16 years ago

It's hard to find a restaurant that has food to satisfy my three children and still allows me to indulge in fine cuisine, especially when on vacation! Though they didn't have a kids menu, the Fandango staff were willing and eager to mix and match to find the right combination of foods to satisfy even my pickiest one. Any restaurant that does that deserves five stars in my book! read more

Mike M.

11 years ago

My Wife and mine first time there for dinner. First was a warm welcomed by host, Rene', Paul was our waiter, nice romantic table and our first impression was "WOW". We loved the "Familia" atmosphere so much we went back again, Rene' and Mike were hosts, Valentine was our waiter, again, "Fantastic". We will be going back and referring to our Family and Friends. read more

Fandango Restaurant - french - Updated October 2026

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•$$$$

Incredible. We came…read morehere for our honeymoon and just came for my birthday. One of my favorite restaurants ever. First, the ambiance and view. At night you can see scuba divers who are brave enough to do a night dive right outside the windows, and during the day, it's a Mecca of otters and seals playing. You can't beat it. The food and the service are stars here. We did a prefix, two different ones, and had such a fun time trying one another's food. Martinis are served cold, and delicious here. Ge

After my experience last year, dining here again was a given on my next trip to the area. I…read moreoriginally booked a reservation for Friday but due to an unforeseen problem at another restaurant, I was able to get a Thursday night reservation for three at 6 pm here. After checking in, we were seated at a window side table facing the bay. After getting our menus, we decided to have the three-course menu, though I did add a supplement for our meals to share. I asked about mocktails and our waitress suggested this, a pomegranate mojito (). For my meal, here's I ordered from the Choice menu: 1st course Tomato and fennel soup, shrimp dumpling, squash blossom, toasted sourdough (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=168&select=PMKIsV5rFcg9C2BGzQFsrA). 2nd course Hokkaido scallops, toasted farro, golden peach, roasted bell pepper broth (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=168&select=qHDBo855HJeKwzlDRE_O9w). 3rd course Baba au rum, local peaches, buttermilk, almond crumble (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=168&select=Fsv7ar1rcCVpKgo0nLf6Eg). Valhrona Manjera chocolate delice, creme anglaise, hazelnut, cherry sorbet (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=168&select=rQqh85ifpAz16wGwpiaF2A). Additions: Oysters on the half shell, cucumber granite (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=192&select=su0wJ3dlLvMxo2vkM92_7w). Bison tenderloin, brioche, horseradish, nasturtium (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=192&select=SAOmEF89-qCErokMR-l0lg). Bonus course Local black cod, okinawa sweet potato, chanterelles, shellfish emulsion (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=192&select=s1IaShShT6IAJiQUztkUtg). Here's a photo of the fish uncovered (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=168&select=PMKIsV5rFcg9C2BGzQFsrA). In addition to this, we received Parker house rolls during the meal (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=192&select=quZoH0f8JnFK5xS4f_xeDQ), macarons after dessert (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=168&select=ZzDIdesx1I28aJv9O7kxXQ), and a gift bag to take home (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=L6WkfHFISvU1tR2fmh65lw). Foodwise, everything was delicious with my two favorites being the local black cod, the Hokkaido scallops, and the chocolate delice. The menu changes by what local produce, seafood, and meats are available during that particular season. The dining room was not very crowded but filled as we ate. Service and atmosphere are consistent with fine dining restaurants in SF, likely even better since they are not emphasizing turning tables. Big thanks to Rachel for guiding us through our meal and thank you to my generous chef friend Michael for crafting our meal. It is a must dine here meal whenever I'm in town.

La Bicyclette

4.1

(2.7k reviews)

La Bicyclette came highly recommended by some friends as well as a few Carmel locals, so it was…read moreHIGH on our list. We arrived about 20 minutes before opening and waiting in the (short but growing) line and were seated promptly. The inside is charming and casual, nice without feeling stuffy. Our server was kind and attentive and gave helpful recommendations on how much to order since we were splitting items. My mom and I ended up trying a seasonal pizza and the spinach gnocchi. The flavor of the pizza was exceptional (I loved how the figs helped cut the richness of the cheese), and the dough was perfectly chewy. And the gnocchi!! Each was so fluffy and flavorful. We ended up dipping our pizza crusts in the leftover sauce, it was delicious. If I could rate a restaurant 6/5, this would be one of those times. I wish we could have made it back to do dinner here as well, but it will definitely be top of the list for the next time we are in the area! This is a spot worth waiting in line for.

Such a good dinner. My husband let me try his minestrone, and that broth was a winner. We shared…read morethe gnocchi and the steak au poivre and everything was a 10/10. The fries were good, and that aoli.... I was dipping my steak in it it is was SO GOOD. I don't love the fact that there are just waiters carrying around hot pans of soup everywhere... Also there are two halves of the restaurant and when I went to use the bathroom (only one) I found out that we got seated on the half that looks like a high school theater set. I didn't love that. I would have liked to sit on the other side. They lost a star for service. Our server was a nice guy, but it seems like once we were done, he dipped. We probably sat for an extra 10-15 minutes when we wanted to leave because he wouldn't come back. And he definitely passed us. We found during our trip people were very pushy about dessert. Also, no mention of our anniversary, very disappointing. We were in Carmel for our 20th wedding anniversary and I mentioned that for all our reservations.

Passionfish

4.3

(2.6k reviews)

Food was fabulous!! One on the best meals we've had on the Peninsula. Service was excellent once we…read moregot past the hostess stand (not bad, just not quite the personality needed for this restaurant). The ambiance was straightforward, with simple elegance. Not showy, focused on the food. We will definitely go back.

Went there for the first time and I really like the presentation of the dishes and the ambiance was…read morevery nice so it is a perfect spot for family dining and date nights. The service was amazing because the staff were very friendly and accommodating when taking our orders. I had an awesome dining experience and reservation is a must because it gets really packed, especially the weekends. Alaskan halibut: I love that it was very flavorful and perfectly cooked. It was very fresh and very well seasoned. I highly recommend trying this for an entree. Chocolate truffle torte: Ordered this to end the evening and I love it was very warm and fluffy. The passion fruit syrup was amazing so it was really good. Nancy's buttery buttermilk biscuit, mixed field greens salad, and fried California squid: Nancy's buttery buttermilk biscuit was my favorite of all time because the crunchiness of the biscuit was amazing and came out warm so it was very good. Mixed field greens salad was perfectly seasoned and it had the perfect amount of dressing. Fried California squid was also my favorite because it was very fresh and flavorful so it is a must get.

Lighthouse Bistro

4.7

(142 reviews)

Hello Everyone…read more Please visit Lighthouse Bistro, the owner is super friendly and attentive to his customers. I completely forgot to take photos of our plates but it was suuuuuper good I got the chicken Alfredo and my husband got the Grilled Salmon and we were happy. I was told by the owner he has been there for two years, please continue to support Lighthouse Bistro. When I come back to visit Montrey Bay I will stop by again and visit but this time i want ro try the tofu curry.

This restaurant has an interesting mix of Middle Eastern and Italian food, topped off with some…read moreAmerican options.The outdoor seating was convenient. It wasn't busy during our visit. I ordered the chicken shawarma, which was fine. One of my aunts had the chicken Alfredo, and another relative ordered the fish and chips. Personally, I didn't care for the french fries served with my meal, and I found it odd to see fries paired with chicken shawarma. It looked like they might offer a different menu for dinner. Ultimately, it was just an average experience, and I don't think I would eat here again. I'd try to find a place that offers dishes focused on middle eastern cuisine alone.

Sea Root

3.9

(88 reviews)

Located inside the Hyatt Regency Monterey property!…read more We had breakfast and dinner at the restaurant during our stay. Traveling with our dog, pet friendly spaces are incredibly appreciated, and we were able to enjoy both meals outdoors on a fine June day! We had breakfast out in the big tables while our pup settled next to us - we had steak and eggs, chia fruit, a side of bacon and a side of boiled eggs (for the pup). For dinner, we dined by the fire pit and had the steak and bolognese pasta! So happy we got a great spot by the fire pit and we were able to roast marshmallows after. Both meals left us feeling fulfilled and happy. Service at the host table was wonderful - we're always grateful for outdoor options when traveling with our dog.

Love this place. We came here to celebrate our anniversary. This is located in the Hyatt main…read morelobby. The restaurant is very inviting and has a fully stocked bar. Service was great. I loved how often our server came to check in on us. He made sure our drinks were topped off. The food was really good for the price. I was actually really amazed by the Brussels sprouts. It had thin slices of pear and it really balanced out the flavor. The rib-eye was also good. I like the little spice coming from the chimichurri sauce.

Rockfish Harbor Grill

3.2

(313 reviews)