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    Kafe Toribashi

    4.5 (42 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Kafe Toribashi Photos

    KAFE TORIBASHI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Blueberry and Mango milk matcha tea
    Christine C.

    Day out in Monterey- we had been sampling drinks all vacation and this little matcha place looked yummy. We ordered a blueberry and a mango matcha milk tea. The nice guy behind the counter shared that he made all his fruit purées from scratch- you could definitely taste it! Between the hand whipped matcha and fresh purées the drinks were so yummy. The Taiyakis were also delicious- we got a 3 pack of Oreo, Nutella, and Crème. Crème was our favorite- Such a cute clean place right on the Wharf. Added a nice experience to our day out!

    The taiyaki sign caught our eye! yum!
    Trish S.

    Ooh... super excited to see this here on the wharf. We checked it out. but will have to come back and give it a try. They had coffee, dessert, ramen, and much more. The prices seemed reasonable too. Definitely a place to try on our next trip.

    1020 ice cream
    Gabriel B.

    Nice little spot on the wharf with quick service and ample seating indoors. There was a singe table outdoors in front of the shop where I sat to eat the Marianne's ice cream they served. Their ice cream selection was much smaller than the Santa Cruz location, but it was still nice to have access to it here.

    Pikachu
    Adrienne Z.

    Kafe Toribashi is near the end of Monterey Wharf. It's a cozy little spot that feels like a secret tucked into a seaside postcard. I ordered a sugar-free vanilla latte it was flavorful enough to convince me sugar-free can be gourmet. My son grabbed a caramel latte and while he didn't offer a manifesto on the flavor, he did give the classic concise compliment "Pretty good." I took a sip and can confirm. Value-wise, $6.00 is a solid price for a waterfront experience in this area, especially given the quality and vibe. The space is cute and bright, with little touches that make you want to linger which is exactly the plan for the next visit. I can't wait to come back and try the ramen or the ice cream. If the coffee is any indication, I'm betting the ramen will be a delicious surprise to complement that same easy-going, "I know good coffee" confidence.

    Jonathan L.

    Found this location while walking on the pier and I was wonderfully surprised to find a Japanese cafe with Japanese/asian snacks. I love Japanese Taiyaki and was so happy to see that they had it there. 1. Taiyaki: I know it was made by Kafe Toribashi since they have a machine in the back counter but I was worried because they're already premade. However they rebake it for you when you order. I was wary of how fresh it would taste but it was actually really delicious and fresh tasting. I loved the custard but the red bean was also really delicious. Lots of filling. Overall, love this place and I would definitely be back. The prices are super reasonable and fresh/authentic tasting.

    Matcha latte
    Cam Loan N.

    2nd time here and service is excellent each time. The matcha latte tastes great, I'm someone who doesn't like my drink sweet, so I did ask for half sweetness and it was perfect. Hubby got the strawberry matcha latte and he enjoyed it. Better than some of the places in the bay. Ice cream is good here as well. The girls got the strawberry cream.

    Decor lighting made of different tea pots.
    Becca D.

    This little shop at the end of the wharf is a hidden gem. They have coffee, ice cream, ramen, and other goodies. They didn't have taiyaki the day I went :( but that's ok I'm sure it would've been yummy. I opted for the ramen. You order on a screen and then the people make it for you. The gentleman helping behind the counter was super nice. The patrons around me seemed to enjoy their lattes. They had plenty of seating. I opted to sit outside and watch the sea lions and boats. Excellent experience for a nice treat.

    Vanilla ice cream with tayaki
    Devin M.

    8.5/10 I tried two vanilla taiyaki, one filled with custard and the other with red bean. The red bean filling was a 7.7/10 for me; a bit savory and not quite my preference. The custard, on the other hand, was a solid 8.8/10 sweet, smooth, and really hit the spot! They make the taiyaki fresh in-house, which is a great touch. A little messy to eat, but totally worth it. Service was excellent super friendly staff and owners. The ambiance was relaxed and welcoming, and the place was very clean. Overall, a great experience!

    Ordering area
    Chas A.

    We love this place as a family. My kids enjoy the instant ramen, the ice cream, and the friendly service! We came in during their soft opening and then again this time around, approximately a year after our first visit. We're so glad that it's around at the warf area. It's a no frills place to grab some quick food, coffee, while you sit and enjoy the scenery. If you're in the area, stop by and grab yourself some coffee or ice cream and relax. Try tv instant ramen...it stays hot the entire time that you're eating it!

    Blueberry matcha & Oreo matcha
    Anne C.

    I like this place, I think it's cute, the location is awesome; I got the blueberry matcha which was honestly super good- my only thing would be that for 2 matchas our total was like $20, so although I understand that's kinda just what matcha costs sometimes idk if it's something I'd get all the time. Given the location and that it was really good, I do think it makes sense though, and I'd still recommend this place, but just adding that for what it's worth

    Stools out the back door overlook the water
    Alma S.

    This is a cute spot that adds a nice place to leisurely hang out on the Wharf in a cafe vs restaurant setting. The atmosphere is modern, bright, & clean with cool lighting fixtures. There's a lot of indoor seating at tables & at a bar with stools. There's also an outdoor table in front & stools out the back door overlooking the water. All the seating is metal. We came on a Saturday afternoon & luckily beat a rush of people that followed. Some of my family ordered with the man at the counter, but once it got busier, the rest of us who took more time to decide were directed to a large order screen. Customer service was friendly & welcoming, but the staff was kept busy. We are longtime fans of Marianne's Ice Cream (a Santa Cruz institution), which is what we came for. There were 8 flavors to choose from. We ended up getting macapuno, rocky road, mint chip & Heaven (vanilla ice cream with chocolate swirl, peanut butter swirl, and brownies). I also got a latte from the beverage menu, which I enjoyed. They serve Alibi coffee. They call out names when your order is ready, but not very loudly, so you have to pay attention as many customers had to be called multiple times. Their menu has taiyaki that you can get filled or used as an ice cream cone. DIY ramen is also offered with a variety of packages on display to choose from & the use of EZ Cook machines.

    Prepare your own ramen
    Tonia C.

    The wharf has a lot of places to have a lunch or dinner. Though they're all quality places, they're similar to each other and often pricey. There's a void in places to just hang out. Until now. Kafe Toribashi replaced the tea place that used to be here. They've kept the decor pretty much the same. That means you can still enjoy food and drinks on th patio overlooking the water. There's one outside table in front of the venue, which I sat at the first time but it was full last Saturday so I had to go inside. I'm glad because that's how I realized the service is fun and friendly. I thought they were a ramen place where you warmed up your own bowls of ramen. That is true. They are a casual ramen spot but they also serve Japanese pastries, reaaallllllyy good coffee and ice cream. I've had the iced lavender latte twice. It's better than ones I've had at nearby coffee houses. It's worth trekking down the wharf just for that coffee!! There's a shelf full of games so customers can just hang out for awhile. When a came a couple of Saturdays ago, a couple of young people were doing just that. Playing a game and sipping a drink. I've been here twice and service is helpful and friendly. It's the type of place where customers chat with each other and the workers. Skip past all the dinner spots and stop in and chill. You won't be disappointed.

    Sitting Area
    Matthew F.

    I truly give it a 3.5 but there isn't an option! My only true issue with this place was my table was super wobbly. Plus the rice was terrible but the ramen was fun to make and loved the toppings but honestly whoever was working today (2/19/2026) he was AWESOME! Very helpful and a great worker overall! The vibe of the place was nice and comfy!

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    2 months ago

    Really good, pretty restaurant, just was overpriced . Would recommend if your into those Korean convenience stores!

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    Ask the Community - Kafe Toribashi

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    Toribashi - Tonkotsu Ramen

    Toribashi

    4.0(464 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$
    Healthy dining
    Established in 2018

    We had a craving for ramen while on vacation in Monterey, and Toribashi came thru for us!…read more This restaurant was located in a downtown area, so there wasn't a dedicated parking lot, but it was fairly easy to find street parking. I ordered the Shoyu Ramen which was flavorful with a rich broth. I also know my kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves because there was nothing left in their bowls :) Thank you, Toribashi!

    Welp.. We finally had the chance to return to Monterey.. As we were squeezed for time, we chose to…read morecome to Toribashi tonight. Parking was only mildly challenging, as a space opened up after only a single lap around the block. Inside here, you'll find a busy place with a few tables and individual bar-style (partitioned!) paired seating along the walls adjacent to the kitchen in the middle part of the restaurant. Order up at the self-serve order kiosks, tap in your table/counter number, and they bring out your order in a couple of minutes. We had six of us in our party, and most of us kept it simple by ordering the default Tonkatsu Ramen with different customizable options. Most all of the ingredients in this order were on point - The Chasu Pork Belly was tender, thick and delicious, ramen noodles nothing special, but generally stil on point, as were the bamboo shoots. However, the co-star/centerpiece of the Tonkatsu Ramen other than the Chasu Pork slab should be the broth, but sadly the broth was far far TOO salty which overpowered the other flavors in the broth. Chasu Pork 4.8/5, Tonkatsu Ramen 3.1/5. Service was good as everyone was hustling hard in the kitchen, along with attentive bussers/waitstaff to quickly turn tables. They take good care in wiping down the tables here. If I return, I'll just get the Paitan Ramen like I did in years past, as that seemed less salty. Then again the Paitan soup base begins with the same chicken+pork soup base as the Tonkatsu Ramen. I hope Toribashi will step back up to their former glory.

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    Toro - Tuna, albacore, halibut sashimi and Carmel roll

    Toro

    4.0(540 reviews)
    3.8 mi
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    Service was prompt and very personable, menu offerings were very well portioned, my Hawaiian Poke…read morebowl was the perfect amount with fresh ingredients and the right touch of heat, and there were plenty of gluten-free offerings for my wife. Our main server and man who brought out our dessert were very friendly. Would 100% come back on a sunny day to sit in the outside patio. Toro is a great place for either a family dinner or a romantic date

    Toro is an absolute gem in Carmel. The moment you walk in, you're met with a warm, welcoming…read moreatmosphere and a stylish, modern vibe that immediately sets the tone for a great meal. It's intimate without feeling crowded and has that perfect Carmel charm. The food is outstanding--fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Whether you're ordering sushi, small plates, or one of their signature dishes, everything feels thoughtfully prepared and balanced. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients, and the menu offers just the right mix of creativity and comfort. The service is another highlight. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive in all the right ways. They're happy to offer recommendations and make you feel genuinely taken care of throughout your meal. Overall, Toro delivers a memorable dining experience from start to finish. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed dinner, a date night, or a special evening out. Highly recommended if you're in Carmel and want something delicious and elevated without being pretentious.

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    Bada Kitchen - King pork cutlet

    Bada Kitchen

    3.9(67 reviews)
    2.6 mi
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    We had such a great experience for lunch yesterday at Bada Kitchen!…read more The Korean fried chicken was hands down the best we've had in Monterey--seriously 10/10. We tried the Yangyum flavor (sweet and spicy), and while it leaned more sweet than spicy, it was still absolutely delicious. Next time we'll definitely ask for a higher spice level. The Honey Garlic was also amazing--super flavorful, and the chicken itself was perfectly fried, crispy on the outside and still moist and juicy inside. It could've used just a little more sauce, but honestly still so good. We also ordered the pork and veg gyoza, which were tasty, and edamame, which was good but pretty standard. I had the Spicy Tuna Roll and really enjoyed it, and my husband got the Shrimp Tempura Roll, which he said was great too. The portions are huge--we definitely had leftovers! I also got a side of white rice to go with the chicken, and it was just chef's kiss. A couple small notes: the restaurant is a little tricky to find since it's tucked into a shopping area, and the music was a bit loud for my taste. But the service was great, and when we went (around 12:30-1:00 on a Friday), it wasn't too busy, which was nice. We'll definitely be back a few more times!

    Service is friendly. Sushi is fresh and flavorful. Korean…read moreChicken wings are crispy & delicious.

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    Bada Kitchen - I think this place used to be a different and seafood based restaurant, but reusing decor lol

    I think this place used to be a different and seafood based restaurant, but reusing decor lol

    Bada Kitchen - Spicy rice cake with ramen.  Bulgogi.  Korean fried Chicken.

    Spicy rice cake with ramen. Bulgogi. Korean fried Chicken.

    Bada Kitchen - Fried Mandoo,pork&Vege (5pcs) x 2 orders

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    Monterey's Fish House

    Monterey's Fish House

    4.0(3.4k reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$$

    We had reservations at 7:30 but due to overbooking, we didn't get seated until 8:15. The hostess…read morewas weary of the fact that we've been waiting for quite sometime and did whatever she could to get us a table. We ordered the fried calamari and crab cakes to start and were given complimentary oysters as well for the wait we had to endure. The ciopinno seemed to be a staple for them as many people ordered it. A few in our group ordered as well. For me, I ordered the crab ravioli and it was amazing. The service was amazing and aside from the wait, it was a fantastic experience.

    You Fish An…read moreold-school, no-frills fish house that's been in operation for over thirty years (ca. 1994) in the same spot. Not only are they a local and Yelper-favorite restaurant, but they were also listed in the exclusive Michelin Guide as recently as 2019. The Good: * Located away from the wharf and Cannery Row, so you don't have to deal with all the nonsense those two come with. * Private parking lot, as well as street parking. * Prices aren't too shabby considering the location. * Service was a bit odd, but friendly enough. * Their house-made linguini was very good and worth the extra $6 upgrade. * Veggies were cooked and seasoned perfectly. * Beers on tap and in bottles, as well as wine. * I liked the flavor from the oak grill. The Meh: * Hard to complain about free bread, but just watch me. The bread was stale and not fresh at all. Even the pats of butter weren't enough to save it. * The Diablo sauce was all gas and no brakes. It needed a little sweetness and acid to complement the spice. * Carissa's penne pasta was waaayyyyyy overcooked. And so was her salmon. The Ugly: * WTF is this second menu they have? I shit you not, the poor waiter had to recite what must have been over twenty off-menu items. It was mildly amusing at first, but then you realize you're supposed to actually absorb all of this? It's got to be some kind of inside joke with the staff. No way it's real. * The clam chowder was watery and not thick at all. Not to mention, the flavor just wasn't good, and there weren't many clams. * My tuna steak was just not good. It didn't taste very fresh and had an off texture. I thought for sure I was going to get food poisoning from it, but luckily that didn't happen. Conclusion: I hate shitting on an institution like this, but it is what it is. It appears their better days are behind them, as there's probably a good reason they lost their Michelin recommendation.

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    Monterey's Fish House - Complimentary Stale Bread ($0)

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    Kafe Toribashi - cafes - Updated May 2026

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