The Monterey Bay Area Restaurants

The Monterey Bay area is a culinary paradise. The surrounding waters are full of fish, wild game roams the foothills, and the inland valleys are some of the most fertile in the country—local chefs draw on this bounty for their fresh, truly Californian cuisine. Except at beachside stands and inexpensive eateries, where anything goes, casual but neat dress is the norm.

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  • 1. Fandango

    $$$

    The menu here is mostly Mediterranean and southern French, with such dishes as osso buco and paella. The decor follows suit—stone walls and country furniture lend the restaurant the earthy feel of a European farmhouse.

    223 17th St., Pacific Grove, California, 93950, USA
    831-372–3456

    Known For

    • Wood-fire-grilled rack of lamb, seafood, and beef
    • Convivial residential vibe
    • Traditional European flavors

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Sat.
  • 2. Laili Restaurant

    $$

    Exotic Mediterranean flavors with an Afghan twist take center stage at this artsy, stylish space with soaring ceilings. In the evening, locals come to relax over wine and soft jazz at the blue-concrete bar, on the seasonal heated patio with twinkly lights, or at a communal table near the open kitchen.

    101–B Cooper St., Santa Cruz, California, 95060, USA
    831-423–4545

    Known For

    • House-made pastas and numerous vegetarian and vegan options
    • Fresh naan, chutneys, and dips with every meal
    • Traditional dishes like pomegranate eggplant and maushawa soup

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 3. Bittersweet Bistro

    $$$

    A large old tavern with cathedral ceilings houses this popular bistro, where the Mediterranean--California menu changes seasonally, but regular highlights include paella, seafood puttanesca, and pepper-crusted rib-eye steak with Cabernet demi-glace.

    787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, California, 95003, USA
    831-662–9799

    Known For

    • Value-laden happy hour
    • Seafood specials
    • House-made desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, but open at 2 for dinner
  • 4. Casanova

    $$$

    This restaurant inspires European-style celebration and romance in an intimate French-country setting. Feast on authentic dishes from southern France and northern Italy—think beef tartare and escargot. Private dining is offered at Van Gogh's Table, a relic from France's Auberge Ravoux, the artist's final residence.

    5th Ave., between San Carlos and Mission Sts., Carmel, California, 93921, USA
    831-625–0501

    Known For

    • House-made pastas and gnocchi
    • Private dining at antique Van Gogh's table
    • Romantic candlelight dining room and outdoor patio

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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