01
Best overall pick
Tarpy's Roadhouse
Near Highway 68, Just East Of Del Rey Oaks • Upscale Roadhouse Restaurant In A Historic Stone House • Local Favorite For Everything
A Monterey classic that balances polished California comfort food with a relaxed roadhouse feel and generous portions.
Set in a 1917 stone farmhouse just minutes from Del Rey Oaks, Tarpy's feels special without being stuffy. The menu leans into wood-grilled steaks, hearty mains, and seasonal California touches, plus a solid cocktail list. Ask for a garden or patio table on a mild evening to see why so many locals use it for both date nights and family gatherings.
02
Neighborhood go-to
Googie Grill
Del Rey Oaks – Canyon Del Rey Corridor • Casual American Grill And Diner • Best For Casual Weeknight Dinners
A friendly, no-fuss spot for burgers, hearty breakfasts, and comfort-food plates right in the Del Rey Oaks neighborhood mix.
Googie Grill is the kind of place where you can walk in after work or a beach day and know everyone at the table will find something they like. Expect classic American breakfasts, big salads, burgers, and daily specials that feel more like home cooking than corporate menu planning. It’s convenient, affordable, and very much part of the local routine.
03
Waterfront classic
Old Fisherman's Grotto
Monterey – Old Fisherman’S Wharf • Classic Seafood Restaurant • Best For Classic Wharf Experience
A long-running wharf institution known for rich clam chowder, seafood platters, and harbor views that feel straight out of a postcard.
A short drive from Del Rey Oaks, Old Fisherman's Grotto delivers the full Monterey wharf experience in one stop. The menu leans traditional—think clam chowder in sourdough, shrimp and scallops, and surf-and-turf—but the execution is reliably dialed in. It’s a strong pick when you want a harbor-view meal that feels distinctly “Monterey” without overthinking it.
04
Iconic fine dining
Sardine Factory
Monterey – Cannery Row Area • Fine-Dining Seafood And Steak Restaurant • Best For Anniversaries And Celebrations
An old-school, white-tablecloth landmark pairing classic seafood and steaks with clubby dining rooms and polished service.
Sardine Factory is one of those Cannery Row addresses locals still save for big nights out. The menu reads classic—seafood towers, abalone when available, prime steaks—but the kitchen and service team keep it from feeling dated. If you’re celebrating and don’t mind dressing up a bit, book ahead and linger over cocktails in the lounge before settling into the main dining room.
05
Seaside brunch favorite
Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar
Monterey – Waterfront Above The Bay • Coastal Californian Restaurant And Bar • Best For Ocean-View Brunch And Cocktails
A bright, sea-breezy dining room perched over the water, serving modern coastal dishes with one of the best bay views near Del Rey Oaks.
Perched above the waves at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, Schooners earns its reputation on both the view and the menu. Daytime brings Dungeness crab Benedicts, fish tacos, and crisp salads; in the evening, it leans into seafood-focused mains and a full bar with coastal-leaning cocktails. Aim for a patio or window table around sunset and you’ll understand why it’s a go-to for visiting friends and relaxed celebrations.