01
Best overall pick
Montrio
Downtown Monterey • Upscale New American Restaurant • Best For Inventive Date-Night Dining
A polished, creative spot where seasonal New American dishes and serious cocktails feel right at home in downtown Monterey.
Montrio has long been a benchmark for elevated dining on the Peninsula, with a menu that leans into local seafood, quality meats, and smart, modern plating. The room feels lively rather than stiff, helped along by a strong bar program and knowledgeable service. It is the kind of place where you can linger over a full three courses or just settle in at the bar for small plates and a well-made drink.
02
Most iconic choice
The Sardine Factory
Cannery Row • Classic Fine-Dining Seafood House • Iconic Special-Occasion Spot
Old-school in the best way, this Cannery Row institution delivers rich seafood, steaks, and a sense of Monterey history in one sitting.
The Sardine Factory is where locals send visitors who want the full vintage Monterey experience, from tuxedoed service to deep, clubby dining rooms. Expect a menu heavy on lobster, abalone, and prime beef, with generous portions and tableside touches that feel pleasantly timeless. It is ideal for anniversaries, big birthdays, or anyone who still appreciates a classic martini and a grand seafood platter.
03
Best modern Californian
Stokes Adobe
Old Monterey • Seasonal California Kitchen In A Historic House • Best For Cocktails And Shared Plates
A beautifully restored adobe with fireplace nooks, a strong bar, and a menu built for sharing seasonal California dishes.
Set inside a landmark adobe just uphill from the main drag, Stokes Adobe manages to feel both intimate and current. The menu changes often but usually blends local produce, wood-fired touches, and thoughtful riffs on comfort food, making it easy to order a mix for the table. Outdoor fire pits and a serious cocktail list make it especially appealing for small groups and relaxed, lingering evenings.
04
Best comfort-food classic
Rosine's Restaurant
Alvarado Street Corridor • Hearty American Comfort-Food Diner • Go-To For Families And Big Appetites
Rosine's serves towering comfort-food plates and big slices of cake in a bustling, down-to-earth dining room steps from downtown hotels.
Rosine's is the kind of place that wins local best-of lists year after year for sheer reliability and portions that border on heroic. The menu runs from loaded omelets and sandwiches to pastas and roasted meats, with a dessert case that demands at least one slice for the table. It is an easy choice with kids, mixed groups, or anyone who wants a relaxed meal before or after exploring Fisherman's Wharf.
05
Best for waterfront views
Coastal Kitchen
Cannery Row Waterfront • Oceanfront Seafood And Coastal California Restaurant • Top Pick For Bay Views And Fresh Catch
A refined, view-driven dining room where local seafood and California produce share the spotlight with sweeping Monterey Bay vistas.
Located above the water on Cannery Row, Coastal Kitchen makes the most of its setting with floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu that leans into the ocean just outside. Expect crudo, simply grilled fish, and vegetable-forward sides that feel light but still satisfying, plus a wine list tailored to seafood. Time a reservation near sunset and it doubles as one of the better places in town to soak in the bay without leaving your seat.