01
Best overall pick
Sweet Elena's Bakery & Café
Sand City Arts & Retail District • European-Style Bakery Café • Daytime Local Favorite
A relaxed bakery café where locals linger over strong coffee, fresh pastries, and savory pies between errands or beach walks.
Sweet Elena’s feels like the heart of Sand City: warm, unfussy, and full of regulars catching up over strong coffee. The counter is stacked with rustic tarts, quiches, and cookies, and the kitchen turns out satisfying sandwiches and daily specials. It’s a prime stop for breakfast, a light lunch, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up before you head back to the dunes or outlets.
02
Best for waterfront seafood
Sandbar & Grill
Monterey Waterfront • Harborside Seafood Restaurant • Best For Harbor Views
Classic Monterey seafood served right over the water, with generous plates, harbor views, and a bar that hums from late afternoon onward.
Tucked beneath Municipal Wharf 2, Sandbar & Grill sits almost at water level, so you’re looking straight out at bobbing boats while you eat. The menu leans heavily on well-executed staples—think sand dabs, cioppino, calamari, and daily fish specials—backed by a solid wine list and stiff cocktails. Aim for an early dinner to snag a window table and avoid the heaviest waits, especially on weekends and holidays.
03
Upscale date-night pick
The Sardine Factory
Cannery Row, Monterey • Classic Fine-Dining Restaurant • Special-Occasion Splurge
An old-school Monterey landmark pairing polished service and rich, seafood-heavy dishes with a deep wine list and dramatic dining rooms.
If you want a big-night-out just a short drive from Sand City, The Sardine Factory is the iconic choice. Inside you’ll find white tablecloths, a clubby lounge, and formal but welcoming service, with menus that lean luxurious—abalone bisque, prime steaks, and carefully plated seafood. Dress a notch up from beach casual, book ahead, and plan to linger over dessert or a nightcap in the bar.
04
Go-to Mexican comfort food
Sarita's Mexican Grill
Seaside, Fremont Boulevard Corridor • Lively Mexican Grill • Casual Group Hangout
A bustling Seaside standby for hearty Mexican plates, fresh salsa, and friendly service that keeps families and groups coming back.
Sarita’s hits that sweet spot between festive and low-key, with colorful plates, big portions, and plenty of combo options for picky eaters. Regulars swear by the chile verde, sizzling fajitas, and warm tortillas, plus the chips and salsa that land on the table almost as soon as you sit down. It’s an easy choice when you’re feeding a crowd after a day on the beach or exploring the outlets, though expect a short wait at peak dinner hours.
05
Most craveable quick bite
BaDa Korean Kitchen
Seaside, Broadway Avenue • Modern Korean Counter-Service Spot • Best For Bold Flavors
A compact, fast-moving Korean kitchen serving sizzling plates, comforting stews, and shareable bites with plenty of spice and personality.
BaDa Korean Kitchen is where you go when you want something punchy and satisfying without a drawn-out sit-down meal. Order at the counter, grab a seat if you can, and dig into bibimbap, spicy pork, sizzling bulgogi, or wings that are easy to split with friends. It doubles as a smart takeout option if you’d rather bring hot, flavorful food back to your hotel or a nearby beach overlook.