01
For a special night out
Maligne
Broadway Corridor • Contemporary European-American Restaurant • Date-Night Standout
A refined but relaxed Seaside spot for seasonal, European‑leaning plates and thoughtful cocktails.
Tucked along Broadway, Maligne feels like the neighborhood bistro every coastal town wishes it had—intimate, candlelit, and quietly confident in its cooking. The menu leans on seasonal produce and well‑sourced meats, with dishes that are creative without being fussy. It’s the place locals book for anniversaries, visiting friends, or any evening when the food should feel as memorable as the Monterey Bay backdrop.
02
Best overall pick
Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza
Downtown Seaside • Handmade Pasta And Pizza Spot • Crowd-Pleasing Italian Favorite
Cozy, bustling Italian with handmade pasta, well‑charred pizzas, and a warm, family‑run feel.
Gusto is the kind of Italian place where you can see the care in every bowl of pasta, from silky tagliatelle to rich, slow‑simmered sauces. Pizzas come out with blistered crusts and generous toppings, and the room fills quickly with families, date‑night couples, and groups of friends. It’s casual enough for a midweek meal but polished enough that it still feels like an occasion.
03
Best for hearty breakfasts
Googie Grill
Fremont Boulevard Corridor • Casual American Grill And Breakfast Spot • Best For Brunch And Comfort Food
A friendly local standby for big breakfasts, burgers, and classic American comfort plates.
Googie Grill leans into its retro‑diner roots with generous portions, bottomless coffee, and a menu that reads like a greatest hits of American comfort food. Locals swear by the omelets, pancakes, and beignets in the morning, then pivot to burgers, sandwiches, and hearty plates later in the day. It’s the perfect first stop before a long drive down the coast or a lazy beach afternoon.
04
Korean comfort staple
BaDa Korean Kitchen
Upper Seaside Near Csu Monterey Bay • Relaxed Korean Comfort-Food Joint • Go-To For Korean Cravings
A low‑key spot turning out generous plates of Korean favorites like bibimbap, bulgogi, and spicy stews.
BaDa Korean Kitchen is beloved by students and longtime residents alike for its satisfying, no‑nonsense dishes and friendly service. Expect sizzling hot plates, deeply flavored soups, and plenty of banchan to share around the table. It’s an easy choice when you want something filling and flavorful without getting dressed up or spending a fortune.
05
Seafood and micheladas favorite
Mariscos Puerto Nuevo
North Seaside Near Highway 1 • Lively Mexican Seafood Restaurant • Top Spot For Mexican Seafood
Vibrant mariscos, cold micheladas, and a party‑ready vibe make this a go‑to for groups.
Mariscos Puerto Nuevo brings a little bit of Baja to Seaside, with towering seafood cocktails, aguachiles, and tostadas loaded with shrimp, octopus, and fish. The room is colorful and energetic, with music up, TVs on, and tables crowded with shared platters and frosty drinks. Come hungry, bring friends, and don’t be shy about ordering one more round of tacos or ceviche than you think you need.