The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Monterey, CA
Living on the coast has its advantages. You will enjoy the sun, surf, and water almost any day of the year that you would like. Another benefit of living in this part of the country is that you will be able to enjoy some great seafood. Even if you are not fortunate enough to call Monterey, California home you can enjoy the restaurants that dot the city landscape whenever you are in town. You will find a wide variety of venues that serve fresh food in various types of atmosphere, You will find some places on the water, while others are more rooted in urban life. At the end of the day, you will want to choose a restaurant that suits your style of dining and that serves the type of food you like the most. With that in mind, we have put together the following list of the 10 best seafood restaurants in Monterey, CA.
10. Abalonetti Bar and Grill
You will find this gem of a restaurant right on the Wharf. So, you know that you are in store for quite a selection of fresh seafood. Perhaps even better is that this restaurant has other specialties as well. If someone if your dining party is not a fan of seafood, they will find a host of steak and chicken dishes to suit them as well. When it comes to seafood, you will not be disappointed in the quality of what you order.
9. The C Restaurant + Bar
Hre is a restaurant that is housed inside the iconic Intercontinental Hotel. You will love the atmosphere here. Ask for a table by the window overlooking the sea if you can get so lucky. The food here is locally sourced. They believe in sustainable seafood options, and this is reflected by the choices you will have on the menu. Their crab cakes are something you definitely want to enjoy at least once in your life. They also have crab whipped potatoes that are quite unique.
8. Cafe Fina
Cafe Fina is a family owned restaurant with a strong tradition of fishermen in the mix. The owner is constantly looking for new dishes to add to the menu, so you will be able to enjoy something different almost every time that you visit. The clam chowder is rated amongst the best on Fisherman’s Wharf, so that is great to begin any meal with. You will love the selection that you get here, and the view over the water really can’t be beaten.
7. Domenico’s on the Wharf
The name gives the location of this seafood restaurant away. This is a class restaurant located right on the water that has been popular with locals and tourists alike for decades. The food is always fresh and the ambiance is spectacular. This is a place where you can watch the sea lions take in some sun during the day. By night, you can watch the lights turn on around the harbor as the sun goes down. You might even forget that you are here to eat!
6. Flying Fish Grill
With a name like the Flying Fish Grill, you know that you are in for a special treat. This is a restaurant that is inspired by Asian cuisine. It is the best of both worlds. The indoor ambiance of the place is fashioned after a classic Asian restaurant, complete with wood fixture all throughout. The menu is varied, so take your time in looking through each of the dishes that are offered. You really cannot go wrong with any of them.
5. Lou Lou’s Griddle in the Middle
If you are looking for a seafood restaurant that is a bit off the beaten path, then Lou Lou’s Griddle in the Middle should suit you just perfectly. This is a tiny place that has been in the community for years. You will find a basic dining venue where the focus in on great food served up fresh. Keep in mind that it might take a while to get your food here as it is very popular with the locals. Good things come to those who wait!
4. Passion Fish
Passion Fish is a local restaurant that specializes in serving up sustainable seafood on a daily basis. You will love the fresh fish that is on the menu. Look for the catch of the day on the menu to try something different with each visit that you make. You will also love the vegetables that they include with each dish. They change by the season and are always flavored to perfection.
3. Roy’s at Pebble Beach
You no longer have to catch a flight to Hawaii to eat food inspired by this region of the country. Roy’s at Pebble Beach is a seafood restaurant with a twist. You will find your favorite items created to the tune of Hawaiin fusion. The explosion of taste will be amazing, so you will be happy that you gave this one a try.
2. The Sardine Factory
The second best seafood restaurant in Monterey is The Sardine Factory. Do not let the name fool you, as this place has much more than sardines. Do not worry. You will find the freshest of seafood served just the way you like it here.
1. Schooners Coastal Kitchen and Bar
Located on Cannery Row, Schooners Coastal Kitchen Bar is the best seafood restaurant in Monterey, California. You will absolutely love the location. Just gaze out the window and lose yourself in the bay, only to be reawakened with your plate of sustainable seafood arrives at your table for you to enjoy.
Now that you are aware of the ten best seafood restaurants in Monterey, it is time to decide where you would like to go for lunch or dinner today. You will find that these are great options. Which one sounds the most appealing? Choose that one and go experience the food and the ambiance for yourself. Start your own list over time and let others know which seafood restaurants you enjoy the most.