Best Authentic Restaurants in Monterey
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- $30 and under
- $31 to $50
- $50 and over
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27 restaurants available nearby
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See what locals rave about
- SSophiaPortland / Oregon •1 review5.0Dined 5 days agoWas on a solo trip and felt very comfortable going as a solo diner here. Ambiance was lovely. The staff was professional and helpful in me choosing my food and drink options! I kind of went all out on the ordering since everything looked so good and I got the crudo, bisque, potatoes, and American wagyu. I particularly loved the fact how incredibly fresh and melt in your mouth the fish was. The avocado mousse mixed really well with it. The crema on the potatoes was lovely and the potatoes were flavorful and piping hot which was amazing. I enjoyed the chili oil addition to the bisque and that was also served in a very hot bowl which was preferred to me because I hate food that gets even a little bit cold and I loved that. The wagyu was of course cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. Not a huge of sun chokes but that’s just my personal preference as I have never really like them. Overall, wonderful experience and would go againMore infoStokes Adobe RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey•4.8
- CCynthiaSan Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoFrom the front of the house, beautiful to the person who waited on us, fabulous! My husband and I have been dining at Estéban twice a year for many many years. Needless to say, our experiences have been wonderful, yet yesterday’s dinner exceeded even the best of our experiences. Please let the host, waitress, and chef know this. Thank you and have a pleasant rest of 2024 and a prosperous 2025!More infoEstéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & SpaPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Monterey•4.2
- MMichaelCalifornia Central Coast •2 reviews5.0Dined 6 days agowe eat her a couple of times a year Birthday. Anniversary and other occasion food is great staff are great . Views of the Ocean are beautifulMore infoEl Torito - MontereyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Monterey•3.9
- TTonyVIPSan Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews5.0Dined on Dec 26, 2024Consistently good food and great customer service.More infoFin + Field Restaurant and Bar - Monterey MarriottPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey•4.3
- BBryanSan Diego •1 review5.0Dined on Dec 25, 2024Our fifth year in a row having Christmas Eve dinner at Abalonetti’s. Delicious as always with exceptional customer service and a damn fine Long Island ice tea. Scampi was amazing!More infoAbalonetti Bar and GrillPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey•4.4
Discover best authentic restaurants in Monterey
Discover the essence of authenticity in California's Central Coast with our curated selection of restaurants in Monterey / Carmel. These dining spots are renowned for their genuine flair and dedication to capturing the true spirit of their culinary influences. Whether you're craving the fresh, sustainable tastes of local Californian cuisine or the rich, vibrant flavors of Mediterranean fare, each restaurant offers a unique, authentic dining experience that reflects the local culture and culinary standards. Monterey / Carmel's dining scene is a vibrant mix of local traditions and innovative culinary practices, making it a must-visit for food lovers seeking authenticity. Diners can expect to enjoy not just a meal, but a full sensory experience with stunning coastal views, locally sourced ingredients, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that embodies the locale's charm. Each restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in their meticulously crafted menus, which feature a range of options to suit all tastes and dietary preferences. From the freshest seafood to organic, locally-grown produce, the emphasis on high-quality, natural ingredients is a testament to the area's rich culinary heritage. As you plan your next culinary adventure in Monterey / Carmel, be assured that these restaurants will provide not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience that authentically represents the heart of the Central Coast.