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Best Authentic Restaurants in Monterey

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28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar - Monterey Marriott restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(14)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 5 times today
Chef Josh Silva-Arias presents a culinary experience that’s true to its home, authentic to its environment, and enjoyed by all. Bringing his love and passion for food to Fin + Field Restaurant at Monterey Marriott, our menus focus on freshness and locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy a drink at our ambient full bar, featuring seven local microbrews and custom cocktails.
A photo of Abalonetti Bar and Grill restaurant
4.2
Awesome(535)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 2 times today
Abalonetti Bar and Grill is one of the original restaurants on Monterey's Historic Fisherman's Wharf. Famous for Monterey calamari, we now feature more than 20 different preparations from local squid processed in-house. With ample ocean views, the Wharf's largest waterfront pet-friendly patio, a full bar, cocktail menu and local wine list, Abalonetti has been a favorite of locals for decades, providing a fun and casual waterfront dining experience.
A photo of Stokes Adobe Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(748)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 16 times today
Stokes Adobe is a new restaurant located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes. The menu offers chef driven seasonally inspired California cuisine. The bar and cozy outdoor fire pits offer classic cocktails, wines by the glass and local beers.
A photo of Il Tegamino restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1100)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 9 times today
Just steps off Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel, California, Il Tegamino is Carmel's favorite hidden gem. Wander past Carmel's iconic candy shop to find us tucked behind boutiques in a courtyard off the beaten path. We are a tiny restaurant charmingly hidden in Carmel-by-the-Sea's first courtyard. Dine al fresco in our outdoor space within The Court of the Golden Bough courtyard complete with standing heaters and an awning or feel transported to an authentic Italian bistro in our bustling small dining room. We welcome you to come grab a glass of vino in our new wine room. As a local small business, you will often find owner Giuseppe at your table side to welcome you and serve his menu of Italian comfort food inspired by his upbringing in Southern Italy.
A photo of Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa restaurant
4.5
Awesome(854)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Monterey
Booked 16 times today
LIVE MUSIC every Thurs. & Fri. 5:30pm–8:30pmEstéban Restaurant: Spanish-inspired California cuisine.This local favorite offers indoor & outdoor patio (pet-friendly) diningUp-to-date hours: Open for BreakfastMon. – Fri. 7:00am–10:00amOpen for dinner Sun. – Thurs., 4:30pm–8:30pmFri. & Sat., 4:30pm–9:00pmTapas Happy Hour daily 4:30pm–6:00pmLive Spanish Guitarist: Thurs. – Fri. 5:30pm–8:30pmOpen for Brunch: Sat. & Sun. 9:00am–1:30pmGift Certificates Estéban Restaurant, the 2024 Diners' Choice award winner, carries on the Munras family tradition of culinary hospitality and excellence. It offers authentic Monterey dining in the historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a unique culinary experience featuring traditional Spanish-inspired California cuisine with a pinch of adventure. Choose from shared plates and classic selections. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/EstebanRestaurant and Instagram at instagram.com/estebanrestaurant/
A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2350)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 22 times today
Our current hours are as follows.Monday - Thursday, Dinner 4:30pm to 9:00pmFriday- Saturday, Dinner 4:30pm to 9:30pmPolicies: We do require a credit card for reservations. We reserve the right to charge guests who do not show up for their reservations or cancel within a 24 hour notice. The charge for NO SHOW is $25 per guest. We will hold your table for 15min max, and will automatically allot 2hrs for your dining pleasure.Parties of 5 or more will need to make special accommodations with the hostess.Thank you for your continuous support!
A photo of Enzo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(450)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 7 times today
If a Western Mediterranean version of life exists, you will find it nestled between Ocean ave and Seventh st on San Carlos Street in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The European style village nestled above a picturesque white sandy beach is the perfect backdrop to "ENZO". At Enzo, you will be beckoned by the rustically charming patios surrounded by draping bougainvillea on a sundrenched day or the cozy and simplistic interior warmed by the fireplace when the cool fog blankets the coast.Calabria is a southern region in Italy where the owner, Enzo, comes from. Calabria is a place where life is still slow. It's the beauty, the passion, the family, the love...this is what you will find at Enzo...simplicity, love, comfort, family!
A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2257)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 33 times today
Il Fornaio - Carmel is a gem of authentic Italian cuisine in downtown Carmel. As one reviewer noted, it serves 'Real authentic Italian cuisine.' The menu boasts wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, house-made pastas, and pizzas baked in an oak wood-fired oven. The restaurant's name, 'Il Fornaio,' which means 'The Baker' in Italian, speaks to its commitment to traditional Italian cooking.
A photo of Nicolas Cocina de Herencia restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(266)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Carmel
Booked 17 times today
Reservations are not needed but are recommended, Walk ins are Welcome.The newest creation from the owners of the beloved Villa Azteca in Downtown Salinas (Salinas City Center), the eatery honoring the Alvarez family patriarch will open Summer 2023 in Carmel Plaza. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will have indoor dining, bar seating and a small outdoor space, serving specialty Michoacán dishes as well as other Mexican favorites, incorporating three generations of family recipes.
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(221)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 24 times today
Dametra Cafe is a gem of a restaurant that truly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. It's all about the authenticity here, with reviewers praising the 'fresh & authentic' food. The atmosphere is often described as familial and fun, and the owner is commended for being 'welcoming'. Plus, the live music and dance parties add an extra layer of authenticity. The food is 'delicious' and 'fresh', with dishes like hummus, lamb shish kebab and baklava being fan favorites.

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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.

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