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Best Cozy Restaurants in Monterey

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42 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1624)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 52 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Montrio restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4215)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 22 times today
Montrio is a cozy restaurant because it provides a comfortable yet classic dining experience. Reviews highlight the restaurant's 'sleek with a whimsical touch' ambiance, which customers love. It's also described as a 'lovely dinner date place for a romantic special occasion' and a 'nice atmosphere'. The service is also noted as warm, timely, and friendly, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
A photo of Jacks Monterey restaurant
4.3
Awesome(281)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 10 times today
Jacks Monterey is poised to provide a refreshing culinary experience in downtown Monterey, inside the Portola Hotel & Spa. Emphasizing local ingredients, high-quality seafood, and an award-winning wine and cocktail program, Jacks philosophy derives from globally-inspired traditions of California Cultural Cuisine highlighting flavor profiles unique to cultures from around the world. With design details throughout the indoor and outdoor dining venue to echo the beautiful surrounding landscape, the atmosphere at Jacks promises to be sophisticated—never pretentious. Jacks offers a variety of seating with a bar, fireplace lounge, and pet-friendly, outdoor space features living walls, bistro lighting, and fire pits. Open for Breakfast & Dinner. For more information visit www.portolahotel.com/dining/jacks-monterey
A photo of Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen restaurant
4.3
Awesome(6)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Monterey
Booked 1 time today
Welcome to the Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen!Join us on Alvarado Street in the beautiful Monterey. We'll be featuring award winning wines that pair with tapas style light bites.Our new location was designed using craftmanship stone and other unique elements to create an elegant and cozy atmosphere.We look forward to meeting you!
A photo of Abalonetti Bar and Grill restaurant
4.4
Awesome(536)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 5 times today
Abalonetti Bar and Grill is a cozy spot with a warm and welcoming ambience. As one review states, it's 'always tasty, casual yet nice... We've come here for years.' The restaurant boasts ample ocean views, a pet-friendly patio, and a full bar. The atmosphere is great for couples and families, as noted in many reviews, with one saying it's 'a great way to spend your day with family.' The consistent top ratings for ambience in reviews confirm that Abalonetti is indeed a cozy place to dine.
A photo of Stokes Adobe Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(760)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 25 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. ** We will be closed on Wednesday, 12.25**
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4963)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 30 times today
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.
A photo of Mission Bistro restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(491)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 32 times today
Located on Mission Street between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, in Carmel California. Mission Bistro Restaurant is owned by Shaheen Alnuaimi. Our history-rich location is warm, charming, and above all cozy. We offer brunch, lunch, dinner, local, and import wines. Chef Matt Zimny sources from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches with the goal of serving what is fresh and currently available. At Mission Bistro we do Seafood and Steaks right. Cheers!
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1676)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 57 times today
Our cuisine features beautiful specialties from France, Italy and Spain. The dishes are rich in color and flavor.PortaBella is picturesque: awarded First Prize for Beautiful Flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club.The ambience is stylish and romantic, the setting historic
A photo of Passionfish restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7231)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Grove
Booked 25 times today
Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sheryl
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    I loved this place. The food was very fresh, even the deep fried calamari. I had the crab, he had the seafood pasta dish. I had the mixed drink served in the big pineapple. Whoa! Could not finish it!the service was super profesh. Loved the view from the table. This is the place to impress a date. Romantic.
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Server was friendly, Bridget, if I recall, and on top of it. Husband’s birthday. They brought not only the birthday desert, but a nice taste of the strawberry gelato and blood orange sorbet — because she heard how we wanted to taste it. Husband had the filet perfectly cooked. I had the short rib very tasty, but maybe a bit too much salt. The ambiance was warmly inviting. Just the right amount of light added to a feeling that we were welcomed.
    More info
    MontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    4.6
  • NeliVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 9, 2024
    This is fhe first time my family visited Abalonetti Bar and Grill, and we liked it. The food was delishious, and the service was spotless. I especially liked the oysters with pesto, and my husband liked the crusted rockfish. My mother enjoyed her angel hair pasta, too. On the flip side, they have only four deserts on the menu and tiramisu is not one of them. They do not have espresso, either. Very disappointing. I recommend this restaurant for its great location, delicious food and the friendly and professional service.
    More info
    Abalonetti Bar and GrillPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    4.4
  • Shelly
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 10, 2024
    Jack's has a beautiful setting, service was excellent and the food was delicious! Very reasonably priced, as well.
    More info
    Jacks MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    4.3
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Alabama •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Sep 10, 2023
    We had planned to go for dinner, but they are not servicing food at this time :( wine was great!
    More info
    Albatross Ridge Winery & KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Monterey
    4.3

Discover best cozy restaurants in Monterey

Discover the charm and warmth of dining in California's Central Coast, specifically in Monterey/Carmel, where the keyword "cozy" truly comes to life. This region offers a delightful array of restaurants that embody coziness through their inviting ambiances, friendly service, and comfort food that feels like a hug. Each restaurant in this area provides a unique blend of homely comfort with touches of elegance and local flair, making them perfect for both romantic evenings and relaxing family dinners. From ocean views and live music to heartwarming American classics and fresh seafood, the dining scene here caters to a variety of tastes and preferences, all under the umbrella of comfort. Monterey itself is renowned for its picturesque settings and a dining scene that perfectly complements its beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly cozy dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal by the sea or a more refined dinner with a special someone, the Central Coast's offerings are sure to make your dining experience memorable and comforting.

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