Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Monterey / Carmel? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Dametra Cafe

4.8

4.8 (244)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Carmel

About the restaurant

Dametra Cafe is a casual Mediterranean restaurant. Here, diners can expect high-quality healthy food delivered quickly in a relaxed atmosphere. The decor and styling of the dining room is distinctly Greek, specifically like one of the many coastal cities that the country is known for. Between that and the hearty portions and prompt service, Dametra Cafe sits nicely between an upscale restaurant and quick-service places.Dametra's Cafe features primarily Greek cuisine, with some Italian and Spanish thrown in for good measure. Appetizers include hummus with pita bread, fried calamari, grilled jumbo prawns and steamed mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce. The meals are split between sandwiches, pasta and entrée offerings and features dishes such as shrimp and crab ravioli, a salmon burger with red onion and tomatoes, lamb shish kebab and a Greek style lamb shank with rice pilaf and fresh vegetables.

Top review

Kevin

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

Great experience.Food and service was outstanding as well as the entertainment and lively atmosphere.

Kona Steak and Seafood

4.8

4.8 (112)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Monterey

About the restaurant

KONA Steak & Seafood was voted the "Best New Restaurant" winner on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula for 2023. Located in the popular Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, just minutes from Carmel, Pacific Grove, & all Peninsula cities.
A fabulous menu! Enjoy fresh seafood, lobster, Hawaiian loco moco, fresh ahi tuna, a great bacon cheeseburger, bone-in rib eye, miso-glazed seabass, filet mignon, macadamia nut crusted halibut, entree salads, cioppino, seafood pasta, Maui onion soup, coconut curry soup, and a large host of enticing appetizers. Enjoy KONA's generous portions, good value, & free abundant parking! The house baked desserts are worth a trip on their own..... incredible!! The gorgeous "ZenDen Bar" features full bar & "Tiki Bar" style concoctions curated with house made ingredients, and nightly Happy Hour from 3:00-9:00pm. Local wine list, craft draft beers, kid's menu, dog-friendly lanai/patio dining, continuous lunch & dinner service 7 days a week from 11:00am.

Top review

Laura

Dined 5 days ago

Very cute and casual decor. Attentive service and good food.

Baja Cantina - Carmel

4.7

4.7 (605)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Carmel Valley

About the restaurant

Baja Cantina is a fun and energetic place that is known for its exceptional automotive memorabilia collection and excellent food. We have a large outdoor patio that is perfect to sit and relax on a sunny afternoon with one of our award winning margaritas. We have special events all year round, including our famous classic car gatherings, holiday parties, tequila tastings, and sporting events. ****We only accept online reservations during off-peak times. If you can’t find a time you want online, please give us a call.***

Top review

Carole

Dined on Jan 1, 2025

Kicking off the New Year enjoying a spicy lunch, the BEST margaritas sitting in the corner booth next to the fireplace. As regulars we were met with one of our favorite servers that remembered we love their salsa bring us extra along with warm seasoned tortilla chips as we waited for our chicken/beef fajitas that arrived on a sizzling platter with lots of onions, peppers, tomatoes and a slightly charred jalapeño..yummo. Cheers to 2025!!

Schooners Monterey

4.6

4.6 (3037)

$31 to $50

Californian

Monterey

About the restaurant

Schooners, suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay, is a stunning restaurant featuring sustainable seafood and approachable, contemporary American cuisine. The ideal location for celebrating the Central Coast and the spectacular coastal region, the Schooners team commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood is reflected in the creative menu which features a variety of seafood options, both raw and cooked, as well as appetizers, soups, salads and main courses. A creative cocktail menu is served alongside an impressive wine list highlighting Monterey County vintners.

Top review

PamelaC

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

We had the crabcakes and the scallops. It was all delicious, and we enjoyed it very much. Our server was very nice and we received our food in a timely manner., and we were very pleased with the whole experience.

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Popular dish

Monterey Cioppino Pot

Popular dish

Coastal Clam Chowder Bread Bowl

Popular dish

Schooners Seafood Pasta

Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro

4.6

4.6 (104)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Carmel

About the restaurant

Situated in the Carmel Plaza in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, our bistro offers beers from our R&D program crafted on a pilot five barrel brewhouse - the only of its kind in one of the most picturesque and famed coastal towns in the country. Featuring an expansive, 60+ seat outdoor patio and a full bar, along with an ample dining room that can be sectionalized for private events. And the food! The Bistro offers California coastal cuisine with a regional twist, utilizing locally sourced ingredients that vary with the season.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

The food was good the server attentive. They started a Monday night Burger Night, fun and reasonably priced.

Nicolas Cocina de Herencia

4.6

4.6 (295)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Carmel

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Joe

Dined 3 days ago

Spectacular experience the Mexican food was very authentic. The plate was enormous. Actually we couldn’t finish it. All. Everything was so delicious. The service was beyond expectation will highly recommend to anyone.

Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette

4.5

4.5 (1296)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Marina

About the restaurant

Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette is an award-winning upscale seafood restaurant in Marina, CA. Indulge in a culinary experience like no other with a live show kitchen, tantalizing oyster bar, and perfectly cooked steaks. Join us for daily happy hour and enjoy our carefully crafted cocktail and wine program. Savor weekend brunch while relaxing on our pet-friendly patio. Whether you're planning a wedding, memorial, or business dinner, our private dining spaces are available to create a memorable event. Come and discover why our seafood restaurant is a top choice for those seeking exceptional cuisine and unforgettable dining experiences in Marina, CA. Open Monday - Friday from 2 PM- 9:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10AM - 9:30PM.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

We had such a lovely experience here! The food was amazing, special shout out to the octopus tacos with mole and the huevos rancheros! Whoever is in charge of the Mexican dishes is crushing it, lean in more guys. Our servers, Danny and Katie were excellent, so was the support staff. 10/10 would go back.

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Popular dish

Grilled Oysters

Sur at The Barnyard

4.3

4.3 (517)

$31 to $50

American

Carmel Valley

About the restaurant

Voted "Best Restaurant in Carmel Valley 2023"!

Located in the picturesque Barnyard Shopping Village just off of HWY 1 between Rio Rd and Carmel Valley Rd. Sur at the Barnyard is where foodies, beer lovers and families escape the stresses of their day-to-day lives to enjoy a great meal!

If you don't see a reservation available give us a call anytime and we will be happy to assist!

Need a reservation for 7 or more? Give us a call at 831-250-7188 or email us any requests at reservations@suratthebarnyard.com

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We had a wonderful afternoon meal. We enjoyed our server Austin and the wait staff. The manager is always welcoming and friendly. We leave every time feeling great and ready to plan our next visit.

Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

4.2

4.2 (874)

$31 to $50

Spanish

Monterey

About the restaurant

Estéban Restaurant: Spanish-inspired California cuisine.
This local favorite offers indoor & outdoor patio (pet-friendly) dining

Up-to-date hours:
Open for Breakfast
Mon. – Fri. 7:00am–10:00am
Open for Dinner
Sun. – Thurs., 4:30pm–8:30pm
Fri. & Sat., 4:30pm–9:00pm
Tapas Happy Hour daily 4:30pm–6:00pm
Open for Brunch
Sat. & Sun. 9:00am–1:30pm

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.

Gift Certificates available

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/EstebanRestaurant and Instagram at instagram.com/estebanrestaurant/

Top review

RIch

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

My wife and I had a 6:30 reservation and arrived 15 minutes early and were immediately seated with no wait. Loved the ambiance of this restaurant. Service was excellent. We had the roasted vegetables for starters and clams and mussels main course. Both were delicious. Complimented the meal trying both the Spain varietals of wine they offered. Would highly recommend this establishment for a beautiful evening. Thank you!

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4.2

4.2 (182)

$30 and under

Asian

Carmel

About the restaurant

Edwin's Carmel is a South East Asian Fusion Restaurant located in the heart of Carmel by the Sea, CA.

Top review

Xin

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

Great food, cute location, friendly server! Also had live music- a bonus since it was unplanned-for. Since we had a group of 4, we went for the "small" island basket, which was 3 entrees and 2 appetizers on a giant woven basket / platter. Very special experience (and SO much food :-) Only downside was that we'd originally made lunch reservations but the restaurant was clearly not open when we showed up (on time for the reservation itself; half an hour after the restaurant's opening time for the day). Ended up going in for dinner instead (hence the "unplanned" part of the live music). Would highly recommend, aside from the owner's opening-up glitch.

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