Denise’s guidebook
Favorite Casual Restaurants
These are our top 12 favorite local spots to enjoy a delicious meal in a casual environment.
This is an excellent choice for a casual dinner. We recommend the Luau Pork or the Fish Tacos.
102 locals recommend
Hula's Island Grill
221 Cathcart StThis is an excellent choice for a casual dinner. We recommend the Luau Pork or the Fish Tacos.
This restaurant was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives but they were well known among the locals long before that. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu- our favorites are the Minestrone Soup and the Calamari Sandwich. Make sure to leave room for one of their mile-high slices of cake or pie- one piece can easily serve four people.
22 locals recommend
Rosine's Restaurant
434 Alvarado StThis restaurant was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives but they were well known among the locals long before that. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu- our favorites are the Minestrone Soup and the Calamari Sandwich. Make sure to leave room for one of their mile-high slices of cake or pie- one piece can easily serve four people.
They are known for their hearty breakfast menu. Their Blue-germ Pancakes and Eggs Benedict are incredible.
55 locals recommend
First Awakenings
300 David AveThey are known for their hearty breakfast menu. Their Blue-germ Pancakes and Eggs Benedict are incredible.
This small, family owned and operated bakery is known for their wedding cakes, but now that they've opened their storefront, everyday is a special occasion! We love their Princess Cake.
9 locals recommend
Layers
9 Soledad DrThis small, family owned and operated bakery is known for their wedding cakes, but now that they've opened their storefront, everyday is a special occasion! We love their Princess Cake.
Their Angus Burger and Castroville Artichoke with lemon-basil pesto is delicious!
40 locals recommend
Tarpy's Roadhouse
2999 Monterey Salinas HwyTheir Angus Burger and Castroville Artichoke with lemon-basil pesto is delicious!
Aside from my grandpa's recipe this place has the best clam chowder in Monterey with the awards to prove it. You can grab a bowl from their fish market or go inside for the full dining experience.
64 locals recommend
Old Fisherman's Wharf
1 Old Fisherman’s WharfAside from my grandpa's recipe this place has the best clam chowder in Monterey with the awards to prove it. You can grab a bowl from their fish market or go inside for the full dining experience.
If it's great seafood you're craving, this has been a local's destination for decades.
21 locals recommend
Fishwife
1996 1/2 Sunset DrIf it's great seafood you're craving, this has been a local's destination for decades.
The quintessential French bakery experience can be found here. I want all the bread and all the pastries here washed down with cafe au lait.
38 locals recommend
Paris Bakery Cafe
271 Bonifacio PlThe quintessential French bakery experience can be found here. I want all the bread and all the pastries here washed down with cafe au lait.
The best classic Italian style pizza in Monterey brought to you since 1974 from this Sicilian family.
18 locals recommend
Gianni's Pizza
725 Lighthouse AveThe best classic Italian style pizza in Monterey brought to you since 1974 from this Sicilian family.
Phil's is a bit of a drive from Monterey, but so worth it.
123 locals recommend
Phil's Fish Market & Eatery
10700 Merritt StreetPhil's is a bit of a drive from Monterey, but so worth it.
If it's Japanese food you're craving, this is where you'll find the locals. Their Sushi, Ramen, or Bento Boxes are all delicious and easy on the wallet.
13 locals recommend
Harumi
1760 Fremont BlvdIf it's Japanese food you're craving, this is where you'll find the locals. Their Sushi, Ramen, or Bento Boxes are all delicious and easy on the wallet.
Best cup of coffee you'll find in Monterey. Bonus: they share the space with an artisan shop called Lilify where you can find all sorts of unique wares and adornments.
Bright Coffee
281 Lighthouse AveBest cup of coffee you'll find in Monterey. Bonus: they share the space with an artisan shop called Lilify where you can find all sorts of unique wares and adornments.
Favorite Breakfast Spots
We recommend the Huevos Rancheros and the Chicken and Waffles. If you're in the mood for a cocktail that can also qualify as a meal, try their Bloody Mary- it has bacon. You're welcome.
18 locals recommend
Crema
481 Lighthouse AveWe recommend the Huevos Rancheros and the Chicken and Waffles. If you're in the mood for a cocktail that can also qualify as a meal, try their Bloody Mary- it has bacon. You're welcome.
The Bacado Omelette and all of the pancakes are delicious. And you can walk off all those calories along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (also known by the locals as the bike path) while you take in the ocean views.
55 locals recommend
First Awakenings
300 David AveThe Bacado Omelette and all of the pancakes are delicious. And you can walk off all those calories along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (also known by the locals as the bike path) while you take in the ocean views.
Known for their Eggs Benedict, this quaint Carmel Valley cafe is always packed. While you're in the valley, check out Garland Ranch for great hiking, and the village for exceptional wine tasting.
31 locals recommend
Jeffrey's Grill & Catering
112 Mid Vly CtrKnown for their Eggs Benedict, this quaint Carmel Valley cafe is always packed. While you're in the valley, check out Garland Ranch for great hiking, and the village for exceptional wine tasting.