The Monterey Bay Area Restaurants

The Monterey Bay area is a culinary paradise. The surrounding waters are full of fish, wild game roams the foothills, and the inland valleys are some of the most fertile in the country—local chefs draw on this bounty for their fresh, truly Californian cuisine. Except at beachside stands and inexpensive eateries, where anything goes, casual but neat dress is the norm.

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  • 1. Café Rustica

    $$$

    European country cooking is the focus at this lively roadhouse, where specialties include roasted meats, seafood, pastas, and thin-crust pizzas from the wood-fired oven. It can get noisy inside; for a quieter meal, request a table outside.

    10 Delfino Pl., Carmel Valley, California, 93924, USA
    831-659–4444

    Known For

    • Tuscan-flavored dishes from Alsace
    • Open kitchen with wood-fired oven
    • Outdoor patio seating

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues. and Wed., Reservations essential
  • 2. Oswald

    $$$

    Sophisticated yet unpretentious European-inspired California cooking is the order of the day at this intimate and stylish bistro, whose seasonal menu might include such items as seafood risotto or crispy duck breast in a pomegranate reduction sauce. The creative concoctions poured at the slick marble bar include whiskey mixed with apple and lemon juice or tequila with celery juice and lime.

    121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, California, 95060, USA
    831-423–7427

    Known For

    • Excellent burgers and fries
    • Crab appetizers
    • Dark-chocolate soufflé and other tasty desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues.
  • 3. Shadowbrook

    $$$

    To get to this romantic spot overlooking Soquel Creek, you can take a cable car or walk the stairs down a steep, fern-lined bank beside a running waterfall. Dining room options include the rooftop Redwood Room, the wood-paneled Wine Cellar, the creek-side, glass-enclosed Greenhouse, the Fireplace Room, and the airy Garden Room.

    1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola, California, 95010, USA
    831-475–1511

    Known For

    • Romantic creek-side setting
    • Prime rib and grilled seafood
    • Local special-occasion favorite for nearly 70 years
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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Recommended Fodor’s Video