We will be spending 2 months in Monterey this summer. We are interested in trying local favorite restaurants. WE are curious about various types of food. Early dinner specials, happy hours would be good information too. Any suggestions? Thx.

I haven’t been but multiple people have told me they love Bistro Moulin.

In Carmel we loved Yafa. In Pacific Grove, Passion Fish was excellent. We used a Groupon at Flaherty's for oysters and a cocktail. Turned out to be a great deal.

We've had a couple of terrific meals at Peppers Mexicali Cafe in Pacific Grove. peppersmexicalicafe.com

Great breakfast at First Awakenings in Pacific Grove or Old Monterey Cafe. Abalonetti on the wharf offers a locals menu if you ask for it. Love the sandwiches at Compagno’s Deli and delicious tacos at Mi Tierra Mercado in Seaside in the back of the market. Son loves the al pastor and I like the barbacoa, their chicharrones are unhealthily awesome and meaty.

Carmel -
La Balena
Il Grillo
Basil
Cultura
Seventh & Dolores
Cantinetta Luca
Aubergine
Aabha

Pebble Beach -
The Bench

Pacific Grove -
Passionfish
Jeninni
Poppy Hall
Pavel's (bakery)

Monterey -
Esteban
Parker Lusseau (bakery)
Revival (ice cream)

I'm looking forward to Aabha's offshoot opening on Alvarado St in downtown Monterey sometime this summer as well as a new bakery and restaurant opening in the historic Cooper Molera Adobe Restaurant and cafe for Cooper Molera Adobe set to open this summer. | Food Blog | montereycountyweekly.com

Favorite happy hours -
C Bar at the Intercontinental Clement in Monterey Sun-Thu 4pm-7pm
Rooftop patio at Vesuvio in Carmel 4pm-6pm daily

We go every year, and Bistro Moulin still rates highest on our "have to go back" places.

My friends and I went to Hula’s Island Grill last year. Their food is flavorful, and the place has a nice ambiance.

Monterey Fish House
Fishwife in Pacific Grove

For breakfast, I like:
Rosines
LouLou's Griddle in the Middle
First Awakenings (Pacific Grove, but right on the edge of Monterey)

And if you find yourselves in Carmel:
Carmel Belle
Katy's Place

Oh still going. Great because I forgot to mention Il Vecchio in Monterey. Nice neighborhood restaurant, good house salad and very tasty, reasonably priced pastas.