eating in Monterey
 

Looking for a great place to have dinner in Monterey. We will have our kids but they are not pickey childish eaters they are fine with steak, sushi, lobster or a hot dog. We will be in Monterey in ten days.

I am a fan of The Monterey Fish House. It's a locals place that serves fish a hundred ways and then some. Pretty casual. We'll be in Monterey right after New Years and are planning to eat there. Make reservations though.

I like Monterey's Fish House, too. Great food and nice atmosphere. Btw, don't be put off by its location (I think it's next to something like an auto body shop)--it really is top-notch.
I also like Montrio, which is in downtown Monterey and serves CA fusiony cuisine.
For a more casual--very casual--experience, Gianni's Pizza, on Lighthouse in New Monterey, makes some great pies.
Enjoy!

I've remembered a few more ideas...
Rio Grill in Carmel Highlands Shopping Center is classic CA cuisine, haute casual. (It's on the way to Point Lobos, which I'm assuming you'll make time for.)
Sea Harvest is a very simple, very casual seafood place with locations in Carmel and Monterey; it's the kind of place that sells fresh fish out of the case to take home, and also prepares it very simply. Great clam chowder.
There's a very authentic French bakery in downtown Monterey, about a block off the main drag--perhaps you could find it in the phone book. Lovely pastries.
Pasta Mia is a sweet Italian place in Pacific Grove.
There are many other suggestions on other threads here...do a search, and again, enjoy your trip!

Monterey Fish House is great. Delmonico's on the Wharf has a great caesar salad and, depending on when you go, they have these $20 lobster specials at almost every restaurant on the wharf. Clam Chowder in a sourdough bowl on the wharf. The Sardine Factory by the Acquarium. Pasta Mia for, duh, pasta. India's Oven across from the Doubletree is good for buffet dinner.

Since Monterey began as an Italian fishing village, we like having seafood there, especially Italian. We too, like Domenico's on the wharf for their Cioppino (Italian Shellfish Stew). The place is owned by John Pisto, a local Italian chef/restauranteur. Your kids might enjoy the casual, touristy, "fun" wharf atmosphere. Beautiful views of Monterey Harbor and Bay, if you're there before dark.

We have also had good dinners at The Whaling Station, off Cannery Row for Prime steaks and seafood. To take a look at menus at both these places, go to www.pisto.com and click on his restaurants.

About 3 miles away in Pacific Grove is another good seafood place, Passionfish. Casual, with creative fish dishes and an outstanding list of very good local wines that Mom & Dad might really enjoy. To check out their menu, go to www.passionfish.net. Hope you have a wonderful time in the area.