restaurants in Monterey
 

We're going up to Monterey,CA for Labor Day weekend. We are mid-range foodies (we love to eat in San Francisco). This means good , interesting food for less than $50 for 2 people, not including drinks (ok, maybe alittle more for seafood). Does anyone have any suggestions for non-chain interesting mid-range (budget and ethnic are ok) restaurants in Monterey and Carmel. Family run/historical/neighborhood eateries are our favorites. There should be some good non-tourist seafood and/or Italian restaurants still serving in this area. Any suggestions?
Thanks

Peppers in Pacific Grove fits the price. It is a good local Mexican Restaraunt with good Sangria. They do not have a liquor license, so the sangria is made with wine.

Here are some other favorites: FI-FI's in PG (French), Vito's in PG (Italian). Favalaros in PG (Italian). The Fish House in Monterey (seafood with expensive specials where the prices are not told to you by the wait staff, so ask).

All of these are some of our favorites, and have good dishes for about $16 a little under or a little over. Do not let the exteriors steer you away.

Our favorite restaurant is the Flying Fish Grill in Carmel. We go there often when we visit (we live an hour away). The cusine is asian style (somewhat Pacific Rim). The place is very small, so make reservations. Prices are around $16-24 an entree. It is family owned and run. Worth going to!

Also, Passion Fish is excellent in Pacfic Grove. The wine list is RETAIL prices! They offer many local wines. This is our second favorite in the area.

Also, Mondos in Carmel is a good small italian place. Family owned again. Popular and busy. Moderate prices.

Good cheaper eats (not super cheap, but good prices) is the Fish Wife -Locals favorite. This is in Asilomar (close) the location is next to an old Inn and the place has been there a long time.

Enjoy!

Another vote for the Monterey Fish House. Make reservations.

Excellent seafood on Fishermans Wharf can be had at Cafe Fina----it's been voted best seafood in Monterey.

The Rio Grill at the mouth of Carmel Valley is great for all types of food.

In the Carmel Valley village a locals favorite is Cafe Rustica but you'll need reservations several days in advance.

For Thai food, its great at Thai Bistro II on Lighthouse Av. in Pacific Grove.

Thanks for all the suggestions. This sound great. We looking forward to spend the time in the area.