Monterey County’s dining scene is all about showcasing its local bounty. Look forward to just-caught seafood, farm-fresh produce, and award-winning chefs putting it all together. Start your day with breakfast by the water with sea lions as your morning companions, and then dive into hyper-local gems straight from Salinas Valley. Marina brings a global mix to the table, while Carmel-By-The-Sea serves up hidden Korean fare with that signature storybook charm. Monterey County has it all: craft breweries, award-winning wineries, cozy coffee shops and exciting restaurants that deliver big on flavor.

Portola Hotel & Spa is a prime spot in the heart of Monterey, just steps from Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. Known for its dog-friendly vibe, it’s ideal for travelers with pets. It’s perfectly situated for exploring the town’s vibrant dining. Check out these 8 restaurants and bars in Monterey County the next time you’re in the area.

Alvarado Street Brewery

Known to locals as “the pub,” Alvarado Street Brewery started serving up fresh beer and regional gastropub favorites in 2014. With plenty of outdoor seating, you can soak up the lively atmosphere on the Alvarado Street patio or unwind in the lush, tucked-away beer garden out back. Just a block from the Pacific Ocean, it’s the perfect Monterey spot to wash down a beer and a delicious burger before exploring all the charm this historic coastal town offers. With two other locations, check out Alvarado Street Brewery in Carmel-By-The-Sea or Salinas, if you happen to be in either of those areas.

Salt Wood Kitchen

Salt Wood Kitchen at Sanctuary Beach Resort brings the flavors of California’s Central Coast to life with a menu rooted in local ingredients and wood-fired cooking. Situated among the dunes in Marina, the restaurant offers a laid-back yet elevated dining experience, where fresh seafood and local Salinas Valley produce take center stage. For the perfect meal, start out with a mix of raw and unique grilled oysters like passion fruit and Jamon Iberico or the chile and house-made kimchi oysters. If Chef Nestor is working, ask about the secret menu artichoke and ricotta stuffed agnalotti – you won’t regret it. Then, order the grilled whole fish and add a side of beef fat potatoes and wild mushrooms. For good measure, order the smoked coriander carrots, as well; it’ll round out an exceptional meal. With its inviting atmosphere and focus on seasonal, hyper-local fare, Salt Wood Kitchen is a go-to spot for a true taste of the Central Coast.

Pearl Hour

Pearl Hour is the kind of spot that makes you feel like a Monterey insider — a cozy, low-key bar with killer cocktails, a vibey patio, and occasional food pop-ups that always hit the mark. The winter drink menu brings the heat with creations like Heartwood, a complex pour of blended scotch, Western red cedar, marzipan-like crème de noyaux, and Foro Amaro. Throw in live music and an effortlessly chill vibe and you’ve got a bar that’s a perfect spot for taking your cool cousins visiting from out of town.

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Jeju Kitchen

Carmel’s only Korean restaurant, Jeju Kitchen, has quietly opened on the lower level of Carmel Plaza in the former Carmel Burger Bar space. Named after Jeju Island — often called the Hawaii of Korea — Jeju serves up family recipes like kimchi pancakes, spicy bulgogi chicken and Jajangmyeon noodles. Alongside these traditional staples, owner Ashley Wolff imparts her Italian heritage through creative fusions, such as kimchi mac and cheese and creamy miso cacio e pepe. This hidden gem delivers a fresh take on traditional Korean cuisine with a personal twist.

Maligne

Maligne, a Michelin Guide standout, offers a blend of contemporary European and classic American cuisine in a space that feels more like an inviting living room than a restaurant, complete with an open kitchen at its heart. Chef Klaus Georis draws inspiration from the warm hospitality of his childhood and his time in Michelin-starred kitchens across two continents. The result is a dining experience that combines fine dining precision with the charm and approachability of a true neighborhood favorite. Signature dishes include Chef Klaus’s mixed crudo, a bright and delicate blend of Ora King salmon, kampachi, olive oil and capers, a nod to Swan Oyster Depot in San Francisco. His double cheeseburger, loaded with American cheese, is pure fine-dining comfort and could hold its own against any upscale burger out there. Whether you’re diving into the Chicken Parm or the 14 oz Ribeye, you can’t go wrong — every dish delivers.

Bud’s at La Playa

Bud’s at La Playa Hotel is a nostalgic nod to Carmel’s quirky, bohemian roots. Named after local legend and former owner Howard “Bud” Allen, this newly restored bar channels the town’s storied past with a cocktail menu that tests your knowledge of local history and a curated collection of memorabilia. The expanded food menu adds to its appeal, but the real star is “Dime Time,” the iconic 10-cent happy hour that happens just once a day at the bartender’s discretion — and only for 10 minutes. It’s the perfect spot to soak in Carmel’s eccentric charm with a drink in hand.

Alta Bakery & Cafe

Alta Bakery, tucked inside the historic Cooper Molera Adobe, isn’t just a bakery — it’s a chance to snack where history happened. This 19th-century adobe, once a ranching and trade hub, now pairs its old-world charm with flaky croissants, fresh-baked bread, and sandwiches that mean business. Daily-made pastries, soups and salads keep the menu tight, while locally roasted coffee and tea complete the vibe. Snag a seat on the lush back patio to soak up some Monterey sunshine, or stay inside to appreciate the adobe’s original rustic details. Need it to go? No problem —everything here is as portable as it is delicious.

Rustique Wines

Step into a century-old barn surrounded by rolling hills and lush vineyards for a wine tasting that feels like a step back in time at Rustique Wines. Sip Monterey County gems like the Estate Pinot Noir, a lively red bursting with strawberry, cherry and herbal notes, with hints of white pepper and baking spices leading to a bright, fruit-forward finish. Or go for the Chardonnay, a cool-climate stunner with floral aromatics, green apple and pear layered with toasted oak and vanilla. Both wines deliver a perfect balance of vibrancy and complexity, making this a tasting worth the 40-minute drive to Salinas from Monterey.