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Best Romantic Restaurants in Monterey

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64 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Montrio restaurant
1. Montrio
4.8
Exceptional(4266)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 30 times today
Montrio is a charming, elegant restaurant in downtown Monterey. It's a local favorite and a top pick for romantic dinners. Reviewers consistently praise its refined, comfortable atmosphere, with one calling it the 'perfect environment for a romantic dinner.' The excellent food, attentive service, and extensive wine list all contribute to its high ratings. It's a great choice for special occasions.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
2. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.7
Exceptional(1758)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 17 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Domenico's on the Wharf restaurant
3. Domenico's on the Wharf
4.6
Exceptional(1682)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 21 times today
That friendly salutation is an invitation to dine with us and enjoy exceptional bayside ambiance, gracious service and delicious food. Our entire staff here at Domenico's On the Wharf has extended a warm welcome to locals and visitors for more than 35 years, and we proudly present the best seafood in Monterey for your dining pleasure.Our award-winning list of wine features the best from surrounding Monterey County vineyards, and we offer extensive selections from Sonoma, Napa, Italy, and France. The freshest, sustainable, local and Alaskan seafood take center stage in our culinary creations, and we also grill up extraordinary steaks and lovingly prepare in-house pastas and locally grown organic vegetables.Our family style of hospitality continues to win a special place in the hearts of our guests. Let us show you to your table overlooking the beautiful bay waters with a sunny window view of sea lions and pelicans at play.
A photo of Jacks Monterey restaurant
4. Jacks Monterey
3.7
Very Good(292)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 2 times today
Jacks Monterey is poised to provide a refreshing culinary experience in downtown Monterey, inside the Portola Hotel & Spa. Emphasizing local ingredients, high-quality seafood, and an award-winning wine and cocktail program, Jacks philosophy derives from globally-inspired traditions of California Cultural Cuisine highlighting flavor profiles unique to cultures from around the world. With design details throughout the indoor and outdoor dining venue to echo the beautiful surrounding landscape, the atmosphere at Jacks promises to be sophisticated—never pretentious. Jacks offers a variety of seating with a bar, fireplace lounge, and pet-friendly, outdoor space features living walls, bistro lighting, and fire pits. Open for Breakfast & Dinner. For more information visit www.portolahotel.com/dining/jacks-monterey
A photo of Abalonetti Bar and Grill restaurant
5. Abalonetti Bar and Grill
4.3
Awesome(555)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 12 times today
Abalonetti Bar and Grill is a romantic spot, offering breathtaking ocean views, a large waterfront patio, and a casual yet cozy atmosphere. Customers rave about the 'amazing experience', 'outstanding service', and 'mouthwatering dishes'. Perfect for a date or a celebration, it's been a favorite among locals for decades. Plus, the fresh seafood, especially the Monterey calamari, is a crowd-pleaser!
A photo of Rockfish Harbor Grill restaurant
6. Rockfish Harbor Grill
4.4
Awesome(164)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 8 times today
We are excited to transform Monterey Bay's best location into the newest, freshest, seafood restaurant. Enjoy an all-new ambiance, waterfront tables, and exciting menu items!For more than one hundred years, fishing has been a vital part of Monterey’s economy. Monterey’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf with its colorful shops, seafood markets, and flavorful restaurants, is a reflection of that history. Rockfish celebrates Monterey’s fishing tradition and enjoys the Wharf’s most expansive, panoramic views of the working harbor.Stop by and enjoy a cocktail and our stunning views at the restaurant’s bar and lounge. Our ambiance is casual California and it’s suitable for visitors of all ages. Come see for yourself. You’ll be glad you did!
A photo of Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar - Monterey Marriott restaurant
7. Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar - Monterey Marriott
4.3
Awesome(23)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 3 times today
Chef Josh Silva-Arias presents a culinary experience that’s true to its home, authentic to its environment, and enjoyed by all. Bringing his love and passion for food to Fin + Field Restaurant at Monterey Marriott, our menus focus on freshness and locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy a drink at our ambient full bar, featuring seven local microbrews and custom cocktails.
A photo of Turn 12 Bar And Grill restaurant
8. Turn 12 Bar And Grill
4.3
Awesome(405)
Price: Moderate
• American • Monterey
Booked 2 times today
Due to limited seating during this time we are only accepting phone in reservations.Our outdoor patio is open and we are doing take-out.Turn 12 Bar and Grill waved the green flag on October 1, 2013. The modern and sporty decor surround a spectacular 50 foot custom zinc bar top with tire tread inlay. Vintage motorcycles, historic racing artwork, and multiple televisions capture your attention upon entering. With a menu that serves a little of everything, from steaks and pasta, to pizza, burgers and salads Turn 12 is a casual American Bar and Grill with something for everyone.The name Turn 12 is related to the famous Laguna Seca Raceway that has 11 turns and meant to invite guests to visit us at the corner of Tyler and Franklin as the last turn of the day.
A photo of Cafe Fina restaurant
9. Cafe Fina
new
4.4
Awesome(540)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 8 times today
Cafe Fina is a romantic spot with its quaint Italian decor and ocean views. Reviews rave about the 'great views of the placid cove at sunset', 'great setting, perfect for a romantic date', and '5 star view' from the window seat. The attentive service and delicious food add to the romantic ambience. It's the place to be for a perfect date night or a special occasion.
A photo of Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen restaurant
10. Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen
4.3
Awesome(6)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Monterey
Booked 2 times today
Welcome to the Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen!Join us on Alvarado Street in the beautiful Monterey. We'll be featuring award winning wines that pair with tapas style light bites.Our new location was designed using craftmanship stone and other unique elements to create an elegant and cozy atmosphere.We look forward to meeting you!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Soray
    Indiana •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We love this place and stop here every year during our California vacation.
    More info
    Domenico's on the WharfPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.6
  • KevinVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Halibut was delicious. 25% off bottles of wine on Tuesdays
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.7
  • MichaelVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 11, 2025
    We had the cream corn brulee (which also comes with dressed Arugulageens and duck proscuito). A great tasting bite all together. The rest of the meal was hilarious chicken, which was also great tasting Service was very good.
    More info
    MontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    •
    4.8
  • Anthony
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 3, 2025
    Fantastic seafood and a great atmosphere. The fried calamari was possibly the best I’ve ever had—perfectly crispy and tender. The clam chowder was creamy and flavorful, and every dish we tried was excellent. The rustic, nautical vibe made it a memorable experience. Our visiting family loved it just as much as we did.
    More info
    Abalonetti Bar and GrillPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.3
  • CarolVIP
    Greater Boston •50 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 22, 2025
    We dined at Jack’s three times during our stay at the Portola Hotel. Once for a quick bite in the lounge overlooking the gorgeous fireplace and then once for dinner and breakfast in the far end of the large expansive lobby. For dinner and breakfast we were seated against a walled area which was quieter. All three servers were polite, friendly, and proficient. The meals were outstanding with generous portions, especially the breakfast entrees. Their famous chowder is excellent, had it twice, highly recommend.
    More info
    Jacks MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    •
    3.7

Discover best romantic restaurants in Monterey

Discover the essence of romance along the scenic California Central Coast in Monterey / Carmel, where a selection of exquisite restaurants awaits to transform your dining experience into a memorable, intimate affair. Each restaurant in this locale captures the unique charm and tranquility of the region, offering settings that range from cozy seaside views to elegant, sophisticated atmospheres. Whether celebrating an anniversary or planning a special date night, these establishments are known for their ability to create unforgettable moments with their inviting ambiance, exceptional service, and delectable cuisine. Indulge in a variety of culinary delights, from freshly caught seafood to expertly crafted gourmet dishes, each prepared to enhance your romantic occasion. The dining scene in Monterey / Carmel is characterized by its commitment to quality and a memorable guest experience, making it a prime destination for lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike. Embrace the romance of Monterey / Carmel and let these restaurants enchant you with their picturesque settings and outstanding gastronomy.

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