Spotted Duck

Name: Spotted Duck
Address: 542 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, United States, 93950-2745
Telephone: (831) 920-2662
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

56 Reviews

$31 to $50

Bistro

Top Tags:

Join us at our welcoming establishment and indulge in the captivating flavors and unmatched ambiance that can only be found under the guidance of Chef Jerry Regester. We look forward to hosting you and sharing the unique culinary journey that has made our restaurant a beloved staple in the Monterey community

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Bistro, Californian, Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Mon, Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(831) 920-2662
Website
https://www.spottedduckpg.com/
Payment options
Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Executive Jerry Regester
Catering
Expertise and creative catering options for pick up and on site events
Private party facilities
We welcome inquires for private restaurant buyouts for lunch and dinner

Location
542 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950-2745
Neighborhood
Pacific Grove
Cross street
Corner of Fountain and Lighthouse Ave.
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Vegan, Wine

What 56 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.2Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

California Central Coast
Neighborhood gem
Monterey / Carmel
Best Food
Monterey / Carmel
Innovative
Monterey / Carmel
Neighborhood gem

56 Reviews

H
Heatherbell
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing dining experience and excellent service! Food prepared is absolutely delicious from every bite. We have been here multiple times and it is one of our favorite spots! I highly recommend the scallops and duck for entrées.
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JA
JACKM
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Heirloom Tomato Salad was delicious. Gail and Miguel made us feel welcome and their recommendations were spot on.
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B
Brandt
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
An awesome dinner, every bite as stupendous. The execution of each dish was on point. Think we’re going back as soon as we can.
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Y
Yala
Central Coast
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If I could give it 6 stars, I would. Excellent service, inventive menu, top-notch food: duck confit cheese fries, mussels, scallops, romaine salad, Brussels sprouts.
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k
kadidiac
San Francisco
58 reviews
vip
4.0
58 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience2
Service was great, not intrusive but yet attentive. I would have liked for the doors to be closed b/c it was a bit cold. The food was really great. We had the Zucchini french fries, which even I liked and I do not like zucchini. We also had the liver pate, the duck breast, the duck/cheese fries (so good) and the bread. Their non-alcoholic drink menu was very limited. But one of the best diners we've had in a while. The decor/ambiance unfortunately does not match the menu or pricing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great meal at Spotted Duck. We started with the warm olives and grilled bread and both were delicious. My husband had the steak frites - it was perfectly cooked and he cleared his plate. Our son chose the Cod with artichokes - the fish was slightly over cooked and lackluster but the artichokes and lemon sauce more than made up for it. I had the braised lamb gnocchi - it was the best gnocchi I’ve ever had. The ragu was rich and flavor and the gnocchi were light and creamy. Overall great dinner and will be back the next time we are in town!
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P
Paula
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
This meal was a highlight of my recent trip down the coast – such a pleasure to eat absolutely delicious, gorgeous food in a airy setting that features whimsical artwork. Chef Regester’s knowledge and creativity shine through via inspiring dishes that aren’t fussy or ‘precious.’ My friend and I shared the perfectly ripened heirloom tomato salad appetizer with burrata, basil, cabernet onions, and truffle vinaigrette. My duck breast entrée with polenta, rainbow chard, and green tomato–ginger jam was perfection, and my friend loved her caramelized sea scallops with porcini mushroom blanquette. Chef’s take on zeppole with rosemary sugar and salted honey was light and tasty, a good way to end a great meal. It costs a bit more to dine this way, and Spotted Duck is worth every penny. Nice selection of half-bottles of wine as well.
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OT
OpenTableMabel
San Francisco
72 reviews
vip
5.0
72 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Following in the tradition of fine Monterey dining The Spotted Duck is a front runner. Fabulous flavors abound in their beautifully presented dishes. We had duck pate, the corn bisque w black shrimp, sautéed rock cod and the halibut special. Each dish was prepared to perfection. We will return.
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L
Laina
Central Coast
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
An old favorite of ours, Jeninni Kitchen, has been replaced by a new restaurant, Spotted Duck (a pun on the British Spotted Dick). Two industry pros have opened it, and it shows. Several dishes we had were Duck Liver Pate (excellent), Heirloom Tomatoes with burrata (really ripe tomatoes and delicious house made burrata); Caramelized Sea Scallops with maitake and porcini mushrooms; Potato Herb Gnocchi with braised lamb shoulder and cabernet rosemary jus; and so many more dishes we will taste next time. Very professional indeed
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MS
MS111
San Francisco
18 reviews
vip
2.0
18 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience2
Hostess was unwelcoming. Service was lacking throughout our meal, apparently due to a bus boy who didn’t show up for work that day. Food was just mediocre, especially for the prices. We will not be rushing back anytime soon.
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SC
SamCarmel
Central Coast
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
A great new restaurant with excellent food and attentive staff.
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r
robert
Las Vegas
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again chef jerry and team deliver! If you normally don’t go to PG this is worth your time. Great food wine and service and birkie the pup thinks it’s the coolest place in town ! Great indoor or outdoor
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CM
ColinM
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing! Delicious and inspiring food!!….gracious service and ambiance….wine selections and unique drink offerings!! Relaxed but top notch food and service!! Coming back soon!!! Scallops and Duck …mmmmmm!!!
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TH
TanisH
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is sincerely the best meal I’ve had in months. I’ve found a lot of restaurants in the Monterey area can be pretty bland and old fashioned. Everything we had was seasoned exceptionally well and was impeccable. The desert menu is also to die for! We will 100% be back. Service was excellent also
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Yosemite
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff was warm & welcoming Super-service oriented without hovering… Every dish was amazing! The duck breast was juicy yet crispy. The chicken touchron showed so much culinary technique..moist and succulent…BRAVO!
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TM
ThankfulMan
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Dined the evening of 21Aug2023 at the Spotted Duck - Bottom Line: Go and Enjoy the tight menu prepared by an impressive chef and engaging knowledgeable service. This boutique restaurant's staff greeted us warmly and quickly seated us in their parklet (we had our dog with us) so that is why the ambiance got a modest rating from me...I did not experience the interior. Ali, our waiter, was an ambassador for Chef Regester and his menu/wine list. Ali's enthusiasm for the chef/owner was linked, not just to his European experience, but by the fact that Chef Regester was "on the line" touching every dish, which is rare. Ali then took us on a menu tour that captured ingredients, preparation techniques, and cooking methods. After getting our order, Ali offered nuanced recommendations for wine - a lovely rosé for her Seared Duck Breast and a tart sauvignon blanc for my scallops. We started with the corn bisque punctuated with blackened shrimp and highlighted by a fine olive oil drizzle - impressive corn flavor with great seafood morsels. Enjoy. She is always steeled for disappointment when she orders duck - so easy to ruin - but rated the Spotted Duck version as among the best she has ever had (Nice France, New Orleans, and Pacific Grove. My scallops had that wondrous texture that comes from careful drying prep that allows for great sear AND butter-soft interior. The side of white corn polenta had surprising texture and a much more "corn-forward" flavor. We share a stewed cherry pot de creme that delivered that finish that just stopped me. There is something special that chocolateries are able to create, and Chef Regester has that touch and then tops it with magical cherries. Enjoy Ali's restaurant/menu/wine mastery and let Chef Regester's take you on a wonderful flavor journey.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The Dodd just gets better and better! Love the duck, Pate , & the mussels were best we have ever had on the Peninsula
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B
Bridgette
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Ollie always does an outstanding job. Awesome wine knowledge, great understanding of the menu. Food and service always great! Varied wine list too, little bit of everything
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DM
DeniseMartini
San Francisco
36 reviews
vip
3.0
36 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
Although the food was average to good the service, though energetically friendly was aggressively rushed to the point it was obnoxious at the end. We arrived at 6:45p and felt pushed to order right away and interrupted several times mid conversation with our dining companions. He/they even tried to take our starters before we finished in order to bring the entrees lead us to believe the server didn’t care to pace the meal. Bringing the dessert menu and plopping it in the table to discuss while mid-bite still eating dinner ruined it for us. Lastly, we never asked for it but the servicer “offered” to bring bread to the table and then seeing $7 added to our bill for it wasn’t cool either. Again, food was good. We had the duck liver pate and chicken meatball starters. The pork belly burger (best meal), crispy duck breast (not crispy and had to ask for a knife to cut it) and scallops (good) for entrees and the polenta cake with fresh berries (very good especially the cherries) and seasonal sorbet (nectarine and tarragon - we had mixed feelings about it) for dessert. Would I go again, perhaps for the burger and a beer - only - if the server lays off the espresso or energy drinks so I can enjoy the experience. 🫢
2 people found this helpful
TR
TobyR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was perhaps the juiciest and most tender steak I have enjoyed in a very long time. The duck entrée my girlfriend enjoyed was so tasty and also incredibly tender. Overall, this was a fabulous experience and I shall be back!
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E
Elsa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jerry and team have done it again- bringing his elevated food to Pacific Grove with The Spotted Duck! We had delicious everything Octopus Brussel Sprouts Devine Corn Chowder Scallops - Bravo!
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BW
BethW
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service have been consistently amazing. This was the 3rd time and it did not dissapoint!!
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r
robert
Las Vegas
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you love great chef driven food BUT also to dine with your well behaved pup then this place is a must
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A
Albert
San Francisco
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food, we ordered the special for the day (seared tuna) and burger and both were excellent. Will try the chicken next time, I hear it's very popular. Service was very good, waiter was very informative and attentive. Will definitely return.
1 person found this helpful
MT
MadhumaT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 31, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Fabulous, subtle food. I dined here 3 times on my trip! Everything I had was very good. A hidden gem of a restaurant. And very reasonably priced.
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DM
DorothyM
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Third time here and couldn't be happier. The signature duck dish was unctuous and the chocolate pot de creme with cherries was heavenly. The place was crowded but the serviced was on point. Highly recommend. Go Here!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Inventive and well executed food. From cocktails to desserts, a memorable outdoor dining experience.
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PJ
PhilippeJ
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a delicious dinner at Spotted Duck. Thank you, Jerry, for a wonderful evening.
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GW
GinaW
Corpus Christi
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was perfectly seasoned and hot to the table. We had their charcuterie board to start (yum) and ordered their swordfish steak entrée (soooo good) and their pork belly and beef burger with herbed fries. I will say that I ordered my burger medium and it came well done, BUT it was so beautifully seasoned, so juicy and that crispy pork belly gave such a lovely complement to the burger (that is so much better than bacon), that I didn't care that the burger was overcooked and ate every last bite. Afterward we couldn't decide on which of their 6 desserts to order so we ordered 3 and just like our entrées, they did not disappoint! We're looking forward to coming back the next time we're in from the East Coast.
1 person found this helpful
AW
AndrewW
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Everything arrived hot and perfectly cooked. Beautiful presentation too The polenta cake was outstanding.
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D
Davidm
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous!! The pork-belly burger was outstanding, as were the scallops. Followed by plum sorbet, and honey-dipped pastry. Great food AND service.!!
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PB
PhilipB
Central Coast
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
Good but was so so but better then ok the cut for the steak frites dish was not good and medium not med rare. Other dishes were good but nothing to stand out to come back.
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JP
JimP
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Journeyman level "fine dining" purveyors. Entree duck with some standard and some avant gardes sauces and accompaniments was world class. Some quite nice "dans nos chais" Rhone wines to be had. Toasted polenta with marsipone and berries is novel and delicious.
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m
markp
Seattle
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb, low-key dining in the heart of Pacific Grove. Inventive, finely-tuned dishes such as mussels in a groovy Mediterranean sauce and large, beautiful water-free scallops with peas. We'll be back!
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i
iamfinicky
San Francisco
35 reviews
vip
4.0
35 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
We had an excellent meal - duck and rock cod - and the service was great but the restaurant was so loud that we moved outside. A shame.
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C
Curious
Central Coast
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
3 of us gals check out new or different eateries about 2 times a year. We looked forward to going to the newly opened Spotted Duck. It is a nice space with light through big windows. We were seated in a corner nook surrounded by windows, which was great. When our meals arrived, the restaurant quickly filled up with other diners and became extremely loud and caused us to have raise our voices to hear each other. There is no sound mitigation that I could see, although there is need for it. Two of us had fish entrees, rock cod and yellow fin tuna, which neither of us were impressed by. The plate of cod was saturated with butter sauce(?) and my tuna special had a salty pesto type sauce, the green beans were tasty and nicely charred. We ordered a side of crispy brussels sprouts which were the best I’ve had with apple cider onion jam. One person had steak & frites, and was very satisfied with it. Our server was extremely attentive, to the point of over attentive. We did order two desserts and received our bill during sharing them. This made us feel somewhat rushed. Overall experience was average with a somewhat high price and lots of noise.
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HF
HonestFoodFan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent from appetizer to entree. The menu was thoughtful and not pretentious. The food was definitely fine dining but the Spotted Duck kept the prices to a reasonable and fair level. It was an overall excellent experience and we are anxiously looking forward to returning and ordering the other menu items that didn’t fit in our bellies’ the first time around.
1 person found this helpful
S
Sandran
San Francisco
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food! Four of us thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered! Mushroom risotto was creamy and flavorful, NY steak cooked to perfection, chicken was delicious and the burger was absolutely perfect! We also ordered the crispy brussels sprouts which were so tasty! Well worth the visit and we’ll return next time in town! Our wait staff too was perfection! Thank you for a lovely dinner experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Ate here 7/3/23, party of 4. Very pleased. Service and food were excellent. Our table had the chicken, gnocchi, duck, and steak frites. All very good. We also had the cheese board, which we appreciated had good cheeses but only 2 small pieces of bread for all of that cheese and 4 people. Even cutting the pieces in half to share was too little for the cheese. Add some crackers or more bread for a $27 board. Desserts were also good: polenta cake — leave the cherries off. Stick with fresh fruit for it. Sorbet and donut great, but donut would’ve been even better without rosemary in the sugar topping. So, excellent food and prompt service. We didn’t feel rushed, but I can see why some reviewers said they did. The waiter brought the dessert menu while we were still eating our entrees. He said it nicely, so we didn’t feel rushed and we prefer that kind of promptness to the alternative. Decor is fun artwork but I agree with some reviews that the carpet looks like it’s from an office. But it’s clean and new, so who cares? We recommend this place and will come again.
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c
centerstageman
San Francisco
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
We dined outdoors in the covered space off the sidewalk, so can't really speak about the indoor ambiance. The food was exceptional. Our waiter was a little pretentious, and didn't give 100% attention, especially since we were there in the last hour and the tables were not full.
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FAQs

Spotted Duck is rated 4.6 stars by 56 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

542 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950-2745

Additional information

Cross street
Corner of Fountain and Lighthouse Ave.
Neighborhood
Pacific Grove
Hours of operation
Mon, Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Cuisines
Bistro, Californian, Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Executive Jerry Regester
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Vegan, Wine

Website
https://www.spottedduckpg.com/
Phone number
(831) 920-2662
Catering
Expertise and creative catering options for pick up and on site events
Private party facilities
We welcome inquires for private restaurant buyouts for lunch and dinner

Spotted Duck

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

What 56 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Spotted Duck restaurant rated?

Is Spotted Duck currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information