Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Monterey / Carmel? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Cella

4.8

4.8 (209)

$50 and over

Californian

Monterey

About the restaurant

Discover CELLA Restaurant + Bar at Cooper Molera Adobe in Downtown Monterey. Step into a sleek, historic venue with a heated pergola and stunning local woodwork. General Manager Bernabe DeLuna leads an exceptional wine program with a remarkable staff. Savor seasonal cocktails and mocktails crafted by Barkeep Joshua Perry. Chef Ben Spungin & Chef Cal Stamenov create an ever-changing menu inspired by the bountiful central coast. Join us and experience the neighborhood's culinary gem!

Top review

Pam

Dined 5 days ago

Culinary joy!! Exquisite! Best in Monterey! We love Cella and Alta…

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Experience

Family-Style Mezze Experience

Experience

Sunday Supper - Fried Chicken Dinner

Experience

New Year's Eve Dinner at Cella Restaurant & Bar!

36 Degrees North at San Juan Oaks Golf Club

4.8

4.8 (51)

$31 to $50

Californian

Hollister

About the restaurant

The signature restaurant at the newly reimagined San Juan Oaks Golf Club. 36º North brings an upscale ambiance and memorable dining experience through seasonally inspired California cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. With a dramatic olive tree featured as an iconic centerpiece, the scene is set for gourmet dinners and special occasions.

Top review

Michael

Dined 4 days ago

Great food, drinks and service. Highly recommend!

Passionfish

4.7

4.7 (7220)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.

Top review

Eunice

Dined 1 day ago

We had a lovely experience! Thank you Passionfish!

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Maple-Banana Bread Pudding

Nicolas Cocina de Herencia

4.7

4.7 (272)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Carmel

About the restaurant

Reservations are not needed but are recommended, Walk ins are Welcome.

The newest creation from the owners of the beloved Villa Azteca in Downtown Salinas (Salinas City Center), the eatery honoring the Alvarez family patriarch will open Summer 2023 in Carmel Plaza. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will have indoor dining, bar seating and a small outdoor space, serving specialty Michoacán dishes as well as other Mexican favorites, incorporating three generations of family recipes.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

Traditional Mexican food elevated to the next level incorporating a wide range of customary ingredients in creative ways. A lot of effort was put into the decor and it shows, stunning set up. Will return when in town again.

Turn 12 Bar And Grill

4.6

4.6 (390)

$30 and under

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Allyson

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

Food was 5/5, highly recommend the corkscrew burger. Service was 5/5, the server was attentive and friendly. The drinks were 2/5. A margarita is not complicated to make, yet this one seemed to be missing both the flavor of the lime juice and the tequila. There was a sour taste to it. It was a birthday celebration not sure if anything special is done but it wasn’t acknowledged. Other than that, I do recommend coming to eat here but hold off at the cocktails.

Coastal Kitchen Monterey

4.6

4.6 (310)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Monterey

About the restaurant

NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH!!

The Coastal Kitchen Monterey is an idyllic setting to enjoy inspirational fine dining. The culinary efforts are on display in the show kitchen and the service team is poised to offer impassioned explanations.

Chef Michael Rotondo’s multi-coursed tasting menu focuses on sustainability and celebrates the bounty of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. A wine pairing of thoughtfully curated wines selected by the Sommelier team is available to complement each captivating course.

Additionally, we are also offering our Champagne Brunch on Sundays for 10am to 2pm.

Dinner Menus: Multiple Course Tasting Menu starts at $145 per person (Tuesday to Saturday Evenings)
3 Course Prix Fixe Menu $85 ( Tuesday to Thursday evenings)
Champagne Brunch Prix Fixe Menu: $75 per person (Sundays from 10am to 2pm)
Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time
Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.

Top review

Dougvip

Dined on Nov 27, 2024

Excellent food, great staff and delightful experience.

Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette

4.5

4.5 (1286)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Marina

About the restaurant

Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette is an award-winning upscale seafood restaurant in Marina, CA. Indulge in a culinary experience like no other with a live show kitchen, tantalizing oyster bar, and perfectly cooked steaks. Join us for daily happy hour and enjoy our carefully crafted cocktail and wine program. Savor weekend brunch while relaxing on our pet-friendly patio. Whether you're planning a wedding, memorial, or business dinner, our private dining spaces are available to create a memorable event. Come and discover why our seafood restaurant is a top choice for those seeking exceptional cuisine and unforgettable dining experiences in Marina, CA. Open Monday - Friday from 2 PM- 9:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10AM - 9:30PM.

Top review

Jeff

Dined 2 days ago

This experience was phenomenal. We will be back again tonight.

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Popular dish

Grilled Oysters

The Lantern Room - Monterey Beach Hotel

4.4

4.4 (18)

$31 to $50

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Nestled right on the Monterey State Beach, The Lantern Room offers a dining experience like no other, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a menu inspired by the rich offerings of Monterey County. Our dishes celebrate the flavors of the region, each crafted with ingredient sourced from local vendors, ensuring that every bite supports our vibrant community. Complement your meal with a selection of wines and beers exclusively from Monterey County, all while enjoying the calm, nautical ambiance that perfectly frames the ocean’s horizon. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil evening or a memorable meal with a view, The Lantern Room invites you to savor the best of the coast!

Top review

Annevip

Dined 4 days ago

This is a spectacular place to dine with beachfront view of Monterey Bay from every window! It's on the top floor of the Monterey Beach Hotel. The restaurant was recently remodeled with cool decor and very comfortable seating. The wait staff was very attentive. The cuisine was delicious, especially the grilled Ad Astra bread, brussels sprouts and pasta dishes. Great cocktails too. We will return again very soon.

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Experience

Christmas with The Lantern Room

Rockfish Harbor Grill

4.2

4.2 (157)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

Lesvip

Dined 2 days ago

The location, view, food, and staff are all great. You will like it. :)

Shearwater Tavern

4.2

4.2 (99)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Carmel

About the restaurant

Located in the idyllic seaside community of Carmel, Shearwater Tavern features breakfast and dinner within the Carmel Mission Inn. Our dinner menu has a selection of smaller plates to share along with some larger individual plates.
We have partnered with a local dairy, coffee roaster, honey purveyor and bakery.
Our Chef Fabian Di Paolo's menu is New American with Influences from his Argentinian, Italian, Floribbean roots. Our cocktail program features beautiful classic and specialty cocktails along with craft beer and California wines. You must try his House made Parker House rolls.

Top review

M.J.

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

Customer service was very good. We had Thanksgiving dinner and felt the food was overdone. The menu notes Parker House rolls, which were only a hodgepodge of dinner rolls. And the “brûlée” sweet potatoes were just mashed. The salad was very sad and wilted.

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Experience

Christmas Dinner at Shearwater Tavern

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