California - Great dining in Monterey/Carmel

We'll be spending a weekend in Monterey, staying at Highlands Inn. We're planning a meal at their restaurant, 1 Pacific's Edge, with its great view of the surf. We'll also likely eat at California Market, also onsite. Where else should we go? Outdoor dining with or without a view always gets points from me. We like great food, but not necessarily high end white tablecloth restaurants.

Summary from below:
Tarpys (http://www.tarpys.com), near Monterey Airport, on Salinas-Monterey Highway
Cafe Rustica (http://www.caferusticacarmel.com/), Carmel Valley, closed on Monday
Baum & Blume (http://www.digitalcarmel.com/vendorHome.aspx?vendor_id=34&vendor_name=Baum%20and%20Blume), Carmel Valley, Wed-Sat, noon to 7pm
Marinus at Bernadus Lodge, Carmel Valley (http://www.bernardus.com/lodge/restaurants/index.htm), dinner only, Wed-Sun; Voted World's Best Resort Restaurant in 2003 by Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report
Rio Grill (www.riogrill.com), same owners as Montrio, mouth of Carmel Valley
Taste Cafe Bistro (http://www.tastecafebistro.com/), Pacific Grove
Fandango Restaurant (http://www.fandangorestaurant.com/), Pacific Grove
Fifi's Bistro Cafe (http://www.fifisbistrocafe.com/), Pacific Grove
Fishwife (www.fishwife.com), Pacific Grove
Passionfish (http://www.passionfish.net/), Pacific Grove, dinner only - sustainable seafood and organic produce
Red House Cafe (http://www.redhousecafe.com/), Pacific Grove
First Awakenings (http://www.firstawakenings.net/menu.html) in Pacific Grove - killer breakfasts, walking distance to Cannery Row, and was also featured on the $40.00 a day with Rachel Ray
400 Degrees (http://400degrees.com/), Carmel - gourmet burgers
Cantinetta Luca (http://cantinettaluca.com/), Carmel - delicious Italian
Grill on Ocean Ave (http://www.carmelsbest.com/thegrill/) in Carmel
Jeffreys (http://jeffreysgrillandcatering.com/index.html), Carmel - great breakfasts
Katy's Place (http://www.katysplacecarmel.com/), Carmel - great breakfasts
Little Napoli (http://www.pepeinternational.com/littlenapoli.html), Carmel, bistro Italian
Montrio Bistro (www.montrio.com), downtown Monterey, great Sunday -Thurs $22 2 course meal with movie ticket at Osio Cinemas
1833 (http://www.restaurant1833.com/) - high end in Monterey
Rosine's Grill (http://www.rosinesmonterey.com/), on Alvarado in downtown Monterey close to the Wharf: killer desserts
The Bench (http://www.pebblebeach.com/dining/the-lodge-at-pebble-beach/the-bench), Lodge at Pebble Beach; delicious, innovative contemporary California cuisine, killer views over the water when the fog isn't in. Price to access the 17 Mile Drive is refunded with a meal here.
Monterey Bay Aquarium - great open area to eat overlooking the bay


Cachugua General Store, 25 miles inland, Monday night only
Post Ranch Inn (http://www.postranchinn.com/dining.shtml) - 45 minutes south, overlooking the coastline, reservations required
Ventana Inn (http://www.ventanainn.com/), Big Sur, 1 mile (a bit inland) from Post Ranch Inn Nepenthe (http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/), Big Sur - great view, have a beverage - food is so-so. 1 mile south of Post Ranch Inn.

The Fishwife (http://www.fishwife.com/) in Pacific Grove. A fun, unpretentious place with excellent food

Montrio Bistro in downtown Monterey is one of my favorites -

www.montrio.com


The Grill on Ocean Ave in Carmel is another good choice.

http://www.carmelsbest.com/thegrill/

Montrio Bistro in downtown Monterey is one of my favorites -

www.montrio.com


The Grill on Ocean Ave in Carmel is another good choice.

http://www.carmelsbest.com/thegrill/

I second the recommendation for Montrio. They also own another restaurant at the mouth of Carmel Valley called Rio Grill which is great also. There's a gem way in the valley called Cachagua General Store but it's only open on Mondays and it looks like you'll only be there for the weekend.

Cachugua General Store sounds insanely good. It's a shame we're not around Monday night, because I'd love to go. I couldn't find a proper website, but from their idiosyncratic blog:

A country store, hidden in the mountains 25 miles from the Carmel coast. Home of A Moveable Feast caterers, local organic foods since 1976..

Montrio sounds like a must.

I'll be looking up the others.

Keep the suggestions coming.

It was incredible and unlike anywhere I've ever been and very reasonably priced for what you get.

If you like barbeque-type food, the guys that own Montrio and Rio Grill also have a restaurant called Tarpy's Roadhouse not far from the Monterey Airport. You can't go wrong with any of that group of restaurants, it just depends on what you feel like.

Tarpys could be perfect for the night we arrive. We're trialing Allegiant's nonstop service from San Diego to Monterey. It only flies two days a week, one flight each day. Fingers crossed for reliable service! We arrive at 7pm, so it would be perfect to pick up our rental car and get a meal there. That spares us the traffic and parking in town. I read the menu. Not only do the mains sound good, but I could make a meal out of some of the vegetable side dishes.

So many good places to eat in that area. Also, if you're looking for an amazing breakfast place check out Jeffrey's in Carmel Valley. They do lunch too but are known more for their breakfasts it seems like.

http://jeffreysgrillandcatering.com/index.html

Tarpy's is quite good and, as you saw on their site, just next to the airport. Huge parking lot. I've had both lunch and dinner there several times and it's relaxed, good food, good wine, nice service, outdoor seating weather/season permitting. My last visit was driving up from Santa Ynez to San Jose on Valentine's Day last year, which fell on a Saturday ... I'm such a romantic ;) I had completely forgotten it was Valentine's Day and we stopped for lunch at Tarpy's .... it was a mad-house rather than a road-house. We ended up having salads at the bar and it was fine, but really crowded and noisy with harried service at some tables and a few verbal scuffles between staff and patrons. There was also a wedding party ... so it can get busy on the weekends, though we had a lovely brunch there one April Sunday with my parents.

Passionfish, in downtown Pacific Grove, if it's not too far out of your way. Nice little neighborhood place - but you may need to plan ahead, it gets crowded.

We didn't try it yet, but stopped by on Saturday and saw Taste Cafe & Bistro (also in Pacific Grove). Looks intriguing, and I mean to go again on a future trip (sans kids!)

Friends who live there love Fandango (http://www.fandangorestaurant.com/) and I really liked the awesome burger a the Red House Cafe (http://www.redhousecafe.com/index.htm) in Pacific Grove.

I remember great food and an amazing chocolate cake here:

http://www.rosinesmonterey.com/

I heard Fifi's Bistro (http://www.fifiscafe.com) french restaurant is good but have never eaten here.

I really like Passionfish because of the food and esp. the relatively cheap wine list.

The grilled artichoke at Tarpy's is killer.

Finally tried Taste in Pacific Grove in February and it was very good...made reservations early and ended up with the best table in the house....and who comes in just after us and sits at the table next to us: Bill Murray and his gang! They'd been golfing at the AT&T at Pebble.

My other favorite in Monterey, Stokes, closed last November but is evidently opening with new owners, soon or already.

There's some great suggestions here. I've just booked a couple of them.

I know this one is further afield, but is anyone familiar with Nepenthe (http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/) in Big Sur? I found an old NYT article on "36 Hours in Monterey" and the restaurant is recommended. This heavily windowed restaurant, designed by Rowan Maiden, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, looks out onto the water and the untouched coastline stretching into the distance. It sounds interesting for a lunch visit - but does the food match the view?

There's some great suggestions here. I've just booked a couple of them.

I know this one is further afield, but is anyone familiar with Nepenthe (http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/) in Big Sur? I found an old NYT article on "36 Hours in Monterey" and the restaurant is recommended. This heavily windowed restaurant, designed by Rowan Maiden, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, looks out onto the water and the untouched coastline stretching into the distance. It sounds interesting for a lunch visit - but does the food match the view?

It's very interesting. Go for a soda on the deck - spectacular view. (Not sure they have soda, seem to remember drinking apple juice, not my usual choice.) I've heard the Ambrosia burger is great, but wasn't there at mealtime. It's been a few years since we were there, but it was like a step back in time. Was still owned and run by gentle souls who never quite made it out of the sixties.

It is well worth the stop for the beautiful location, garden and views.

Go for a soda on the deck - spectacular view. ....

It is well worth the stop for the beautiful location, garden and views.

Perfect advice. Thank you.

I've been to Nepenthe a few times and the setting is spectacular though the food not so much so. It can also be very crowded on the weekends with lots of tourists. I went once on the weekend (never again!) and again on a weekday a few times (more quiet) ... we had sandwiches and burgers that were just OK. I remember the service being very slow and sort of stuck in the sixties as well. ;)

Another place I've been to a few times for lunch is the Sierra Mar restaurant at the Post Ranch Inn. The setting in truly gorgeous; I prefer it to Nepenthe. We had lunch and appetizers and I remember it being very good and actually not outrageously priced considering the setting.

The inside of the restaurant is lovely: all wood and glass with huge, floor-to-ceiling windows that jut out over the cliff. But as the weather was always nice, we chose to eat on the terrace and one year had the added treat of watching whales travel up the coast to Alaska. Very good wine list too, if I remember correctly.

http://www.postranchinn.com/dining.shtml

I always called ahead, even though both times we went during the week. There is a security gate down at the entrance on Highway 1, and I am pretty sure one of the managers (we visited rooms) told me that they don't let people just "drive up" on the weekends, you need to have a reservation.

I've been to Nepenthe a few times and the setting is spectacular though the food not so much so.

Agree.

In fact, I think you're being kind about the food.

Post Ranch Inn sounds like a wonderful recommendation, particularly given that there is a birthday being celebrated. I just booked it on OpenTable. Thank you.

There's some great suggestions here. I've just booked a couple of them.

I know this one is further afield, but is anyone familiar with Nepenthe (http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/) in Big Sur? I found an old NYT article on "36 Hours in Monterey" and the restaurant is recommended. This heavily windowed restaurant, designed by Rowan Maiden, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, looks out onto the water and the untouched coastline stretching into the distance. It sounds interesting for a lunch visit - but does the food match the view?

I've heard the burgers are good.

in carmel, I think Little Napoli is great italian food and Katy's Place for breakfast/brunch. Neither are outdoors, but it's in town, so not much of a view anyways.

I'm coming back to report on where we ate. The weather was glorious, perfect temps and clear blue skies. It was the perfect time to be eat in a restaurant with a view, and we did several times. Here's the summary:

1) Tarpys - perfect for our arrival early evening. It was no more than a 5 minute drive from the airport. I had learned of their birthday club on their website, and signed my husband up. They gave more for a birthday meal than any other restaurant experience. He had two helium balloons tied to a glass on the table, got a free appetizer and a free dessert. He was entitled to a free picture in a frame, but passed on it. The place was slammed with business. I doubt anyone could get in without a reservation. It had an extensive, interesting menu. The flame roasted artichoke heart was terrific, as was my husband's pork. My polenta with portabella mushrooms was a disappointment. The polenta was fried (too much), rather than being soft. It was taken off our bill.

2) Montrio Grill - Sunday thru Thursday nights, they have a great movie night/dinner special for just $22. This covers a movie at Osio Cinema, an art house theatre half a block away, and a two course meal. There's a specific menu, but with plenty of choices. They, too, had a flame roasted artichoke over a wonderful balsamic reduction with vegetables as an appetizer.

3) The Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn was wonderful on many levels. The grounds have sculpture placed here and there. The architecture of the building is contemporary and with a great sense of place. And the food is quite good. You drive up to a small building and park near it. You then have several flights of steps along the hillside to get to the restaurant/hotel area. There is a road in front of the restaurant, so I am sure that handicapped people would be allowed to use it for access. The steps are up a pretty hill with sculpture placed now and again along it, so is a very pleasant walk. The architecture is enthralling, with the building extended over air. Every table is sited to take the best possible advantage of the view. Thank you, Blair, for this recommendation. It was really memorable.

4) Pacific Edge, Highlands Inn (Hyatt) - we were staying here, and used a $25 restaurant.com coupon. Further, we used Hyatt/Costco certs on checking out of the hotel. It gets dark around 8pm this month, so we booked for 6pm so we would have a view thru dinner. The restaurant has a long wall of windows and the view is mesmerizing. Food is expensive and quite good. There is an adjacent lounge that would be an alternative for a meal. There is live jazz/blues/easy listening music on Friday and Saturday beginning at 7. A less expensive bar menu is served here.

5) California Kitchen, Highlands Inn (Hyatt), also has a $25 restaurant.com coupon and also can be charged to the room so that Hyatt/Costco certs can be used. The view is at a 90 degree angle from Pacific Edge. It's not quite as fine, but it is very good, looking southwest along the white foam surging along the rocks seen above the waves. There's both inside and outside dining. We always sit outside. There are heat lamps, and I feel more connected to the view.

Thank you, everyone, for your help. We like the area well enough that I'll be referring to these recommendations and using more of them on future trips.

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Although I haven't been there for 3 or 4 years one of my favorite restaurants anywhere in the world is at Ventana at Big Sur. Been going there on and off for about 25 years and have always been immensely pleased. Breathtaking views from the edge of a redwood forest high above the coast and excellent food.

Fifi's French Restaurant at Pacific Grove is excellent, it is run by husband and wife team, very cozy and early bird special is very good and cheap $25 including a glass of wine :)
Location is on Hwy 68 next to Trader Joe's.

Say hello to Michelle :)

Major +1 on the Post Ranch Inn - we had a spectacular lunch there on Saturday. We knew going in that it would not be a cheap lunch, but everything - food, ambiance, presentation, drink - exceeding our expectations. Truly an amazing venue and view, but better yet it's a restaurant that doesn't use that as an excuse to serve up mediocre food. Everything here is top-notch in every way. ^

SanDiego1K - As a Monterey area local, I'm very sorry I missed this thread - just saw it tonight. It is doubly bad as I'm using some of your great advice from your Switzerland/Evian les Bains thread to plan our 20th anniversary for the summer of 2011!

You had a great list of restaurants there (and quite a mix) and I'm glad that overall it looks like you guys enjoyed yourselves. Highlands Inn/Pacific's Edge is a winner. Tarpy's is a fun birthday place, and Montrio is fun with the small plates and a stroll to Fisherman's wharf to walk off dinner. And there are a lot of reasons why Post Ranch is on the Conde Nast list every year - that super restaurant is one of them. For your next visit, if you want to go inland in Carmel Valley I'd add Marinus at Bernadus Lodge to your list, and Cafe Rustica as a great food/great neighborhood restaurant. And of course there are some great places at Pebble Beach.

I hope the Allegiant flight went well - I haven't had the pleasure of taking one of those down to SAN or LAS yet :)

Passionfish, in downtown Pacific Grove, if it's not too far out of your way. Nice little neighborhood place - but you may need to plan ahead, it gets crowded.

We didn't try it yet, but stopped by on Saturday and saw Taste Cafe & Bistro (also in Pacific Grove). Looks intriguing, and I mean to go again on a future trip (sans kids!)

Passionfish is our favorite with Taste Cafe & Bistro running a close second. Both are worth the drive from Carmel.

I know, I am late to the party, but I wanted to add Grasing's in DT Carmel for future viewers of this thread.

A bit of a white linen (i.e. long pants and a bit $$) kind of place but very fine food and an always interesting wine list, It is across the street from the fire station and we go there every time we return to the area.

^^^

Will be in Montery/Carmel CA for a couple of nights next month for a little anniversary getaway, any recommendations for nice places to eat?

Will be in Montery/Carmel CA for a couple of nights next month for a little anniversary getaway, any recommendations for nice places to eat?

For a combination of food, setting, and atmosphere, I still think the Highlands Inn ranks #1.

Having lived in Pacific Grove almost all my life I realize I don't get out and try many of our wonderful venues but I will say on the food list not to be missed would be.

1. Rosines on Alvarado in downtown Monterey close to the Wharf and have killer desserts.
2. Taste in Pacific Grove is small but definately well worth it.
3. Monterey Bay Aquarium has a great open area to eat overlooking the bay.
4. First Awakenings in Pacific Grove has killer breakfasts and is walking distance to Cannery Row, plus it was also featured on the $40.00 a day with Rachel Ray.

The Fishwife (http://www.fishwife.com/) in Pacific Grove. A fun, unpretentious place with excellent food

Update: Ate lunch there last week after a much-too-long sabbatical. Incredibly good (the Chef's special of lobster ravioli and blackened ahi was one of the best seafood dishes I've ever had). And very good value too with nicely sized (instead of skimpily symbolic :D) portions.

For a combination of food, setting, and atmosphere, I still think the Highlands Inn ranks #1.

I wish to retract this statement. It was true in the past but we have had two very disappointing meals there recently. The view is still the same but the overall quality of the food and service has really gone way down while the cost has gone up. We will not go back any time in the near future.

Against my better judgement I am going to recommend my favorite restaurant on the planet, which is a hidden gem that very, very few people know about. Part of what makes it so amazingly special is this exclusive nature, which is not created by design by is simply inherent in the kind of place it is.

The restaurant is called Baum & Blume in Carmel Valley. It started out as a family-run catering business, that then opened a little take-out counter, that now has a tiny 6-table restaurant open only on nights they're not catering. I can't describe in words how charming this place is. The family is wonderful--they make magic together. The food is delicious, but you have to be ready for a fairly limited menu of whatever was fresh at the farmer's markets and fish markets that day. I heard they recently got a liquor license but when I've been it was BYO. It is, quite simply, the best food presented by the nicest people in the most eclectic setting I've ever experienced.

There--the secret is out. I have shared it with my fellows here at FT in the hopes you will not REALLY spill the beans and potentially ruin what is a true hidden gem. Go and enjoy, and tell me if I'm not right about what an amazing place this is...

Against my better judgement I am going to recommend my favorite restaurant on the planet, which is a hidden gem that very, very few people know about. Part of what makes it so amazingly special is this exclusive nature, which is not created by design by is simply inherent in the kind of place it is.

The restaurant is called Baum & Blume in Carmel Valley.

Thank you. I've added it to my personal list for an upcoming visit. Here is some online information (http://www.digitalcarmel.com/vendorHome.aspx?vendor_id=34&vendor_name=Baum%20and%20Blume) that shows it is open Wed-Sat, noon-7pm.

A few blocks away is a newly opened shop specializing in olive oil and balsamic vinegar called Quail and Olive (http://www.quailandolive.com/). We stumbled on the shop last fall about a month after it opened. We'll replenish our winter ambrosia vinegar (http://quailandolive.com/vinegar/) when in Carmel Valley. We bought several kinds, and this one immediately became our favorite.

I just updated the first post and hopefully have captured all the advice in the thread. Now that we have nonstop AS daily service from SAN-MRY at just 4,500 Avios one way, Monterey is easily accessible to us.

Is the restaurant below still open? The website doesn't work: http://www.firstawakenings.net However, there is a Yelp review from last month.


4. First Awakenings in Pacific Grove has killer breakfasts and is walking distance to Cannery Row, plus it was also featured on the $40.00 a day with Rachel Ray.

I just updated the first post and hopefully have captured all the advice in the thread. Now that we have nonstop AS daily service from SAN-MRY at just 4,500 Avios one way, Monterey is easily accessible to us.

Is the restaurant below still open? The website doesn't work: http://www.firstawakenings.net However, there is a Yelp review from last month.

Hi SD1K - Yes, it should be open still. I haven't heard anything about it closing. I ate there about a month ago and walked by it a couple of weeks ago. Nice choice for breakfast - great spot to walk it off after eating too!