RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN MONTEREY COUNTY

 

CARMEL

The Covey,  8205 Valley Greens Dr., Carmel,  888-828-8787,  Californian Cuisine.  $$-$$$. Award Winning Restaurant features “Wine Coutry Cuisine.”

 

Il Fornaio,  Ocean Ave. & Lincoln, Carmel,  622-5100,  Authentic Italian Cuisine.  $$-$$$.  Voted best bread bakery by Adventures in Dining Magazine.

 

Pacifics Edge,  Carmel Highlands,  624-3801,  French Californian,  $$$$.  5 star diamond award (’97).  Locals favorite for best fine restaurant.

 

Piatti,  6th Ave. & Junipero, Carmel,  625-1766.  Italian.  $$-$$$.  Charming dining in downtown with special daily pastas, risotto and fresh seafood.

 

Rio Grill,  101 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel,  625-5436,  Californian with Southwestern flair.  $$$.  Voted one of the top 10 restaurants in Monterey County.

 

 

MONTEREY

Café Fina,  47 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey,  372-5200.  Monterey Italian/Seafood.  $$-$$$.  Voted one of top 10 restaurants.  Wharf Bayside setting.

 

California Grill,  DoubleTree Hotel, 2 Portola Place, Monterey,  649-4577 x231.  Variety of Grilled Delights with Salad/Soup Bar.  $$-$$$.  “The Place for Steaks in Monterey.”

 

Cibo,  301 Alvarado St., Monterey,  649-8151.  Italian Cuisine.  $$-$$$.  Voted best Italian Restaurant by the California Writers Association.

 

Epsilon Restaurant,  422 Tyler Street, Monterey,  655-8108.  Fine Greek Dining.  $$-$$$.  You’ll fall in love with this style of dining and find out why it’s truly “Fit for the Gods.”

Fresh Cream,  100 C Heritage Harbor, Monterey,  375-9798.  French with California accents.  $$$$.  Named one of top 100 restaurants in America.

Montrio,  414 Call Principal, Monterey,  648-8880.  French/Italian Bistro.  $$$.  Voted one of the best new restaurants in the United States (1996).

 

Peppers Mexicali Café,  Monterey, 373-6892.  Mexican.  $-$$.  Locals favorite for original recipes including fresh seafood and great values.

 

Sardine Factory,  701 Wave St., Monterey,  373-3775.  Seafood/Continental.  $$$-$$$$.   AAA 4 diamond award.   Beautiful ambiance in distinctive rooms.

 

Schooners Bistro on the Bay,  Monterey Plaza Hotel, 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, 646-1700.  Light continental fare.  $  Unbeatable ocean views with outdoor seating.

 

Tarpy’s Roadhouse,  2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy., Monterey,  647-1444.  Classic American Cuisine.  $$-$$$.  Voted one of top 10 restaurants in Monterey County.

 

 

PACIFIC GROVE

Crocodile Grill,  701 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove,  655-3311.  California Cuisine featuring fresh seafood,  $$-$$$.  Great ambiance with wonderful values.

Fandango  223 17th St., Pacific Grove,  372-3456.  Mediterranean, seafood & steaks.  $$-$$$.  Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

 

Fishwife at Asilomar,  1996 1/2 Sunset Dr., Pacific Grove,  375-7101.  Fresh Seafood/Pasta.  $-$$.  Voted best seafood on the Monterey Peninsula (‘88-’99).

 

Old Bath House,  620 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove,  375-5196.  California Cuisine/Victorian setting.  $$$$.  Local favorite for ocean views and romance.