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Best Historic Restaurants in Monterey, California Central Coast

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26 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
1. Sardine Factory
4.8
Exceptional(5333)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 47 times today
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 57 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey County" by Monterey County Weekly readers.
A photo of Stokes Adobe Restaurant restaurant
2. Stokes Adobe Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1029)
$$$$
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 19 times today
Stokes Adobe is a new restaurant located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes. The menu offers chef driven seasonally inspired California cuisine. The bar and cozy outdoor fire pits offer classic cocktails, wines by the glass and local beers.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
3. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.8
Exceptional(2046)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 41 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant
4. Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
4.7
Exceptional(4542)
$$$$
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 33 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
5. Il Fornaio - Carmel
4.5
Awesome(2444)
$$$$
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 27 times today
Il Fornaio is celebrated for its authentic, award-winning Italian cuisine, premium wine selections and craft cocktails. Signature dishes include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, grilled entrées and seasonal salads. Guests enjoy a timeless, elegant indoor atmosphere and al fresco dining on our coastal patio, perfect for romantic dinners, business lunches, or special celebrations. Featuring a plethora of dining options ranging from happy hour to fire lit private dining, Il Fornaio is highly rated as one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. Located in the historic Pine Inn Hotel just a few blocks away from the beach, Il Fornaio offers an unforgettable Italian dining experience.
A photo of Nami Restaurant restaurant
6. Nami Restaurant
3.6
Very Good(12)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 1 time today
Welcome to Nami!Where the vibrant energy of Monterey meets the artistry of a premier steak and seafood. We've transformed our historic Alvarado St location into a stylish, upscale-casual haven for locals and visitors alike.Step inside and discover a dining experience that is both sophisticated and wonderfully relaxed, designed for memorable evenings and culinary explorationWe offer an exceptional two large dining rooms, full bar room, and patio space, perfect for pets or dining under the Monterey sky!Whether you’re joining us for a romantic dinner, celebration with friends or at a work event/conference, Nami offers an inviting atmosphere where exceptional food, warm hospitality, and vibrant flavors come together!
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
7. PortaBella Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1946)
$$$$
• French • Carmel
Booked 53 times today
Our cuisine features beautiful specialties from France, Italy and Spain. The dishes are rich in color and flavor.PortaBella is picturesque: awarded First Prize for Beautiful Flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club.The ambience is stylish and romantic, the setting historic
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
8. Fish Hopper
4.4
Awesome(3919)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 43 times today
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean combined with world-class dining on historic Cannery Row, just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The newly renovated Fish Hopper, housed in an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular views of the stunning Monterey Bay from every table, including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, certified Angus beef, pastas, and live shellfish. Our seafood is either locally caught or shipped in fresh daily, and our produce is locally grown in the Salinas Valley. Some favorites include fresh Monterey Bay abalone, macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” bone-in rib eye, and fresh Dungeness crab. Start your meal with our award-winning clam chowder, and indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations or a selection from our extensive wine collection. While enjoying your delicious meal, you can watch sea otters at play and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale.
A photo of Abalonetti Bar and Grill restaurant
9. Abalonetti Bar and Grill
4.2
Awesome(568)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 4 times today
Abalonetti Bar and Grill is one of the original restaurants on Monterey's Historic Fisherman's Wharf. Famous for Monterey calamari, we now feature more than 20 different preparations from local squid processed in-house. With ample ocean views, the Wharf's largest waterfront pet-friendly patio, a full bar, cocktail menu and local wine list, Abalonetti has been a favorite of locals for decades, providing a fun and casual waterfront dining experience.
A photo of Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa restaurant
10. Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
4.4
Awesome(1019)
$$$$
• Spanish • Monterey
Booked 12 times today
Estéban Restaurant: Spanish-inspired California cuisine.This local favorite offers indoor & outdoor patio (pet-friendly) diningUp-to-date hours: Open for BreakfastMon. – Fri., 7:00am–10:00amSat., 8:00am-12:00pmTapas Happy Hour daily 4:30pm–6:00pmOpen for DinnerSun. – Thurs., 4:30pm–8:30pmFri. & Sat., 4:30pm–9:00pmOpen for BrunchSun., 9:00am–1:30pmEstéban Restaurant, the 2025 Diners' Choice award winner, carries on the Munras family tradition of culinary hospitality and excellence. It offers authentic Monterey dining in the historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a unique culinary experience featuring traditional Spanish-inspired California cuisine with a pinch of adventure. Choose from shared plates and classic selections. Gift Certificates availableFollow us on Facebook at facebook.com/EstebanRestaurant and Instagram at instagram.com/estebanrestaurant/

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JohnGold
    London •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    First time in Monterey,and we really made the right choice with our first dinner here. Everything was five star, from service to food to atmosphere. We would definitely recommend it.
    More info
    Sardine Factory$$$$• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.8
  • Antonio
    Utah •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Amazing experience! Salome was an incredible server, friendly, attentive, and made us feel very welcome. The food and tapas were absolutely delicious and full of flavor. Highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be coming back!
    More info
    Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa$$$$• Spanish• Monterey
    •
    4.4
  • Davene
    California Central Coast •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Food, service and view are the best!!! Been a customer since they opened.
    More info
    Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point$$$$• Californian• Pacific Grove
    •
    4.7
  • Ann
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 24, 2026
    We were seated at a table by the window so we had a view of the bay. The food was outstanding! We had the salmon with 2 coconut prawns and the halibut with sweet potato. They were both so delicious with the right amount of flavor. The service was excellent also. Our server served our entrees was very friendly and helpful. He was very kind in taking photos of us. He checked on us throughout the meal. It was my birthday and the server gave a beautiful chocolate cake with a candle on top. It was a very memorable and beautiful dinner!
    More info
    Fish Hopper$$$$• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.4
  • Denise
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 24, 2026
    This place was recommended by friends and did not disappoint. It's a beautiful, relaxed feel with great service & various food options. We look forward to going back!
    More info
    Stokes Adobe Restaurant$$$$• Californian• Monterey
    •
    4.7

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