68 Monterey Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Whether your idea of a good time is a fancy, festive dinner out or cold sesame noodles and binge-watching on the couch, we're here to help you find it—since the greatest love of all is the love of food. Dig in.

OpenTable

46 Restaurants

Updated February 06, 2019

Restaurants:	Passionfish, Ventana Grill, Fish Hopper…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Seafood, Latin American…
Neighborhoods:	Pacific Grove, Pismo Beach, Monterey…

Passionfish

$$$$

Seafood

Pacific Grove

4.6

6516 reviews

we've eaten here many many times, and love the enthusiastic experimentation of the chefs with the dishes, we had mussels, the special Maine lobster and trout last evening with mud pie and tort for dessert, tea, and coffee, with a squid appetizer. The trout was unbelievable, with wonderful flavor, and umami, with a lovely teriyaki sauce, and perfectly grilled/seared. The rest of the items we're way above average, our server Blake took care of us nicely.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ventana Grill

$$$$

Latin American

Pismo Beach

4.6

2778 reviews

We love this place! Wish I remembered our servers name but he couldn’t have been nicer! Perfect balance of presence and responsiveness with leaving us alone to enjoy our evening. Thank you Ventana Grill! It is our third time there and you never disappoint! It is now a must for every time we come to Pismo Beach. ❤️

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Fish Hopper

$$$$

Seafood

Monterey

4.4

3288 reviews

One of favorite Monterey area restaurants. Service is always exceptional. The food is always prepared perfectly and presentation and taste are consistently above average.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Anton & Michel Restaurant

$$$$

Californian

Carmel

4.6

2709 reviews

Absolutely the best lunch in Carmel by the Sea. Food was amazing along with the service. Sea scallop salad was the best! Outdoor dining was very nice with the fountain

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Montrio

$$$$

Californian

Monterey

4.5

3837 reviews

Absolutely amazing!! Beautiful ambiance…art, design, furniture…the food was delicious!! Great wine list and the service was tremendous!!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Stella Mare's

$$$$

French

Santa Barbara

4.7

1815 reviews

I took my daughter for lunch for her birthday and was very happy with the experience. The cream brûlée was really perfect and we both loved our entre.A beautiful setting, great service and good food.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tarpy's Roadhouse

$$$$

American

Monterey

4.6

3179 reviews

Tarpy's is a great treasure in the Monterey area...been many times over the years. Good good, great beers, great atmosphere!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Olio e Limone Ristorante

$$$$

Italian

Santa Barbara

4.6

2203 reviews

Excellent meal!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Fandango

$$$$

European

Pacific Grove

4.6

3440 reviews

It's always great, so that's why we remain regular diners after many years!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point

$$$$

Californian

Pacific Grove

4.6

3680 reviews

Excellent restaurant with gorgeous sea view. Gourmet food and superb attention!!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Casanova Restaurant Carmel

$$$$

Italian

Carmel

4.6

1748 reviews

I love the rustic European aesthetic of the restaurant and the food/cocktails completed the experience for me. Definitely recommend!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Intermezzo By Wine Cask

$$$$

Californian

Santa Barbara

4.7

1457 reviews

Fabulous as usual! One of our top spots in our home town to take visitors. Can't be beat.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Holdren's Steaks & Seafood

$$$$

Steakhouse

Santa Barbara

4.6

671 reviews

Always love coming back to this restaurant whenever I visit Santa Barbara.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

$$$$

American

Santa Ynez Valley

4.8

1006 reviews

Salmon and ribeye were excellent wine pairing suggested by waiter was great. Thanks

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, at Madonna Inn

$$$$

Steakhouse

San Luis Obispo

4.5

3722 reviews

Went for our anniversary and was exceptional. They seated us early before our appt time and even switched tables so we could get a booth table. Server and food was great.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Oliver's

$$$$

Vegan

Montecito

4.8

1515 reviews

Wonderful food, drinks and service! Highly recommend! Such a great atmosphere.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

PortaBella Restaurant

$$$$

French

Carmel

4.6

1252 reviews

The food was delicious; the service was lovely; and it was more quiet than other restaurants in Carmel. Not super quiet, but you could hear yourself talk. The fish was extremely fresh and everything was delectable. We went twice in one weekend it was so good.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mama's Meatball

$$$$

Italian

San Luis Obispo

4.3

934 reviews

Excellent food and exquisite service from Jeremiah

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette

$$$$

Seafood

Marina

4.3

1017 reviews

Waiter acknowledged our anniversary before we even mentioned it, from the notes of open table. Gave us free champagne to celebrate. Duck entree came with duck liver pate, an unexpected surprise. Drinks were delicious. Overall a great time.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Roy

$$$$

Contemporary American

Santa Barbara

4.3

372 reviews

Roy is one of our MOST favorite places to eat! The food is amazing, the service is personal and Roy puts his heart into his recipes and making every guest feel welcome. He has a special cow bell & song for birthday celebrations. If you are looking for a local restaurant that is truly unique, and open later that most others, Roy restaurant is the place!!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sardine Factory

$$$$

Seafood

Monterey

4.6

4261 reviews

Amazing experience for our 4 year anniversary. Food was the best I’ve had in Monterey and will now be a go to dinner stop anytime we come to Monterey. Had the filet mignon and added a lobster tail, it was the best surf and turf I’ve ever had. The steak was perfectly cooked, flavorful and charred, while the lobster was succulent, soft, and had so much meat in the tail. Ambiance was unlike any other- beautiful, scenic, inviting, and straight out of a romance movie. A dreamy spot that would be great for a special occasion. Would definitely recommend trying this place out. Sadly they were out of sticky toffee pudding, which is my favorite dessert, but that just means we need to come back here again for sure!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Whaling Station Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Monterey

4.6

2025 reviews

The Beef Wellington was the best ever!!! I would go back here again and again

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Schooners Monterey

$$$$

Californian

Monterey

4.7

2551 reviews

Was looking for a elegant/beautiful place to propose and with the help of the staff it was perfect, unforgettable moment thank you! Also of course the food and service was phenomenal!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Rio Grill

$$$$

Californian

Carmel

4.5

2264 reviews

Our server could not have been more accommodating.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Oyster Loft

$$$$

Seafood

Pismo Beach

4.8

3118 reviews

Amazing food and drinks! I would definitely eat here again

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sea Venture

$$$$

Contemporary American

Pismo Beach

4.8

1982 reviews

The meal was excellent but one of the meals was delayed by 10 minutes. May be a little better time management by the chef. Just a thought.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Arnoldi's Cafe

$$$$

Italian

Santa Barbara

4.5

681 reviews

Came here for quick drinks and appetizers before heading to somewhere else. Staff is always accommodating and nice. Appetizers were great (salad, bruschetta, calamari, caprese). Drinks were good.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

SY Kitchen

$$$$

Italian

Santa Ynez Valley

4.8

3098 reviews

Excellent place formfood and wine. Nice and professional service

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Convivo

$$$$

Italian

Santa Barbara

4.8

1687 reviews

The food was really inventive and delicious. Atmosphere was lovely. I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant and would definitely return.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Barbareño

$$$$

Californian

Santa Barbara

4.8

1407 reviews

Outstanding. This has been the best meal we had in Santa Barbara.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Il Cortile Ristorante

$$$$

Italian

Paso Robles

4.8

3521 reviews

We've been several times, and the service, ambiance, and food are always exceptional. I can't recrhem more highly!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

$$$$

Italian

Solvang

4.7

1090 reviews

We loved our server and the back patio was quiet, warm and inviting. Our squash blossom appetizer was delicious and everyone loved their meals!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel

$$$$

Californian

Carmel

5.0

1325 reviews

Best high end dining experience in Monterey county. Never disappoints and always amazing!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Goat Tree Restaurant

$$$$

Contemporary American

Santa Barbara

4.1

425 reviews

We were at the Goat Tree for Christmas dinner, and it was lovely. Despite being understaffed, our experience was seamless. Our server was incredibly kind and the food was delicious and cooked perfectly! 10/10

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Tides Waterfront Kitchen

$$$$

Latin / Spanish

Monterey

3.6

100 reviews

We had a beautiful view of the ocean. Started off with a cocktail which was delicious. We ordered their crabcakes which I'm usually hesitant to order because most places the crabcakes are mostly filler with a bit of crab. We ordered their clam chowder which was full of clams instead of full of potatoes. Our waiter, Dennis, was attentive and personable!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Domenico's on the Wharf

$$$$

Seafood

Monterey

4.5

1398 reviews

For such a large restaurant, it is really managed well. On time seating, friendly service, no long waits for food, a great menu, very tasty food!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Far Western Tavern

$$$$

Steakhouse

Orcutt / Santa Maria

4.7

1073 reviews

Our dining experience is always consistently wonderful at Far Western. They never disappoint. We can always look forward to a superb, satisfying dining extravaganza.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mistura

$$$$

Peruvian

San Luis Obispo

4.7

1306 reviews

Service was impeccable, drinks delightful and the food beautifully prepared and presented.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Willows at Chumash Casino

$$$$

Contemporary American

Santa Ynez Valley

4.7

1130 reviews

We have one do you have still have one I was a lemon and honey thank you

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Chase Restaurant

$$$$

Italian

Santa Barbara

4.0

648 reviews

Chase is our favorite State Street restaurant! The food is delicious, generous & reasonable!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Hitching Post II

$$$$

Steakhouse

Buellton

4.8

4629 reviews

Pricey given the ambiance. Not an extraordinary experience. Lucky's is the same menu pricing with far superior service and atmosphere. The food presented was very good with regard to taste, but otherwise meh.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

$$$$

Spanish

Monterey

4.6

645 reviews

Salome was perfect in every way. Couldn’t have asked for a better waiter!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

L'Escargot - Carmel

$$$$

French

Carmel

4.8

1027 reviews

Excellent food, wine and service. My only concern is that the pricing on the menu presented on your website is not up to date.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cantinetta Luca

$$$$

Italian

Carmel

4.4

2189 reviews

After a rough start when the hostess tried to put us down at the worst table in the house we ended up having an outstanding dining experience. Of course if you can’t have a good meal with a $165 steak and a $250 bottle of wine you are probably in the wrong place. The porterhouse steak was one of the best prepared pieces of meat I’ve ever eaten. I will be dreaming about it for weeks. We went with a pasta as our second dish and the broccolini as our side. Everything about it was delicious. Table spacing was a little tight but we had fun people at the tables on either side and it only added to the festive vibe.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Granada Bistro

$$$$

Californian

San Luis Obispo

4.6

1028 reviews

One of my top dining experiences of my entire year! From the low-lit atmosphere, to the incredible menu, and perfect recommendations from our kind server. I will drive hours just to dine here again!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn

$$$$

Organic

Big Sur

4.6

763 reviews

Very special spot with excellent food. A highlight of our trip. Would strongly recommend.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Your Guide to a Delicious Valentine's Day