A Good Place to Eat in Monterey Bay
Finding a good place to eat at a tourist destination is sometimes hard to do. Since some restaurants don’t have to depend upon repeat business, they only need to look appealing to tourists who are walking along the pier. Even though the restaurants in the touristy parts of town push their clam chowder, there’s no mention of that dish at the top-reviewed restaurants. Keep reading to learn where the locals eat.
Prunedale Market
One wouldn’t expect that a tiny BBQ joint would be the top-rated restaurant in Monterey Bay, California. But the hundreds of people who rave about the quality of Prunedale Market can’t be wrong.
This cash-only establishment is run by a personable and friendly owner who goes out of his way to make sure you enjoy his food. Despite its hard-to-get-to-location, locals are willing to go off the beaten path to eat a tri-tip sandwich and corn chowder.
Check their website before you go because they are currently closed Sunday and Monday.
Pangaea Grill
If you are looking for a fine-dining experience with excellent service, try Pangaea Grill. Reviewers loved the classy, modern furnishings of this restaurant. While the reviews on the food were somewhat mixed, no one complained about the service.
The offerings of this restaurant were rather diverse. It serves Asian favorites, such as Japanese noodles, Korean short ribs, and kimchi fried rice. They also served skirt steak, filet mignon, and crab cakes.
Happy Dog Hot Dogs
While Pangaea Grill might be the appropriate place to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, Happy Dog Hot Dogs is a great place to go when you don’t mind eating from a cart.
Happy Dog Hot Dogs serves great, locally-sourced hot dogs, but one of the most appealing things about the restaurant is the friendly owner. Like other highly-rated restaurants across the country, sometimes a friendly owner is the driving force behind the success of a business. This entrepreneur even makes balloon animals for the kids.
The owner is also proud of the food that he serves. He makes his own mustard, kraut, and aioli. The condiment bar has lots of offerings. There’s plenty of parking and outdoor seating.
Dametra Cafe
According to the reviews, Dametra Cafe receives a lot of repeat business. This Greek/Mediterranean restaurant appeals to its patrons for a couple of different reasons.
First off, the customers rave about the food. It doesn’t seem as if one dish received more attention than others, but people were happy to compliment the gyros, lamb kabobs, mousaka, and baklava.
The second thing that appeals to returning customers is the fun atmosphere. There’s live entertainment at Dametra Cafe, even at lunch. Finally, the reviewers commended the restaurant for providing excellent service.
La Mia Cucina
If you are looking for a fine Italian restaurant when you are visiting Monterey Bay, consider La Mia Cucina. Reviewers were extremely complimentary of the food served here. Whether you order the lobster ravioli, farfalle bolognese, or eggplant parmigiana, your entre will also come with complimentary bruschetta and warm bread. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan your visit accordingly.
Get off the beaten path when you are dining in Monterey Bay. Eat as the locals do!
