50 Best Vegan Restaurants in Monterey

“I first visited this amazing local deli in 1989-1990. I remembered the half loaves of bread stacked high with a pile of my choice of meats and cheeses. Although I was only 18-19, Compagno’s established my standard for an amazing sandwich. 32 years later I brought my sons here for lunch. Same delicious goodness a generation later.“

“Found this place by accident but I’m so happy I did! Went after an aquarium trip!Food was amazing and workers were so friendly. The agua de tamarindo was a little too sweet but everything else was wonderful! We had combo #2 & 3 and enmoladas! We also tried the empanaditas! Took my non vegan family members and they loved it! They aren’t convinced it wasn’t vegan! 😅 Updated from previous review on 2026-09-19“

“Absolutely wonderful and blessed spot to eat and the atmosphere makes you feel like you’re at home. When you enter and you’re met with their wonderful smiles I felt their true spirit came through with flying colors. The sandwiches were amazing 🤩 and the baked goods were stellar as well, thank you 🙏🏻 sincerely for sharing your love for food!“

“By far the best sushi I’ve tried in Monterey! The sushi is so fresh, soft, and literally melts in your mouth. Definitely a must try!

If you want to try the same sushi in the picture, go to the sushi bar and ask for SAI. Tell him, “I want Miguel’s Secret Sushi.” He knows exactly how to make it and has it written down on a piece of paper.“

“My wife and I enjoyed a great dinner here while on Honeymoon. The food was fantastic. We ordered the onion soup, along with the lasagna and the Parisian gnocchi. The server and wait staff were very attentive and took great care of us. I unfortunately forgot his name but he offered us some great wine pairings and dessert recommendations. A great experience and we'll definitely be back. Thanks“

“This place is authentic Mediterranean food. The baba ganoush and tabbouleh was outstanding and the falafel was light and airy. Overall, the meals were delicious. The garlic chicken was spot on, juicy, and cooked well, and the hummus was smooth. Both meals came standard with pitas, and a couple of pieces of baklava as a small dessert, which was a surprise. This is a shop while we were there was being run by a single cook. He was super nice, and we would highly recommend the spicy lemonade, especially the last sip, which is the best with that has an extra kick of spice.“

“Amazing fresh food and super friendly staff. Lots of locals here which is a good sign when traveling, they know what’s around and chose this. Couldn’t have been happier! You won’t be disappointed!“

“We love Cafe Fina and always try to dine there when in Monterey. Great food, cocktails and good wine selection. We recently had our son and daughter in law’s rehearsal luncheon there and everyone enjoyed the atmosphere, amazing food and drinks. We highly recommend this fine restaurant while visiting Monterey. Cozy, warm and friendly staff too!“

“I had done a search for the best clam chowder in Monterey and they are at the top of almost every list, and they were right! I got the clam chowder in the garlic sourdough bowl I highly recommend them! My wife, Michele got risotto with caramelized onions, shrimp and sole. We had a view of Monterey Bay and some sea lions playing. Our server, Giovanny, was phenomenal! He brought Michele a piece of complimentary cheesecake and a rose for her birthday. 🌹 I had the chocolate creme brûlée. Great start to our mini-vacay in Monterey!“

“Great coffee, food and vibe. Opens at 0630 as well. The team were lovely 😊“

“I’ll offer a better than expected review. Our party of five went for Sunday brunch. 1/2 wait for an outdoor table. Excellent Southwest eggs Benedict; chicken fettuccini; fruit salad and Cinnamon toast special with eggs. Chocolate Oreo cake for dessert. Excellent service for a relaxing Sunday. Glad to return and recommend. Cheers!“

“We always have a pizza at Gianni's whenever we're in town! Love the veggie pizza and breadsticks😍“

“I love stopping by Alta for something to eat and a great tasting coffee!!“

“Great service and food…. The hostess served us and she rocked it. Great time. Will come back!“

“Beautiful spot, quaint and cozy, generous portions, expertly executed.“

“Great way to start a retirement in this beautiful setting! Great wine and food- the views equally as amazing!“

“Super friendly waitress and reasonable prices. Stopped by for dinner in the quieter part of town, and the restaurant was not too busy. The ramen and sushi were good. Be careful not to pull into the car wash, since Sushi by The Bay’s lot is on the other side of their building.“

“Was here a year ago! Hopefully I get to visit this cafe again soon but never too late to leave a recommendation am I right, Great customer service 10/10 everything. I strongly recommend this cafe.“

“The best on Lighthouse hands down. No fatty meat quality, clean & the girls that work there are so sweet respectful and accommodating to all. Compliments to the owner and cooks Chefs kiss“

“I have found a legitimate broker who has helped me in so many ways in the aspect of forex & cryptocurrency. At first, I was really skeptical that it won't work but I still kept the faith going until I saw a recommendation about Mrs Craig Vanessa who changed my financial status from grass to grace. Once again I'm really grateful for your help and support towards me and my family in this tough time of the year. If you are looking for a change in your finances, then connect to Mrs. Craig Vanessa today on WhatsApp through Facebook via Mrs Craig Vanessa“

“We have been going to Heirloom Pizza a few times a year for a while now and have always enjoyed great food and good service. This was until last night. The food was still delicious and the server was good. That was the limit of a good experience. The hostess had a look that we were bothering her by wanting to eat there. We arrived about 7pm and they were busy, but it only took about 10 minutes to be seated. We ordered fairly quickly and then waited for over 50 minutes to have an appetizer to reach our table and another 25 minutes for our main dish. By the time we received our appetizer the restaurant had only 5-6 tables with people still sitting. We understand that it takes a little longer for a deep dish pizza, but well over an hour in unacceptable. In the 50 minutes we saw no less than a dozen or so orders go out the door for pickup orders. I understand they sell pizza and there is likely a large amount of business that doesn't come an stay to eat, but we felt forgotten. If we choose to go back, maybe we should order before arriving.“

“Awesomeness overload great pies“

“I was so tired today from not sleeping I was ready to curl up and die. I walked in on a whim, I'm not a vegan or vegetarian or anything, but the food tasted really good and had nice texture and I felt a lot better words. Staff was really friendly.“

“I have found a legitimate broker who has helped me in so many ways in the aspect of forex & cryptocurrency. At first, I was really skeptical that it won't work but I still kept the faith going until I saw a recommendation about Mrs Craig Vanessa who changed my financial status from grass to grace. Once again I'm really grateful for your help and support towards me and my family in this tough time of the year. If you are looking for a change in your finances, then connect to Mrs. Craig Vanessa today on WhatsApp through Facebook via Mrs Craig Vanessa“

“A little outdated in decor for an English pub, but quirky and interesting. Oh boy the food was spot on, we both had the steak and mushroom pie with veg and mash, better than any pie we've had at a restaurant in the UK for many a year! Well done! Excellent value too, a must do if you're in Monterey“

“Our first visit to Lalla Grill Del Monte and it was fabulous! The food was delicious. Our waiter Tino was friendly, professional, and on top of everything. Later we went to the bar. It was fully stocked and the bartender, Rae, was the bomb! Worth a visit if you are in the area! Highly recommend.“

“Absolutely adore this place. The blackened chicken alfredo dish is to diee for.

Right now they have the place decorated for halloween 🍄🕯 and it definitely gives a really good autumn vibe to the whole place.

The servers are kind and energetic 🩷“

“best tacos for miles! thank you for being delicious!“

“My favorite restaurant on Cannery Row! Great service every time and great food!!“

“I love this place... simply the best!“

“The fish is fresh and the new rolls are a nice addition to the menu. Tommy and Esmeralda have been offering awesome promos like buy 2 get 1 free. Check em out! #sushiyoucantrust“

“I have found a legitimate broker who has helped me in so many ways in the aspect of forex & cryptocurrency. At first, I was really skeptical that it won't work but I still kept the faith going until I saw a recommendation about Mrs Craig Vanessa who changed my financial status from grass to grace. Once again I'm really grateful for your help and support towards me and my family in this tough time of the year. If you are looking for a change in your finances, then connect to Mrs. Craig Vanessa today on WhatsApp through Facebook via Mrs Craig Vanessa“

“Phenomenal Halal Food
International Cafe is an absolute gem. The menu has an incredible variety of options, and everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch, catching up with friends. Highly recommend Combo plate“

“Amazing place food is well prepared and tasty!“

“Great service, great food and wonderful atmosphere.“

“Casual burger joint - order at counter & seat yourself. Gluten & dairy free friendly. Kid friendly. Was told fries are gluten cross contaminated in cooking oil, but *the best* gluten free bun I've ever had is kept in a separate area. I'm not sure what wizardry is in this GF bun, but it is soft, delicious, and doesnt fall apart 🤯 The burger itsself was delicious, juicy, and a little greasy. Didnt have a shake but they looked yummy. $20 range for most burgers, kids meals around $10.“

“This place is a gem of a find! Incredible food with wonderful service. We ordered Pad Ke Mao, Chicken Penang, and spring rolls and simply put .. wow! We went 4 star and they mean it...it was really spicy! But it was incredibly delicious...a must visit. Two dishes with two beers was around $70, and that seemed very reasonable. I have no issues posting a great review ...they earned it“

“Amazing ice cream place. It is the place I always stop by when I visit Monterey. Like Salt & Straw, I love how Revival keeps trying new flavors. Unlike Salt & Straw though, all new flavors are credibly delicious (sometimes Salt & Straw can be too creative lol). Some seasonal flavors that I still hope they have it again is Strawberry Sherbet (taste like fresh strawberry but better, I don't know how) and birthday cake (I usually dislike birthday cake flavor since it looks colorful but unflavored. However Revival one achieves vibrant colors and flavors). Other than classics like Bee Knees, don't forget to explore new flavors as well.

UPDATE 9/22: The ice cream becomes more expensive over the years but it is still worth getting a scoop! The best deal would be single split with waffle bowl. Still under 10 dollars. BTW the apple pie flavor is my new favorite!“

“Great food and service. Will definitely visit again when in the area.“

“Delicioso 🤤 cuando lo disfrutes con las personas adecuadas para ti 🥰🥰🥰“

“Excellent sushi restaurant in downtown Monterey. Fresh, great service and fun atmosphere.“

“Delicious Traditional but memorable dishes stop by for lunch if you're in the area.“

““Pulled up to Ike’s with Emily and instantly understood why people get emotional over sandwiches. This place doesn’t make food… it makes commitments. Bread on point, flavors on fire, and Emily already talking about coming back tomorrow. 10/10 would risk my diet again.”“

“Didn't know if I was supposed to see myself or wait for a host the one helped me about 3 minutes after I got there the food prepared was not exactly what the server wrote up disappointed by that but the food tastes and the folks were walking around to assist we're notice at people who are genuinely happy to be here the temperature is a little chilly inside the restaurant but it's a nice place to be“

“The food is over-the-top good! Because there is a lunch buffet- I never have to worry about being late going back to work- and I like the affordability :)“

“I have been coming here for years. The best Mexican Food for the best price!!!“

“Absolutely fantastic! My wife and I have been in Monterey for about 10 months and this is the first restaurant we’ve felt was truly delicious. The food was 10/10 and the service even better. Thank you to everyone who made this such a memorable experience, we’ll definitely be back!“

“My family from Texas was visiting and we came for the first time….. best food, service and drinks. Joe was a great and welcoming service. 100% recommend“

“Visiting from out of state. Stopped by and oh my word. The food is so good! Definitely recommend this place.“

“Food absolutely delicious.. Amazing service and very, friendly staff. Highly recommend and will be returning.“