“A nice sushi/Japanese spot offering a robust menu and good service. We came here in on a Friday night for dinner. It was busy but there were a few tables left. There was also some spots left at the sushi bar. The food was pretty good although it was tad bit slow to arrive. I had the Donburi bowl with fresh water eel. It was very good and the eel was perfectly grilled. My family had the combo Venmo dinner and some cut rolls. Everything was good and overall we were satisfied.“
“Absolutely fire. The hongos torta is phenomenal.If you’re on a date don’t get the tacos because there is no sophisticated way to eat them. But the fish tacos (both varieties) are great.Staff is so nice too. You should definitely try it out!“
“FoodI drove down here from the boring city of Hollister to try out the nabeyaki udon. I enjoyed a tasty hot bowl of delightful dashi-based broth with udon and seafood. The sad part was running out of that hot, delicious food.ServiceThe wait staff only cared about the initial interaction and the end of my time there, when I was finished with my food. The wait staff did not check on me during the middle portion of my meal. I go to restaurants, and I expect good service as part of the experience. Good food by itself does not mean full stars. Two stars for service are gone because they need to improve their service.AtmosphereThe restaurant is in a small strip mall. Behind the strip mall, the area looks rather run down. The strip mall itself was alright. As for the restaurant itself, it's your typical Japanese restaurant with some ink painting of Samarais hanging on one wall. There's nothing that really makes this place stand out as a "You've got to come here." In fact, from the outside it looks rather bland.“
“This is my go-to restaurant in Seaside. I always go in with what I plan to order in mind, but always check their specials board and things often change. Today, the Shio Ramen Special caught my eye and made a delightful lunch. Noodles, flavorful broth, bits of pork belly and more. Add a Japanese Craft beer and I left a happy (and full) guy).“
“The food was ok, but we probably won’t go back. We come to the area multiple times a year and try to go to more local places and this came up on our search for clam chowder not on Fisherman’s Wharf. My husband said the chowder was so-so, but the fish and chips were fantastic. The fries were good. I had the alfredo and that was pretty delicious but the garlic bread was a huge let down, kind of tasted old and gummy. Also my daughter also got Alfredo but hers looked and tasted much different than mine, which is odd. The restaurant itself could probably fit 5-10 more tables comfortably, and because it was so sparse it kind of feels off-putting, I guess, and there was only one table that could sit our family of 6. It was also very affordable, but the menu stated they charge for water, which is odd. They also charge for use of a credit card. Food took a little longer than normal to get to us, and there was only one waitress so service was a bit slow. I watched five people walk in and leave because they didn’t want to wait to be seated. Another party got up and grabbed their own menus. So, I don’t know if we’ll go back. It’s a hard maybe. The things that weren’t good, like the garlic bread, is a big deal. But that’s the cheapest meal I think we’ve ever had in the area so maybe we’ll go back and try other things and give it another shot. Not sure yet.“
“Fantastic French cafe eats and coffee drinks. The setting is so Van Gogh. Perhaps it has views of the water from the unaccessible upper floors but it’s a quaint little place and is part of Monterey’s eclectic make-up. If you have a B’day coming up their French cakes are divine too.“
“This is the best place to take kids for dinner without ruining other people's Carmel getaway ?. The ambiance and service is still impeccable, but it's relatively easy to get a reservation and the food comes out quickly so you could be done with dinner in 1-1.5hrs (for better or worse, depending on what you're looking for).“
“What a gluten free find!!! Not only was this bakery 100% dedicated gluten free they had dairy free and vegan options. Every employee we encountered was helpful and kind. They were able to make us a dairy free breakfast sandwiches which were heavenly. The muffins were large and so moist and delicious. Cupcakes were so good it was hard to believe they were gluten free. But can I tell you about their vegan scones?! I have NEVER had a scone that wasn’t dry until I tried them here at Neces. How do they do it? When I could eat gluten I remember scones being dry lol. You will NOT be disappointed! Cannot wait to take a trip back.“
“Great food. We went to the aquarium and decided to bail out to get food. The aquarium has less than stellar options so I recommend coming here. Service was a bit slow but it was still worth coming here as the food was actually cheaper and better. They also have heated outdoor benches which was quite a surprise ?“
“Always delicious, always fresh. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and explained things in beautiful word pictures that truly helped guide our ordering choices. PLEASE - Do yourself a favor...get a $3 biscuit for yourself. You could share it, but you will be a little sad you did afterward. Life changing.“
“We love coming to Pacific Grove and when traveling with kids it is hard to find a place with something to keep everyone happy. They gave us a cute table outside in the beautiful weather. The wagyu burger was great and the onion rings are some of the best we have ever had! We even came back the next day for some more. The Pizza was delicious and pasta and salads were great and fresh. Get the focaccia bread as an appetizer and you can’t go wrong. We will be back!“
“Super friendly, cozy little family café. Really good lunches and breakfasts, staff is a father, daughter and son-in-law, all care about the place the food, and the customers. They treat everyone like family. The day I was there they were playing Christian rock the whole time, but somehow with the amount of love and kindness exhibited by the Cafe community, that it was not really my thing didn't bother me at all. It was still happy and friendly music. Good coffee, good food, clean restrooms, good wifi, excellent care of people.“
“Love this place! Great coffee, and yummy avocado toast. Friendly staff, quick service and healthy short menu. Sit at the long natural wood shared tables. BTW a huge coffee grinder in the shop is fun to see. Open to the outside so you can sit outside in good weather. Hilarious the famous tandem bike that the shop kept outside - the thief was caught on video stealing - showed up dumped and returned, likely due to being all over the news! Lol.“
American • $
“Be careful... the food is good and the portions are huge!We went for Sunday Brunch and laughter floated through the air. It felt like everyone—patrons and staff—were having a great time.There's a big indoor and outdoor space, they're both gorgeous, and they have a coffee and cocktail bar to help pass the time while you wait for your table.We'd definitely come back.Vegetarian options: They have vegetarian sausage which I didn't have, but my partner did and said it was delicious.“
“If you are visiting the area, this is a must stop place. It is my favorite restaurant in the county. Every ingredient in every dish is intentionally used, there are no lazily picked side dishes here. The small restaurant is very charming and half of their seating is outside, well covered and heated nicely. Make sure to make a reservation!“
“Awesome little place in Pacific Grove near the beach. I ordered the Salmon and Potato Pancake and think it was prob the single best breakfast meal I've ever had! Smoked salmon + potato pancake + crème fraiche. I also added a fried egg on top. We will def be back“
“Was so good, went by twice while in Carmel for a wedding. Saturday. got there by 9am, display cases appeared fully stocked of everything. Sunday, got there by 10am, a few items were sold out. We got what we wanted, but still! The mocha actually had a rich chocolate flavor (compared to bucks) Love how they carry mini pastries which are the perfect size to share and taste and try variety!!!! Well priced, cheaper than SF.“
“Little Napoli is a pretty nice Italian spot in Carmel. The service is pretty solid, the food is good, and the setting is quite nice.One thing I’d definitely recommend is to get a reservation, though. Me and my girlfriend were able to get a seat, but only at the open bar, after waiting for some people to leave.It was a bit stressful, but it was still nice to grab a bite to eat here.“
“Never in my life have I ever thought I'd see the live long day I would eat a raw sweet potato but then I went to Alta Cafe in Monterey and ordered a Grain* Bowl. The menu listed sweet taters in it and I'm a sweet tato felon. But to my surprise and eventual delight that sucker RAW. Never have I felt more raw vegan Cali girl Stanley cup life style than then and I fear I may never feel that way again ?. Also the coffee cold brew had coffee ice cubes that was awesome good job guys .and the ginger scone was yummy. And the salmon toast was yummy too.*Quinoa bowl excuse meVegetarian options: So many it's crazy. Raw tatosKid-friendliness: You could fit So many of those suckers in there“
“It was their Traditional Yerba Mate service that caught our attention and then coincidentally reading a little of their backstory brought us in. Once settled, we instantly felt at home and couldn't have enjoyed our visit(s) more. Clearly locals love the spot for its relaxed atmosphere and food...Ok I mean absolutely fantastic food. You simply have to try all their empanadas, the mind-blowing Sopa and Lemon Delight. Don't miss out on their gem offering... Yerba Mate!Mate: really is a way of life (relaxed). It takes a little time, make the time, it's so worth it. The staff were surprised/delighted by my order of a traditional (hot) Mate service, and the owner came out with an exuberant "You're drinking Mate!?!" We had a nice conversation about the ritual of drinking Mate, Paraguay and some of her experiences with the cafe. Our second visit though, led to a lengthy discussion with a knowledgeable staff member about more advanced techniques for Yerba Mate preparation, character of the various brands, etc...I've been casually enjoying Mate for twenty years and still came away with a better understanding. They're so kind and pleasant, you'll enjoy the experience whether you're a newbie needing to be walked through the process or a budding connoisseur.“
“I had dinner here for the first time last May. I love schnitzel; and the schnitzel tasted incredible at this place! The Swiss Matterhorn dessert was heavenly! I hope to bring my dad here soon. I will definitely try the cheese fondue next time.“
“Wow! This place is excellent. Super delicious, healthy, clean food. The folks that work here are super nice and they totally care about the awesomeness they're providing. It's just a very special spot that's really well done and a pleasure to have discovered!“
“Absolutely divine experience at Reba's Bakery! The chocolate chocolate cake was pure decadence – each layer exquisitely moist, and the double chocolate brownie, dense and rich, was a true indulgence. We also ventured into some unique treats like the peanut butter jelly bar and the cinnamon doughnut hole muffins, each bursting with flavor. A must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth craving perfection! 5 stars all the way! ??“
“Everything on the menu strikes my interest but the cowbell def called my name. It was good a little smaller than I expected but tasted better than my expectations. The onion tomato soup was good wasn't watery great flavor actually could taste the lil bit of sweetness from the onion. My only gripe is the seating in this place if you're not solo it's hard to find a spot for 3 guys if the middle big table is already taken other than that this place is def worth a try.“
“I have gone to this restaurant several times and have always been happy with my experience. Sam (who I think is the owner) is very friendly. I remember one Christmas when plans changed and we wanted to eat at Siamese Bay. They were about to close, but sat us anyway, and took good care of us! I highly recommend this place! Great food and atmosphere!“
Gluten Free • $$$
“Impeccable service from our arrival until we left. We were never rushed, always catered to and our waiter was exceptional. Filet mignon was perfect as was the lobster bisque soup. A true dining experience for anyone that wants to be pampered.“
“Absolutely loved this little hole in the wall gem!!The girl who helped us was so nice and welcoming.The art that is displayed was beautiful. I wanted to just stay and stare at the art and read all day. I loved it!We purchased a cheese danish and an almond croissant and aMoroccan Mint tea and some cookies.The cheese danish was so light and delicious but the real star of the show was the almond croissant!! Sooooo delicious!!We will def be back.“
Spanish • $$$
“This is the perfect place to sample a variety of delicious tapas. We had the Brussels sprouts, Coca Catalan, patatas bravas, crispy mushroom and burrata, croquetas de jamon and jamon Serrano y manchego. All were beautifully presented and tasty. The red sangria was lovely and the desserts were a perfect ending - Basque cheesecake, Crema Catalana and a trio of delicious ice cream - banana, strawberry and coffee. This is my second time here, and I will return for more of the scrumptiousness. The service was professional and attentive. .“
“The wind, howled and the rain fell all day long so we decided to pick up a pizza and take it back to our motel and dine in front of the fireplace. Pizza my way was nearby and had favorable local reviews so we placed the phone order and drove overto pick it up. The pizza was delicious and loaded with toppings. When my wife returned to the car with the pizza, she said it was not the type of place that had an eat inside appeal to her. My three star rating for atmosphere is just a guess.“
“Everything was simply fantastic! Our high standards were exceeded. This has got to be the best restaurant in Monterey. From the service to the food to the ambiance - there is nothing that left us wanting more. You can truly feel the love the owners and staff put into their work.“
“So I'll start with the positivity."The works" bacon breakfast burrito was excellent, potatoes cooked perfectly with great flavor and homemade salsa flavor bomb. Wife said her breakfast tacos were delicious same positivity on her food.Moving on to the drinks, my wife loved the orange juice however $6 for about 8oz is a little bold. I bought a $7 latte which didn't offend me by price because in all the pictures it came in a Bowl! And I was actually excited about that however they didn't have any clean bowls at the time so they gave me a regular mug which was at least only have the size and charged me full price.When I asked about it she explained and said she would remake it for me but never did, and still charged full price.I can get by all that but my son ordered the buttermilk pancakes and they didn't give him syrup we had to ask not that big of deal, then after he said he was done eating my wife went to sample his pancakes and noticed the middle of the cakes still had batter in them, not cooked fully.My son is only 11 and just didn't know any better he thought because it said buttermilk that that was normal lol, the restaurant took off $6 from the $12 price and gave him a free cookie however, one staffer tried to suggest they may have been a little undercooked I don't appreciate trying to justify it just comes off as a disagreement and there was nothing to dispute.Also if you want to make amends for a partially raw pancake you mark it completely off the bill, especially considering I only got a half coffee ?.If I could go 3.8 I would again our items tasted great just some key misses in decorum.“
“This place is very delicious. I have been here quite a few times. However, I'm writing this to the staff in the restaurant. I am ukrainian and came in today and noticed that the beef stroganoff was labeled Ukrainian. With all due respect, this dish is pure Russian. It was invented in the Tsarist era of Russia. It is good to support the truth, however it is disrespectful to label a dish with the wrong country just to support it. That is hate towards the orgin of this dish and is very disturbing to me as a Ukrainian.“
“Best bakery I've ever been to! The only place I'll go for sweet treats... Birthdays, celebrations and even my wedding cake! They always do a beautiful job and great customer service. Such a variety of traditional and modern cookies, pastries, cakes... ALL taste amazing!“
Bakery • $
“Our family was in town on Easter Weekend so we stopped by Rise & Roam Bakery and Pizzeria and so glad we did everything we ordered was delicious!! We had pizza, tomato bisque soup, ceasar salad all so good. It’s an added bonus that the restaurant has a wonderful bakery and great coffee next door!! The almond croissant was AMAZING!“
“We visited this cafe twice during our 4 days in Carmel Valley. This cafe was close to our hotel, and my husband needs his morning coffee/pastry so we checked this place out. And i'm glad we did because all of the pastries were delicious! We tried so many. The blueberry scone, blueberry muffin, lemon pound cake, coffee cake, chocolate chip walnut cookie, sugar brioche, and caprese sandwich. I never have high hopes when I try new places in the area, but this cafe was super cute and had great pastries. We bought a box of pastries to bring back with us. Looking forward to coming here often on our future trips.“
“Great experience at Schooners on the patio overlooking the water. Our waiter, Jacob, was very attentive and made great recommendations. Clam chowder in a bread bowl was excellent, Thai style curry mussels were delicious and the ceviche was good but not great. The fish tacos were tasty and the fried chicken sandwich was flavorful and unique. Would definitely dine there again.“
“Fish and chips are delicious, the pint of clam chowder is a must-have as well. The oysters were tasty and fresh, but had bits of shell in them. The restaurant is generally clean and service is wicked fast: ~5mins from order to food on table.“
“I usually never rate restaurants after a meal however today as I sit here at FISHWIFE I am glad to say we had wonderful waiters who were very generous as well as adverting to preferences. The waiters and staff go out of their way to make conversation with kids. The food, the food! The food here is excellent and tastes beautifully caught and crafted, their seafood is outstanding as well as having impeccable “land food”. Their kids menu was, as far as I could tell, was very satisfactory. Would absolutely recommend to anyone from a first date to a family dinner!Vegetarian options: They have multiple vegetarian options, also clearly labeled, as well as having multiple entrees with the word vegetarian in the name.Dietary restrictions: The menu clearly states which food options are gluten freeKid-friendliness: They have a kids menu as well as crayons for drawing!“
“Wonderful Rack of Lamb and top notch Paella. The only suggestion is that the wait staff be more tuned in to whether the Paella can be shared. We asked if the dish was enough for two, and he said it was only for one . It was actually enough for three.“
“We LOVE Hula’s!! As Tiki Tuesday regulars now, we always come back for the great service (shout out to Dan especially! He is always so warm and friendly and makes great recommendations for specials and favorites!), fun and cozy atmosphere, and excellent food and drinks. I have never had a bad experience in all the times of coming here, and I always recommend the Godzilla tots and a Dr. Funk to all that come to Monterey. I also really appreciate the vegan options that they have as it can be difficult to accommodate my dietary needs with my friends and family who aren’t always also vegetarian or vegan. Thank you Hula’s team!!“
“One of the best bakery’s around Monterey! Excellent service and amazing food. Delicious pastry and cakes! The owners are amazing and very welcoming! Super family oriented place! Make sure to stop by either for some wine or just pastry with sandwich and coffee!“
“This review is long overdue!! I ended catching a gnarly sickness while prego and wasn't able to post a review until way later. This place has such a stellar view of the ocean in Monterey! We went on a rainy day, but even still it was such a cool experience seeing the boats and ocean nearby. Our servers were super great and kept coming around to check on the table. The portions were huge for the cost, and the lunch specials were a steal! My mouth is still watering for the teriyaki steak. I highly recommend coming on Saturday for a relaxing afternoon. On top of it all, they have some great lunch specials. I highly recommend this spot“
“After learning Le Bicylette had a 1.5 hour wait on a Sunday, we peeked down the little alley way and allowed ourselves to be enticed to select an outdoor table for a delicious pizza lunch. Started with the Cesar salad (extra anchovies!) followed by the Pepe Board. The four of us then split two pizzas, the San Vito and the Diavola. Took home the last 3 slices for lunch the next day. Charming patio! Definitely worth a return.“
“Moonscoops has a variety of flavors, soft serve, toppings, and a choice of warm beverages you can mix.Moonscoops is always clean and employees can easily look up ingredients to check for allergens.Our entire family enjoys this place.Dietary restrictions: Gluten free/CeliacDairy free optionsKid-friendliness: Definitely kid friendly“
“Happy Hour from 5 to 6 pm Monday thru Friday is a bargain, the sushi, appetizers, wine and saki are a hit. Most items on the menu are between $5 and $15 dollars for edamame, cucumber salad, gyoza, and sushi or hand rolls. Beautifully presented and excellent service, everything fresh and yummy, in a very expensive restaurant town, this family owned Japanese Restaurant is a local secret.“
“A Culinary Journey to Remember at AkaoniFrom the moment I stepped into Akaoni in the enchanting town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, I knew I was about to embark on an unforgettable dining adventure. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a world where every bite tells a story, and every dish is a masterpiece.The ambiance struck a perfect balance between elegance and comfort, with subtle lighting that made the exquisite Japanese artistry around the room come alive. The staff welcomed us with genuine warmth, making us feel like honored guests in a grand culinary celebration.Then came the sushi - oh, the sushi! Each piece was a work of art, crafted with precision and passion. The fish, fresh from the dreams of Neptune himself, melted on the tongue, leaving behind a symphony of flavors that danced across the palate in perfect harmony. The sushi chef, a true maestro, wielded his knife with the grace of a samurai, presenting us with creations that were too beautiful to eat, yet too delicious to resist.But the magic didn’t stop at sushi. Every dish we ordered was a revelation, from the succulent sashimi that whispered secrets of the deep to the innovative rolls that brought together flavors and textures in ways I never imagined possible. It was clear that Akaoni isn’t just serving food; they’re crafting experiences.The highlight of the evening was an exclusive dish, whispered about among culinary circles but rarely seen. It was a fusion of flavors so unique, so extraordinary, that words fail to capture its essence. Let's just say it was an epicurean dream that lingered long after the last bite.As we bid farewell to Akaoni, walking out into the starlit night of Carmel-by-the-Sea, it was with the knowledge that we had just experienced something truly special. This wasn’t just a meal; it was a voyage to the heights of culinary excellence. Akaoni is not a restaurant you simply visit; it’s a destination you experience with all your senses.If you find yourself in Carmel-by-the-Sea, do yourself a favor: visit Akaoni. But be warned, your culinary standards might never be the same again.“
“My wife and I have been coming here since back when they were on Lighthouse. This is a great place with great food, and a good beer selection if you want a complete beer and nachos experience.If you're here on vacation, this is definitely a place worth stopping for.“
“HIGHLY RECOMMEND this bakery!!! We just ordered an angel food cake with a layer of pastry cream in the middle and topped with fresh strawberries ? and whipped cream for my in-laws 60th Wedding Anniversary surprise dinner. It was not only as delicious as it sounds, it was beautiful! In fact, guests, and the bride and groom of course, lol, wanted to take some home if there was any left over slices at the end of the night! Our family and guests made wonderful comments about how beautiful the cake was and equally delicious! Susan, the owner, did a wonderful job with this cake and it was spectacular!In addition, I, myself, have had many other baked goods and breakfast items in this bakery and have never been disappointed! Everything is so fresh and divinely delicious I just had to write this review to let everyone out there know what a great bakery this is. From her specialty of key lime pie (which I normally don’t like, but I’m addicted to this one), to cheesecake, cinnamon buns, macaroons, banana bread, to crème brûlée, breakfast items and much, much more, this bakery aims to please and tantalize the taste buds!Like I said, I HIGHLY recommend The Perfect Crumb and I hope if you’re ever in the area you make the well-worth-it trip to stop by and see for yourself how good the food is at this bakery! Bring a friend, bring the family or just yourself to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with your baked goods before going to enjoy all Pacific Grove and Monterey have to offer! It’s the best way to start your day!!!! “
“Today I decided to order Ike's for lunch and it was a good choice. I got a Reading Rainbow sandwich on sourdough and it was enormous. It's a veggie sandwich with the red pesto sauce and I enjoyed it very much. Next time I would leave the dirty sauce off only because it didn't need it. I did have them add pickles and peppers for zest too. A sprinkle of salt and pepper would take the sandwich to another level. They also have Stubborn soda and a fun variety of drinks if you go to the restaurant. Next time I think I might get one of their sides, like mozzarella sticks.Vegetarian options: Lots of plant based and vegetarian options including some that mimic the meat version. Fun stuff for sure.Parking: There's a shared parking lot less than a block away that get very full a lot of the time and street parking around the corner too. No parking in front of the shop so be ready to walk a little bit.“
“Great hidden place on the peninsula. It’s been a couple years since I was here last and the food my and my coworkers got was wonderful. The paella was great and I’ll be back just for that dish. The fire roasted artichoke should definitely be on your list too.“