Favorite Restaurants in the Monterey Area ?!?!

[sarita75]

After diving yesterday, Mark, Michelle, Greg and I went out to lunch in Moss Landing. As we were driving over there, Mark and I were talking about the need to get a list of good, tried and true, restaurants in the Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel Area. So .... what are some of your favorites?

Possible Information to provide:
Restaurant Name:
Adddress:
Website:
Price Range:
Menu Recommendations:
Do you think this would be suitable for large groups of people?


Thanks all.

 

[cmburch]

I always like Phil's Fish Market and Eatery in Moss Landing. My favorites are clam chowder in a bun - the red is the same as New England, but with tomato and spices, Halibut fish & chips, Pasta dishes with roasted peppers, cioppino - I pick the mussels out because they taste like iron to me. I only like the green-lipped mussels.

For breakfast and lunch, I like Rosine's Downtown Monterey. I like the vegetarian eggs benedict and Rosine's has great sandwiches.

I also like Siamese Bay - Thai food on Webster. Tom Yum soup with mushrooms, chicken, coconut milk, lemon grass. Perfectly spiced fried rice, panang beef, tofu and vegetable dishes, Thai iced tea.

 

[sarita75]

I second Phils.

Another one in Moss Landing is Sea Harvest Fish Market located on US1.
[SIZE=-1]2420 Highway 1[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Moss Landing, CA 95039[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1](831) 633-8300[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1]They are more of a sit-down and order type of place but have a really nice view from their outside dining area that I like alot. And I thought that the food was quite good.[/SIZE]

 

[bbianchi]

I dont really have "official" recommendations but I have a few points I can throw out. I have been either working or partially living in the are for only about 3 years, so im by far no dining expert. I should also add, while it may be a crime living in this are, im not a big seafood fan.

For Good Mexican:
*Michaels in Marina, basically anything they make blackened is amazing, about $9 a person. Fast too. (Large groups could be difficult, I also think there is a sister store in Carmel)
*Turtle Bay in Seaside, great food with a seafood twist, also next to Fish Wife (I believe?) They own both. Also very fast and affordable. (Outside and inside seating, most larger groups should be fine)

Thai:
*Thai House (I think it has a couple names) in Seaside, by all the Auto Dealers and a 7-11, VERY fast service, really good Thai food. (Larger groups should be fine, probably call ahead because they may need to re-arrange tables)

There is also a Thai place in Marina but I can't recall the name, its a small house looking building and I believe your first right off the 1/Del Monte exit if you are going south. (Large groups would not work here at all)

Cajun:
Best Cajun food you can find in CA (IMHO).
Ferdi's in Seaside, unfortunately the last time I was there they were not open on weekends.
740 Broadway Ave
Seaside, CA 93955
Phone: (831) 394-2244
The gumbo is amazing! You might want to call and see if they are open on weekends yet, they also have a Deli. (Its a smaller place, if its going to be about 6 or more you probably want to call ahead)

Japanese:
Sapporo in Monterey near the warf. Everyone has probably seen this one.
Teppanyaki and sushi. Can accommodate large groups but as a very commercial place you would probably want reservations.

Well, off the top of my head thats all I can think of. Plus the wife is calling me to the easter happenings. Hope that helps some.

 

[StevenN]

Monterey Fish House is one of my favorites.
Monterey Fish House User Reviews - Monterey, CA 93940-3712 - Citysearch
I like the Cioppino (I don't remember the exact price but it was reasonable) and the grilled baby octopus.

 

[JT851]

HULAS is a great place... They are right next to Bamboo Reef on Lighthouse....

Menu includes some of the best grilled poke I have ever had.... And the Ultimate steak... Da Big Kahuna.... With wasabi mashed taters.. or the seasoned sweet tater fries... Mmmmm Makin me drool...

The only down fall.... they are always crowded on Fri/Sat nights.... and the price is a lil on the high side... but well worth it....

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

We've done this a few times before. A quick check with the search engine on the name
of my favorite restaurant came up with:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/norcal/164184-ot-restaurant-recommendation-monterey.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/norcal/136030-need-good-non-tourist-restaurant-monterey.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/norcal/100347-monterey-carmel-post-dive-eats.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/norcal/226047-favorite-restaurants-monterey-area.html

There may be more. Maybe the mods can merge them into a single monterey restaurants
thread.

 

[Noboundaries]

We love the Fish Hopper on Cannery Row. I know, very touristy, a little pricey, but the food has always been great, the staff friendly, and there's a nice view. The last time there we all had scallops that just about sent my senses to Nirvana. Plus, if you're not diving, you can watch the divers off McAbee Beach and the reserve next to the aquarium.

In Marina for BBQ there's AJ Spurs up in the Sand Dunes. No view, but good carnivore fare.

Our favorite roadside cafe is Black Bear Diner. There's one in Carmel just off Hwy 1. Split an order if you're not real hungry because the servings are generous. Their cobblers are always excellent and also something you'll want to share. Get two scoops of the vanilla bean ice cream ala mode or you're likely to lose a finger from dueling spoons. It comes with only one scoop.