Food & Drink
Eat and drink your way through the weekend. There are so many amazing spots to choose from! We’ve organized our list by town below.
Carmel-by-the-sea
La Bicyclette
This quaint European bistro in Carmel-by-the-Sea serves delicious wood-oven fired pizzas, amongst other things, but please don’t leave without ordering the Pot de Mousse au Chocolat! It’s by far one of Katharine’s favorite desserts.
Dolores & 7th, Carmel, CA | (831) 622-9899
Cultura
Tucked away in a courtyard in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Cultura’s cuisine is inspired by Oaxaca, Mexico and doesn’t disappoint. From their enchiladas to mezcal cocktails to chapulines (grasshoppers) to churros & fondue, Cultura is a delight. Perfect for intimate dining and large gatherings!
Dolores St, between 5th and 6th Ave, Carmel | (831) 250-7005
Carmel Belle
This lovely little cafe in Carmel keeps expanding into the courtyard, because it’s SO good. Known for their simple, fresh ingredients, Carmel Belle is not only a delicious breakfast and lunch spot, but it’s also a cozy respite mid-day to sip a coffee or smoothie.
San Carlos St, between Ocean and 7th Ave, Carmel | (831) 624-1600
Alvarado Street Brewery - Carmel Bistro
Located in Carmel Plaza, this brewery and bistro serves California coastal cuisine paired with great beer, along with a full bar. Their fun atmosphere features indoor and outdoor dining, and they have another location in Monterey, listed below!
Carmel Plaza, Carmel-by-the-Sea | (831) 293-8621
Carmel Valley
Cafe Rustica
Self described as, “country rustic cooking in a European setting,” Cafe Rustica’s warm and inviting atmosphere includes a charming patio, open kitchen, and stone pizza oven. Enjoy their delightful mix of French, Italian and Californian dishes with a glass of wine.
10 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley | (831) 659-4444
Baja Cantina
This festive, lively restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining is a great place to enjoy an award winning margarita, catch up with friends and family, and watch sporting events. They have a great bar and a huge menu filled with delicious Mexican food. Bonus: the interior is filled with vintage automobile memorabilia!
7166 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel | (831) 625-2279
Corkscrew Cafe
Need a break after wine tasting in Carmel Valley? Take your seat in Corkscrew Cafe’s charming patio, complete with a water fountain, string lights, and colorful furniture. They use ingredients from local, small organic farms and fisheries and are famous for their wood-fired pizzas.
55 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley | (831) 659-8888
Monterey
Alta Bakery & Cafe
Whether you’re in the mood for a coffee, glass of wine, beer or kombucha on tap, pastry or quick bite to eat, this is the place for you. From quinoa bowls to breakfast burritos to daily muffins, strudels and doughnuts, Alta has it all. On top of their delightful menu, they also have a lovely back patio for outdoor dining!
502 Munras Ave, Monterey | (831) 920-1018
Alvarado Street Brewery - Monterey Brewpub
This location in Old Monterey has a Beer Garden in back, a small patio in front, and a beautiful restaurant in the middle. They serve locally sourced, gastropub-influenced fare and have over 32 house beers on draft, specializing in hop-forward beers and fruited sour ales. They also have a spot in Carmel-by-the-Sea, listed above!
426 Alvarado Street, Monterey | (831) 655-2337
Montrio Bistro
Looking for a fine dining experience? Located in a historic Monterey firehouse, Montrio Bistro serves sustainable seafood, local organic produce, prime meats, house-made desserts and homegrown stocks and sauces. Everything on the menu is truly delightful!
414 Calle Principal, Monterey | (831) 648-8880
Pebble Beach
Roy’s at Pebble Beach
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Roy’s delights with a delicious Hawaiian-fusion menu. The sushi is amazing, but don’t stop there! We love their Thai-Style Rack of Lamb, Hibachi Salmon, and signature cocktails. If the cuisine isn’t enough, you’ll also get a lovely view of the Spanish Bay Golf Course and Pacific Ocean while you dine.
2700 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach | (800) 877-0597
Pebble Beach Market
Suddenly famished while exploring 17-Mile Drive? Swing by the Pebble Beach Market for gourmet deli sandwiches and salads. They also have one of the best wine selections on the Monterey Peninsula, with more than 500 bottles from around the world!
1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach | (800) 877-0597
Pacific Grove
Happy Girl Kitchen
You heard it here first: Happy Girl Kitchen has the best snickerdoodle cookie we’ve ever tasted. For that reason alone, we swing by this cafe every time we’re in town. Aside from their assortment of cookies, coffee, and small lunchtime menu, Happy Girl Kitchen is known for their delicious jams, shrubs, and pickles - they even have a cookbook on the art of jam-making!
173 Central Ave, Pacific Grove | (831) 373-4475
Passionfish
Sustainable, local, award-winning seafood. Need we say more? This is our favorite seafood restaurant in the area, and, if that wasn’t enough, they have a list of sustainably produced wines from around the world offered at realistic prices. If you’re in the mood for fresh fish, do not overlook this spot!
701 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove | (831) 655-3311
Il Vecchio
Craving Italian? Visit this local favorite for incredible pastas and pizzas. You can’t go wrong! Their traditional recipes are from Rome, Umbria, and Tuscany, and they make everything in their kitchen with no prepared products of any kind.
110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove | (831) 324-4282
Little Red House
Located in a literal little red Victorian house, this charming restaurant serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner and captures the essence of Pacific Grove. We especially love their weekend brunch, and if you like hot chocolate, their gigantic mugs will not disappoint.
662 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove | (831) 643-1060
Big Sur
Big Sur Bakery
Planning on exploring Big Sur while you’re in town? We support that plan. We recommend checking out Big Sur Bakery while you’re south. They serve breakfast and lunch, but if you don’t have time to sit down, they also have a pastry counter with drinks to go!
47540 California 1, Big Sur | (831) 667-0520
Big Sur Taphouse & Deli
If you’re looking for a casual spot, the Big Sur Taphouse is for you. Visit their deli counter for a gigantic sandwich, pick up a beer on tap, and head to the back for a spot outside. They also serve wings, tacos, reubens, and more. Note of caution: the patio gets very crowded on the weekends!
47520 Highway One, Big Sur | (831) 667-2197
Nepenthe
One of the more well-known restaurants in Big Sur, Nepenthe is famous for its Ambrosiaburger. The restaurant sits high on a cliff and has incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Also on the property is Café Kevah, a coffee shop, and The Phoenix Shop, a unique gift shop.
48510 Highway One, Big Sur | (831) 667-2345
Santa Cruz
Sante Adairius - Santa Cruz Portal
About an hour north in Santa Cruz, you’ll find one of our absolute favorite breweries (and one of California’s best), Sante Adairius Rustic Ales. They specialize in wonderful saisons, hoppy beers, and more, and they also have some great food offerings. Whether you’re passing through Santa Cruz (or nearby Capitola, where their original taproom is located), or are on the hunt for an incredible beer (or two), do yourself a favor and stop by!
1315 Water St, Santa Cruz | (831) 201-4141
Lúpulo Craft Beer House
If you enjoy a tasty cold cruiser, don’t miss this great craft beer destination in downtown Santa Cruz. Lúpulo has a bottle shop stocked with excellent offerings from near and far, as well as a full draft program and delicious Spanish and Mexican themed fare.
233 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz | (831) 454-8306
Verve Coffee Roasters
Need a cup o’ joe (or tea) on your way back to Monterey County? Swing by one of Verve’s four Santa Cruz locations. They have plenty of treats to choose from, too, including pastries, sandwiches, avocado toast, cookies, and more!
Multiple locations.
Lillian’s Italian Kitchen
This family-run, cozy Italian restaurant features Sicilian recipes, great regional wines, and warm hospitality. If you find yourself in Santa Cruz for dinner, we recommend stopping here for a bite to eat!
1148 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz | (831) 425-2288