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Best Romantic Restaurants in Monterey

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35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Montrio restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4215)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 23 times today
Montrio is a charming, elegant restaurant in downtown Monterey. It's a local favorite and a top pick for romantic dinners. Reviewers consistently praise its refined, comfortable atmosphere, with one calling it the 'perfect environment for a romantic dinner.' The excellent food, attentive service, and extensive wine list all contribute to its high ratings. It's a great choice for special occasions.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1624)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 49 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Jacks Monterey restaurant
4.3
Awesome(281)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 13 times today
Jacks Monterey is poised to provide a refreshing culinary experience in downtown Monterey, inside the Portola Hotel & Spa. Emphasizing local ingredients, high-quality seafood, and an award-winning wine and cocktail program, Jacks philosophy derives from globally-inspired traditions of California Cultural Cuisine highlighting flavor profiles unique to cultures from around the world. With design details throughout the indoor and outdoor dining venue to echo the beautiful surrounding landscape, the atmosphere at Jacks promises to be sophisticated—never pretentious. Jacks offers a variety of seating with a bar, fireplace lounge, and pet-friendly, outdoor space features living walls, bistro lighting, and fire pits. Open for Breakfast & Dinner. For more information visit www.portolahotel.com/dining/jacks-monterey
A photo of Abalonetti Bar and Grill restaurant
4.4
Awesome(536)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 7 times today
Abalonetti Bar and Grill is a romantic spot, offering breathtaking ocean views, a large waterfront patio, and a casual yet cozy atmosphere. Customers rave about the 'amazing experience', 'outstanding service', and 'mouthwatering dishes'. Perfect for a date or a celebration, it's been a favorite among locals for decades. Plus, the fresh seafood, especially the Monterey calamari, is a crowd-pleaser!
A photo of Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill restaurant
4.1
Excellent(43)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Monterey
The Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill, located in historic downtown Monterey, CA., is a brewery and New American restaurant offering locally sourced and thoughtfully created, approachable food and artisan craft beer. We operate primarily as a walk in business with no private dining space. Our bar & beer garden are communal seating areas available on a first come first served basis. We do offer limited reservations for groups of 5-14 in our main dining room. Please call (831) 655-2337 or email monterey@asb.beer for more information.Our mission is to provide our guests, both local and visitor alike, a unique yet casual environment. We look forward to seeing you and inviting your family to become a part of ours at the Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill.
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3749)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 48 times today
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean combined with world-class dining on historic Cannery Row, just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The newly renovated Fish Hopper, housed in an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular views of the stunning Monterey Bay from every table, including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, certified Angus beef, pastas, and live shellfish. Our seafood is either locally caught or shipped in fresh daily, and our produce is locally grown in the Salinas Valley. Some favorites include fresh Monterey Bay abalone, macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” bone-in rib eye, and fresh Dungeness crab. Start your meal with our award-winning clam chowder, and indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations or a selection from our extensive wine collection. While enjoying your delicious meal, you can watch sea otters at play and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale.
A photo of Schooners Monterey restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3029)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 22 times today
Schooners Monterey is a romantic restaurant due to its picturesque setting suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay. Customers have praised the 'beautiful and romantic location', 'memories made for my new wife and myself' and the 'lovely dinner' with 'lovely setting'. The quality of food, service, and ambiance have consistently received high ratings.
A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2366)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 20 times today
Casanova Restaurant Carmel is often referred to as a 'romantic and charming spot' in reviews. The atmosphere has been described as 'old European with French music playing in the background', creating a perfect setting for an intimate, romantic dinner. It's also been noted for offering 'classic' Italian food that is 'perfectly orchestrated and seasoned', adding to the overall romantic ambiance. The restaurant's service and food also receive high ratings, adding to the overall romantic experience.
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4963)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 26 times today
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1676)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 59 times today
Our cuisine features beautiful specialties from France, Italy and Spain. The dishes are rich in color and flavor.PortaBella is picturesque: awarded First Prize for Beautiful Flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club.The ambience is stylish and romantic, the setting historic

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sheryl
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    I loved this place. The food was very fresh, even the deep fried calamari. I had the crab, he had the seafood pasta dish. I had the mixed drink served in the big pineapple. Whoa! Could not finish it!the service was super profesh. Loved the view from the table. This is the place to impress a date. Romantic.
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Server was friendly, Bridget, if I recall, and on top of it. Husband’s birthday. They brought not only the birthday desert, but a nice taste of the strawberry gelato and blood orange sorbet — because she heard how we wanted to taste it. Husband had the filet perfectly cooked. I had the short rib very tasty, but maybe a bit too much salt. The ambiance was warmly inviting. Just the right amount of light added to a feeling that we were welcomed.
    More info
    MontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    4.6
  • NeliVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 9, 2024
    This is fhe first time my family visited Abalonetti Bar and Grill, and we liked it. The food was delishious, and the service was spotless. I especially liked the oysters with pesto, and my husband liked the crusted rockfish. My mother enjoyed her angel hair pasta, too. On the flip side, they have only four deserts on the menu and tiramisu is not one of them. They do not have espresso, either. Very disappointing. I recommend this restaurant for its great location, delicious food and the friendly and professional service.
    More info
    Abalonetti Bar and GrillPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey
    4.4
  • Shelly
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 10, 2024
    Jack's has a beautiful setting, service was excellent and the food was delicious! Very reasonably priced, as well.
    More info
    Jacks MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    4.3
  • JECAVIP
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •33 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 15, 2018
    We went with a large group and the food and beer were great. I am picky and this place delivered. Try the lamb burger!
    More info
    Alvarado Street Brewery & GrillPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Monterey
    4.1

Discover best romantic restaurants in Monterey

Discover the essence of romance along the scenic California Central Coast in Monterey / Carmel, where a selection of exquisite restaurants awaits to transform your dining experience into a memorable, intimate affair. Each restaurant in this locale captures the unique charm and tranquility of the region, offering settings that range from cozy seaside views to elegant, sophisticated atmospheres. Whether celebrating an anniversary or planning a special date night, these establishments are known for their ability to create unforgettable moments with their inviting ambiance, exceptional service, and delectable cuisine. Indulge in a variety of culinary delights, from freshly caught seafood to expertly crafted gourmet dishes, each prepared to enhance your romantic occasion. The dining scene in Monterey / Carmel is characterized by its commitment to quality and a memorable guest experience, making it a prime destination for lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike. Embrace the romance of Monterey / Carmel and let these restaurants enchant you with their picturesque settings and outstanding gastronomy.

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