Dine Local GUIDE

Aptos

Persephone

7945 Soquel Drive

831.612.6511 • persephonerestaurant.com

With a namesake like the mythic Persephone, this restaurant in Aptos proclaims its deep reverence for seasonal cooking. Themes central to harvest, winter and spring are core to Persephone’s story, and are reflected in the changing menu at this fine dining destination, where chef Cori Goudge-Ayer presents inventive, ingredient-driven creations. The restaurant is a family-run passion project, bringing together parents, siblings and a long history of culinary arts in a beautifully redesigned space overlooking Aptos Creek. Open for lunch F–Sa noon–3pm, for dinner Th–Sa 5pm–close. Second Sundays, themed wine tastings with small bites. Fourth Sundays, Winemaker Dinner with fivecourse pairing menu.

New Leaf Community Markets

161 Aptos Village Way

831.685.8500 • newleaf.com

This latest branch of the beloved local market group occupies the remodeled Hihn Apple Barn, built in 1891. In addition to local groceries and organic produce, New Leaf Aptos has made-to-order sandwiches, pizza, freshly rolled sushi, soup and hand-prepped salads, as well as a coffee bar, juice and smoothie bar and organic Straus soft serve ice cream. Open daily 8am–9pm.

Venus Pie Trap

113 Esplanade

831.661.5763 • venuspietrap.com

Next door to Venus Spirits Beachside and across from the beach, the Pie Trap is a daytime venture from distiller Sean Venus, serving 11th Hour coffee in the mornings, with pastries from Manresa Bread, Laundromat bagels and quiche and pies from Edith’s Pie. At 11am the ovens are fired up to offer a menu of New Haven-style pizza pies, including tomato, clam-garlic and sausage-leek. Open Tu–Su 7am–3pm.

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen - Beachside

131 Esplanade 831.688.8917 • venusspirits.com

Closed this winter for renovations, reopening spring 2023. The Penny Ice Creamery

141 Aptos Village Way, Suite 2 831.204.2523 • thepennyicecreamery.com

Open Su–Th noon–9pm, F–Sa noon–10pm. See The Penny description under Santa Cruz for more.

Seascape Foods

16B Seascape Village • 831.685.3134

A charming family-owned market with an ample deli counter featuring daily chef specials, salads, breakfast items, freshly-squeezed juices and sandwiches on housemade organic sourdough bread. The grocery section includes organic produce, artisanal products, local beer and wine, and gifts. Eat outside next to the fountain on the patio or take your goodies to the beach nearby. Open daily 8am–8pm.

Capitola

East End Gastropub

1501 41st Avenue

831.475.8010 • eastendpub.com

East End Gastropub is a sister eatery to the popular West End Tap & Kitchen, but aside from sharing owners and chefs, East End’s beautiful, modern interior is entirely different and offers its own robust, sophisticated menu. Chef Geoffrey Hargrave has created dishes that are familiar yet innovative, such as house-made focaccia bread, fried chicken bao buns and fire roasted shrimp. Shared plates, pizzas and salads come in generous portions for a family-style meal. The restaurant also offers a rotating selection of local beer, a strong wine list and seasonal craft cocktails. Open M–Th 4–9pm, F noon–9pm, Sa-Su 11am–3pm for brunch, and 4–9pm.

New Leaf Community Markets

1210 41st Avenue

831.479.7987 • newleaf.com

The café at the entrance offers great alternatives to fast food, serving economical daily specials, wraps, pizza and homemade soup and espresso drinks—with free wi-fi in the outdoor dining area. Inside the market, a full deli has made-toorder sandwiches, healthy takeout salads and entrée items. Open daily 8am–9pm.

The Penny Ice Creamery

820 41st Avenue

831.204.2523 • thepennyicecreamery.com

Open Su–Th noon–10pm, F–Sa noon–11pm. See The Penny description under Santa Cruz for more.

Trestles

316 Capitola Avenue

831.854.2728 • trestlesrestaurant.com

Just steps away from the iconic Capitola train trestle, chefowner Nick Sherman’s passion for great food is evident in every dish at his popular neighborhood bistro. Local seasonal ingredients star in appetizers like chicory salad, roasted fairytale pumpkin with goat cheese and mole negro, Brentwood street corn and crispy pork belly with watermelon radish. Entrées include smoked eggplant gnocchi, Niman Ranch pork chop and fresh fish—all served with local wines and craft beers on tap. Open W–F 5–9:30pm, Sa–Su 4:30–9:30pm.

Carmel

Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro

Carmel Plaza, Suite 112

831.293.8621 • asb.beer

From the team behind award-winning Alvarado Street Brewery, the Carmel bistro offers a full menu of ASB brews, along with hard cider, local wines and inventive craft cocktails. The menu goes beyond pub food to include oysters with mignonette or chili oil, Moroccan spiced fried chicken, crispy tempura-battered cauliflower and its popular burgers with truffle or garlic fries. Open Su–Th 11:30am–9pm, F–Sa 11:30am–10pm.

Covey Grill 8205 Valley Greens Drive

831.620.8860 • quaillodge.com/dining/coveygrill

Covey Grill at Quail Lodge features USDA steaks and sustainably sourced seafood complimented by unique plantbased offerings in addition to seasonal American cuisine. Covey Grill offers casually elegant indoor and outdoor dining options against the stunning backdrop of Quail’s sparkling lake and lush garden landscapes. Open for full dinner service Mon–Sun 5–9pm, with bar opening at 4pm.

Earthbound Farm’s Farm Stand

7250 Carmel Valley Road

831.625.6219 • earthboundfarm.com

Earthbound Farm’s 100% certified organic kitchen delights with specialty coffee and tea, soft serve ice cream and a made to order breakfast and lunch menu—including soups, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, fresh juices and smoothies. Food is available to be enjoyed on the beautiful grounds or for takeaway. In addition to certified organic produce, the Farm Stand offers a selection of natural, organic, local beer and wine, groceries, gifts and flowers. Stroll through the gardens and learn about Earthbound’s commitment to organic integrity. Open daily, but check hours online as they change seasonally.

Grasing’s

6th Avenue and Mission

831.624.6562 • grasings.com

Chef-proprietor Kurt Grasing’s namesake restaurant has expanded since opening in 1998 to include two large dining rooms, multiple outdoor dining areas and the ever-popular bar/lounge. A Carmel classic located in the heart of the village, Grasing’s serves California cuisine, with an awardwinning wine list and a vintage spirits program featuring classic cocktails made with rare Mad Men-era gins, whis keys, Camparis and amaros. Open daily M–F 11am–9pm, Sa–Su 10:30am–9pm.

Pangaea Grill

Ocean Avenue between Dolores and Lincoln

831.624.2569 • pangaeagrillcarmel.com

The flavors of East and West unite at Pangaea Grill—voted Carmel’s Best Restaurant in Monterey County Weekly’s nual poll. The combination of Western dishes such as rack of lamb and Eastern elements like Korean short ribs and kimchi fried rice lends an unusual diversity to the menu. Did we mention brunch cocktails? Your eyes won’t believe it when the Pangaea Bloody Mary arrives at the table stacked with off-the-wall fixings like coconut prawns, meatballs, bacon and gyoza. Open daily for brunch, lunch and dinner

M–F 9am–9:30pm, Sa–Su 8am–9:30pm.

Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurant

100 Crossroads Boulevard, Suite A

831.626.3626 • seaharvestfishmarketandrestaurant.com

The Deyerle family that owns this local gem has its own fish ing boats for the freshest catch on the Monterey Peninsula. Sea Harvest doubles as a fish market and casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. The oysters and clam chow der are customer favorites, but don’t miss the fried combo platter, grilled fillets and fish tacos. Open daily 8am–8pm.

Stationaery

San Carlos Square, Between 5th and 6th avenues 831.250.7183 • thestationaery.com

A neighborhood restaurant offering daily brunch and lunch, Stationaery is owned by your hospitable hosts Anthony and Alissa Carnazzo. The kitchen team, led by chef Amalia Scatena, specializes in comforting flavors and local ingredients, with elegant presentations. A new bottle shop next door offers a good selection of European and California wines to enjoy with your meal or take home. Open W–M 8am–4pm. Closed Tu.

Sur at the Barnyard

3601 The Barnyard, Suite A-21

831.250.7188 • surcarmel.com

Local plunder meets island vibes in an open space at the heart of the flowering Barnyard shopping complex. Tropical drinks are customer favorites—swooping from the Copper Pineapple to the Gunpowder Rita—along with rib-stickers like the Kona steak, sashimi wontons, and fried chicken and waffles. Leafy items include the tempura sea bass Asian salad, while macadamia-crusted sea bass and Asian rice bowls add inspiration for the appetite and the imagination. Dog friendly dining on the outdoor patio. Voted “Best Family Restaurant in Carmel 2022.” Open Tu–F 4–9pm, Sa–Su 11:30am–9pm.

Carmel Valley

Jerome’s Carmel Valley Market

2 Chambers Lane

831.659.2472 • jeromescarmelvalleymarket.com

A chef-owned, friendly neighborhood market, Jerome’s offers local and organic produce, natural meats and seafood, and a great selection of domestic and imported wine, beer and microbrews. French-trained chef and owner Jerome Viel prepares delicious hot foods, sandwiches and salads for eating at outdoor seating or take-away. The offerings start with breakfast burritos, croissants and other French pastries in the morning, followed by favorites such as coq au vin, spaghetti carbonara and chicken enchiladas for lunch and dinner. Open M–Sa 7am–7pm, Su 7am–6pm.

Lucia Restaurant & Bar

Bernardus Lodge & Spa • 415 W. Carmel Valley Road

831.658.3400 • bernarduslodge.com

Indulge in artisanal California country cuisine, award-winning wines and an expansive heated outdoor terrace with the finest restaurant view in Carmel Valley. At this Forbes 4-Star charmer, named for the Santa Lucia mountain range and wine appellation that beckons to the south, executive chef Christian Ojeda offers both a signature tasting menu and dishes à la carte. Wine list is equally notable. A chef’s table and wine cellar are also available for private dining and special occasions. Open daily 7am–9pm. Live music Tu–W 5–8pm. Saturday and Sunday brunch with live music 11am–2:30pm.

Sunny Bakery Cafe

18 E. Carmel Valley Road

831.659.5052 • instagram.com/sunnybakerycafe

Friendly local café offering homemade pastries, espresso drinks and light fare. Warm, welcoming service and a great array of treats made daily on site with wholesome ingredients that honor the seasons. Owner Analuisa Bejar heads the locally-minded kitchen with favorites like egg sandwiches, quiches, panini, frittatas, and irresistible BLTs. Buttery pastries, cookies, cinnamon rolls, muffins and cakes round out the list. Open W–M 7am–1pm.

Felton

Wild Roots Market

6240 Highway 9 • 831.335.7322 (Felton)

13159 Highway 9 • 831.338.7211 (Boulder Creek) wildrootsmarket.com

Wild Roots’ 100% organic produce, natural groceries, organic meats and FishWise-certified seafood all go into the prepared foods offered by the store’s full-service deli, salad and soup bar and juice bar. Enjoy on the patio out in front or take home. Open daily 9am–9pm.

Monterey

Alvarado Street Brewery

426 Alvarado Street

831.655.2337 • asb.beer/pages/montereybrewpub

Occupying a former movie house, the original Alvarado Street Brewery brings appropriate theater by way of several key fundamentals. Those include an airy main hall with a long bar and windows into the working brewery; smart bar food ranging from the signature deluxe burger to popular pizzas like the mushroom truffle, with vegan and vegetarian options to boot. There is a welcoming beer garden with its own auxiliary bar and to-go 6-packs and crowlers; and, yes, standout craft beers, whether brave IPAs, ambitious sours or clever collaborations. Open Su–Th 11am–10pm, F–Sa 11:30am–11pm.

Coastal Kitchen

400 Cannery Row

831.645.4064 • coastalkitchenmonterey.com

Executive chef Michael Rotondo’s tasting menu at Monterey Plaza Hotel’s flagship restaurant represents one of the most habit-forming in the region, but there’s a lot more to recommend this spot. Sweeping views of the Pacific await from each seat, all on top of the water. Local delicacies receive elevated treatments: tempura artichoke with black button sage honey, wood-roasted black cod with shishito, squash blossom and charred coconut jus, and king salmon with raspberry, aromatic herbs and seasonal tomatoes— paired with hand-picked top-shelf wines. It’s a place well worth the splurge. Open Tu–Sa 5:30–8:30pm.

Elroy’s Fine Foods

15 Soledad Drive

831.373.3737 • elroysfinefoods.com

The dream market of owners Jay and Chloe Dolata, Elroy’s has an extensive range of gourmet groceries, local seafood, natural meats and fresh organic produce. It also boasts a kitchen with a wood-fired grill and prepared foods to go or to eat in. The Bar @ Elroy’s serves coffee, smoothies and a savvy selection of natural wines. Open M–Sa 8am–8pm, Su 9am–7pm.

Estéban Restaurant

700 Munras Avenue

831.375.0176 • estebanrestaurant.com

At the heart of the downtown Monterey dining scene, Estéban Restaurant serves Spanish influenced cuisine made from fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The menu features a selection of long-time Estéban favorites, as well as fresh, new dishes created by executive chef Mario Garcia, who spins out wonderful dishes like Crispy Pulpo, served with remoulade, Yukon potato, chorizo, rosemary chili oil and grilled radicchio. Open for dinner nightly 4–8pm. Tapas hour from 4–6pm nightly.

Jacks Monterey

2 Portola Plaza

831.649.7830 • jacksatportola.com

Jacks Monterey provides 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. The atmosphere at Jacks is sophisticated—never pretentious. Open for breakfast W-Su 6:30–10:30am, dinner W-Su 4–10pm, and bar only F-Sa 10–11pm.

The Perfect Crumb Bakery

310 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite B

831.241.6269 • theperfectcrumbbakery.net

A charming spot for breakfast or a light lunch, The Perfect Crumb specialty bakery and café gets rave reviews for its croissants, blueberry scones and cinnamon buns (served on weekends only). Heartier appetites will enjoy the breakfast sandwich with eggs and hash browns served on a home-made biscuit, and for lunch the grilled cheese or Mediterranean turkey sandwich with roasted peppers and sundried tomatoes. Open W–Su 7:30am–3pm, Sa 4–9pm for dessert night.

Peter B’s Brewpub

2 Portola Plaza

831.649.2699 • peterbsbrewpub.com

Peter B’s Brewpub combines award-winning craft beer and sports on 18 high-definition televisions in a relaxed brewpub environment. Monterey’s original craft brewery is distinguished for its variety of beer on tap, innovative pub menu, happy hour, sports bar atmosphere, and outdoor dining on the pet-friendly heated patio with fire pits. Peter B’s is open Wednesday-Sunday with nightly happy hour from 4–6pm, as well as late night happy hour 9–10pm. Open W-Su 4–10pm. Sunday breakfast and football 9:30–11am from September to January.

Schooners Monterey

400 Cannery Row

831.372.2628 • schoonersmonterey.com

Residents regularly vote Schooners Best Drink With a View, and they’re not wrong. The eye candy rolls from the waves crashing on the tidal zone below to Seaside and Santa Cruz beyond, and the sippers are memorable. But that’s only part of the program. The seafood-centric menu ups the atmospheric effect with contemporary takes on a Monterey cioppino pot, seared sea scallops, Dungeness crab dip and Thai-style steamed mussels. Specialty cocktails, organic fresh-pressed juices and curated small batch beers and wine complete the affair. Open 7am–9pm daily.

Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market

598 Foam Street

831.626.0547 • seaharvestmonterey.com

This fresh and casual seafood spot near Cannery Row is perfect after a day exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are grilled entrées and lots of fried options with chips, including calamari, clams, prawns, scallops and oysters. Try Sea Harvest’s popular clam chowder or a basket of crispy artichoke hearts. Open daily 9am–7pm.

Stokes Adobe

500 Hartnell Street

831.264.8775 • stokesadobe.com

Located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes,