Oceanfront Dining Guide
North of Carmel, some of the most charming cities—Monterey, Pacific Grove and Marina— are waiting to show you their best dining spots. Everything from iconic local institutions to new successful ventures, we have something for every palate. The food is as creative and tasty as what you’ll find in the heart of Carmel and Pebble Beach, and often, won’t cost you as much. If you’ve always dreamed of watching a whale spout or a raft of sea lions frolic while you enjoy oysters on the half shell or a world-famous clam chowder, our seaside cities make it possible.
Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette
Starting North in the city of Marina, Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette will satisfy your seafood cravings. It’s not just the culinary creations and ocean-side location, but the contemporary and relaxed atmosphere that completes the visit. A clean tile bar is anchored by wood-paneled floors, ceilings and an abundance of sunlight. Salt Wood wants its visitors to have an experience, not just a meal, and a central live-fire kitchen acts as the “heart and hearth of the restaurant.”
While short ribs and duck make an appearance, this menu is big on oysters, lobster and local fried fish— and don’t forget their delicious bread baked by Otto.
If you’re there from 3:30 to 5:30 in the evening to grab a bite off their “sunset sessions” menu, you’ll be able to catch copious amounts of orange-pink light shining in through the windows. And for your furry family members, bring your pups out for some al fresco “Patio” dining and order them a “ruff seas” salmon filet.
The Lantern Room
A short drive back south will land you in the epicenter of delicious oceanfront choices. Take The Lantern Room in Monterey. You’ll find a casual, yet elevated ambiance accompanied by top-tier dishes that pay homage to local catch and lands.
The menus, which are “intentionally crafted in ways that nod to the vibrant tapestry of local farms and the bountiful sea,” include virginica oysters, mussels and brown butter gnocchi from the appetizer menu. Aside from the seafood options, there’s a variety of ways to enjoy the heartier options— from a classic flank steak to their 28-day dry aged strip steakor even steak tartare!
They are also creative with both their drinks and dessert menus, where other local fare like Revival ice cream and Captain + Stoker coffee come into play.
Old Fisherman’s Grotto
You can’t miss with the old-school perfection of Old Fishermen’s Grotto on the wharf in Monterey. For more than 75 years, the always packed dining room has stunned people with freshness, flavor and commitment to keeping the classics relevant.
Their “world famous” clam chowder lives up to its name—able to bring in visitors traveling from all over. In fact, The Grotto is said to have invented Monterey-style clam chowder — and it’s a claim not disputed.
The restaurant has won numerous awards, including first place in a West Coast competition. On the menu, you’ll see Dungeness crab and cioppino, salads and steaks, and even a secret menu for those who live locally. (If traveling with small children, please be sure to check their dining room policy.)
Schooners Monterey
Take in an elevated view of sea life frolicking or the sun setting from the magnificent location of Schooners Monterey at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Here, a mix of sustainable seafood choices meets all-American cuisine. Order one of their three choices of seafood towers and watch jaws drop as oysters, shrimp, crab and locally sourced ceviche are presented to the table.
Raw and cooked seafood choices are just the beginning.There are also Wagyu burgers on a pretzel bun and a full steakhouse portion of the menu. Complement your meal with a beverage from their short-but-sweet cocktail menu, like the “Big Little Lies” Schooner cocktail.
The Beach House Restaurant & Bar
One of the most scenic spots on the Monterey Peninsula continues to thrill after decades on the block. The Beach House Restaurant + Bar on Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove is worth the location alone. But the lively menu adds to the excitement with unique takes on classics like scallops’ pot pie, sand dabs almondine and crab arancini.
Five specialty pasta preparations are also featured and loved by regulars while the “Sunset Local’s Menu” offers choices from the main menu, but at lower prices. Just yet another reason for you to make the move to the Monterey area if you don’t already live here!
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