5 New Restaurants You Need to Try in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey County has seen an explosion of new restaurants in some of the area’s most popular hot spots. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, good old comfort food or an uber-authentic Mediterranean meal there is a new tasty addition here that is sure to please the palate.

Melville Tavern: Downtown Monterey

Located in downtown Monterey, Melville Tavern is one of the newest eateries hitting the dining scene. Its cozy brick facade is just the beginning to the classic comfort foods being divvied up inside.  Lunch and dinner brings cozy dishes with a twist of sophistication like their pork shank with creamy polenta and au jus and lamb burger with feta cheese and yogurt sauce. Great food aside, the tavern lives up to its name with an incredible selection of beer and wine including a $3 beer of the week!

The Crab House: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey

Panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, margaritas for $3.95 and a plethora of seafood dishes- need we say more? The Crab House, towards the end of Monterey’s iconic Old Fisherman’s Wharf, stands out from its neighbors with a unique south-of-the-border inspired menu. Every guest is welcomed with a basket of addicting tortilla chips and tantalizing menu option like seafood infused burritos, tacos and enchiladas.

Mediterranean Restaurant: Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Local Carmel visitors and foodies have been flocking to Dametra restaurant for years for unbelievable dolmas, lamb shanks and Greek Moussaka. Just down the street from this popular eatery is its new sister storefront the Mediterranean Restaurant serving up the same authentic cuisine, live entertainment and family friendly atmosphere. The only difference here is its location and beautiful wall décor.

Lalla Oceanside Grill: Cannery Row, Monterey

Among the hustle and bustle of Cannery Row lays a sanctuary complete with crashing waves, tantalizing treats and mind-numbing craft cocktails. Lalla Oceanside Grill is one of Cannery Row’s newest attractions offering some of the best views of the Monterey Bay. Let the views, or their insane cocktail menu, wet your palate for delicious California coastal cuisine.

Scales Seafood & Steaks: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey

Love Monterey’s famous Old Fisherman’s Grotto? Then you are going to love the new restaurant owned and operated by the same family. Scales Seafood & Steaks just across the way features a convenient grab-and-go café, cozy bar lounge, a spacious dining room with views for days and a wide variety of menu items including seafood, steaks and pastas.

Bonus- Sovino Wine Bar: Downtown Monterey

Before indulging at one of these new eateries, build your appetite at the Sovino Wine Bar located in the esplanade near Custom House Plaza. Here you will find a wide selection of California produced wines with a large range of Monterey County wines. Be sure to pair one of your libations with one of their lovely cheese and charcuterie plates.

Food with a View at The Crab House on Old Fisherman’s Wharf

A trip to Monterey is never complete without soaking in the relaxing views of the Monterey Bay, spying on playful sea otters and savoring crispy calamari. Now you can enjoy all three of these quintessential Monterey staples at the brand new Crab House restaurant on Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

Taking over the former Isabella’s restaurant towards the end of Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the Crab House offers some of the most spectacular 360 degree views of the Monterey Bay complete with bobbing sailboats, incoming whale watching ships and spirited sea life just below the deck.

The seafood grill’s nautical décor is inviting and much appreciated, although the real showstopper is the view just outside its walls. Whether you prefer to dine on the outdoor patio or the upstairs deck you are bound to have a seat with an incredible outlook.

If you thought choosing a seat was hard just wait until you get a glimpse of the mouthwatering menu. All of Monterey’s classics like fried calamari, crab cakes and cioppino are offered along with a few other favorites like fried artichokes, blackened tilapia and a shrimp & crab Louie.

What truly makes this menu standout from the other wharf restaurants is their south-of-the-border flare. Every guest is welcomed with a basket of addicting tortilla chips and authentic salsa and can choose from other seafood infused menu items like burritos, tacos and enchiladas.
The Crab House also has a killer Happy Hour which is offered all day every day, Happy Day if you will, with selected drinks like margaritas and bloody Mary’s for just $3.95!
For starters the truffle parmesan fries are a slam dunk. You can smell the appetizing truffle scent before the crunchy spuds hit the table.

You simply cannot come to the crab house and not order crab. The crab stuffed whitefish is exactly what one would want it to be. A hefty piece of sole is overstuffed with luscious crab meat and sautéed mushrooms all topped with a savory lobster cream sauce; even the accompanied vegetables are seasoned to perfection!

If the food and views aren’t enough the service is impeccable where every guest is treated like family. Great for families and large group gatherings as well!