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.

A Quick Escape from Reality Awaits You at Lalla Oceanside Grill

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, a new sister restaurant to the already popular Lallapalooza and Lalla Grill, is one of Cannery Row’s newest attractions offering some of the best views of the Monterey Bay.

The bright and contemporary all-American bar and grill is located below the Spindrift Inn and just a few blocks from the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. While the causal eatery’s entrance patio is perfect for people watching, the dining room inside is premiere for wave and wildlife watching. The floor to ceiling windows are easily the main focal point of the restaurant with highlights of modern décor scattered about.


Their craft cocktails are as appealing as the bar itself, an uplifting orange with shimmering mirrored surfaces behind it. The extensive drink menu is filled with all sorts of island inspired libations including Zombies, Mai Tais and Hurricanes.

They even have a variety of fish bowl options for those really looking to really escape it all, the California Dreaming concoction is particularly delicious (and quite the spectacle) complete with dry ice and gummy worms.

The extensive menu has quite the selection with everything ranging from scrumptious seafood dishes, homemade pastas to comforting flatbread pizzas. The mouthwatering pappardelle pasta dish is a win for those with a hefty appetite while the lobster nachos are perfect for sharing, or not.

Bonus Feature- Angel’s Share Craft Cocktail Bar

There's a wonderful little surprise downstairs at Lalla Oceanside Grill. The Angel's Share Craft Cocktail Bar carries a completely different vibe than upstairs and a nice escape from the busy streets of Cannery Row. The dimly lit and intimate basement comes with its own barrel aging room and fancy crafted cocktail menu sure to transport you back to the days of prohibition.