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.

Fine Dining with a Waterfront View at Scales Seafood & Steaks

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 opened its newly polished doors on Old Fisherman’s Wharf in November 2015 bringing with it a convenient grab-and-go café, cozy bar lounge, a spacious contemporary dining room, and a few of the Grotto’s famous menu items.

The upSCALE décor and fixtures set the perfect tone for a relaxing yet fine dining experience and the expansive views of the Monterey harbor don’t seem hurt.

Start off your perfect evening with a specialty cocktail or glass of Monterey County wine at the revamped bar and lounge. One could easily transport themselves to island time with a toasted coconut colada or fisherman’s punch (served ablaze!).

Once you have worked up an appetite have a seat in their modern dining room. Every seat has a view and you might even spot a colorful pelican or furry sea otter down below!

A trip to the wharf is not complete until you have had a bowl of chowder and calamari and lucky for you Scales carried over their award-winning recipes from the Grotto. It is no wonder why these two hallmark dishes are consistently ranked amongst the best in Monterey County.

The firecracker prawns are so good you might need to order one just for yourself. Beer battered jumbo prawns are done to precision and the avocado mousse is the perfect accompaniment to the prawn’s sweet golden shell.

Choosing an entrée might be the hardest decision you have to make. Seafood, steak or pasta? The wild salmon is always a sure bet served on a cedar plank with a jammy apricot jalapeno glaze; delish!

Hope you saved room for dessert! The last course of the meal is not taken lightly at Scales with indulgent treats including a luscious cheesecake, sinful chocolate cake and velvety crème brulee. The cheesecake in particular is so creamy you will not want to share!

While the food is superb, what really makes this restaurant stand out is their commitment to service. The staff is extremely accommodating and hospitable; it’s no wonder why most of their business is from repeat customers.

Hosting a large gathering or need some event space? Scales Seafood & Steaks has a banquet room that can hold up to 150 guests! Did we mention it also comes with its very own stunning ocean view?

Scales Seafood & Steaks is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11am-9:30pm.