Local, sustainable and mostly organic options

[tabs][tab title=”Big Sur”]

Big Sur

Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant
Casual, American comfort
Wood-fired pizza, fresh pastries and desserts in a rustic setting. Brunch and dinner.
47540 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-0520

Big Sur Roadhouse
Casual dining, California cuisine
Seasonal, locally sourced California cuisine offered in a modern-rustic setting. Outdoor patios with fire pits. Located at Glen Oaks.
47080 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-2370

Big Sur Smokehouse
Casual, barbecue
In an updated 1800s venue, this roadside pub has classic barbecue plus wine and spirits.
48123 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-2419

Big Sur Taphouse
Roadsie taproom offering local craft beers and wine, bar snacks and outdoor seating
47520-Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-2197

Coast Big Sur
Cafe, rustic, American
Mostly organic, local and ethically sourced ingredients, setting is an art gallery in old redwood water tanks.
49901 Highway 1, Big sur (831) 667-2301

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant
American cuisine, romantic and rustic setting
Menu includes local, organic, vegetarian and vegan options. Set in the Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn. Breakfast and Dinner.
48865 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-2377

Esalen Institute Restaurant
Organic restaurant with ocean view
Organic and farm fresh dining.
55000 CA-1, Big Sur (831) 667-3000
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

Fernwood Resort Bar & Grill
Tavern, rustic, California casual fare
Restaurant, full bar, live music most Saturdays, ping pong table, fire pits and heat lamps on the back deck.
(831) 667-2422

Homestead Restaurant and Big Sur Lodge
Casual
Located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with the Big Sur River flowing just below the back patio. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, kids menu.
47225 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 238-6950

Nepenthe & Cafe Kevah
American, stunning ocean views
48510 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-2346

Ripplewood
Cafe, casual, American and Mexican fare
Fresh and authentic fare. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a cozy dining room or a garden patio.
47047 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-2242

River Inn & Restaurant
Casual, American comfort
Big Sur’s first hotel and restaurant on the banks of the Big Sur River. Organic options. Lunch and dinner is served inside and on the river view deck.
46800 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-2700

Rocky Point
Beautiful ocean views and the Rocky Point Bridge from the restaurant and terrace. Local, sustainable, hormone and antibiotic free options. Full bar. Lunch and dinner.
(831) 624-2933

Sierra Mar
Fine dining
Perched on a cliff, floor to ceiling windows for ocean views. Sierra Mar is part of the Post Ranch Inn.
47900 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-2800

The Sur House at Ventana
Fine dining, elegant and rustic setting
Warm and woodsy in an upscale, locally sourced American cuisine with ocean views from the terrace.
48123 Highway 1, Big Sur (831) 667-4242

The Village-Closed until Spring 2021

Wild Coast Restaurant @ Treebones Resort
Casual, garden-to-table and sushi
Scenic outdoor seating and cozy indoor seating. Fresh produce from their on-site organic garden and local farms when available. Lunch and dinner. Sushi bar open March through November.
71895 Highway 1, Big Sur (877) 424-4787

Whale Watchers Cafe at the Gorda Springs Resort
Casual, American comfort food
72801 Highway 1, Big Sur (805) 927-1590

[/tab] [tab title=”Carmel”]

Affina
Modern bistro, American farm-to-table.
6th Ave and San Carlos, Carmel-by-the-Sea (831) 250-7744

Aubergine Carmel
Fine dining
Dining at the L’Aurbergine Inn. Forbes 5-star rated.
Monte Verde at Seventh, Carmel-by-the-Sea (831) 624-8578

Basil Seasonal Dining
Restaurant
Menu based on seasonal products, locally grown produce and organic ingredients, fresh wild and sustainable seafood. Covered patio, dog friendly.
San Carlos at 5th, Carmel-by-the-Sea, (831) 626-8226
Dine Green certified

Carmel Belle
Restaurant
Locally sourced sustainable ingredients.
San Carlos between Ocean and 7th, Carmel-by-the-Sea (831) 624-1600

Edgar’s Restaurant at Quail Lodge
Restaurant
Fresh ingredients from local, organic farms. Panoramic views of the golf course and natural setting.
8205 Valley Greens Dr, Carmel-By-The-Sea, (831) 620-8910
Fish2Fork

La Balena
Italian Restaurant
Artisanal rustic Italian food, the menu changes on a daily basis according to the local ingredients.
Junipero St, Carmel-By-The-Sea (831) 250-6295

Rocky Point
Casual restaurant
American fare with a focus on seafood comes with views of the ocean at this light-filled eatery.
36700 CA-1, Between Carmel & Big Sur (831) 624-2933

[/tab] [tab title=”Monterey”]

Abalonetti Bar & Grill
Casual, seafood, harbor views
Specializing in calamari, salads, sandwiches, pasta, grill and brick oven pizza.
57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey (831) 373-1851

Big Fish Grill
Casual, coastal cuisine
Fresh fish, outdoor patio with views of the harbor and bay. Doggie menu too.
101 Fisherman’s Wharf #1, Monterey (831) 372-7562

Bistro Moulin
European bistro
Intimate space with hearty French cuisine.
867 Wave St, Monterey (831) 333-1200
Locally owned
Owner/chef

Cafe Fina
Casual, Italian, seafood
Harbor views & white tablecloths set the scene for Italian-inspired seafood and homemade pasta dishes.
47 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey (831) 372-5200
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

Cannery Row Brewing Company
Family-friendly beer pub with large selection.
95 Prescott Ave., Monterey (831) 643-2722

Cibo Ristorante Italiano
Fine dining, Italian
Old and new world Italian cuisine. Art and live jazz, cordials and cocktails. Dinner only, full bar. Pronounced chee-bo.
301 Alvarado St, Monterey (831) 649-8151

Crystal Fish
Sushi
Locally sourced fish.
514 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey (831) 649-3474
Locally owned & operated

Domenico’s
Casual, Italian, seafood
Wild, sustainable local and Alaskan seafood served amidst floor-to-ceiling windows & harbor views. Local and organic farm to table produce.
50 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey (831) 372-3655
Locally owned

Esteban
Casual/fine dining, modern Spanish
Highlights local, seasonably sourced ingredients from local farmers, wine makers, ranchers, fishermen and other artisan producers.
700 Munras Ave, Monterey (831) 375-0176

Gianni’s Pizza
Pizza
Pizza, pasta, calzones, hot sandwiches, fresh salads.
725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey (831) 649-1500
Family owned & operated

Hula’s Island Grill
Casual dining
Tiki restaurant is California cool with a festive atmosphere, tropical cocktails & island fare
622 Lighthouse, Monterey (831) 655-4852
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

Jack’s Restaurant & Lounge at the Portola House Hotel
Fine dining, California cuisine
In the heart of downtown Monterey offers fine regional cuisine and wine list. Sophisticated, fireside lounge. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
2 Portola Plaza (831) 649-2698

Knuckles Sports Bar at the Hyatt Regency
Comfort food
Beer, drinks, and full meals in a casual setting.1 Old Golf Course Rd.

Lallapalooza
Lounge and martini bar, American
Sleek environs with specialty cocktails and American fare, such as wood-fired pizza and tacos.
474 Alvarado St, Monterey (81)645-9036

Louie Linguini’s
Casual, seafood, Italian
Pasta, seafood and pizza.
600 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 648-8500

Monterey’s Fish House
Casual, seafood
Rustic with home-style seafood entrees.
2114 Del Monte Ave, Monterey (831) 373-4647

Monterey Crepe Company
Family style, crepes
Create your own and sit or run. “Never processed always fresh”.
321 Alvarado, Monterey (831) 373-4646
601 Wave St, Monterey (831) 375-4646

Montrio Bistro
Fine dining
Inventive New American cuisine and a curated wine list served in a converted firehouse.
414 Calle Principal, Monterey (831) 648-8880
Dine Green certified
Michelin rated

Old Fisherman’s Grotto
Fine dining, seafood
Bustling spot for seafood, clam chowder organic local salads. Views from every table and a side of old-school elegance.
39 Fisherman’s Wharf (831) 375-4604
Locally owned
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

Peter B’s Brewpub at the Portola House
Casual dining
Eatery and on-site brewery offers American bar bites, beer flights & growlers.
2 Portola Plaza (831) 649-2699

Poke Lab Fish Bar
Casual, Hawaiian-Asian
Signature poke bowls or build your own.
475 Alvarado St, Monterey (831) 200-3474
Fresh, sustainable and local options
Locally owned

Rosine’s Restaurant
Family style
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
434 Alvarado, Monterey (831) 375-1400
Family owned
Featured on Diners’ Drive-ins and Dives

Sandbar & Grill
Casual/fine, seafood
Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
Wharf II, Monterey (831) 373-2818

Scales Seafood & Steaks
Fine dining, seafood specialties
Every table has a view of the harbor. See their children’s policy.
30 Fisherman’s Wharf #1, Monterey (831) 375-1331
Locally owned
2020 Diner’s Choice award
Zagat rated

Schooner’s Coastal Kitchen
Fine dining
Restaurant. Elegant venue where modern American fare featuring carefully sourced seafood is served with a view.
400 Cannery Row (831) 372-2628

The C Restaurant at the Clement Hotel
Fine dining, California cuisine, bay views
A wall of windows greets guests at this dining spot with a seafood-driven menu and Monterey Bay views.
750 Cannery Row (831) 375-4800
Sustainable seafood

The Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks
Casual, seafood
Bustling eatery serving classic seafood staples with ocean views. Fresh seafood and local produce. Check out their webcam!
700 Cannery Row (831) 372-8543
Locally owned

The Sardine Factory
Fine dining, seafood, prime rib specialties
A Monterey tradition.
701 Wave St, Monterey (831) 373-3775

TusCA Restaurantat the Hyatt Regency
Fine dining, golf course views
Array of Italian dishes with a California spin.
1 Old Golf Course Rd. (831) 657-6675

Whaling Station Steakhouse
Fine dining, steakhouse
Seafood, pasta and tender-aged beef.
763 Wave St, Monterey (831) 373-3778

[/tab] [tab title=”Pacific Grove & Pebble Beach”]

Pacific Grove & Pebble Beach

Fandango
Upscale Mediterranean
Extensive wine list in a charming converted house.
223 17th St., Pacific Grove (831) 372-3456

Passionfish
Seafood
Award winning California inspired cuisine specializing in sustainable seafood.
701 Lighthouse Ave. Pacific Grove (831) 655-3311
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

Porter’s in the Forest
American cuisine.
Upscale-casual with seasonal fare, patio seating and views of Pebble Beach golf course.
3200 Lopez Rd (831) 622-8240

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Image: Nepenthe-Big Sur California by TravelingOtter, Creative Commons

Eco-guide to living lighter

Real food dining guide: Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur

Real food dining guide: Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur

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