Italian Restaurants
Gusto, 1901 Fremont Blvd., Seaside,
899-5825, www.gustopizzeriapasta.com
il Grillo, Mission and Fourth, Carmel,
238-9608, www.ilgrillocarmel.com
il Tegamino, Ocean Avenue between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel,
250-5790, www.iltegamino.com
Monterey’s 2015 brought a beautiful bumper crop of new locally-owned restaurants, dozens all told. Among the very, very best were three Italian joints, all with native authenticity woven into the DNA (and the pasta). They include la Balena’s new sibling spot il Grillo starring Exec Chef Brad Briske, Panzuto brothers’ adorable and delicious Napoli-born tribute to their mother, il Tegamino, and a much-needed northern Italian fine pizza and handmade pasta spot in Seaside named Gusto. Buon appetito was never more meaningful.