Fandango
223 17th St., Pacific Grove (831) 372-3456, fandangorestaurant.com
Go around the world at this locally beloved restaurant, particularly to the Mediterranean. Dishes here come with a heavy European influence, especially Southern Spain. Appetizers can be served tapas style, or come fruity like giant scallops or fresh sanddabs in lemon butter sauce. There’s paella, couscous and lamb shank “algerois” and plenty of light and fresh seafood and pasta dishes (and hearty meat ones, too). Does it really qualify as “Mediterranean”? Hey, there’s room for an independent on the ballot.