Aqua Terra Culinary
529 Central Ave., #1C, Pacific Grove (831) 657-9790, aquaterraculinary.com
This category is about as crowded as the Democratic or Republican field before the first primary, but as in politics so too in hospitality – the best boots on the ground presence and actually touching people’s lives will always win out. That’s what’s been happening for AquaTerra, resulting in six Best Of wins in this category including the last five years straight. Customers and employees report terrific attention to detail and farm-to-table sensibilities. The owner attributes their success to a focus on sustainability, seasonality and quality.