Estéban Restaurant
Casa Munras Hotel, 700 Munras Ave., Monterey, (831) 375‑0176, estebanrestaurant.com
We like to imagine patios on the banks of the Danube or overlooking the turrets of a medieval castle. But much of the outdoor seating for Old World establishments is tucked into courtyards framed by garden walls or sides of residential buildings. When Estéban completed renovation of an expanded patio at the end of August, they created such a setting. There are stone features, iron gates and a raised area that sits alongside part of the Casa Munras Hotel. But there are also modern touches, such as a sizable fireplace, a stage for live music, table umbrellas and a pergola for shade – and great service. You don’t even notice the patio juts into the hotel parking lot.