Kona Steak & Seafood
1200 Del Monte Center, Monterey, (831) 920‑2911, konamonterey.com
If restaurateur Bill Lee is true to his word, Kona will be the last of a string of successful kitchens he has operated. Clearly he saved his best for last. Kona traces the Pacific islands with its flavors and offers something for everyone – including a cool bar space and a shave ice shack that transports you instantly to Hawaii. And the staff is the definition of hospitable. The Western Flyer to the Sea of Cortez? Not on your life. You want to head straight to the figurative islands conjured by the Kona kitchen.