Stillwater Bar & Grill
1700 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, (800) 877‑0597, pebblebeach.com/dining
Steinbeck’s friend Ed Ricketts, a marine biologist, would applaud Stillwater’s commitment to serving sustainable seafood. The rest of us can bask in the finesse the kitchen brings to the plate. And not just for locally sourced abalone with wild mushrooms and an unagi sauce or the braised lamb shank. They can take simple fare like corn and crab chowder served with cornbread and make it into something memorable – quite a feat when the kitchen is competing with views of Stillwater Cove and the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. A great place for brunch, too.