Kona Steak & Seafood
1200 Del Monte Center, Monterey
(831) 920-2911, konamonterey.com
To those arriving by rail in the 1880s, downtown Monterey would have resembled a shopping center. There would have been a dry goods shop, a cobbler, a store importing fine linens, a tobacconist (it’s still there), perhaps a blacksmith. And, of course, there would have been restaurants. Kona Steak & Seafood is a centerpiece of the modern shopping center, serving Pacific Island-inspired flavors, as well as steaks and a really good burger. Actually, everything is worthy here, right down to the shave ice and tiki drinks. And don’t worry if you’re a stranger bellied up to the bar. No one gets Shanghaied here.
