Tidewater is not a restaurant—until it becomes one.
The facade is one of a casual deck overlooking smooth sand and crashing waves, with lounge seating, firepits, tables and places to lean against a rail and gaze out into the bay. It runs along 600 feet of shoreline, tucked into Monterey Beach Hotel property, but open to the public—and to the ocean breeze.
Nothing hints at food service or cocktails. That transformation happens unseen, with a few scrolls and clicks, but only after one scans the QR code on each seating area.
Yes, unveiling the restaurant requires a device. Tap the box next to the shrimp tacos or the stacked burger, add a drink and then sit back and return to evening conversation and the welcome beat of the tide. Before long, food and cocktails arrive at your space.
For now the menu is brief—a bit of wisdom from chefs veteran of many an opening. But the assortment, crafted by Chef Jose Velasquez and culinary advisor Paul Corsentino, who opened Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette in Marina and most recently helmed the kitchen at Sur House at Alila Ventana Big Sur, puts an emphasis on local—seafood fresh from the bay, cheese from area artisans, Ad Astra bread.
So a simple grilled cheese sandwich becomes a thick wedge of Holey Cow from the Central Coast Creamery, nutty, with the scent of cream and fresh berries. The sweet charm of heirloom tomato coaxes its richness from the palate. There is a peppery nip of arugula, sharpened by Ad Astra sourdough.
This is not grilled cheese as you knew it.
Husky patties of beef give the burger a proper backyard tone, rugged and smoky. The chefs corral this with grilled onions—earthy and sweet, and complementary to the rustic comeback sauce. The latter indulges the mellow, buttery note of Monterey Jack while providing a friendly heat.
There is more—seafood, salads, charcuterie, desserts. It arrives packaged so diners can stroll the few steps to the beach for a picnic or just kick back in the open-air lounge setting.
The restaurant just happens—easily, without intrusion. Guests walk to the space, find seating and choose to order or not.
The recently renovated hotel—its Lobby Bar and The Lantern Room restaurant are handsome spaces with sweeping views of Monterey Bay—has been rolling out Tidewater quietly for several weeks, testing the concept. For now, dishes are prepared in the kitchen of The Lantern Room, while work is completed on a separate Tidewater galley.
So the menu may expand. There are plans for live music on occasion, as well as for s’mores. Why not put sundown and firepits to good use?
The concept is that casual—and that cool.
Tidewater officially opens Wednesday, April 9—that’s today—at 4pm. 2600 Sand Dunes Drive, Monterey. tidewatermontereybeach.com.