Plenty of worthwhile Monterey County restaurants that debuted in 2017 will not appear on this list. That includes places like Poke Bar, Smashburger and Blaze Pizza because they are chain restaurants, as this list focuses on original eateries, and reflects a bias for family-owned joints. Some noteworthy new spots that didn’t crack the top 20, but are worth mentioning: Cannery Row Poke House, Mo’s River Road Grill, Poke Time and, though it’s not a restaurant, the G57 food truck. A final note: A number of restaurants that aren’t entirely new but have re-imagined their restaurant – changing decor, theme and food, as opposed to writing a new menu – are considered. The other half of the top 20 appears next week.
20 (tie) •Dos Victorias Mexican Food
All this humble and semi-secret spot on the north side of Cannery Row (by Monterey Plaza Hotel) does is straightforward values on classic fare like tacos, burritos, sopes and enchiladas – which is what every neighborhood, at its core, needs. One thing to prioritize here: the adovada burrito ($6.49) and its marinated grilled pork, chunky guacamole and fresh pico de gallo in a La Rosa flour tortilla.
299 Cannery Row, Monterey; 372-7298, dosvics.com.
20 (tie) • Pho Fusian
Pho-Fu honors the DNA of its name with a combo of Vietnamese pho like the house special (roasted tri-tip, roasted eye of round, tendon, tripe and beef meatballs with rice noodles, scallions and cilantro in a flavorful broth) and cross-cultural items including Chinese pork sandwiches, savory Vietnamese crepes and a selection of sushi.
330 Reservation Road, Marina; 384-7256.
19 • Flying Artichoke
From the same friendly family behind the destination food truck Choke Coach, which regularly parks next to Pezzini Farms, it specializes in fried artichoke hearts, but also does things like the choke burger, grilled artichoke salads and the fried artichoke po boy. Located in the Salinas Airport, it also enjoys a full bar.
40 Mortensen Ave., Salinas; 214-2587.
18 • El Pollo Rey
Simplicity rules here, and deliciously so. The family recipes have been handed down for generations among the Berrellezas for a reason, and restaurants like this supported them in their native Sinaloa. The cash-only counter-service situation is similarly straightforward so eaters can get right to the charcoal-grilled chicken and sides like cactus salad, charro beans and made-to-order guacamole.
1188 Broadway Ave., Seaside; 717-4744.
17 • Silver Tide Bar & Grill
It’s a hotel restaurant, and the ambiance isn’t amazing, but it’s also nothing less than a godsend for people seeking late-night eats in Seaside, as it’s open until 11pm. Chef Chris Elser’s goodies include honey-kissed Southern fried chicken, shrimp tacos, a great burger and cedar-plank salmon to go with craft cocktails.
Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside; 393-1115, embassymonterey.com.
16 • The Valley Grille
The vinyl tablecloths and wooden walls help communicate the homespun mom-and-pop vibe, and the build-your-own burger choices start with a foundation of beef, lamb, turkey, chicken, salmon or venison. Big salads and soups too, plus a popular sloppy Joe.
315 Mid Valley Center, Carmel; 624-3056.
15 • Artemis Turkish Kitchen
A clean and welcoming (and central) Carmel setting and a nice roster of wines (and a wine bar) dovetails with discoveries such as the kofte wrap, seared octopus salad and rich moussaka (stuffed eggplant). Another great way to enjoy the self-styled “Turkish-with-a-twist” involves the cold meze plates with white bean salad, walnut ezme and tzatziki.
Ocean Avenue and Mission Street, Carmel; 574-8991, artemiscarmel.com.
14 • Saffron Cafe
This fresh and fast-casual downtown Monterey spot gives the area a rare dose of Persian flavors and equally welcome vegetarian/vegan hub. Popular items include eggplant-and-feta panini and build-your-own rice bowls with roasted vegetables or ghaymeh stew. The cafe’s menu bar is also sprinkled with small plates like the maast o khiar (cucumber mint yogurt) and the Persian potato salad.
316 Alvarado St., Monterey; 884-5268, saffronmonterey.com.
13 • Vizcaino Waterfront
The Monterey Tides hotel got a major upgrade when Joie De Vivre hotel group took over, making the most of its epic perch right above the Pacific. The Latin-leaning fusion favorites range from molé chicken wings to Spanish-style cioppino to spice-dredged seared scallops.
Monterey Tides Hotel, 2600 Sand Dunes Drive, Monterey; 899-4544.
12 • Little Sicily
This place could appear in the dictionary next to Italian restaurant. Anticipate quintessential red-and-white-checkered tables covered with nonna’s Sicilian recipes, namely handmade pastas and sauces, lasagnas and pizza, garlic bread and cannoli, with nothing running more than $14.
11:30am-2:30pm, 4:30-8:30pm Tue-Sat, 3-8:30pm Sun, closed Mon; 16 E. Gabilan St., Salinas; 676-0064.
11 • El Salvadoreño Pupusería
The heartfelt mom-and-pop comes from two restaurant industry lifers living a dream, and provides pure comfort in the form of the cozy pupusas like the signature revuelta (cheese, chicharrón and refried beans tucked into a corn flour pouch) at very affordable prices. Other offerings that help keep the blue-collar strip-mall spot buzzing include handmade tamales and roasted chicken.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.