Steinbeck Lodge

Restaurants nearby

• MaligneBib The name means “clever” or “cunning,” but you don’t have to be a particularly sharp tool to appreciate the ample charms of this hip, easygoing Seaside gem. The staff is effortlessly hospitable, and the breezy space has a chic loft aesthetic, but it’s the cooking that really makes this place a coup de coeur. The menu draws on Italian-American and French classics (think chicken parm and asparagus with hollandaise), but the feel is thoroughly Californian, with a light, contemporary touch and spectacular local ingredients that make even all-too familiar dishes like Caesar salad memorable—a testame19.0km
• Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza The surroundings may not be glamorous (Monterey airport is just a skip away), but this family-run establishment is a popular venue for large groups—and the proof is in the pasta. Gauging from the sizable menu of saucy, generously portioned Italian-American staples, no one is likely to leave their table hungry. Delightfully al dente house-made pastas are sure to banish any associations with mushy chain restaurant versions, and even hearty, rustic dishes like eggplant parmigiana get an extra touch of care. The from-scratch approach extends to the mozzarella, which is certainly worth sampling, wh18.0km

Includes Michelin / Black Pearl / guide picks (reference quality, no prices); data from Overture, Michelin Guide and others.