$$$$Italian, American
The ocean and golf course views may be pure California, but a meal here is all about Tuscany. Named for the Pèppoli Vineyard in Italy and owned by the legendary Antinori family of winemakers, this restaurant delivers rustic cooking to a discerning Pebble Beach clientele. Many of their own labels are featured here, as a perfect complement to the cuisine. The dining room, styled to resemble an exclusive Italian estate, spotlights a menu of wood-fired Tuscan food. Expect hearty but skillfully prepared dishes like hand-crafted orecchiette tossed in vibrant green pesto, mixing puréed kale and brocc
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Pèppoli, located in Pacific Grove, offers Italian and American cuisine with a strong reputation for food quality. Dishes such as steak, pasta, and seafood receive high praise, often described as exceptional. Service is generally attentive, with staff noted for personalized touches like celebratory desserts; however, pacing can suffer during peak hours or with large groups. The ambiance features scenic ocean views and live bagpipe music, creating a romantic setting, though the main dining room may become noisy when busy. While some reviewers note that the pricing is on the higher side relative to value, the combination of location, atmosphere, and culinary execution makes it a notable destination for travelers seeking a special dining experience.
Ideal for travelers seeking scenic views and high-quality Italian or American cuisine, with a suggestion to dine during off-peak hours for optimal service.
$$$$Seafood, American
There's nothing resembling a factory about this spot, where elegant touches include silk curtains, monogrammed seatbacks and other ornate touches, including a glassed-in greenhouse “conservatory.” If that’s not enough, white tablecloths, silver chargers and a menu listing “favorite” and “famous” dishes showcase decades of approval from diners. The menu is well executed but far from trendy, featuring a mix of classics like crispy sand dabs alongside 80s-glamour revivals like lobster ravioli in cream sauce. The throwback theatricality is a lot of fun—from the ample bread basket with tomato-white
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
The Sardine Factory in Pacific Grove holds a strong reputation with a 4.3/5 average TripAdvisor rating. Guests frequently praise the food quality, service, and atmosphere, particularly noting the bright atrium and sunroom. Recommended items include fried sardines, macadamia-crusted sea bass, tiramisu, and wild salmon. However, some reviews highlight issues with meal pacing, overly aggressive upselling, or inconsistent service attitudes. While a minority criticize the value for money and describe certain dishes as mediocre, the restaurant remains an iconic choice for those seeking a classic American seafood experience with historical charm.
Ideal for travelers seeking classic American seafood and elegant ambiance; reservations recommended.
$Mediterranean Cuisine, Greek
This tiny spot is the perfect sojourn before or after a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, thanks to its delectable and affordable Mediterranean food and friendly service. A diminutive and humble place, it has only six tables, but the chef/owner provides a warm welcome, recommending favorite items before he goes to work in the tiny back kitchen. Vegans and vegetarians will delight in the ample menu featuring flaky spanakopita, smoky baba ghanoush and vibrant tabbouleh with a perfect zip from fresh lemon. The tahini that accompanies the crisp, golden falafel is luscious, and a classic Greek sa
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Paprika Café in Pacific Grove offers Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, praised for its fresh, authentic, homemade dishes and extensive vegetarian and vegan options. The owner-chef is frequently described as warm and generous, often providing complimentary baklava. However, reviews highlight inconsistencies: some diners report dry, cold food and poor value, while others cite slow service or rudeness. The venue is small with limited indoor seating, functioning largely as a takeout spot, though an outdoor patio is available. Noise levels can be high due to the compact space. While the food quality is generally well-regarded, experiences vary significantly regarding service speed and overall value for money.
Ideal for those seeking authentic homemade Mediterranean flavors who can tolerate a small space; takeout is recommended.
$$$$Contemporary
You'll have to weave your way through the Monterey Plaza Hotel and down a flight of stairs to find the entrance to this haven, but once you do, you'll be rewarded with a stunning view of the bay in a posh, elegant space. Thankfully, Chef Michael Rotondo’s tasting menu of colorful contemporary cuisine offers its own enticements to hold your attention. Highlighting local products while spanning global flavors, each dish provides a barrage of flavors, from a tart of local abalone featuring brown butter-cooked spinach and calamansi ponzu, to rich Iberico pork paired with matsutake and turnips, cap
$$$Contemporary
This vast space is actually a 1910 firehouse replete with curving architecture, a beautiful bar and stairs that lead up to private rooms. The environment may seem upscale and contemporary, but don’t be afraid to bring the kids—crayons and paper cover the tablecloths, and they just might score a balloon on the way out. The kitchen prides itself on being green, sourcing many ingredients from local farmers, using sustainable seafood, prime meats and doing their part for responsible waste management. Expect tasty renditions of familiar favorites, like big, crisp pieces of golden-fried calamari wit
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Montrio Bistro in Pacific Grove offers contemporary dining with generally positive feedback. Food quality is often praised for creativity and execution, with highlights including scallops and duck, though some reviews cite issues like over-salting, small portions, or cooking errors such as undercooked lamb or dry duck. Service is typically described as professional and attentive, but occasional lapses in organization or warmth have been noted. The atmosphere is quiet and upscale, suitable for romantic or business dinners, though it can become noisy when busy. Value is mixed; while some find the high prices justified by the experience, others consider the cost excessive relative to portion sizes and consistency.
Suitable for diners seeking an upscale atmosphere and creative cuisine, but those sensitive to value should proceed with caution.
$$$Contemporary
Stokes Adobe, named after a former owner with a somewhat checkered reputation, now trades entirely in charm, warm hospitality and relaxed sophistication. The handsome historic setting, complete with outdoor firepits ideal for lingering over cocktails, pairs naturally with ingredient-driven cooking that favors flavor and comfort over unnecessary flourish. French and Italian influences still guide the compact seasonal menu, now seen in dishes like pappardelle Bolognese, hen of the woods taglioni or scallops paired with caviar. Desserts keep things classic, from key lime pie to a rich double choc