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Monterey

A picturesque and beautiful city located on the Central Coast of California. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, the city is nestled along Monterey Bay. With breathtaking ocean views, pristine beaches, and a thriving arts scene, it’s a must-visit destination!

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Monterey is definitely a foodie’s paradise, offering a very disparate culinary scene with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood. Whether it’s innovative California cuisine, succulent abalone (prepared as only the California coastal restaurants can do), classic clam chowder or distinct  and modern American Fare (served at numerous locations on Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey is the place for excellent dining and excellent waterfront views. Upscale, classic, or simple and easy-going, Monterey is the place to be for the best in California dining!

Restaurant Reviews

My six most recent reviews will be listed here. Scroll down the page to view the complete list of Monterey reviews listed alphabetically.

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Sandbar & Grill

An interesting address, I mused. We parked the car right on the long pier that extended out into the Pacific

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All Monterey Restaurant Reviews

Browse our Monterey restaurant reviews here in alphabetical order.

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Ralph Pancetta

Food Critic

In my career are twenty-five-plus years learning the restaurant business – from top to bottom – and six years in a Midwest university learning and polishing my writing skills. I have spent a good number of those years (just how many yet to be determined) on the road and authored well over 150 reviews & articles – and still counting.

I’ve traveled from Maine to Florida, from Boston to San Francisco,  from Seattle to San Diego, and from Dallas to way north of Duluth, sampling and writing about food. And Yes, I love restaurants, I love preparing, writing about, and eating, food. I hope you enjoy reading what I have written!

Ralph Pancetta

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Norske Nook

The situation required that we partake of some breakfast first

il fornaio exterior courtyard view

Il Fornaio

Carmel-by-the-Sea must have at least as many restaurants as I

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