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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Marina

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1287)
Price: Moderate
• Unspecified • Marina
Booked 7 times today
Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette is a gem of a spot in Marina, CA, offering a top-notch dining experience. With reviews raving about its 'amazing food', 'friendly service' and 'great ambiance', this place is a local favorite. It's a perfect spot for gatherings, with a cozy atmosphere and creative menu. Even the food is praised for being 'light and tasty'. This place is a 'fantastic local gem' and 'a great place to dine'. So, it's a must-visit for seafood lovers in the Marina area!
A photo of Schooners Monterey restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3029)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 27 times today
Schooners, suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay, is a stunning restaurant featuring sustainable seafood and approachable, contemporary American cuisine. The ideal location for celebrating the Central Coast and the spectacular coastal region, the Schooners team commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood is reflected in the creative menu which features a variety of seafood options, both raw and cooked, as well as appetizers, soups, salads and main courses. A creative cocktail menu is served alongside an impressive wine list highlighting Monterey County vintners.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1626)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 9 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4963)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 11 times today
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.
A photo of Passionfish restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7233)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Grove
Booked 15 times today
Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3750)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 58 times today
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean combined with world-class dining on historic Cannery Row, just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The newly renovated Fish Hopper, housed in an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular views of the stunning Monterey Bay from every table, including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, certified Angus beef, pastas, and live shellfish. Our seafood is either locally caught or shipped in fresh daily, and our produce is locally grown in the Salinas Valley. Some favorites include fresh Monterey Bay abalone, macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” bone-in rib eye, and fresh Dungeness crab. Start your meal with our award-winning clam chowder, and indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations or a selection from our extensive wine collection. While enjoying your delicious meal, you can watch sea otters at play and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale.
A photo of Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4300)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 7 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of The Whaling Station Steakhouse restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2424)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Monterey
Booked 18 times today
The internationally acclaimed Whaling Station Steakhouse, perched just above Steinbeck’s Cannery Row has been Monterey County’s #1 Steak House for over 50 years, The Whaling Station takes the term “Steakhouse” seriously...Select your USDA Prime cut of the USA’s finest beef from a silver tray or enjoy our slow-roasted USDA Prime, Prime Rib. An award-winning wine list and full spirits bar compliment your dining experience. Serving Dinner and cocktails from 4:30pm daily. The Bar at The Whaling Station Steakhouse has its own menu and its own local following, with drink specials and lively conversation served nightly. Parking in our private lot. A private, 50-seat banquet room is also available.
A photo of Montrio restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4217)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 16 times today
Montrio is a neighborhood gem located in the heart of downtown Monterey. With its fine European-inspired Californian cuisine, it has been a local favorite for over 25 years. Reviewers rave about the unique atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food. It's the perfect place for a romantic dinner, small business meeting, or a night out with friends. As one reviewer put it, 'From the amazing food, creative cocktails and top notch staff you'll love every minute of it.'
A photo of Tarpy's Roadhouse restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3585)
Price: Moderate
• American • Monterey
Booked 23 times today
Relax in this 1917 Roadhouse and enjoy creative, Five Star American Country Cuisine. The wood-burning grill provides wonderful flavors for the freshest seafood and prime steaks. Set on five landscaped acres, the patios and extensive gardens provide a refreshing backdrop for hearty sandwiches, vegetarian entrees and tempting salads. Reservations are recommended.We are limited to outdoor seating. Please wear warm clothes for dinner. Not all tables have heat. All tables of 4 we allow 1 hour 30 minutes. Parties of 6 or more 2 hours. If you need more time please let us know. We require credit cards for parties over 6. All guests must wear a mask while entering the restaurant. You may take it off once seated. If your late for your reservation, please call we allow 15 minute grace period. Tarpy's also offers affordable off-site catering drop offs

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Laura
    San Francisco Bay Area •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We absolutely know we will be treated like royalty when we visit Old Fisherman’s Grotto. Once again they delivered. Sal made us feel like family. We started with calamari and artichokes with a nice drink from the bar. The calamari was crispy with the sauces adding a bit of excitement to each bite. The artichoke was creamy and rich. Bread and butter was served. We felt relaxed and never in a hurry. After the appetizer we put in the order for dinner, double lobster tails for him and 1/2 crab, salmon and grilled shrimp for me. We were both so happy with our meals. Dessert was the cherry on top, ollalieberry pie a la mode for him and and beautiful chocolate and vanilla cake with strawberries for me. Our water was constantly refilled. The view of the harbor was also very relaxing. I can’t wait until we are in town again to enjoy the hospitality once again.
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    4.7
  • KARENVIP
    New York City •21 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    A fun place to be during the holidays. Good food and drink. We are out of state customers and will come again when we are back in the area.
    More info
    PassionfishPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pacific Grove
    4.8
  • Dana
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    First timers, but will definitely return again. Wonderful restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. We were seated in the Captains Room. The ambiance was exquisite. I can only describe the service as impeccable, they know how to treat their customers and make the dining experience a delight! Brandon and Pedro were absolutely wonderful!
    More info
    Sardine FactoryPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    4.7
  • AllisonVIP
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Amazing service from start to finish beginning at the hostess stand. We never had to worry about whether our server was coming back to check on us, he also had an assistant server who cleared plates and checked in on us as well. (The check in’s were not overbearing). Food was phenomenal, we had the 14h NY strip, clams, oysters, olive bread & sea salt and a bottle of Daou Cab. Great ambiance, cool setting - there is even a display of oysters on the wall with rocks behind a metal bar caging. The bathroom also had a unique approach to soap- used an essential oil infused salt! Highly recommended and will definitely return on our next trip to Monterey!
    More info
    Salt Wood Kitchen and OysterettePrice: Moderate• Unspecified• Marina
    4.6
  • Shaheen
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 16 Dec 2024
    I found this place in the magazine and turned out to be a fantastic restaurant by the water ! Easy to find and there are plenty of street parking! The staff were wonderful and amazing services ! I will visit this place again soon ! There are many shopping places near by as well!
    More info
    Schooners MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    4.5

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Marina

Discover the hidden culinary treasures of California's Central Coast in Marina, Monterey/Carmel area, where neighborhood gems offer a unique dining experience that locals and visitors cherish. These restaurants are celebrated for their cozy atmospheres, making them perfect spots for both casual diners and special occasions. Renowned for their exceptional service and creative menus, these establishments serve a variety of delicious dishes that highlight local ingredients and flavors. The dining scene here is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region and its connection to both land and sea. Whether you're seeking a quiet dinner spot or a lively gathering place, the neighborhood gems in Marina and the surrounding areas provide an unforgettable culinary journey. Each restaurant promises a memorable experience, contributing to the area’s reputation as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Explore these cherished spots for a taste of local hospitality and exquisite cuisine that will leave you eager to return.

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