User Reviews for Monterey Restaurants

Research User Reviews for Monterey (1-20 of 37)

• Add Your Own Review »

Sardine Factory
Aug 11, 2009 by Haley from Royal Oaks

Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[9]

• The food is delicious.
• Sometimes you must share a table with annoying kids.

“This is a great restaurant to take family or friends too. The show is very entertaining and the food is delicious!”

Epsilon
Jun 22, 2009 by Donna from Phoenix

Overall Rating: 1
Food:[1] • Service:[3] • Atmosphere:[5]

• Food was cheaply prepared and lacking in any Greek seasoning or spices. I can make better Greek food at home.

“Food was awful. The prices are too high for such poor quality food preparation. If you are looking for a romantic atmosphere this is not the place. Through-out the meal there where two loudly misbehaving children.”

Sly McFly's
Apr 30, 2009 by Peggy from Orlando

Overall Rating: 10
Food:[9] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Very positive place with good energy.
• No dislikes.

“A pleasant experience, from the initial greeting, to the wonderful service. I would consider it more of an adult facility. Their drinks were definitely value for the money as well.”

Montrio's
Jan 27, 2009 by Dorothy from San Diego

Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Their happy hour is an awesome!
• Certain nights are jam packed, so the wait times are longer.

“Every time I visit Monterey I try to have a bite at Montrio. The place has fabulous food and a lovely atmosphere. Voted Esquire's restaurant of the year for 1995 and #1 by locals many years running this place doesn't disappoint with their menu. They offer haute cuisine presented in an historic firehouse setting and nothing about this place disappoints. Fantastic food in a trendy yet cozy atmosphere. It is varied and often with a little twist on the dish. Click their menu page and see for yourself. Presentation is also done well no matter what you order. They have some cool selections of background music too. From select old school hits to some more modern popular songs. The most unique thing about Montrio is that is was built inside an old firehouse with glass doors on the front where the horse drawn carriages used to exit. They put in some unique cloud like noise dampening structure on the ceiling that adds something quirky to the atmosphere. The center divider between the bar & the dining area is a wine rack wall. Just great decor and great food! Also, Montrio is affordable considering what they serve. I have been to much pricier places in the area with an ocean view and the meal quality is no where what I get at Montrio. If you like wine, their list is quite extensive. They even have a dinner and a movie package for $19.95 pp. Happy hour starts at 4:30 and they offer a selection of small bites for $3 and $4 drinks.”

Cibo Ristorante Italiano
Jan 13, 2009 by Freddie from Palm Springs

Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Great service.
• More desserts.

“Don't know what the reviewer from Texas was talking about. My wife said best Italian dinner she had ever had, live music set the mood right and the wines were also tasty. Not over expensive for monetary my mixed grill had lamb chop great rib eye and favorable Italian sausage, dance till after one o'clock great birthday weekend.”

Crown & Anchor
Sep 23, 2008 by Jared from Buffalo

Overall Rating: 3
Food:[5] • Service:[1] • Atmosphere:[2]

• Unique decor.
• Service is rude.

“Wow, what a place! They seem to carter to locals and ignore or are rude to anyone else. I saw an employee dealing with a couple guys who had too much to drink and he was rudely aggressive to the non-locals (who he had leave). Evan pushing one guy that was just walking by! The food is mediocre and the service is slow if you are not a local!”

Sly McFly's
Sep 13, 2008 by naomi from pismo beach

Overall Rating: 3
Food:[5] • Service:[1] • Atmosphere:[5]

• Tasty food.
• Horrible service.

“The atmosphere was nice. When my boyfriend and I went, they weren't very busy, yet the service was very slow. My clam chowder bread bowl tasted good but was cold because it sat on the chef's counter for over a half hour while our waiter stood around looking at tickets. Our waiter didn't know if we could get onion rings with our hamburger instead of fries then came to ask us what we wanted to drink three times. Other than that he never checked on us. Two sets of people sitting at tables on both sides of us came after us, ate, then left before we even got our food and we only ordered a burger and chowder bowl. Overall, the atmosphere and food was great but the service was horrible.”

Carusos Corner Restraunt
May 21, 2008 by Carly from Pacific Grove

Overall Rating: 7
Food:[9] • Service:[7] • Atmosphere:[5]

• Pasta and Eggplant are excellent. Lasagna, Ravioli and Pizza looked awesome.
• Salad bar is less than desirable. I see no value at all in serving Iceberg ever!

“Was shocked to see earlier review. So there was a roach. What dining establishment doesn't have them? I get you don't want to see them on the table, but they are lurking somewhere, everywhere. I am a local, and am probably one of the most particular people I know about the places I visit or choose to refer. Having said that, after living on the Peninsula all of my life I recently made my first trip to Caruso's after another local (Italian) told me about it. Awesome pasta and beautiful servings for the $. Agreed the salad bar is less than what one would expect with Salinas right down the road. The place was packed with locals the night I went on a weekend.”

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Britannia Arms
May 4, 2008 by Lore from San Pedro, CA

Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[8]

• Fantastic food and service
• Nothing negative to say.

“Little British Pub, nothing fancy. We had the Cornish pasties and one of the banger plates, and the food was great! Very reasonable in price also. The Cornish pasties was so good. We highly recommend visiting here, but maybe with no kids. They allow kids, but I wouldn't recommend it. Sports bar type restaurant with good food and great service.”

Santa Lucia And Market & Grill
Mar 26, 2008 by Mike from NYC

Overall Rating: 9
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[8]

• Large portions of authentic German food.
• A bit crowded.

“I love German food. I asked the hotel concierge where to go for good authentic German food in Monterey and there were two choices. The Stammtisch, in Seaside and the Santa Lucia Market. We tried the Stammtisch on Friday night and it was merely OK. On Saturday night we went to the Santa Lucia Market and had a terrific meal. The waitress was a fun person and she quickly brought our authentic German draft beer while we mad up our minds about what to have for dinner. My wife has Sauerbraten and I had a Jaeger Schnitzel. Both were prepared to perfection. We didn't really have room for desert, but we shared a slice of Black Forrest Cake. I will return and I will recommend this restaurant to my friends.”

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Cibo Ristorante Italiano
Mar 7, 2008 by Lisa from TX

Overall Rating: 5
Food:[5] • Service:[2] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Ambiance, atmosphere.
• Food, drinks overpriced, bartenders rude!

“Food is overpriced and of all the areas to eat at in the Monterey area this one is sure not getting my money on food again! Cibo's is a great place to hang out in the evenings and for locals to have drinks. Sometimes the waiters have a tendency to be very rude and been many a times where the service was not worth staying. The music is always great to listen to in the evenings.”

Sapporo Restaurant
Mar 7, 2008 by Lisa from TX

Overall Rating: 7
Food:[8] • Service:[8] • Atmosphere:[9]

• Food, food preparation.
• Service is poor at times waiters not attentive.

“Of all the places I've been to in Monterey I consider this to be the place to take most of family and friends because of the food show and price. I think cost wise it is comparable to most places in the Monterey area just a little more bang for your buck really. The service isn't always the greatest cause there is always so many people there, but the food is always pretty good. I always enjoy going to Sapporo's especially when someone new comes to town that hasn't been there. The view can be very nice as well depending on your seating.”

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Sandbar Restaurant
Feb 12, 2008 by Dana from San Jose, CA

Overall Rating: 9
Food:[9] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[9]

• San Dabs.
• I cant go everyday!

“My dad and I ate at the Sandbar and we ordered the "sandabs." They are so good! Its a small filet of fish lightly floured and fried. So delish. I cant hardly wait to go back with my boyfriend. The restaurant is right on the water and we were able to see sea lions swimming around as we ate. I am definitely going back! "A dab'll do ya!" haha the waitress's famous line in regard to Sand Dabs!”

Santa Lucia And Market & Grill
Dec 20, 2007 by Ron from Monterey, CA

Overall Rating: 8
Food:[7] • Service:[7] • Atmosphere:[8]

• Every one of the draft beer choices is outstanding. .
• The owner is like a mirror, he will reflect your attitude.

“I had heard that the owner was difficult, but there are few places in town to get German draft beer. This used to be a deli type cafe, but there is now a restaurant and full bar, with outdoor seating when the weather's nice. The owner has provided a sampler of these for less than $10. The German wedding soup is a specialty, and quite good.”

Sly McFly's
Nov 30, 2007 by al from Virginia

Overall Rating: 4
Food:[2] • Service:[3] • Atmosphere:[4]

• Supposedly a cool nightclub.
• Anything dealing with food.

“In terms of dining, I don't think anyone deliberately says, "Let go eat at Sly McFly's." Sly makes their money on the 1-timer tourist, tired and hungry after a day at the aquarium, unknowingly traipses into this establishment. At best, it's fast food fare quality. My wife did not care for the Calamari sandwich. My son's burger seemed overcooked. My daughter complained about the water; maybe they get it from the aquarium. My fish and chips were passable, but were soggy. Seems like this is more of a nightlife place than a family eatery. It took a long time to get our bill settled. Overall, a disappointing experience. But typical of Cannery Row Turista traps.”

Chef Lee's Mandarin House
Oct 27, 2007 by Kathismom from Boulder

Overall Rating: 5
Food:[4] • Service:[5] • Atmosphere:[6]

• Fresh veggies, shrimp were nice and not tough.
• Everything tasted the same.

“Bland. The Kung Pao shrimp I order was pretty much tasteless and only evidence of it being cooked in a different sauce than the other entry was the fact mine had multiple chili peppers in it. I will say the shrimp was cooked perfectly and the vegetables in both entries were also cut and cooked wonderfully. Not soggy at all. Beautiful interior. Bench in the booths need to have the seats replaced you bottom out in them like old movie theater seats. Service was efficient and for my tastes, a tad to fast. I would have preferred a tad more time between putting my chopsticks down and the next stuff being already on the table.”

Sly McFly's
Oct 4, 2007 by Jess

Overall Rating: 1
Food:[2] • Service:[1] • Atmosphere:[3]

• Nothing.
• Pretty much everything.

“The food came quick, but I was seated at a table which was right by the kitchen which is never appealing. Especially when one of the waiters has a basket of French fries that he is eating out of between tables or between bringing food out or whatnot. Not to mention he would lick his fingers and not wash them before touching other peoples food or what have you. When we finished eating it took about 45 minutes just for our waitress to slide my card through a machine. Then when I got my credit card bill, I see that I was charged double the amount of what I paid. $20 vs. $10. Very dissatisfied with this place. Poor staff and obviously poor management.”

Trailside Cafe
Oct 2, 2007 by Richard

Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[8] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Dogs are welcome and the eggs benedict are great.
• It may be time to take orders at the tables.

“My wife and I are locals and have frequented the Trailside since it opened. We walk the Rec Trail with our dogs and have breakfast. The dogs are welcome in their outside eating area that is very comfortable with a Spanish villa feel to it with a view of the Bay. Many of our friends eat there as well and we would recommend them to anyone.”

Del Monte Express Home Of The Adult Five Napkin Burger
Sep 25, 2007 by gordon from tacoma

Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Price and food.
• Nothing.

“Best burgers Ive ever had. Everything is made fresh daily and cooked to order.”

Britannia Arms
Sep 17, 2007 by JR Ewing from Monterey

Overall Rating: 4
Food:[4] • Service:[2] • Atmosphere:[1]

• The waitress was cool and took care of us, and even listened to us gripe about the bartender!
• The bartender.

“I have been to the Brit many times over the past year at least 2 or 3 times a month but my most recent visit might be my last. It started off a rather typical evening, sports on the big screen, everyone having a good time as usual. When the football game on the big screen was almost over, many of the customers asked if the TV could be changed to a close baseball game that was just about to end. Since there were a few guys still watching the boring, lopsided football game, the bartender rightfully decided not to change the channel. So as soon as the football game ended, we again asked if he could change to the baseball game so we could watch the last 2 outs. Again, the bartender refused this time just being stubborn, and many of the paying customers who had been sitting there all evening, spending a ton of money were a little upset as you can imagine. Some of the customers decided they would not tip because of this, and one guy said, "way to take care of your waitress bartender!" The bartender's response? Then for the next 10 minutes he kept griping about the customers and even yelling a few things back at them. It was completely rude and unprofessional behavior. This bar does not deserve my business. I'll go where I am welcome from now on.”

Rappa's Seafood Restaurant
Sep 6, 2007 by Janeen from Athens, GA

Overall Rating: 3
Food:[3] • Service:[1] • Atmosphere:[7]

• The harbor view.
• The food and service.

“A friend of mine and I visited this restaurant after seeing the wide variety of menu chooses Rappa's Seafood Restaurant had to offer and their great harbor view. I really wish that we had checked reviews first. The outside host was very friendly and personable; however the inside was another story. Our server, Rafael, was very inattentive and did not smile, not once. My friend asked for a description of the crab appetizer menu item and Rafael described the appetizer as warmed crab meat that was outside of the shell. When the food arrived, turns out it was a cold crab served on a bed of lettuce. This was not exactly what she was expecting. My dish was horrible the lemon fish was dry. The only thing I found delicious was the rice. As our waiter Rafael took a look at my friends full plate and she explains it was not as she expected, Rafael commences rebuttal that he told her it was a cold dish. Since we were still hungry at this time, that rebuttal did not help matters at all. Rafael did not apologize, but at least he took the appetizer away and did not charge for it. I am still left wondering is how in the world consuming a plate of rice and two beverages and bad service could add up to $43.81 (must have been the great harbor view). People please check your reviews, I wish I had.”

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Rappa's Seafood Restaurant
Jul 10, 2007 by Julie from Turlock

Overall Rating: 9
Food:[9] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[8]

• We made a reservation, and table was ready when we got there. Service was great, food also. We'll be back.
• I wish you had a place to take a Family photo with a view and a table that would fit all of us.

“We had a Family Reunion at Rappa's. Butch served us and did a great job. The food and service were very good. So far everyone in my Family loved it. I haven't heard a bad thing yet. Butch, Thank you for your great service with a beautiful smile.”

Fresh Cream Restaurant
Jun 27, 2007 by Nancy from San Juan Bautista

Overall Rating: 4
Food:[3] • Service:[7] • Atmosphere:[8]

• Nice atmosphere.
• Bad food.

“We looked forward to my 50th birthday at this restaurant and were sorely disappointed. We both ordered the `signature` dish which was described as a `crispy duck` and what arrived at our table was beautifully presented (orchid and all) however the `crispy duck` could just have well been a breaded chicken breast. It was dry and was anything but crispy. I was so angry I was going to write the owner/manager but decided to just never go there again. One disgruntled customer.”

Montrio
May 11, 2007 by Phil from San Francisco

Overall Rating: 6
Food:[8] • Service:[8] • Atmosphere:[6]

• Food, especially the pork chops and the desserts.
• Sky-high wine prices, TV in the bar visible in the restaurant.

“Good food, well prepared, service attentive without being intrusive. Biggest complaint is excessive prices for wine: a bottle of vin ordinaries that retails for $15 is on the list with $80 price tag, and praised as superlative by the server. Go for the food, but bring your own wine and pay the corkage.”

El Indio
Apr 22, 2007 by erica from monterey

Overall Rating: 3
Food:[6] • Service:[1] • Atmosphere:[7]

• Atmosphere.
• Service.

“I was surprised with the set up of the restaurant, it was very pleasant. The food was decent and the drinks where o.k. That being said, the service was absolutely horrible. Not only did we have to wait over 10 minutes to have someone come to the table to talk to us, we never saw her again. Somebody else had to bring out our food and we had to ask multiple different servers to get our bill so we could leave. Would not recommend.”

Carusos Corner Restraunt
Mar 29, 2007 by barbara from newark,ca

Overall Rating: 1
Food:[2] • Service:[6] • Atmosphere:[2]

• The servers were courteous.
• Roaches and bad food.

“A roach crawled onto the table while we were eating and wouldn't leave even when my husband shooed it away. We had to ask one of the staff to remove the bug. Also the food was high priced for very poor quality of food. The salad bar had no vegetables except for iceberg lettuce and it was over $8. The rest of the food was greasy and not very tasty; but then we lost our appetite after the insect visited our table. The servers were nice, but the place is awful. We were there at 5:30 in the evening and the only people there when we walked in. We should have figured something was up.”

Koto Sushi Restaurant
Feb 20, 2007 by tracie from monterey

Overall Rating: 8
Food:[10] • Service:[7] • Atmosphere:[6]

• Food, sushi, great people <33333.
• Atmosphere could use a little work.

“I go to eat at kobo restaurant on a regular basis because the sushi is unbeatable! The staff is amazing and friendly, they always know what I want and, well, the food is amazing. I can¿t say enough how delicious it is. Try one of their dragon rolls or the Tyler street roll! Amazing.”

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Rappas Restaurant
Feb 17, 2007 by Elaine Guyton from Santa Cruz, California

Overall Rating: 1
Food:[1] • Service:[5] • Atmosphere:[8]

• Soup, views, polite service.
• Everything else.

“Oh mercy! I drove with a friend visiting me from out of town to Monterey wharf. We arrived hungry and wanted to eat lunch somewhere with a view. But the food was terrible. We're both fish and chip lovers so both ordered fish and chips. Unfortunately, the fish was rubbery and soggy. Worse than these features, it wasn't even deep fried. It looked and tasted like it was sautéed in some cheap oil, which soaked into the fish rather than cooked it properly. The fries were frozen and silly. Also, the tarter sauce was terrible. It had the consistency of soup. It came out frothy--like the cook was trying to stretch the ingredients by whipping up some tartar sauce with some water. All this awfulness came at a price of about $15 a dish. The waiter was polite and even took a fly, that was determined to share our lunch, away in my partner's Napkin, but the host was grouchy and about bit my head off when I walked into the restaurant 5 minutes before they opened. Hey, the soup was good--lukewarm, but good. Eating at this restaurant has changed the way I¿ll dine out forever. Next time, I won't go in should the first thing I find is a grouchy host. ”

Joe'S Crab Shack
Nov 23, 2006 by Jeff from Sacramento

Overall Rating: 6
Food:[5] • Service:[8] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Atmosphere and view.
• Decline in food taste and value for your money.

“The chart house had outstanding food for so long but when they decided to start cutting costs and making many sides a la carte, that's when the food quality also went downhill. Several years ago, you were given a choice of a baked potato, rice, or garlic potatoes and a trip to the salad bar all included in the price of your entree. A few years ago the salad became an a la carte item. Today a baked potato or rice is also an a la carte item and my entree had a small dab of garlic potatoes. The entree price is still the same. Chart house used to have the finest meats but this last time my prime rib had a lot of fat and just didn't taste the same. The view on the other hand is exceptional, it is definitely romantic, and service was very good.”

6 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Santa Lucia And Market & Grill
Oct 26, 2006 by pearl from Monterey

Overall Rating: 3
Food:[3] • Service:[5] • Atmosphere:[2]

• I did not like anything.
• Very costly restaurant.

“Worst and hostile place in Monterey. I had breakfast with my girlfriend and did not find the atmosphere friendly at all. There is no value for money at all.”

1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Massaro & Santos On The Pier
Oct 20, 2006 by Michael from Pacific Grove

Overall Rating: 6
Food:[5] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• The waiter was fabulous in knowledge and memory--not a note-taker, he remembered our drinks and our dishes! There were eight of us! Bravo to him!
• The service in the afternoon with few people was so slow.

“The Boston clam chowder was wonderfully tasty with nice pieces of clams and a very rich sauce. The filet of sole was average to overcooked; the pasta was overcooked. The other dishes were tasty and no one else complained. If the filet had a good sauce and were cooked better, it would be worth visiting again.”

Wild Plum The
Sep 19, 2006 by Kate from San Francisco

Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[9]

• Amazing baked goods, friendly staff, reasonable cost.
• Liked everything -- no down side.

“Had 2 great meals -- delicious breakfast and they packed a picnic lunch, which was easy, inexpensive for what we got and completely yummy. could not have like it more. Pam, the owner really knows her stuff and was a delight, suggesting other places to eat and the best beach for our lunch. Thanks Wild Plum for making our stay so enjoyable. ”

Santa Lucia And Market & Grill
Jun 25, 2006 by Laura

Overall Rating: 1
Food:[1] • Service:[1] • Atmosphere:[5]

• The waitress was nice and efficient. The food was adequate in flavor.
• The manager/deli person was rude, nasty, and had no concern for the safety of his patrons.

“I had a truly awful experience at this restaurant in June 2006. I am allergic to wheat, and had asked for no croutons on my salad. The waitress wrote this down and delivered it, but it came with croutons. I asked for a new salad and emphasized that it wouldn't do to just pick the croutons out because of my allergy. What I got back looked OK, and I ate the chicken salad off the top, but after I ate a few forkfuls of the greens underneath I realized there were croutons all through it. When I brought it to the attention of the manager (who is the one who made the salad), he argued with me, saying I should just pick the croutons out. I started to get upset and he told me to calm down and basically stop making a fuss. He was not in the least bit sympathetic or apologetic, he didn't offer to bring me food that was safe for me to eat. When I stated I didn't think I should have to pay for it, he deducted a nominal amount. Through the whole conversation, he was difficult and nasty and even accusing. Even though I am an easygoing person normally, I was very upset by the whole interaction. There was a real contrast when the next day for lunch I went to a cafe in Pacific Grove. The food was better, less expensive, and everyone was clearly going out of their way to create a pleasant atmosphere. The women at the table next to me were very particular about the way their order was prepared, but it all seemed to go very smoothly. I couldn't help thinking what a contrast it was from my meal the day before at Cafe Santa Lucia. I also noticed when I found this page that already this cafe had low ratings, so I'm not the only one.”

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Sly McFly's
Jun 25, 2006 by Michael from Logan, Utah

Overall Rating: 10
Food:[6] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Great music.
• Food only mediocre.

“Great Music!!! Some of the best Blues Music on the Calif. coast. Dance floor is a little small, elbow to elbow most of the nights!! Food is mediocre, Great Bar, drinks. Great place to meet new friends!!!”

Cafe Fina
Mar 23, 2006 by David Andrews from Hamilton VA

Overall Rating: 9
Food:[10] • Service:[8] • Atmosphere:[4]

• Best New England Clam chowder.
• Not enough servers for the busy day.

“By far the best New England Clam chowder ever, which was good for a cold rainy afternoon. The fresh caught Salmon was fantastic. I will certainly stop by Cafe Fina on every trip to Monterey.”

6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Rappa's Seafood Restaurant
Nov 27, 2005 by Misty from Modesto

Overall Rating: 3
Food:[3] • Service:[2] • Atmosphere:[8]

• Possibility of a nice view.
• Poor customer service, fish sticks from a box.

“We choose this restaurant because the seals were on the rocks and the kids wanted to watch them. When I asked the greeter if we could sit in the back of the restaurant to watch the seals he said he would put us where we could see some. We had a view of one seal that my 3 year old could never see because it was so far away. I understand they probably have a section for families, but the restraunt was empty. All I can say is I paid $5.95 for shark shaped frozen fish sticks from a box. The kids wouldn't touch them, they were hard, fishy and chewy. When I complained, and pointed out the three untouched plates, They replied, "I'm sorry". They didn't offer to get the kids something else to eat, or to take off the frozen fish sticks from our bill. That was $17.95 in frozen fish sticks!



My husband ordered the fish and chips for $13.50, which came with three small fish chunks, he was hardly full. Find another place to eat when going to the Warf! ”

15 of 17 people found this review helpful.

Mucky Duck
Apr 3, 2005 by Patrick S . from Turlock, CA

Overall Rating: 8
Food:[8] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[8]

• Relaxed and comfortable with fun patio in back for a nightly drink or two
• Limited menu

“Check out the nights with live music, it a great place to people watch and a favorite college hang out. Always a fun place to visit when in Monetery.”

1 of 3 people found this review helpful.