🇺🇸 Monterey & Carmel Food Guide 🍴🌊

A quick getaway from the Bay Area isn’t complete without great food! Here’s my curated list of restaurants – with recommendations and honest reviews👇 📍 Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) ✅ Must-try: Cioppino in a Bowl 🥣 | Huge portion, packed with seafood Fryer Combos 🍤 | Freshly fried, crispy outside & tender inside ⚠️ Just okay: Dungeness Crab | decent but not outstanding 📌 Great value, casual vibe – worth a stop! 📍 Monterey’s Fish House ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5) ✅ Highlight: Fried Calamari 🦑 | Crispy & perfectly chewy ⚠️ Meh: Sicilian Holiday Pasta 🍝 | Sauce lacked harmony Fresh Oysters | underwhelming 📌 Not worth a special trip, but okay if nearby. 📍 Old Fisherman’s Grotto ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5) ✅ Recommended: Seafood Platter 🦐🦪 | Fresh, especially salmon & scallops Steak was just okay 💰 Pricey but quality seafood 📌 Go for a luxurious splurge! 📍 Carmel Bakery ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5) ✅ Loved: Lobster Tail | Light, crispy, not too sweet Raspberry Roll | Balanced sweetness & tang ⚠️ Skip if: Brownie | Too rich – share if you try Almond Horseshoe | Overpowering almond flavor 📌 Perfect for a sweet stop while strolling! 📍 Dametra Cafe ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5) Greek food – average taste BUT… 💃🏻 Sudden dance & singing performances – interactive & fun! 📌 Introvert warning 😅 – great for extroverts & vibe seekers! 📍 Jeju Kitchen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) ✅ Must-order: Beef Short Rib | Perfectly grilled, flavorful Jajangmyeon (a bit salty but tasty) Spicy Pork Soup | Warm & invigorating 📌 Rare Korean gem in Carmel – exceeded expectations! #Monterey #Carmel #BayAreaGetaway #DayTripGuide #FoodieTravel #CoastalEats 🦀🍝🌅