Paprika Cafe — Restaurant in Monterey

Even though the place is tiny, I had a good feeling about it - seemed like one of those places that is simply good, without the bells and whistles. I was surprised to see that there is even a dining area, albeit seating for about 15 people. The owner is Lebanese, although the menu is heavily Greek influenced (babaganoush, spanakopita, Greek salad, etc). The owner is very nice. The food could be cheaper, but at around $7 for a shawerma/gyros wrap it's one of the more affordable places in Monterey. My preference is to Armenian food when it comes to middle eastern/Mediterranean cuisine, but this place was good. I ordered the Kafta Kebab, dolmas, iced tea, and he gave us free complimentary baklava after the meal which was a very pleasant surprise. Overall everything good, but if I had to gripe, this is specifically how I felt about every course: the tea was fresh brewed and delicious, the kafta kebab was delicious except I would have preferred a tastier pocket bread, and have it toasted (it was fresh but untoasted, making it a bit soggy), the dolmas/yalanchi/grape leaves were delicious, and prepared hot which is unusual for this variety of dolma. The baklava was simply ok, sort of dry but that was free so whatever. Overall I'd say 8/10, but I will...

I am vegetarian, my boyfriend is not, and it is so hard to find a place to cater to both of us. We are just visiting the area but I wish we had this place where we live because it is perfect! The vegetarian snakatopia plate was so delicious and my bf had the garlic chicken plate and he loved it! My also bf got the spicy lemonade and it was delicious. The owner said he could make the “spiciness” to our liking which is great for people who have a specific preference but I didn’t think it was spicy at all, just delicious. I ordered the Turkish coffee but shortly after I realized (for medical reasons) I could not drink black coffee and he was so kind to take it back, plus he gave us free baklava! Wow it is nice to see kind people like him in the world spreading kindness and a smile. The owner does it all, he’s a one man show, but he does it so well! There is limited seating but it makes for a cozy atmosphere. P.S. There is no bathroom but the 7 eleven across the street has a clean indoor restroom. Highly recommend this Michelin star...

Stumbled upon this humble little restaurant today. Driving by from the outside, I wasn't sure what type of food this restaurant served. Thinking it was a sandwich place of some kind, I was delighted by the delicious scents of eastern spices and finding out that the Paprika Cafe serves authentic middle eastern dishes. Ordered my meal to go because I had my doggy waiting in the car. It was no problem and my food was ready shortly there after and wrapped up to go. I can only say that I was very impressed by the subtle and authentic flavours that middle eastern food is so famous for. Having lived in the middle east for a while, and really missing it's delightful (and healthy) foods and flavours, I savoured each and every bite. Monterey is a fortunate town. Wish we had a restaurant like this in my own home town. Exquisite food at reasonable prices! Will definitely come back here next time I'm in Monterey. The food might even prompt me to come...