The Bench — Restaurant in Monterey

The Bench at Pebble Beach on the 17 miles drive. We were excited because they had vegetarian pasta and pizza options. The location is beautiful, however, the hostess was very unwelcoming. She initially ignored us while we stood for 3 or 4 minutes without even acknowledging our presence, but eventually were able to get her attention. She said there is a wait of 40 plus minutes to sit outside but inside would be 10 minutes. We ask for an inside table so we could be seated quickly. We also had a coupon from our 17 mile drive ticket that was to be used inside, however, the hostess said it was not usable here and to go ask the hotel receptionist upstairs to use it. The hotel staff had to come downstairs with us to the restaurant to convince the hostess that in fact the coupon was to be used in the restaurant.

After waiting for 30-35 mins by the bar for a table, we asked the hostess about our table. She called a table server who took us outside to a table that was under the bright afternoon soon by this point with no shade and at the far back in a corner where there was no sea view either. We would have not minded but the bright sun was making the glass table extremely hot and it was not possible to eat there. When we asked the server, we were told that now the restaurant is preparing for cocktail hour tables, so he can’t give us the table inside, even though there were several tables occupied with people who were only halfway through their meals or had recently been seated. We asked for the manager, he too said the same thing until my older daughter, who is a lawyer, curtly pointed out that we had been waiting for 40 mins, and finally seated under the hot direct sun, and because of the wait now could only be served snack food from their bar menu which did not have almost any vegetarian items except for pizza. The manager didn’t apologize but did get us a table inside after we told him we just wanted to order two pizzas, eat quick, and leave. We found the staff a bit snooty and with no warmth. The servers were less snooty and more attentive. We ordered one cheese pizza and one pepperoni for my children. Pizza’s crust was crispy yet soft and nice, as they have a wood fired oven.

I feel in a place where the ambiance is good, the fabulous view and the clientele is top class, Golf Course was right there too, such restaurant should keep a good warm and welcoming staff. I would have ordered some drinks and other dishes but didn’t feel like staying there another min more or giving any more business to them. It seems, they were only attentive and polite to their...

Five of us made a reservation for lunch on a Wednesday. When we arrived we were told it would be a 5 minute wait, no big deal. We were seated and no one acknowledged us for 15 minutes. No water, no hello, nothing. Finally our waiter came with water and took our drink orders. Drinks came in a pretty timely fashion. When the waiter came to take our order finally, he asked if we were ready to place our order "before he got slammed again". Food came out, was pretty good but not one person came to ask how we were doing, water glasses were empty, etc. Pretty much ignored the entire time. After finishing our food, we sat for what seemed like a very long time before I finally caught the waiter's attention for to go boxes which he forgot and then I had to ask the busser again for 2 boxes. The boxes came with the check. No one asked about seeing a dessert menu (even though the regular menu says "save room for dessert") or even asking if we'd like anything else. Dirty dishes were left from the appetizer the entire meal. Yes, the view is fantastic but it seems like Pebble Beach Company is resting on its laurels knowing that they are "Pebble Beach" and of course, the view. (why I gave atmosphere a 3 star) Restaurant is very well worn and could use some updating, considering the prices they charge here. And the flies!!! Please do something about all the flies that we had to continually swat our of our faces, drinks and food. At one point, 2 flies were making love in the middle...

The Bench is a must-visit if you’re in the area — the views alone are worth it. It overlooks the lush golf greens of Pebble Beach, the iconic Lone Cypress tree, and the stunning Pacific Ocean. Honestly, it’s one of those picture-perfect spots that feels straight out of a postcard.

We made a reservation ahead of time and asked to be seated outside — highly recommend doing the same. It was a bit chilly when we got there, but the staff was super accommodating and started the outdoor fire pit for us. Once that kicked in, the whole setting was cozy, relaxing, and just beautiful.

Food-wise, they serve full entrées until 4 PM, and after that it’s more of a small plates/appetizer menu. That worked out just fine because their appetizer game is strong. We got the Bread Balloon (super fun and tasty), the Cauliflower Shawarma which had a nice Indian-inspired flavor, and two orders of their Street Corn — which was honestly one of the highlights of the meal.

We also tried the Fried Chicken Sandwich, which unfortunately didn’t live up to the rest — bland and not really memorable, so that’s the only reason we’re docking a star.

Drinks were great — they have a really solid drink menu with great cocktails and local beers. We stuck with a couple of local brews and loved them.

All in all, The Bench nails it when it comes to vibes, views, brews, and bites (well, most of them). Definitely go for the experience — you...