The Monterey area is home to dozens of beautiful, romantic restaurants — with many right on the water offering picturesque views. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there’s no better time to try one.
Any of the following five restaurants would be perfect for Valentine’s Day or another romantic evening:
Affina, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Modern bistro meets New American classics in this beautiful Carmel restaurant with an open-beam ceiling. Choose an appetizer like steamed manilla clams, grilled cheese or house poutine to share with your special someone. Finish with entrees like chicken piccata, pasta Bolognese, “Mary’s Fried Chicken,” and more.
“They have a great menu and amazingly delicious meals but the location is convenient, cozy, candlelit and my absolute favorite is the beautiful white baby grand piano and player that comes on towards the evening,” said local Violet Giovanni. “So romantic and you can request songs to be played! Just enough room for a few couples to dance by the piano. We enjoyed a local woman celebrating her 98th birthday that jumped on the piano and played some amazing pieces and offered to play requests too.”
- 6th Ave and San Carlos St.,
- Carmel, 93921
- 831-250-7744
- www.affinacarmel.com
- Hours: 5-11 pm Monday-Wednesday and 11 am-11 pm Thursday-Sunday
Bistro Moulin, Monterey
This cozy bistro located a block above Cannery Row is known for its classic French cuisine and wine selections. The chef, Didier Dutertre, opened the restaurant inspired by Parisian cafes. His simple yet elegant menu includes items like coq au vin, moules frites and confit de canard.
“The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and cozy but in a French countryside sort of a way, not an ‘I’m using cozy as a euphemism for small kind of way,’” said Carmel resident Michelle Arnold Dominguez. “It feels intimate with the low lighting and decor and the food, which is as authentic as it is fabulous, begs to be shared. Every time I walk in, I feel like it’s an occasion to enjoy a glass of something bubbly and feel like there’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
- 867 Wave Street Monterey, CA 93940
- 831-333-1200
- www.bistromoulin.com
- Hours: 5-9 pm daily
Nepenthe, Big Sur
This California fare eatery sits on a Big Sur cliffside, making it a perfect romantic spot. There’s also a terrace where you can sip one of their 400+ wines. Their dinner menu has items like duck leg confit, steak frites, California beet salad, and the famous “Ambrosiaburger.”
“It is perfect for a romantic dinner,” said Gonzales resident Emily Rios. “Make sure to sit out on the patio and watch the sunset with your sweetie while having some great food and wine. You can make a whole day of it by maybe visiting Julia Pfeiffer State Park for a short hike with more stunning views and then meander the Nepenthe gift shop.”
- 48510 Highway One, Big Sur, 93920
- 831-667-2345
- www.nepenthe.com
- Hours: 11:30 am-10 pm daily
Patria, Salinas
This Salinas restaurant is more than just Italian — it’s also German and French-inspired. They serve house-made pasta, traditional schnitzel, flatbread pizzas and more. Their “Farm Plate” entrees feature meats and seafood like rabbit, salmon, lamb, veal, and scallops. The rustic decor transports you to Europe and sets the mood for a romantic evening.
“Patria in old Town Salinas is a great intimate date night place,” said local Steven Olsen. “Good food, calm atmosphere, won’t break the bank either.”
- 228 Main Street, Salinas, 93901
- 831-424-5555
- Hours: 5-8 pm Tuesday-Thursday,
- 5-9 pm Friday and Saturday
Shadowbrook, Capitola
With the slogan “Romance in dining since 1947,” you know this Santa Cruz county restaurant/attraction will fit the bill, complete with quirky dining rooms, a lounge, a cable car, and California cuisine. Entrees include dishes like lobster tail, chicken marsala, fresh swordfish, and chateau sirloin.
Monterey resident Mckayla Deal says Shadowbook is extremely unique.
“They have beautiful gardens and lots of history,” she said. “To get down to the restaurant's entrance there’s a tram/elevator that goes down the side of the hill. It’s just really fun, but fancy at the same time!”
- 1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, 95010
- 831-475-1511
- www.shadowbrook-capitola.com
- Hours: (Dining room) 4:30-8:45 pm Monday-Friday, 3:30-9 pm Saturday and 2-8:45 pm Sunday