Exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a memorable experience for families, but keeping little ones happy often means finding the perfect spot for family-friendly dining nearby. Fortunately, Monterey’s Cannery Row is home to a variety of restaurants that cater to all ages, some offering kid-approved menus, relaxed atmospheres, and ocean views. Here are our top picks for family-friendly dining within a short stroll of the Aquarium.
1. Abalonetti Bar & Grill
Why Families Love It: Overlooking Old Fisherman’s Wharf, this spot offers seafood classics and an easygoing atmosphere.
- Kids’ Menu: Fish & chips, cheeseburger, fruit cup
- Adult Favorites: Clam chowder in sourdough bowl, grilled salmon flatbread
- Location: 700 Cannery Row, Monterey
- Website
2. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Why Families Love It: Forrest Gump theme, table games for kids, shrimp-centric menu.
- Kids’ Menu: Shrimp poppers, popcorn shrimp, chicken fingers
- Adult Favorites: Shrimp New Orleans, shrimp scampi pasta
- Location: 720 Cannery Row, Monterey
- Website
3. Chart House
Why Families Love It: Upscale-casual dining with an impressive kids’ program—coloring kits and a stand-alone children’s menu. Open for lunch Saturday and Sunday only.
- Kids’ Menu: Chicken tenders, mini steak, pasta pomodoro
- Adult Favorites: Prime rib, fresh local seafood, signature cocktails, salad bar
- Location: 444 Cannery Row, Monterey
- Website
4. Coniglio Brothers Italian Deli
Why Families Love It: Excellent sandwiches perfect for creating a picnic lunch. Call ahead to place your order and then you can pick it up just as you’re ready for lunch.
- Favorites: House favorites or build your own from an extensive list of choices.
- Location: 750 Cannery Row, Monterey (831-901-3175)
- Website
5. El Torito
Why Families Love It: Delicious Mexican food in a casual setting. Lots of seating so the wait is usually reasonable. Serving breakfast on Saturday and an all-you-can-eat brunch on Sunday.
- Favorites: The create your own combo is a favorite.
- Location: 600 Cannery Row, Monterey (831-901-3175)
- Website
5. First Awakenings
Why Families Love It: Pancakes shaped like sea creatures, hearty breakfasts to fuel a day at the Aquarium. It’s consistently on “best breakfast” lists compiled by local media. Located just a short walk from the Aquarium but expect a wait at peak times.
- Kids’ Menu: Mini pancakes, scrambled eggs & bacon
- Adult Favorites: Crab-benedict, huevos rancheros, Belgian waffles
- Location: 300 David Ave, Monterey
- Website
6. Lalla Grill Oceanside
Why Families Love It: Bright, modern Mexican-Californian menu with shareable plates and a special kids’ selection.
- Kids’ Menu: Bean & cheese quesadilla, chicken taco
- Adult Favorites: Baja fish tacos, carnitas platter, house-made aguas frescas
- Location: 654 Cannery Row, Monterey
- Website
7. Louie Linguini’s
Why Families Love It: Italian-inspired seafood in a casual setting with beautiful views of McAbee Beach.
- Kids’ Menu: Fish and chips
- Adult Favorites: Fisherman’s platter and cioppino
- Location: 660 Cannery Row, Monterey
- Website
8. The Fish Hopper
Why Families Love It: Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay, approachable seafood, plus a kids’ menu of classics.
- Kids’ Menu: Fish & chips, grilled cheese, mac ’n’ cheese
- Adult Favorites: Cioppino, local fish of the day
- Location: 701 Cannery Row, Monterey
- Website
Pair your Monterey Aquarium adventure with these family-friendly dining spots, and you’ll keep everyone happy and energized for more fun!
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