Five Must-Do Restaurants in Monterey’s Cannery Row
The Cannery Row area of Monterey has plenty of activities to keep your family busy for days, great hotels to stay at, and lots of shopping, but what about the most important aspect of travel…dining?!? Cannery Row has a number of great restaurants within walking distance of the hotels and attractions, but there are several that stood out as outstanding dining choice. Here are my recommendations for Five Must-Do Restaurants in Monterey’s Cannery Row.
{I was invited as a guest of Cannery Row Company to experience Cannery Row in Monterey, but photographs and opinions are my own, unless otherwise noted.}
1. Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar
Schooners Coastal Kitchen, located inside the Monterey Plaza Hotel, offers gourmet dining with beautiful seaside views. The chef works closely with the Monterey Bay Aquarium to feature sustainable seafood; he also works with local farmers for meat and produce. The menu is extensive, with delicious appetizers and small plates, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. My favorite dish was the Central Coast Artichoke Chowder, chock full of local artichokes! Entrees range from $24.00 to $60.00. For more information and to make reservations at Schooners, please visit their website.
2. The Fish Hopper
The Fish Hopper is located in the center of Cannery Row, at the end of Steinbeck Plaza, gorgeous views of Monterey Bay, and both indoor and outdoor seating. The Fish Hopper is family-friendly, with something for everyone on the menu. The Fish Hopper is especially known for its variety of salads–I tried the Shrimp & Crab Louie Salad, and it was one of the freshest I have ever tasted! The Fish Hopper also has an extensive cocktail and dessert menu, so be sure to try something new and different! Entrees range from $19.95 to about $42.95. For information about The Fish Hopper, please visit their website.
3. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Inspired by the iconic movie, Forrest Gump, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co is the ultimate family dining destination, and the Monterey location is the original Bubba Gump, opened in 1996. Although the menu features many seafood dishes (especially shrimp), they are also known for their ribs, burgers, and chicken. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has a great kids menu with chicken fingers, pizza, and of course, shrimp. I love the crispy-sweet Coconut Shrimp and the hush puppies! Entrees range from $11.95 to $24.00. Tip: The servers have all kinds of Forrest Gump movie trivia and will test your knowledge if you ask nicely! To view the menu, visit their website.
4. Cannery Row Brewing Company
The Cannery Row Brewing Company (CRBC), located a block north of Cannery Row, is a fun restaurant for the whole family, with an eclectic menu with unique dishes. How about an 18 oz Parmesan pretzel, a Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or one of their famous CRBC burgers? The Cannery Row Brewing Company has over 75 beers on tap (the second largest collection in Northern California), so be sure to try a beer flight of their popular beers, while the kids sip on a malted Oreo milkshake. Although CRBC is not located on the bay, it has great outdoor patio seating, with views of Cannery Row and the bay in the distance. Entrees range from $10.95 to $22.95. Take a look at their menu and make reservations here.
5. The Chart House
Located at the end of Cannery Row, The Chart House offers fine dining with the added bonus of breathtaking 180-degree views of the bay. Specialty dishes include Macadamia Nut Mahi, Potato Crusted Halibut, and Prime Rib, and guests can graze at the famous Chart House salad bar. Be sure to order a bowl of the Lobster Bisque, it is so good! The Chart House has a comprehensive wine menu, featuring many local and regional wines. Entrees range from $29.00 to $42.00. To make reservations, please visit their website.
