Monterey County, located in the Central Coast of California, is renowned for its unique food and wine scene. The region offers unforgettable dining experiences with an abundance of locally procured ingredients and a year-round growing season. Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainably caught seafood, and world-renowned wines are integral to Monterey County's culinary landscape, with numerous award-winning restaurants showcasing the best of regional produce and seafood, complemented by exceptional wine pairings from local vineyards.
The county is home to several notable wineries, including Hahn Family Wines in the Santa Lucia Highlands, known for their mountain vistas and limited-release vintages. Joyce Winery in Carmel Valley features a lively tasting room offering weekly flights of carefully selected wines. Alongside traditional wineries, there is a thriving craft beer scene with establishments like Other Brother Beer Co. in Seaside, offering brews alongside specialty sandwiches and taproom snacks.
Monterey County's food scene extends beyond fine dining, encompassing casual options such as sourdough bread from local bakeries and destination-worthy burritos swaddled in tortillas available throughout the area. For those seeking Michelin-starred restaurants, Aubergine and Chez Noir in Carmel-by-the-Sea offer exceptional menus worth exploring. The culinary landscape continues to evolve with new additions like Korean restaurant Jeju Kitchen and upscale Mexican eatery Nicolás Cocina de Herencia, enriching the diversity of flavors and cultures represented in Monterey County.