We decided that we wanted to try a highly rated restaurant, The Coastal Kitchen. They only offer a seasonal prefix menu which can also enjoy a glass of wine with each course. The prefix menu has 6 courses. My husband and I are seniors and unable to eat that many courses. The restaurant offered a 3 course menu for us to select from. This was perfect. Each course was delicious and the presentation was superb. Gourmet delicious! I have attached a small sample of what we chose from the 3 course set menu. A must try restaurant, expensive, but worth it read more

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First off, absolutely the best view in Monterey for any restaurant. Great ambience, great service and good pacing on the tasting menu. Food was excellent overall, but they missed slightly on the duck and the dessert. Duck was a little overcooked and the olive oil cake dessert could have been a bit more moist. Otherwise, the black cod was very, very good and the crab and shrimp soup was excellent. Tortellini was also very tasty, but the chef really should let them shave the truffles at the table. Wine pairings were also nicely done with some unique wines. A couple more tweaks to the menu and they've got a michilen star for sure! read more

Coastal Kitchen has a panoramic view of Monterey bay! They provide binoculars at the table for otter watching. We had the three course menu which was delicious. And the service was friendly and gracious. read more

Coastal Kitchen Monterey - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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Came here on a weekend for the tasting menu. It was good value and the majority of the dishes were great. They weren't too busy that night(half full by the time we left) so we were able to pick a table right by a big window. The restaurant provided validation for 2 free hour of valet parking which was around the time we took to finish the meal. Note that for street parking near by the hotel, the parking meters were enforced until 8pm so it's probably a good idea to utilize the valet parking. Ceci - borba, olive, fennel; Tempura - artichoke, black button sage honey; Everlasting Carrot - walnut jam, popped sorghum: This was my least favorite dish of the night. The veggies were kind of bland and not memorable. Oyster - pacific gold, sunchoke, apple sabayon: The oysters were lightly poached and there were three of them. My husband had the oysters while mine was substituted with scallops. The scallops were juicy, succulent and cooked really well. Wood Roasted Local Black Cod - sweet corn, shishito, squash blossom, roasted coconut jus: Favorite dish of the night. The black cod was so moist and cooked to perfection! Ravioli in Brodo - corvus farms duck, pumpkin, pear butter: The duck filling was a bit dry. Dry-Aged Flannery Beef Ribeye- smoked spinach, candied onion, baker's bacon: The ribeye was tasty and everything went well together. Sweet Alyssum -fig, marigold, pistachio: the panna cotta was creamy, a delightful dessert. The staff was really courteous. It was a nice fine dining experience without breaking the bank. read more

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This was absolutely a solid 5-star experience!! The six course tasting menu was exquisite!! Every morsel was total perfection. Our server Racheal was so knowledgeable and knew ever minute detail about our meal. We did not do the full wine pairing but asked for wine to go with the ribeye. She spent a full 5 minutes describing in detail the profile, history and significance of the wine she recommended. The GM is a sommelier so the wine selection is impressive. Don't let it scare you away that this restaurant is inside a hotel, it's truly a unique and delectable experience! The views and cocktails are also superb! Costal Kitchen is downstairs at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. The restaurant is tucked away. Check in at the hostess stand for Schooners. I also want to mention the other gentleman who assisted Racheal. They were all very attentive and eager to provide a fine dining experience. I highly recommend! read more

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Hands down the best meal I've had in a very very long time. The tasting menu is incredible. Service was impeccable. We skipped the wine pairing and did bubbles and a bottle of Pinot which was wonderful. But seriously, I can't believe this place wasn't packed with no reservations available. The tortellini is worth it alone. read more

Coastal Kitchen Monterey - LOCAL KING SALMON - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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Excellent tasting menu from chef Michael Rotondo who was previously at Charlie Trotter in Chicago and Ritz Carlton San Francisco. Restaurant has a nice view of the ocean next to the casual restaurant Schooners at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Tables are well spaced apart and the wine pairing is highly recommended. Food and service is very good and the locally sourced seafood is nicely featured. Menu is changed at least monthly so look forward to future visits read more

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We love chefs choice tasting menu experiences especially for special occasions. The food was really good not the best I've had . The price was 150pp and 95pp additional for wine pairing. The sever and Somali lacked personality which degraded the experience for me . The host was great the server was not rude but lacked social skills and was hard to understand the Somalia was ok but lacked any conversation skills and spoke so quietly you could barely hear her . This was a one and done for me and altho a good meal I'd choose a different option next time. read more

Wow. This has to be the best tasting menu and best meal we have had in a long, long time. In fact, four days later we are still talking about it. Where do I begin? Each dish was so beautifully and thoughtfully created, the flavors perfectly complemented each other, and the service was some of the best we've ever had (many Michelin starred restaurants included). We had a window table, and trust me... these are some of the best views in Monterey. But honestly, I would have enjoyed eating this food in a back alley as well. The salmon was both our favorite dish of the night. My husband claims to "hate" cooked salmon. This salmon was lightly cooked and the tomato broth, rhubarb granita and herbs played beautifully together. 2nd favorite for me was the miso black cod and 3rd, the tortellini in cheese broth was so creative and full of flavor. The chocolate raspberry dessert was beautiful. Do the wine pairing. The sommelier is amazing and the price reasonable as every dish is paired, including dessert. We have already decided that we'll be back next time we're in Monterey. Hats off to the amazing chef, kitchen and waitstaff for this incredible restaurant and experience. read more

We went to the Coastal Kitchen for dinner at the recommendation of the front desk and convenience of dining at the same hotel we were staying. The waiter offered the five course menu and an alternative three course meal. We chose to go for the three course meal. We each had a different appetizer but decided that the linguini was the winner between the two. We ordered the same meal, a duet of beef, for the second course because, well... beef. When the plate arrived, it was a portion of short rib, a small serving of mashed potato, and what they said was a rib eye. The short rib was great. It was juicy and tender. Then I cut into the "rib eye." Never have I been more certain that it was a New York Strip. When I asked the waiter, he said it was a rib eye. He even went back to ask the chef, although it was barely enough time to talk before he was back. How do I know it was a NY? It was lean, beefier in taste, thinner in cut, and it just tasted like a NY strip. The waiter said it was a cut from a California cow, so it could be confused for a NY Strip. I guess CA cows must be on a very strict diet. I'm from CA and have never had such a lean ribeye, even when buying a cheap store cut. The cheesecake was overcooked and clearly noticeable by the toasty browned top. The raspberry sorbet gave a nice sweet tartness to the cheesecake. It came with pistachios that were toasted in butter, too. That provided a nice, sweet, crunchy addition to an otherwise overcooked cheesecake. The fact that the waiter lied and the cheesecake was overcpoked sets this rating at a 2 star. We were otherwise content with the meal, but it bugged that I was told rib eye when it was clearly not. read more

From the atmosphere to the amazing staff the Coastal Kitchen is an amazing dinning experience. The meticulously prepared meals from the chef and the perfectly picked wine pairing for each course can not be equaled. The attention provided by the staff to ensure our 30th anniversary dinner was perfect is unmatched. I highly recommend to anyone visiting the Monterey area. read more

Just amazing! We had such a delicious and memorable dinner here: polite and friendly service, unbelievable 5 course meal full of fresh flavors, and truly elegant and beautiful in every way. All tables have great ocean views. Each course is delivered with impeccable detail. We were blown away! Thank you for a lovely dinner. $135/person/pre-fixe dinner +$80/person wine pairing (Totally worth the money, especially if a special occasion.) read more

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What a nice surprise to find out 1 of awesome chefs is now an executive chef here at the brand new Coastal Kitchen at historical Monterey Plaza Hotel on Cannery Row, Monterey, chef Michael Rotondo. The Coastal Kitchen is located on the lower level of the hotel, next door the the popular Schooner restaurant (where chef Rotondo is also oversee the menu). Such a romantic restaurant with a beautiful water view. I suggest early sitting 5:30-6pm is a better option, because you can enjoy the peaceful view and water before it gets dark! Chef Rotondo last worked at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, Parallel 37. He worked at many Michelin-starred restaurants and Forbes five-star hotels across the United States and Europe, including the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges and Charlie Trotter's. In 2008, Rotondo was awarded "Most Promising Chef" by chefs Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller after competing in the United States Bocuse d'Or culinary competition. After the pandemic, Parallel 37 shut down. We didn't know where chef headed next, but I was over joy to locate him here in Monterey Bay where seafood and farm to table Ingredients are plenty here. Such a perfect spot for him and we got lucky to try his food again. A fantastic tasting menu seafood centric but the short rib takes the trophy for the night! The seafood tray with oyster, clam and mussel is an absolutely MUST TRY! Seafood lovers, you are in for a real treat! While vegetarian would love this starters: WHITE ASPARAGUS hoja santa, seabeans, remoulade SUNCHOKE trout, green garlic HEIRLOOM BEETS tangerine, anise hyssop - love this so much MAINE DIVER SCALLOP - snap pea, celtuce, buttermilk, almond, horseradish - lot of texture, like a party in your mouth good! MISO MARINATED BLACK COD - watermelon radish, grated carrot, kishu mandarin, coconut jus - so fresh like Spring has Sprung in your mouth! BROCCOLI TORTELLINI - moonflower, pistachio, parsnip milk - MUST ADD on fresh black truffle :-) 48-HOUR BRAISED BEEF SHORTRIB - forbidden rice, grilled pan di zucchero, black trumpet mushroom bouillon - DELICIOUS VALRHONA ISPAHAN raspberry, lychee, rose, champagne, pink peppercorn - hubby devoured it! VERY REASONABLE price, I don't think you can find food this tasty, high quality, fresh AF, for this price, in San Francisco or Silicon Valley! Beautiful wine list, love, love the Italian selection, the wine pairing ARPEPE for the short rib was absolutely beautiful together. My hubby and I loved every dish, GENEROUS portion, texture and flavor through our all his dishes. We are looking forward to bing our parents back here soon! So glad to have found him again here!! Thank you CHEF for the love, thanks to our wonderful and beautiful server Paige and back servers for the excellent service! Thank you Somm Andy for the wine chat and service, as well as Sommelier Conrad Reddick for the warm hospitality. This is a must when you visit Monterey Bay, reservation please! read more

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Service and food were excellent. Would highly recommend to anyone staying at the hotel.

Simply fantastic! We enjoyed a fantastic and unforgettable supper here: pleasant and helpful service, an incredible five-course meal full of fresh flavors, and a genuinely classy and gorgeous setting in every manner. The service is excellent, and the locally sourced fish is prominently displayed. The ocean is visible from every table. Each course is delivered with meticulous attention to detail. We were astounded! Thank you for a wonderful supper. Would suggest getting a bottle of wine instead of the $80 wine pairing. Definitely coming back here again! read more

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This was a special treat. We enjoyed the smaller chefs menu and every item was fantastic. Our server made the meal particularly memorable with her engaging demeanor and great wine knowledge. Beautiful atmosphere right on the water. read more

Coastal Kitchen Monterey - One of the many great wines we tried with our dinner. - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

Simply delicious & tasty. Good value for money. Why ? Because usually, nice views inflate prices. But 145$ for a 5 course menu is right. Service was excellent and not overwhelming. Our only remark : no champagne stoppers. Quick tip : come earlier to enjoy seeing the Otaries with the binoculars provided by the restaurant. read more

Coastal Kitchen is a hidden gem, literally. The place is incredibly hard to find. It's located inside the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa but there's no signage at all. Once you do find it (next to Schooners) you think you're going to Schooners because again, signage is terrible. However, highly recommend going. The 5 course tasting ($145) + wine pairing ($95) is amazing and a very good value. The views are amazing and the service incredible. Rachel and Sarah took great care of us and I was even able to swap out a beef course for scallops. Also highly recommend the wine pairing since it really elevates the already wonderful food. Will definitely be coming back! read more

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we did the full gusto experience whatever it is called. The upgraded upgrade. Extremely enjoyable experience. Food was excellent and paired very well. I enjoyed the view, the quiet, calm and romantic setting. I think it was a 7 or 9 course?. We were stuffed and rolled out of there happy as one could be. The wagu was better at Alexanders in Cupertino, this one did not melt like butter in our mouths, and we did pay wagu prices, and we have had wagu several times. Actually, mine was tough to chew. The rest was very good and I would come back. It is better than most but not close to Manresa, which sadly I think closed. However, for sure we will be back. Service was great. A screw up on the wagu is forgivable, this time. ;) read more

Service 5 stars Plating 4 stars Taste 2 stars Ambiance 4 stars Overall I would not go again. The service, plaiting and ambiance were nice, but the food fell flat. The amuse Boucher was just ok, the highlight was the white asparagus. Soup next, unfortunately there were pieces of shell. Next was the cod, the skin was tough and rubbery. The duck was a little better, but overcooked. After that short rib with wagyu beef side. The short rib was dry, wagyu was overcooked to medium, and the sweet potato purée was way too sweet. Last was the olive oil cake and gelato. The cake was dry and gelato had chunks of ice, it was not smooth at all. read more

WOW! This restaurant was amazing. It is indoors overlooking the Monterey bay, and each table situated near a window had a pair of binoculars (there were quite a few otters in the bay below)! The staff were professional, knowledgeable, and polite. They expertly explained each dish when it was served. When we went, it was a fixed course menu- one could order either the three or five course dinner. One thing to note is that everyone at the table must order the same number of courses; we couldn't have two people ordering the three course menu and one person having the five. For my first course, I had the salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. It was absolutely delicious and refreshing. The lettuce was crispy, it had spiraled carrots and beets, and the dressing was perfectly distributed. The second course was a wine braised short rib and a ribeye- also delicious! The short rib was on the sweet side and perfectly fell apart when cut into. The ribeye was nicely cooked with some pink in the middle. It had less marbling than my ideal ribeye would, but it was still amazing and I would order it again. The dish was served with mashed potatoes and a gravy like sauce. For dessert, I had the basque cheese cake, which was light and had a lovely rich flavor! It came with a scoop of sorbet. I am not usually one for cheese cake, but I would order this one again! Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a nice dinner- perhaps an anniversary or special occasion. read more

Hotel food masquerading at high end Californian. Some of it works, some seems unpolished for the price. Mostly though, just comes across as Monterey tourist chic. read more

TASTY OR WASTEY? Totally tasty!!! We have been coming to this restaurant for years. Made reservations, not knowing that it had changed. It is now a "Tasting " restaurant. You pay one fee, per person ($145) and you get a 5 course meal, prepared by a Micheline star chef. We hesitated at first, because, I had a hankering for Cioppino. But, we said, let's try it, for the experience. It was a 2 hour and 20 minutes of fancy pants food. Presentation was absolutely beautiful. I told myself, no matter what, I'm going to try everything. I loved 80% of everything served. I didn't care for the extreme amount of mint in the pasta. Some things were overly salty for my taste. But, our waitress was amazingly friendly, and, the best service. I will be back. Menu changes every 6 weeks. I will come back once a year, for a special occasion. I highly recommend. We ended up paying $407 with tip. We don't drink. I suspect others pay at least an extra hundred or more for alcohol. read more

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We enjoyed our date night here. The service was outstanding - the team concept works well here and the courses flowed. Wine pours could have been more generous, but we left happy. Might not have been worth $600 but you only live once! read more

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Food - absolutely not worth the hype nor the price. 100% of their efforts is making the plates look like art forms of food. Service - worse than awful. e.g. Pea soup - looks fabulous when brought to table, served from incorrect side and taken away from incorrect side. Soup spoon delivered by hand of waiter to 6 people at table. The soup was so thin that it was like green pea water. Bus boy was able to tell us more about the food and how it was cooked than the waiter. Waiter never checked on us with any course, never explained much on the food, never offered us drinks nor wine when we sat down. Chilean Sea Bass - not fresh, clearly fresh frozen, not cooked enough and piece big enough for a child. The plate was absolutely gorgeous - looked like an art form (food not so good, but had the most wonderful appearance). The prices are ridiculous for what is served including the wine. Beware - we didn't have the tasting menu - we did the 3 course fixed price dinner...BEWARE, it's going to look great...BEWARE WHEN THE BILL ARRIVES- 6 people, no wine, 4 cocktails, 1 mineral water and no extras, not even coffee, total billing: $875. So - we went to dinner and nearly paid to buy the restaurant!!! read more

Such an amazing experience! The servers were extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the dishes. Every single plate was mind-blowing and well worth the price tag. Definitely try their berry mojito while you're there read more

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We recently discovered that Coastal Kitchen is frankly one of the best restaurants in the Monterey/Carmel community. Being a resident of Monterey, we would generally avoid the restaurants on Cannery Row. However during a recent power outage, we decided to try Coastal Kitchen because Cannery Row still had power. What a pleasant and unexpected surprise! First of all, the service was amazing reminiscent of the service at any Michelin star restaurant. Our servers/somms, Rachel and Sarah, provided one of the most pleasant and enjoyable experiences we have ever had at a restaurant. Both of them were attentive and just such nice people. The food was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed the prix fix menu with three courses rather than the five course fare. I am not one to go into detail about the individual plates and courses. But I can say that the food rivals the other nice restaurants in the Monterey/Carmel community such as Chez Noir, Foray, Cella and Stokes Adobe which are our go-to restaurants. The only downside is the ambiance. You need to walk through the Monterey Plaza Hotel to get to the restaurant which imparts a rather institutional vibe. But once inside the restaurant you are afforded a lovely view of the Monterey Bay. All in all, the Coastal Kitchen should not be missed and will be added to our rotation of great restaurants in Monterey Bay. read more

Both the meal and the service were exceptional. My husband and I rolled in looking a bit shabby after a long day of travel and were treated with five star service from the start. The hostess staff were incredibly professional and seamlessly guided us to our table, explained the lay of the land, and took our coats for safe keeping until we finished our meal. We then had the pleasure of being served by an incredible service staff that managed to all be a perfect mix of warm and friendly while maintaining the highest level of professionalism and skill. We chose to do the wine pairing with the meal and enjoyed our interactions with the sommelier as they described the history and tasting notes of each wine. The wines also paired perfectly with each dish. This is a tasting pairing for a tasting menu so do not expect a full glass of wine at each course. You will receive a serving of about 4-5 sips which ends up being the perfect amount to compliment each course. The food was incredible and the menu had obviously been meticulously thought out which is impressive for a seasonal menu where ingredients could change daily based on availability and freshness. Each dish had clean yet complex flavors and was perfectly seasoned, prepared, and presented. Normally when I eat out, I will keep a list of notes in my head of how the food could be improved upon or how I might prepare it differently, but not so here. This was truly a celebration and respect of food and the dining experience in general. My only regret is that we booked a reservation for after the sun had gone down as the restaurant has incredible views and even provides binoculars at each table. I highly recommend coastal kitchen for anyone looking to have a truly wonderful and special dining experience. We will definitely be returning the next time we find ourselves in this area of the world. Tip: the restaurant is not easy to find and shares a dining room with Schooner's. I don't think we ever saw a sign for Coastal Kitchen. You must enter the lobby of the Monterey plaza hotel, then take the central stairs down a level, then navigate a little maze of hallways before checking in at the host stand for Schooner's. read more

Incredible food, service and atmosphere! We live 5 hours away and cannot wait to get back. The tasting menu and wine pairings was extraordinary and I find myself still thinking about the striped bass. read more

Outstanding service from the minute you walk in, they already remember it's your birthday! The staff is super friendly and attentive and every course changes out your silverware and makes sure you have a glass full of water. The food was delicious. Every course was the perfect amount. While it may look "small" each course all together really fills you up, especially because of how decadent each dish is. The restaurant was clean and the atmosphere was cozy romantic. While it was expensive, they were not an overly stuffy staff where you feel out of place if you're wearing jeans and a tshirt (which someone was wearing). Definitely will be back ! read more

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A fairly new establishment with a very well curated prie fixe menu. I highly recommend the wine pairing and the wagyu substitution, it took our meal up a notch. We were fortunate to be seated next to windows with spectacular bay views. I look forward to returning here in the future. read more

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Just okay...would not return. Had to ask for more water when my glass was empty. Tomato soup was blah....fish good....dessert very good. Expensive for the service and food. read more

Amazing food. Great atmosphere and customer service. I had non alcoholic drinks which were very tasty! read more

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The ambience and views were great. Our water server was great. Other than that, I ordered the 3-course meal, and both cuts of beef came out cold. But never had a chance to let the server know because other than taking our order and dropping off the check, she was no where to be found (and it was not busy tonight). For the price point here, even if the food isn't great, the expectation is great service. Neither was even mediocre tonight. We tried this place while on our anniversary trip based on good reviews, but this was the most disappointing meal I've had in a long time. Better to stick with downtown Carmel restaurants. read more

As good as it gets and best dining experience in the Monterey Peninsula. Why this place doesn't yet have a star is beyond me. Michelin - anyone out there listening? Hard to believe Chez Noir is ahead on this score. Seriously. Sent a note to the crew today saying the following: Just wanted to say thank you to chef Michael, Rachel and yourself (and staff) for the fabulous dinner last evening. We enjoyed a memorable birthday dinner and the experience was sublime. Always appreciate your fine establishment and just wanted to send a note of gratitude. Thanks for a special evening! This restaurant hits it out of the park on all fronts. The food is fresh, amazingly prepared, served beautifully and tastes amazing. Their five course tasting menu (this is now our third time there) is always a winner with enough changes to keep things fresh and seasonality front and center. The courses are balanced with seafood and fish taking center stage but short rib and duck was present too and bonus: amazing specially made pasta last evening with Iberian ham and truffle - mouth watering - OMG so good. We always opt for the wine pairing which makes for a treat as these are wines we'd never try and are very well matched. One choice didn't hit the note for us and the next thing we knew a special course 'to make up for it' was placed in front of us. Unnecessary but the type of class this place offers on all dimensions. And the grey goose martini to start off the evening (our tradition) was the right ice cold and also beautifully made. Bonus round: the staff is the same and very welcoming and the view - well lets just say it rounds out the experience and is positively breathtaking. Love love love this place. We love Lucia, Foray, People, Grasings and many others we are blessed with in our area. Stillwater we won't go to anymore - it's tired. We haven't been to Aubergine and will give it a try. Chez Noir - our one and only time was 'meh' conceptually conflicted and a bit of a mess. We chalk that up to being newly opened. But for us Coastal Kitchen is at the head of the pack with a close 2nd and 3rd with Foray, and Lucia. They are all up there in the fine-dining arena-- - yet the type of place you can go to on a weeknight. Coastal Kitchen is that special experience space worth every penny and generous on all fronts. It's simply incomparable on the central coast and we love love love it. read more

Their service is Awesome! The wait staff made us feel so welcome; they were warm and attentive without being obtrusive. I think that this establishment is so lucky to have such wonderful staff! If I could, I'd hire them myself! And their sampling menu is excellent too. read more

Celebrated 20th anniversary here. Amazing food, service, drinks and atmosphere. Highly recommended

I was alone, but had the wine dinner. it was absolutely delicious. The sommelier was knowledgeable, friendly, and did an excellent job describing the food and wine that was presented. The views,ambience. And food were first class! read more

Absolutely incredible dinner at the reimagined Coastal Kitchen. The views are as you'd expect- beyond breathtaking and the cuisine and wine pairings were really beyond spectacularly delicious!! I could not more Highly highly recommend!!!! Plus note: I have annoying dietary restrictions and they took a special effort to make my experience as special as everyone at the table. It was impressive! Thank you for a very lovely evening!! read more

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Mmmm. Just returned from brunch at Coastal Kitchen and I want to encourage all of our Monterey County neighbors to treat themselves to this culinary delight. As a longtime local, the Monterey Plaza Hotel has never disappointed, and Coastal Kitchen is no exception. It is the perfect location to enjoy staycations, special events and any Sunday of the year! (okay-any day of the year!) It goes without saying that the dining room boasts views that always awe and amaze! (even for locals!) The food, service, ambience and what seemed like a bottomless glass of champagne delivered with the perfect balance of charm, humor and local camaraderie delivered by Rachel were all chef's kiss!10 out of 10! Her colleague Jose' rounded out the experience with his exceptional service delivered with his kind & gentle demeanor. Of course, hat's off to the kitchen artists who created the delectable and decadent plates! And the icing on the cake? They validate for valet parking! Seriously, spoil yourself! Thank you, Coastal Kitchen! We'll be back! read more