Petra Cafe

4.2 (291 reviews)

InexpensiveMediterranean, Cafes

Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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Petra Cafe - Chicken gyro sandwich. So little meat - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

Petra Cafe - Interior painted walls - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

Petra Cafe - Petra combination and kafta kabob combo - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

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Petra Cafe - order area - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

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PETRA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Moderate noise

Casual

Outdoor seating

Good for kids

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I've walked by this place many times and kind of wanted to try it, so I finally did. The place seemed very dingy, but I wanted to give it a chance. I had high hopes, but I was really disappointed. I ordered the chicken shawarma bowl , and for $20 I was shocked at how small the portion was -- maybe six small pieces of chicken in a tiny bowl. The chicken was horribly seasoned and super dry, and the rice wasn't much better. I honestly don't even know what to call it. I left still hungry and feeling like I completely wasted my money. The best thing I had was the Dr. Pepper -- because they didn't make it. I would walk a block down the street and go to Nick the Greek instead. This place is not worth it. Save your money.

Steven G.

My wife and I came here for a casual dinner the first long day of the seminar in Monterey. We had reservations at a fancy place, But we were both tired and this place was close to our hotel. It's a small place with a Mediterranean color scheme. Their menu includes enough variety where you can find something you like. They serve beer and wine, though I didn't see a menu or price list for them. The guy that takes your order brings the food. He was fine. My wife ordered a bowl of lentil soup and a side of hummus. She really liked the hummus. I tasted it and it was creamy and rich. She didn't have enough pita to finish the hummus, but we got her a to go container to bring the rest back to the fridge in the hotel. She thought the soup was fine. It was a bit under seasoned for her and needed salt and pepper. I had a Greek salad topped with gyro meat. The gyro meat appeared to not be the preformed frozen type. It had pieces of different shapes and thicknesses. The meat was tender. It wasn't as strongly flavored as most gyro I've had. But it tasted good. The tzatziki served with it was mostly yogurt, again a little under seasoned. The salad was ok. There was one sliver of red pepper and one of green, some thick red onion partial slices, a few cherry tomatoes, and some feta. The feta tasted pretty good. The dressing was very vinegar forward with few other seasonings. The lettuce was romaine, and 80% were the ribs with attached leaves. The salad was not a great choice. At more than $20 with gyro, was not worth it. It's not about the money. It just wasn't that good. When I saw the small salad was $11 and was served on a 6" diameter plate, I should have reconsidered my choice. The real reason this gets no more than a 3 is that it was freezing inside. It was about 50 outside and inside. The order/server guy was bundled up. The temperature was not pleasant. So the food was mostly just ok (except the hummus), it was freezing inside, and the service was fine. How is that more than a 3?

kafta kabab combination & petra combination

Liz B.

A great Mediterranean spot for casual eats that's located in a busy downtown street with many other shops! The Petra combination is a great way to try two different meats. The tzatziki was delicious and complemented the meats well, and the kafta kabab was seasoned well. The cashier was also very friendly and help clean out our plates after we finished eating. Overall I'd recommend it!

Natalie Y.

for the tzatziki alone, 5 stars. it was soooo delicious!! i thought I didn't like tzatziki sauce but thanks to Petra cafe, i think i love it the meats were also pretty delicious, esp when paired with both the hummus and tzatziki. the salads are also great for adding some fiber to ur diet~ we were craving something light for dinner and this was the perfect spot. the pita bread was a little bit dry and thin, not what I'm used to but still does the job nonetheless. i would come back solely for the tzatziki :) service is order at the counter and they'll bring out the food to you if you choose to dine in. the inside is pretty small! just a handful of tables. its right in the middle of downtown Monterey so theres much to explore after you're done eating

Lita S.

This is a nice place. The food cost is high, and I was surprised it was about $50 for two meals and rice. Especially because it's a small place. I was also surprised that my receipt for each item was higher than what is listed on the menu. In addition, $7 for a side of rice seems excessive. The cashier was polite and the food came out fairly quickly. For a Thursday evening at 7pm there weren't any other patrons and I wonder if it was the chilly evening or the high prices. Over all the vegetarian combo was good. The fish and chips were ok - not great like a fish place but ok. The pita bread was from a store and a bit stale. The stuffed grape leaves were ok. The hummus was really good. I wonder if the y lowered the prices a little and maybe had some specials, people might be willing to go there for a meal. But with the high price I probably won't be going again.

Jonathan C.

Was looking for a quick healthyish bite in the area and decided to stop by here. Ordered a Falafael sandwich combo with fries, Petra combination platter and a small baba ghanouj (comes with pita). The gyro was a bit on the salty side and wasn't a big fan of their grape leaf. The falafel and baba ghanouj were solid and their pita has a nice texture. Overall, flavors were fine, but nothing special. It's not a bad place to pop by for a quick bite, but wouldn't seek it out.

Dexter F.

Great little spot in downtown Monterey. The Mediterranean food was excellent. The Gyro combo plate was spot on with a soda for a bit $15. I think this is my favorite in downtown Monterey for lunch/dinner. It is simple and very good.

Chicken gyro platter Baklava Lemon Turkish delight

Grace C.

Cozy Greek restaurant w a couple tables outside and indoor seating. Chicken gyro platter was fun to eat as we made our own gyros with the tasty thin strips of gyros. Note: the chicken gyros can sell out. Lemon Turkish Delights- refreshing Baklava- pretty good

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Gerard B.

113

5 years ago

A little hole in the wall on Avarado St, this place serves very tasty Middle Eastern food that provides a nice alternative to the other restaurants in the area. I like to sit at one of their tables outside to enjoy the sun and the people passing by. read more

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Ari C.

120

6 years ago

All the chairs and tables were stacked away for covid. Everyone was wearing masks. The food was good and pitas seemed fresh and lively. Fair prices. read more

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Mia K.

4 years ago

This place has the best falafel ever, I brought my Egyptian and Palestinian friend along and they agreed so we got more falafel for the drive back! The owner was also very nice guy. I try to go whenever I come to this area from Arizona! read more

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Alex B.

4 years ago

I was expecting a cheap eat with decent quality given the 4.5 star reviews on Yelp. The food was tasty but $14.50 seemed a little pricey for the quality and size of the combo. The friend were also sub par. read more

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Amanda D.

172

6 years ago

Their food is always amazing, the service is fantastic and they were doing a great job during COVID. Highly recommend!

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Tash B.

3 years ago

amazing food! came here randomly and was pleasantly surprised. food came out in 5 mins and total normal price! loved it.. will definitely come back if i'm ever in monterey read more

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Kelsey B.

8 years ago

It was ok. Dolmas seem like they were pre-made and sitting for a while. I found their falafel to be a bit dry, and their tahini sauce was just tahini and water. No highchairs for kids either, so had to take it to go. read more

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Sarah C.

9 years ago

Wonderful! I ordered the vegetarian platter and shared it. My favorites were the naan bread that it comes with, the hummus, and the falafel! The falafel was crispy and tasty. We were helped immediately and so were the other customers. There wasn't actually a thing I would change about it. read more

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Kevin C.

6 years ago

Delicious food served by a very kind person who I believe was the owner! The owner checked on us a few times and seemed genuinely interested in us having an amazing experience. Thank you :) read more

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Madison N.

6 years ago

We stopped by here to have a quick bite before heading home. There was only one gentleman working. He was very kind and accommodating. The food was absolutely delicious. Wonderful food and outstanding customer service. We will be returning for sure! read more

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Rose G.

110

163

115

9 years ago

Pros: -charming cafe -kefta and grilled chicken delicious -fries amazing -Rice good -Service incredible. The older guy that served us was very attentive and gave us some recommendations on what to get. Also gave us a heads up on the trolly bus and how it can take us to Monterey Bay Aquarium for free. Cons: -can't think of one Would definitely come back when I'm in the area. read more

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Smita J.

5 years ago

Delicious, authentic food. And the owners are so nice! Lovely spot, not pretentious at all, perfect with the kids. Highly recommended!

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Diana K.

148

4 years ago

Small, informal, super yummy Greek/Turkish/Mediterranean food. Very easy to be vegetarian. The veggie combo platter was perfect.

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Chris B.

6 years ago

Gyros are very good the special also comes with a salad and a drink! Service was excellent. Prices are great as well highly reccomend! It doesn't hurt to have healthy food as well :) read more

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Akber S.

5 years ago

Nice guy but the food was not good. We ordered the gyros platter and the chicken kebab and gyros meat was very dry. The hummus was good.

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Stacy P.

265

172

7 years ago

Hubby had the Gyro with Greek Salad, was delicious! I had falafel and fries also fantastic. The only thing to complain about is that both the flatbread and pita could have been warmed before the sandwiches were made. They could have also closed the door, rather than having it propped open on a chilly December evening, made it a chilly place to sit and eat. read more

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Michelle D.

7 years ago

Good Mediterranean food, the owner was welcoming and explained their menu to us first timers. Quaint restaurant with a handful of indoor and outdoor tables. Their gyros were authentic in taste but could have used a little more sauce inside. A side of complementary hummus with pitas would have been nice as it's a little on the pricey side. read more

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David T.

6 years ago

Great food from a little family owned restaurant with amazingly kind service. I would definitely recommend you check it out!

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Ryan W.

103

11 years ago

Eating healthy tonight! I've been here a few times before and I love this place. Even when I came in after the club, drunk off my ass, they are always nice people. I got the Petra combo but wanted an extra kabob so he made one special just for me (extra $3.50). So I got hummus, rice, salad, pita bread, yogurt, Gyro, Chicken kabob and a Kafta! So good! I didn't think I could eat it all but I did! read more

Petra Cafe - The (special Ryan) Petra Combo: grape leaves, rice, salad, hummus, bread, yogurt, chicken kabob, Kafta, gyro. a lot of food! - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

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Colleen S.

4 years ago

We have been to this restaurant several times with mixed results. Tonight was the straw that broke the camel's back. After waiting an hour without our food arriving and three people who ordered their food after us receiving theirs, we actually asked WTF (in a nice way) and were told "I don't know", by the cashier. It wasn't like the the orders after ours were easier, they weren't. When we finally got our food, over an hour mind you, it was wrong. Was so tired of waiting, we took the chicken salad (we ordered gyro meat) and it was cold. The frustration pushed me to write the review. I gave it two stars because my husband said his gyro sandwich was good. read more

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Erica V.

124

5 years ago

Enjoyed our meal at Petra cafe. Everything was fresh and the owner was very friendly. Highly recommend it!!'

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John D.

7 years ago

This place was amazing! My wife, 1.5 yo son and I are in from out of town. The combo platter was delicious! The falafels are great and so are the fries. I believe the owner was helping us and he was so nice and served us well. Go here for delicious Mediterranean! read more

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Cheyenne S.

5 years ago

This is the best gyro I've had in my life. My husband and I are visiting and we found this place thanks to its great Yelp reviews, we're so glad we did! I got the Petra plate, and it was extremely delicious. The (seemingly) owner was friendly and seemed to care about the food and customers very much. Definitely coming back when we're in town again! read more

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Julie N.

9 years ago

Amazing food and excellent service I got the falafel sandwich lunch special today, around $13, comes with a drink and fries or salad. Love this place. Got some baklava to go read more

Petra Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

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Stacy R.

Elite 26

116

168

212

10 years ago

Found this little gem while waiting for our show at the theater. We both had the gyro with the Greek salad. The meat was tender, flavorful and delicious!! Food came quick and the girl at the counter was super sweet too! Place is a little cramped, but not a big deal. read more

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Anh N.

Elite 9

154

17 years ago

Tiny family run cafe that serves up some very decent middle eastern/Medditerenian fare, although they also carry sliced pizza and look to have started selling crepes. We ordered the combination plate that came with some slices of gyro, kebab, tabouli, dolmas, hummus, rice, and pita bread. Not a hefty portion that you can share, but definitely more than enough for one person. Everything tasted fresh and was seasoned just right. Prices were also very reasonable here for being so close to the main tourist drag. I don't recall anything over 12 dollars on their menu. To top things off, the owners here definitely go out of their way to make sure that you are happy and comfortable. Since it was a bit chilly in cafe with the door open, they took out a small portable heater and set it right in front of us. It's those little things that really make a place like Cafe Petra shine out amongst the many eateries dotting the area. read more

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Kyla V.

5 years ago

One of the best gyros and falafel plate I've ever had! The owners were so kind and gave us some sample deserts. Cannot recommend this place enough. read more

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Avelina V.

7 years ago

Great food! Amazing hospitality . Sidewalk cafe food drinks & food on point. I will definitely be back.

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Ed G.

186

13 years ago

So it's Sunday evening. I'd gotten out of bed ad 4:30AM to run the BSIM Half Marathon. I was too tired to get the car from the hotel valet - something close to the hotel, must have vegan food. After a couple of false starts, we found Petra. The falafel is vegan (no surprise) and so is the lentil soup. I had the falafel combo with a side Greek salad (no cheese). Good food, close to the Marriot, vegan - what else could I ask for? Seriously the food was pretty good. My wife had the lentil soup, which I tried and liked. I gave her a falafel ball because the sandwich was pretty big. Only downside (besides the fact they serve meat) - the enslaved lonely fish in the tiny acquarium. read more

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Cj O.

Elite 24

203

7 years ago

We ate dinner here and decided to take it to go since we were so relaxed from our massage earlier. We both had the platter and lots of food, loved the hummus and grape leaves, yummy chicken gyro, and rice. My husband loved his beef too. Fast and friendly service too. read more

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Jennifer F.

Elite 19

149

7 years ago

Probably my favorite place to eat in Monterey! This one is a small location, but it's in a great area on Alvarado Street! The food NEVER disappoints and the owner goes out of his way to make sure we are happy. Also, he speaks with me in Arabic as I'm learning....he's wonderful, it's wonderful! Oh, and they have fries and stuff for those who aren't into hummus and falafel! ;) read more

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Jon K.

219

5 years ago

Decent quality food for a good price. Good service as well. Much better falafel than I had for lunch earlier in the day somewhere else (I eat Greek food often). This place was almost 5 stars but their use of plastic and paper to serve people in their restaurant was a bit of a turnoff. read more

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Jerome C.

123

10 years ago

Awesome food for the price! Ordered the #1 and #2 combo that came with drinks. The best deal in downtown Monterrey! read more

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Melissa P.

316

289

10 years ago

This place doesn't look like much, but it's truly a gem. I stopped in with my boyfriend for dinner and we were warmly welcomed by a man who I am assuming is the owner. He was very pleasant and took great care of us while we dined. The food is great. I tried the vegetarian platter, which came w/ hummus, baba ganoush, dolmas, falafel, tabouleh and pita. The portion was good size (and very filling)! The hummus was unbelievable. I wish I could buy a tub of it! The herbal tea was also very good and sweetened with honey. Prices are very reasonable for what you get. Love to support the mom & pop shops. Try this place out-you won't be disappointed. read more

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Bella L.

5 years ago

Delicious FRESH food. Owner is very nice and generous. The chicken is amazing and beef is so tasty!

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Ahlam S.

15 years ago

3.5 stars :) For the price and location I have to say Petra is pretty good. My husband and I were originally planning to eat at Maha's which is also on Alvarado however they had some cheesy belly dancer and loud arabic music on which i cannot tolerate for more than a minute....mb two minutes if there wasnt a belly dancer so that became a hell no for us. Luckily we saw Petra which as others have mentioned is really easy to miss. we could tell they were close to closing and being Easter weekend, we couldnt blame them but the lady working was really sweet and told us but can dine in if we'd like. food was really good. the only thing we werent really feeling was the hummus other than that you get a lot of food for your $ and the grape leaves which is usually the easiest thing to F up was really good, surprisingly. read more

Petra Cafe - Gyro salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

Petra Cafe - Gyro plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

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Christina Eve W.

11 years ago

Delicious and fast! Petra's is our go-to for a quick bite after a long day at work. Put in an order by phone and it will be ready in 5-10 minutes. The gyro combos are our favorites. Husband orders meat gyro and I always get the chicken gyro. I only get sad when I've finished a gyro! Salads that come with the combos are fresh, and I love that they're always different. I enjoy the surprise of finding a pickle or a few kalamatas with a hunk of fresh feta, or finding them all together this time! I found out the desserts are not made at the establishment. I've tried the baklava and found I couldn't finish it in one sitting because it was so dense. We are always full after eating a combo so we usually skip the desserts anyway. Petra's Cafe is definitely a local hole-in-the-wall gem. read more

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Diana S.

7 years ago

I definitely loved this place,it is the second time I go and I love the salad,dressing,Mediterranean desserts

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Marcus K.

Elite 21

242

139

8 years ago

This was a great little lunch spot we found in Monterey. I saw it walking in to my conference and planned on going here later and was not disappointed. I had a gyro with fries and some hummus. First off the hummus was legit. Great flavor and plenty of pita bread which is a problem at some places. The meat on the gyro was fantastic also. Nice and crispy and seasoned really well. The fries were great too, super crispy and not all greasy. The one bummer thing was the gyro didn't have any veggies other than lettuce. It had the meat the sauce and the greens but normally it should have tomatoes and onions in it right? Even the stock photo of a gyro on the wall had the onions and tomatoes on it. Now for the very best part of my lunch. Suddenly a pigeon walks right in the front door and I do mean walks. It walks right down the middle of the dining room floor, peeks it's head around the counter and walks right into the kitchen. Every single person in the place including me just sat there and watched it happen in awe. HAHAHAHA. Suddenly we hear a commotion in the kitchen, the lady cooking has a rubber spatula over her head ready to strike and here comes the pigeon walking right back out of the kitchen like it just took a wrong turn, walks back through the dining room and right out the front door. Best lunch ever! read more

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Emily B.

11 years ago

BEST FOOD ON ALVARADO. Wonderful family, really good food. I eat here everyday! Hands down best Gyro anywhere! They're even open on the weekends far after the bars are for late night gyros, chicken gyros, and falafel sandwiches! Highly recommend it. read more

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435 Alvarado St
Monterey, CA 93940
Directions
(831) 646-2080
Call Now
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https://yvmaps.com/petra-cafe

Full menu

Hours

What time does Petra Cafe open?

Petra Cafe opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Petra Cafe close?

Petra Cafe closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Petra Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Petra Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Petra Cafe have catering options?

Yes, Petra Cafe does have catering options.

Does Petra Cafe serve alcohol?

No, Petra Cafe does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Petra Cafe have TVs?

Yes, Petra Cafe has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Petra Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Petra Cafe has bike parking.

Does Petra Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Petra Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Petra Cafe have parking?

Yes, Petra Cafe has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does Petra Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Petra Cafe has free WiFi.

Petra Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

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Is the meat halal?

This is a bank. They don't serve meat.

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What a cute place! The falafel wrap was one of the BEST I ever had! So fresh and made with love…read more The SPICY LEMONADE was outstanding, we never had anything like it. A wonderful surprise and a joy for our tastebuds! Small and comfy area to sit. Very casual and awesome! One man show and made with love. THANK YOU!

What an amazing little hidden gem. This place is the real deal. Very authentic, and very…read morethoughtfully cooked. The man who made our food was making it to Order and he had been running this business for over 40 years! The service was excellent and it felt very personal. The food was absolutely delicious! Everyone in our party completely agree agreed that they loved everything they ate. There were two omnivores, one vegan, and one vegetarian. And the vegan baklava! What an incredibly unique and special treat to find baklava vegan! Absolutely delicious! I'm a huge fan of spanakopita, but I haven't been able to eat it for a long time because I'm the vegan in the group and when I said something about that out loud, he said he would make me a special vegan spanakopita! Right there! Made To Order! This man is amazing. Seating is very limited, so several of the people we saw that came behind us got their food to go. I think most people there need to expect there would be a little bit of a weight and that seating is very limited and it's outdoors. Although the outdoor seating does have covering. All the people in line, waiting for food seem to have no problem waiting for it because they knew it would be worth it. And honestly... Considering the line of people we saw behind us (10-11?) and the fact that there were three ahead of us... no one really had to wait very long at all! It was really impressive how much he could get done by himself. The next time you're in Monterey, California, you definitely need to check out Paprika. I only managed to get one photo of my plate of food because I was too distracted by deliciousness to remember to take photos of anyone else's food. And obviously, by the time I remembered to photograph the baklava.... Several pieces seem to be missing.

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Insanely delicious vegan baklava

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Dametra Cafe is a pan-Mediterranean restaurant right in the downtown area of Carmel. We passed by…read moreone evening and it was completely full with a line waiting outside. So we decided to stop by for lunch the next day after a nice hike along the beach so we were quite hungry, which is a good thing because the servings are quite hearty. The meal started with some very nice bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Along with a couple glasses of local sparkling wine. I ordered the lamb kebabs and my partner ordered a Greek salad. The lamb kebabs were served with s Greek salad, rice pilaf, Tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread, The Greek Salad was also served with Tzatziki sauce and pita bread. I have to say that all elements of the meal were over the top excellent, down to the wonderful Tzatziki sauce. It was a fabulous meal. We were too sated to order a dessert and were brought a couple of small pieces of baklava to finish the meal. Service was warm and professional. Highly recommended!

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Inside

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Vinegar and olive oil dispenser

Yafa

Delicious and unique mediterranean meal…read more I ordered the Mishmish chicken and lamb shank freekeh. The freekeh was delicious, with nuts mixed in as well. Lamb shank was very tender, super good with the roux. The Mishmish chicken had a sweet apricot sauce which complemented it very well. I would come again if I'm ever in Carmel! Super delicious and a gem.

If I could give 3.5 stars, I would. Our experience at Yafa was okay, with some things very good and…read moreothers poor. The good: the Greek salad was fresh and had a tasty dressing. The baba ghanoush was delicious: smoky and the exact right texture. The less good: making a reservation was a challenge although I finally realized one could do it through yelp. The table was wobbly - although the waiter did fix it (why not stabilize tables before a customer asks?!). I ordered a glass of white wine and was given an empty glass only. Then the owner arrived and asked if I wanted another glass, not realizing that I hadn't been given the first one. The. The owner brought over a small carafe and poured it so aggressively that it splashed on the table and me. The lamb kabobs were cooked to the temperature we asked but the meat was TOUGH. It was well seasoned but the way the meat was cut for the kebab resulted in pieces with a lot of inedible connective tissue. The tzatziki was good and the rice was flavorful. So, overall a mixed bag. The place definitely is cute and has some charm. It just needs more attention to details.

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(379 reviews)

3.4 mi

good ambiance nice staff delicious food!! i got the kimchi mac n cheese and my fiancé got the…read morecreamy miso cacio e pepe, both were great he said it was the best dish he had all year! after looking for parking in carmel for 30 minutes we were hangry so this was much needed. we each got pork belly with our dishes and it was a little too much, tbh split the pork belly with someone if u want it w ur pasta

For Jeju kitchen being the only Korean fusion restaurant, it is very disappointing to call this…read moreKorean food because why are the Korean dishes bland with no flavor while the pastas was savory enough because of the creams and cheeses. Fried kimich dumpling 16$; crispy with a little kimchi taste Gangnam tots 14$ ; savory, tasty, , pretty good Korean short rib 42$; 48h marinated but I can't taste any of the flavors. I'm sorry but this is the worst galbi I've had but we don't waste food here.. Jajangmyeong 24$ ; sooo bland, not good at all , just don't order the Korean food... Chili crunch artichoke ravioli 28$ ; this is probably the only dish that was worth it and good... Creamy miso cacio e Pepe 28$ ; this dish was okay, I felt the noodles could be cook for a minute or 2 more... the miso isn't all there but at least is was savory..

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Inside dining area - 1/2/2024

Kalbi: Korean Beef Short Ribs w/ rice, banchan | $40

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Korean bbq beef ribs

Nick The Greek Monterey

Love their food, good customer service !! I always enjoy their gyro bowls, highly recommend it.read more

This place really caught our eye when searching for late night food. Really cute, good service and…read moreconvenient!

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Falafel Pita Beef/Lamb Gyro Pita

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Outside

Dametra Fresh Mediterranean

Love this place & the food! Aside from the delicious food too, especially my favorite...the beef &…read morelamb wraps, they serve some of the best "steak" fries I've ever had. But also important to me is the service. Each time I've come, I've been welcomed with smiles .& quick service. Dimitri, the owner, is a gracious host and will answer any questions one has. The staff also are friendly & helpful. I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for fresh & delicious food, served with smiles & warmth.

I ordered a chicken shawarma sandwich, which was listed on the menu as coming with a salad. The…read morewoman who took my order asked which meat I wanted? Um.....chicken. Then she asked if I wanted lettuce with it. Sure, okay. I've never ordered this sandwich before and thought I would try something different. She asked which two sides did I want with it. I told her the menu board said it came with salad. It sounded like she thought I was ordering a shawarma plate, which maybe does come with sides dishes. A man behind the counter spoke loudly to her (and me?) saying the sandwich doesn't have lettuce. I don't know how they make their sandwiches; she just asked if a I wanted lettuce. He seemed very irritated about a few pieces of lettuce in the sandwich. He asked me did I order a classic? I pointed to the item on the menu and read what it said the ingredients consisted of. He loudly stated that's a classic! Okay. It's classic. Fine. He took over making the sandwich. The woman rang me up. I felt sorry for her, having to work for someone who behaves so aggressively to an employee and a customer. I paid and was happy to leave and will not be returning. I feel badly for the woman. It's possible she was a new employee and maybe not fully familiar with the menu. Nobody should have to endure that kind of treatment.

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Chicken Shawarma

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Spanakopita, falafel, babaganoush, hummus, taziki this dish also came with bread

Monterey Halal Market

4.6

(63 reviews)

2.6 mi

Favorite things recently? Texts from my exes, eating halal, and doing cardio.... Duh !!…read more But eating halal feels just as good as a text from an ex. I love the falafel gyro. Yum! Perfect amount of protein and sauce ratio. I love this mom & pop shop ! It's homey and i love Lebanonese food!

Food was great, price was right, workers were friendly, what more could you ask for? Quiet seating…read morearea, walking distance to DLI.

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Half eaten lamb Gyros wrap

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Sampler plate

International Cuisine

What was in this photo? It may be hard to tell as it was completely cleared in only a matter of…read moreminutes. We came in at 8:45, they close at 9. They still allowed us to order takeout. We got the Caesar salad with chicken and Chicken Bellagio. One word delicious. The customer service was amazing! William one of the workers was very kind and let us know what was in the area. Would absolutely come again.

I am so happy to recommend this excellent restaurant in beautiful Pacific Grove. If I lived there…read moreI'm sure I would be a regular patron! The cocktails are original and delicious, a lovely selection to choose from. The menu is truly international, so creative, and our choices were perfect! The chefs know their territories and present excellent regional food. There is so much on the menu that we want to enjoy, so we must return to Pacific Grove! The interior is beautifully appointed with careful attention paid to sound abatement. (Thank You!) The space is elegant, but warm and friendly. On top of everything I must add that the prices are affordable and the quality of the food and service is outstandingly high.

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Swiss and Mushroom Burger

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Mango Margarita

International Market & Deli

I came here specifically for dough to make desserts. I also grabbed some tahini for a specific dish…read morebut couldn't justify buying a medium jar. The lady that worked there gave me a couple of ideas and just like that, I walked out with everything that I needed and some additional ideas. As I checked out, she told me that they opened a cafe down the street and since I had such a great time here, I went to check it out. Love the friendly staff and this cozy store.

A WHOLE PACKAGE of pita bread I bought was moldy and rotting. And that's far from the first time -…read morethe Arabs are clearly too cheap to spend a little more and put the bread in a temperature-controlled unit so it doesn't get all moldy at the usual 70% humidity and 60+F temps in the area. Oh, and the shawarma in their new location? An insult to food of any kind. Avoid both of those cesspools at any cost.

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Wave Street Café

The cinnamon bun pancakes are indescribably delicious!!!we ordered a plate to share as an appetizer…read moreand all elements were spectacular. We really liked the crunchy,sticky side the best. No morsels were left on that plate! The BLT has the most generous portion of thick sliced bacon , so much so several of us were able to take a slice and add it to our sandwiches! They serve a white chocolate hot chocolate here which is quite unique and a favorite with kids and adults. A perfect warm beverage for cool ocean breeze. Plenty of outdoor seating but you'll be happy inside too as plenty of windows to see the ocean. They do have some limited parking but just a block to two uphill is 90 min free parking

A must-visit when you're in Monterey or exploring Cannery Row. The breakfast is fantastic, the…read moreservice is excellent, and the atmosphere is warm, charming, and inviting. The Huevos Rancheros is an absolute must!!Crispy corn tortillas layered with creamy beans, topped with sunny-side-up eggs with perfectly runny yolks, and finished with a rich, vibrant salsa ranchera. What's not to love? The Breakfast Quesadilla is another winna!!Chicken breast, scrambled eggs, fresh spinach, tomatoes, Jack and cheddar cheese, and fresh avocado inside a toasty flour tortilla. The portions are also very generous, making it a satisfying meal and a great value. Park at the designated parking lot above the restaurant and take the stairs down. Happy eating!! 48

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Inside

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

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Breakfast Burrito with chorizo

the C restaurant + bar

Located inside the Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, the C Restaurant is fabulous. We had…read morebreakfast here the morning of our last day in Monterey, this breakfast was a great farewell. The restaurant itself is relatively upscale for a hotel but has a warm vibe. The Belgian waffle is a must- it's decadent, the berries are fresh and the whipped cream is cloud-like and sweet. The American breakfast was hearty and filling. The bacon was perfectly chewy, salty and cooked. The Yukon potatoes were crispy and had a good level of spice. The eggs were super fluffy as well. The sourdough was warm and the butter was creamy. Our server was extremely kind and was ON IT when it came to refills and making good conversation, super kind and made sure to check on us consistently.

C Restaurant at The Clement -- Great Hotel, Mixed Bag at the Table…read more The Clement is a fantastic hotel. Full stop. But C Restaurant didn't quite live up to the address. Let's start with the wins: the service was genuinely excellent -- attentive, warm, professional. The Old Fashioned was well-crafted, and major props to the bar program for stocking Nochino. That's a detail that signals someone behind the bar actually cares. The food, though? It missed. The fish was overcooked and the presentation felt like an afterthought. For a restaurant at this price point and in this setting, I expected more -- both on the plate and on the plate. You can forgive a lot in a restaurant when everything else sings. But the food is the whole point, and this one didn't deliver. Worth a drink at the bar. Skip dinner and eat somewhere else in Monterey.

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Chocolate

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The Clement Monterey ~ The Intercontinental Monterey

Sea Harvest

My husband and i looked at places to visit during our Monterey trip this month weeks in advance and…read morewe came across sea harvest. This place is a little hidden gem!! We tried so many different things off the menu and every single thing was delicious! We live 2.5 hours away and already are planing on making the trek back just for sea harvest. Also our 9 year old son said they have the best chicken strips he's ever tried in his life. So if you have a picky eater that doesn't venture from chicken strips and fries, apparently this is also the place lol!

Stopped by on Friday 6/19 for an early lunch at about 11:45 am. The outdoor patio was pretty full…read morebut indoor seating was plentiful. At about 12:30, the interior was full. Interior is small and simple but that worked for us. This place is a fish market but also serves food and sells miscellaneous items (shirts, dog snacks). You order at the counter, find seating, and are given a pager. Utensils and napkins are available on the counter for you take what you need. Items ordered: Pint of clam chowder x2- Just okay for me. Plenty of clams but some had sand. Combination fish and chips- Delicious and the fries were good. Kids chicken tenders- Kiddo enjoyed this and his fries Special salmon patties and grilled shrimp with rice and veggies- 2 Salmon patties that tasted okay (I am not a huge cooked salmon fan but will try something different on occasion), 2 garlic shrimp, rice, and plenty of veggies. Garlic bread- Bread was light and not super dense. I also liked that this was not cheesy. Fish and chips- Generous amount of delicious fish and fries.

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Interior

Combination plate w/ shrimp, fish, and calamari

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Calamari and chips...my favorite!

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Jerry B.

3 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Petra Cafe, and I must say, it was a delightful experience from start to finish. Tucked away in between other buildings, the restaurant exudes simplicity with its quaint decorations, making you feel right at home as soon as you step in. The service at Petra Cafe was top-notch - warm and welcoming. The staff member was friendly, attentive, and eager to ensure that I had an enjoyable dining experience. Now, let's talk about the food - an absolute treat for the taste buds! I decided to go for the Petra combination platter, and it was a delightful surprise. The platter boasted a mouthwatering assortment of gyros, chicken kabab, hummus, tabbouleh and dolma - a divine feast that I had never tried before but quickly fell in love with. Each item on the platter was bursting with flavors, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. To complement my meal, I ordered the lentil soup, and it did not disappoint. The soup was hearty, rich, and comforting - a true testament to the chef's expertise. Overall, Petra Cafe is a gem among Middle Eastern restaurants. If you're looking for a simple yet inviting place to indulge in delicious, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, this is the place to be. I can't wait to visit again and explore more of their delectable offerings. Highly recommended! read more

James R.

11 years ago

I come here once every couple weeks because I live just up the hill, and I must say it is a fantastic little stop. I have never been left unsatisfied. Hands down the best falafel I have ever eaten, you must try the falafel nuggets if you come here. I saw someone comment on the tahini sauce here and I agree that it seems a little watery however I think the flavor is fine and anymore might be too strong. The owner is super nice and very helpful as well. Anyhow check it out for yourself I hope you enjoy read more

Rhonda A.

141

103

7 years ago

This is a really great spot. My uncle who lives in the area suggested to our family. Definitely one of our favorite spots here for Mediterranean food. Right in the middle of their downtown. The guy at the counter is super super nice comes to the table to make sure we have everything we need. Gets food out quickly even if he has a line. Thanks guys. read more

Ruth C.

11 years ago

Love this place! It is delicious and affordable! The gyro sandwiches are the best! The service is excellent! We had a large group of people for lunch and the person in charge was very accommodating and friendlily! Highly recommend! read more

Ari A.

8 years ago

This place has amazing food and even better customer service. I visit every time I'm in town and the experience is always consistent. Abuhasan the manager is a master of customer service. Thank you for your hospitality. read more

B S.

2 years ago

The best Gyros to try out. Family owned it seems and the food has a homemade flavour. Simple dine-in service but people watching views are perfect!. read more