I absolutely love this new restaurant in my hometown! It's always exciting to see a new spot open up, and this one definitely did not disappoint. The onion rings were SO crispy and delicious--definitely a must-try! We also ordered a burger and the beef pasta. The pasta was homemade, and you could really taste the difference. It was absolutely delicious! I'm already looking forward to coming back to try their drinks and desserts. I've seen so many pictures and great reviews, and everything looks SO yummy! So happy to have this new restaurant in my hometown. Can't wait to come back and try more from the menu! read more

Rudolfo's - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Everyone was super nice and omg the food. I didn't plan ahead, and for this place you need to do that even on a Tuesday night, which is what it is now. Sizing up the situation, I decided on take-out. I had my dog & I walk with a cane, and without asking for a place to sit, they sorted one out for me. It was to be a 20 minute wait and I was grateful for their kindness and for simply being aware. The pasta carbonara leapt at me from the menu and it was a great choice. One of the best carbonara I've had in ages. The pasta was cooked just right. Their carbonara is spicier than any I've had, which was fine by me as I like spicy food. If you're sensitive to spice, I'd ask them to dial it back a bit. When carbonara is done right several things happen: the sauce is silky, it doesn't separate. AND it clings to the pasta - Chef nailed it!!! I got full about 1/2 way through, but I finished it, as this sauce doesn't heat up well - imo. Ordered Tiramisu also and took a bite - rest will be for breakfast or well okay, a late night treat is not off the table. Good flavor, but not remarkable. The custard had good flavor, but a sort of texture like gelatin had been used in it, which isn't bad, but not what I expect. Wish I didn't live across the country now, but just reserved 1 night in Pacific Grove during a whirl wings trip to have time with friends, but this was time for me in my favorite place anywhere - Pacific Grove, CA. Highly recommend Rudolfo's!!! Excellent!! read more

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Carbonara and rosemary sourdough! Best I've ever had! We rented bikes and were following the trail. After going back and forth decided to share an entree here. It truly was exceptional. The rosemary sourdough was soft yet the crust was perfect. Enjoyed the rosemary blend but I'm sure they are all worth trying. I'm not Italian but this is what I have understand is an authentic carbonara. The presentation was stunning! Highly recommend! read more

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As an out of state visitor, I referred to Yelp to find a nice restaurant and stumbled upon Rudolfo's. I was a walk in but upon hearing a 30-45 min wait, I decided to order to go online. I got a text roughly 10 mins after placing my order online that it was ready. I then went ahead to the register area but was not helped for at least another 8 minutes. After being helped by a waiter I found out the food was actually not ready. The order online was said to be complete by 7:03 but did not physically receive my food until 7:15 an over 30 min wait from o. In addition, what solidified my 2 stars is the fact that I ordered a pizza with the garlic and parm crust, only to drive back to my hotel and realize it was not a garlic and parm crust I paid extra for. Super disappointed overall! read more

Rudolfo's - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Great hole in the wall spot! The meatball and bread were probably my favorite part of the meal. The FOCACCIA BREAD is a must!! Perfectly crispy and buttery crust with a fluffy airy interior. It came with the meatball but I just wish the bread came on the side rather than on top so it's not soaked in sauce which was still delicious but I prefer to have the option. The carbonara and short rib pasta were good but the BEES KNEES PIZZA was better. Very crispy with lots of salty and sweet flavor and great freshness to the crust. The server was so nice and attentive. Refilling our hot tea as we sat outside during the colder evening. It was a vibe with complimentary blankets and live music outside at the restaurant right next door. Seems like the busiest place on the street so I assume a local FAVORITE! read more

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3.5 STARS Here for the parm showers. Che Fico (SF) popularized showering freshly grated parm on pizza crusts and I love seeing the trend show up in restos like Rudolfo's. Aside from the visual appeal, they make pizza crusts extra delicious so they don't go to waste. While looking for restos for a recent staycation, Rudolfo's kept popping up on TikTok and the high ratings on yelp seemed promising. They serve Modern Italian cuisine with a California flair: salads, burgers + sandwiches, sourdough pizza, and house-made pastas. On "Heatwaves Sunday", they run a Nashville Hot Chicken pop-up. Beer and wine only. Looking for a sweet treat? There's a small dessert counter where you can stop in for their house gelato. Rezzies are a MUST for dinner. Even on a weekday, I overheard the wait being 1+ hours. Bring a warm coat! There's more seating outside than inside and there's no heat lamps. F O O D * Caesar Salad w/ romaine, caesar dressing, fried capers, breadcrumbs, parmigiano (OTH): https://tinyurl.com/yt3dut3d Our app was taking a long time so they brought this on the house - such a thoughtful gesture! I enjoyed the freshness of the romaine and the contrast of crispy, crunchy textures from the fried capers and breadcrumbs. The dressing was creamy tho quite mild. Personally, I would have preferred a bolder caesar with more garlic and stronger umami punch. * Rudolfo's Fried Chicken w/ pickles, hot sauce (App-$15): https://tinyurl.com/4jb28h8e The fried chicken arrived hot and crunchy, with a nicely craggy batter and tender meat underneath. The menu didn't state it was boneless - while less messy to eat, I felt it sacrificed some of the juiciness and flavor. I liked that the accompanying habanero sauce was fiery hot. * Short Rib Ravioli w/ tomato-garlic compound butter, beef stock reduction ($29) - add burrata (+$4) This looked amazing on TikTok but fell short in reality. The pasta itself was too thick and there was was little short rib filling. Also, the sauce was underwhelming and bland. They allowed us to add burrata which added a rich, creamy flavor. * What Rudy's Having: Tomato sugo, fennel sausage, chilis, stracciatella, basil ($23) + garlic butter parm crust ($2): https://tinyurl.com/4nuz5z8s I read that the owner previously worked at Ciccio (Yountville) and brought over their 30 year old sourdough starter. I love Ciccio's pizza and with an option to add the parm shower?! Say less. My fav part of the pizza was the crust, it had a good balance of crispiness and chew with a nice char and tang. The garlic butter and parm shower took it over the top adding a rich, garlicky, savory umami. Unfortunately, the toppings weren't my jam - the tomato sugo ran too salty and the fennel sausage felt more like ground beef. S E R V I C E Cordial. Food service was very slow with the fried chicken app taking what felt like 40 minutes so I appreciate the salad to tide us over. A M B I A N C E Cozy Italian cafe vibes on the inside and modern casual on the patio. Overall, we thought the food was just ok...obvs in the minority tho. Maybe we ordered the wrong things or it was an off day? But, I love the concept and the contemporary touches that you don't often see in Monterey County. 3.5 rounded up for a small local business. read more

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Trendy, busy, and really solid restaurant, it has definitely earned its reputation! The reason it's hard to get a table is because people actually WANT to eat here! The food is consistently good and the waiting staff are attentive. I really enjoy the menu and I don't think that there are too many options. Be careful though with the hot honey pizza, sometimes they put too much hot honey, and I can say the same for the truffle oil on the fries! Overall, throw a dart at the menu and you can't go wrong, and bring a light jacket in case you get sat outside, and whisper sweet nothings to your wallet because you'll be paying $5 whole dollars for a coke that comes in a can! read more

Had to make an unexpected trip up to Monterey/Pacific Grove to drop off a vehicle for our daughter. Before arriving, she mentioned that there was a place she wanted to try based on excellent reviews from her friend. So she made reservations and off we went to Rodolfo's. The place gives off an Italian bistro vibe with a neighborhood atmosphere. That's a good thing because most of the people here were locals. We were seated and our waiter was there to take our drink and appetizer orders. I had a beer and we shared the Cheesy Garlic Bread with a side of marinara. Delicious!!! For dinner, Kylee ordered the Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka entrée & Caesar Salad while I had the Brisket Sando with a side of fries. Fantastic!!! We finished off the meal with the Oreo Cookie Cheesecake. This is one of those local "finds" that exceed expectations. Great food, service and ambience. Will definitely return when I visit PG. read more

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My son and I came here after a day at the aquarium. Little hole in the wall place. My son said "mom you have to rate them at least 4.5 stars". He really enjoyed it. So did I. We ordered meatballs, tomato soup and the braised short rib dish (I think). It was VERY good! We devoured our food and had some to take home. If I remember correctly, they make the noodles in house... it was perfectly cooked. Perfect layered flavors.. no complaints and you can't beat the price or view. Service was excellent. read more

Rudolfo's - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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8.5/10 Ordered the Margherita Pizza and The Works Burger, both had their highlights and a few drawbacks. Starting with the Margherita Pizza, a classic pie topped with fresh mozzarella and basil on a sourdough crust. The crust was easily the standout feature, crispy on the outside, airy inside, and packed with great texture. Unfortunately, the rest of the pizza fell a bit flat. The toppings were light on flavor, making it feel more like a basic chain restaurant pizza than a memorable artisan pie. 7.5/10 The Works Burger was the true star of the meal and an absolute must order. Made with wagyu beef, cheddar, caramelized onions, onion rings, pickles, and French aioli, every bite was rich, juicy, and full of flavor. The beef was well seasoned, the bun was incredibly soft, and the generous sauce tied everything together perfectly. My only complaint was that the onion ring could have been crispier to add more texture. I also appreciated being able to substitute the fries for a salad. 9.4/10 Service was fast, attentive, and welcoming despite how busy the restaurant was. We were seated outside, and they even brought us a blanket, which was a thoughtful touch that elevated the experience. read more

Rudolfo's - Margarita Pizza and The Works - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Found this lovely little place thanks to Yelp. It has a charming outdoor area, and the weather made it perfect. One caveat: their menu changes so don't get your heart set on a particular pizza. I ended up getting What Rudy's Having with a Caesar salad and a very tasty Paloma. I would definitely love to go back and try more on the menu. read more

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Awesome service and flavor. I ordered the carbonara. I asked for them to spice it up. He added spices sausage and chili flakes. I brought my kids. They were both happy with the grilled cheese and wagyu ragu.. read more

Absolutely incredible! Best pasta I've had in a LONG time. The ambiance felt sophisticated yet welcoming. We even had a candle on our table --so cute! They asked if we had a reservation when we walked in, which says a lot about how popular this place is. We were quoted an hour wait but got seated in 25 minutes, and the service was still great despite how packed it was. read more

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I think this is such a solid spot, I have no complaints on the food and the FIG PIE was phenomenal. I think all the pastas are solid but the pizza was more spectacular to me. The pastas were all slightly too saucy and overcooked (slightly) for me. The espresso martini was also very very good. I think its absolutely worth a reservation here! read more

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Best onion rings ever! Not much to say other than you need to try them. Pizza with hot honey was good, crust was delicious. Portion was perfect for lunch and made a great midnight snack. Brisket sandwich wasn't my favorite, the meat was shredded so finely, it felt like there was more slaw than protein. Was a bit messy and tricky to eat, the fries were my favorite part. I wouldn't order it again, but everything around me looked so good I'm excited to come back and try more. If you can sit outside, opt for an outdoor table, it's a bit warm and stuffy inside. Staff were super friendly, responsive, and everything there was loving it. Will definitely be back again. read more

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Came here on a Saturday night for dinner and loved everything we ordered. The spicy rigatoni alla vodka with burrata and the Bee's Knees pizza were both excellent, and the sourdough crust on the pizza was a standout. This place gets busy, so I highly recommend making a reservation. Indoor seating is limited, but we were seated right away with our reservation while walk-ins were facing an hour wait. read more

Rudolfo's - bee's knees pizza - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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The food was super yummy! You can tell a lot of time, effort, and love go into these dishes. Not only are the staff attentive to guests, but so is the owner. The hospitality only added to this places' charm. The drinks were also really good! I recommend the espresso martinis and the matcha. (Matcha served on Sundays only tho) I'll definitely be back to try more. read more

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Delicious pizza!! Great indoor and outdoor seating. We chose to sit outside and enjoyed visiting with people and their pups. (The only downside is our table was lopsided and glasses kept sliding) Servers and hostess were kind and efficient. I already want another pizza! The crust was amazing! Perfectly crisp and chewy at the same time. We ordered a Margherita with burrata and spicy chili honey drizzled on top. So good!! Our Caesar salad was also good but the pizza was definitely the star!! read more

Rudolfo's - Margherita pizza with burrata and spicy chili honey - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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My favorite sight at a restaurant is seeing staff hustle, enjoying their job (or at least appearing to), and working as a team, and this place has that. We came in as walk-ins on a busy Saturday evening and waited about 35 mins to for a table. During our wait, I was able to observe the young and mostly Latino staff. They hustled, they all knew what needed to be done and when, they where attentive to the customers and patrons walking up for table availability, and they were gracious hosts. It was impressive to see such a young staff (average age mid-late 20s) running a popular restaurant as if they've been doing it for decades. On top of their amazing staff, the food was fantastic. We ordered spicy rigatoni, and chicken parmean, and both came with some of the best sauce we ever had. Flavor was balanced and not heavy, and complimented the pasta perfectly. We'll be back anytime we're in the area. read more

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My friends and I stopped by this place on our way down hwy1, and tried their brunch menu ( they don't serve lunch menu after 1pm on fri and sat). Overall, the food was quite enjoyable, and the service was very welcoming and friendly. I ordered the breakfast burrito and it was just bit on the bland side; i think it wouldve been better if they provided some more sauce, but that's just a personal preference. Their portions are quite large, and they go to every table offering takeout boxes. read more

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This is a great place to eat in the Monterey Bay Area. The menu is loaded with great dishes but the XO Burger spoke to me. The combo of the spicy sauce, bacon, and onion ring really hit. The star of the show was the beef which was tender and flavorful!. It also had a cool small town vibe! read more

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Last Wednesday my husband and I were looking for a date night spot that we hadn't tried before. Rudolfo's had been on my list for a while, and it was perfect in every way. We walked in (sans reservation) around 6 last Wednesday night and they had room to seat us outside. The service was attentive, friendly, and the recommendations were wonderful. A lovely gal sitting at the table next to us noticed us struggling with what to choose and recommended the fig pizza. She said she visited a few times a year from Santa Barbara and always came here for that dish specifically. She even gave us a slice prior to us ordering! She wasn't lying- it was otherworldly. Don't go here without trying it. We started with some tasty beer and wine and with the caesar salad with chicken which was crisp, refreshing, and huge (plenty for 2-3 folks to split). My husband got the fig pizza (fig jam, basil, generous amounts of ricotta, and added prosciutto. I ordered the spicy rigatoni alla vodka (a wild card for me, since I don't typically do spicy but it's one of my favorite dishes at Jon & Vinny's which I've been craving). The pasta (albeit a tad spicy for me) was absolutely delicious and plenty for a lunch the next day as well. Overall, I can't believe we waited so long to try Rudolfo's. It's become our new favorite date spot and we look forward to returning! read more

Rudolfo's - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Tried Rudolfo's for the first time while visiting family, and it did not disappoint! Super cute spot makes you feel like family. The food was amazing, the service was outstanding, and the desserts were absolutely delicious. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and made for a wonderful dining experience. I will definitely be coming back the next time I'm in town! read more

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Rudolfos is a MUST try for locals and visitors alike. They have the best pizza, pasta, and desserts in PG. It's our favorite place to take visitors, and do family style (because who can just choose 1 plate??) The menu shifts seasonally, and the whole staff always ensure it's a great experience. You'll always leave full and happy, but highly recommend getting extra dessert to go - for later! Rudy is the GOAT read more

Rudolfo's - Burger - so good! - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

the BEST truffle fries I have ever had. the perfect about of truffle oil and crispness. The spicy vodka pizza was great too. will be back!! read more

Rudolfo's - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

I always walk by this place and finally decided to pop in for a quick brunch. Their eggs were the fluffiest I've ever had so delicious it makes you want to lick the plate clean. The brioche toast was a nice touch as well. Our server was super nice and fast good service. I will have to be back to try their dinner! read more

Rudolfo's - American Brekkie - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

My sister ordered us dinner from here, its been on a list of mine for some time, she ordered on line & it was ready quickly, i ordered the lasagna, she tried onion rings, caesar salad & garlic cheesy french bread, everything was delish, she said the place was packed, inside & out & its obvious why, the food is outstanding, cant wait to try other items read more

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It was good. Only came for a sweet treat, got some cheesecakes and was on my way. They were alright but not worth the price read more

Rudolfo's - I had the regular cheesecake (top right ) and tiramisu (top left) - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Omgggg! This place was amazing!!! The food was 10/10! The staff very attentive and nice. We can wait to come back and try more things! Next time we need to save room for dessert because it looked so good! read more

Rudolfo's - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

We had such a pleasant dining experience at Rudolfo's! The food was absolutely delicious and the service was great as well. It was a very cozy and welcoming ambiance. We will definitely be coming back to visit! read more

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Great service (Chris was very attentive and friendly) Wait time for food was minimal Brussel sprouts were excellent Caesar Salad very good Pasta dishes al dente, rich sauces Tiramisu was excellent as was the gelato Definitely recommend read more

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Kinda sad. We found this place a a year and a half ago when they just opened and as a local to the Monterey carmel area we were excited! It was wonderful service and food at first but has gone down SIGNIFICANTLY. Seems like they only care about the Tik Tok fame and being a "popular" and "trendy" restaurant rather than being a place where a community can eat together. Super sad to call and be told they don't take any reservations after 4 to give everyone a "fair chance" whatever that means. It's literally a Wednesday but I guess they want the food reviewers to come and give them more popularity. Honestly save your money and go somewhere local in pacific grove like Peppers or red house down the street. read more

Another place I so wanted to love. It started off great. They were crowded but i had a reservation so we were seated outside with our pup promptly. There were lots of nice outdoor tables. Service was excellent. We ordered two side salads , one arugula and the other ceaser. They were plenty big and very tasty. Then came the big disappointment. The margherita pizza we ordered was not good. The crust, though crispy, was incredibly bland. They need to add some salt to this crust. It was not good at all. The tomato sauce totally overpowered the pizza and there was practically no cheese at all. It was like eating a plain cracker with tomato sauce. Yuck read more

Second time here and was unfortunately disappointed this time. Giving this place 3 stars because the food quality is excellent. What dropped my rating was the service. It took 45 minutes to get our food and our waiter didn't bother to check in or explain why it took so long other than "we're just busy". It also took a while to get our tab paid. Again - food was great but really encourage the staff to improve their service. read more

$17 Breakfast burrito was OK. Nothing wrong; it was just boring. $9 key lime pie: pretty damn good actually. Love me a good key lime. read more

Always a treat! Share a pasta plate and get a fresh cookie! Make sure to make reservations! read more

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The staff was so polite, the wait wasn't long on a weekday for lunch, and the food was mouthwatering. You might hear a lot of joyful moaning when people are savoring their food. Let's call it a delightful symphony. I had the carbonara but ate it before thinking to take a photo. read more

Sat outside and they provided lap blankets so even in winter we were cozy! Waited a bit since we didn't have a reso but WORTH IT! Got the cheesy garlic bread, soup of the day, and Parmesan crusted chicken. Was probably the best parm chicken I've ever had! read more

Rudolfo's - Menu 1/31/26 - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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Wowwy!! This place is absolutely wonderful. The service was great - kind, courteous, and friendly. The food is delicious and the portions are large. Inside is tight but they offer outside seating. It was a bit cold (typical Pacific Grove weather) so we waited for a table inside. All our food came out fresh and hot. We didn't have to wait long either. See my pics of the entrees we ordered. I highly recommend giving this place a try. I've lived in PG for 8+ years and I've been to this place many times for their wonderful gelato. This is the first time I tried their food but it won't be the last. My new Italian "go to" from this day forward! read more

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Incredible food and great service. Exceedingly busy spot in downtown Pacific Grove. Sidewalk casual dining with a great wine list and limited menu options; each offering better than the last. Gourmet Individual pizza, outstanding lasagna, salads and to-die-for authentic tiramisu. Highly recommend to locals and visitors alike. read more