Our favorite place in Monterey Bay. The food is always fantastic, the desserts are great, the service is amazing, and the vibe is so welcoming. Definitely a hidden gem worth checking out. Get a reservation because they fill up fast! read more

Food and service were great. Stumbled upon the gem on after our Aquarium visit. Very friendly staff and food was delicious. We had the build your own pie and the Parmesan chicken with a Cesar salad. read more

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

Another five star lunch experience at Rudolfo's. The CHEF himself came out and took our order went back in the kitchen and prepared it and had his staff service us. I can't say enough about this wonderful restaurant. CHEF Rudy is becoming one of the top chefs in the Monterey Peninsula. If you haven't dined at Rodolfo's, you need to go there and enjoy one of the best culinary experiences you ever ever have. read more

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Seriously what the heck this place is so good I think I died and levitated over my delicious Caesar salad with tri tip after the first bite. This place is perfection and deserves to be in the heart of PG, it is truly an amazing restaurant and experience. read more

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

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10/19/24 Visiting Monterey we stopped at this quaint Italian restaurant. Very good food. Homemade pasta. Our server, Cesar was very polite and pleasant. Great attitude! Thank you! We didn't have a reservation but, were lucky to be seated outdoor. Stop by. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Arrived at 7:15 and were seated immediately outside, while the indoor tables were either occupied or held for reservations. Once seated, we discussed the menu for about ten minutes (including bathroom breaks), then waited an additional ten minutes before anyone came to take our order. The server--a young gentleman doing his best--earns a solid 7/10. Wild Boar Ravioli - Bland with hard edges; the sauce is the only redeeming factor, but it's not worth ordering again. Chicken Alfredo - Overwhelmingly garlicky; I couldn't taste anything else. Lasagna - The star of the night: super simple yet delicious, and the sauce was perfect for dipping garlic bread. Paesano - The mushrooms were tough (didn't know they could be--learn something new every day), and only the caramelized onions saved this dish. As pictured, it definitely came with toppings, but sometimes it's nice to let the sauce and dough shine through. Two tables seated after us received their food before ours, and the staff only approached us again to drop off the check. Maybe it was because we were outside, but everything except the ravioli and garlic bread arrived cold. I'm sure there are better dishes, but three out of five were misses for the three of us--though I still need to try the carbonara read more

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

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Hubby and I stop in for dinner many times so I can't be specific about one meal because they all are very delicious!!! Can't forget the dessert and wonderful selection of wine too which I highly recommend!!! The service is always great and it really is a cute and nicely decorated place to have dinner. read more

We have been coming to Rudolfo's for years now and our experiences have always been wonderful. Rudy is truly innovative with his menu, offering unique and perfectly presented meals to us. The effort this establishment puts into making everything from scratch amazes me and the dedication and devotion to ensuring their patrons truly enjoy their meal are apparent. My husband is obsessed with their Bolognese or Ravioli, and my go to is typically one of their homemade soups and spaghetti w/meatballs. If Italian isn't what you are looking for, they have several other offerings on the menu. Everything is fresh, quality, and cooked to perfection. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed. Make sure you make a reservation if possible, their popularity has exploded for good reason! read more

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Searching on Yelp on where to have dinner in Pacific Grove and decided to try Rudolfo's Cafe. They have a large outdoor area which is really nice and I think even better than their indoor dining. The evening wasn't chilly, so we sat outside. Nextdoor is wild fish restaurant and they had live entertainment with a band playing popular old hits like, "I left my heart in San Francisco." I think the music just made the evening so much more enjoyable! Some people stopped just to dance and they weren't even eating at either restaurants! We were hungry so we ordered 2 pizzas and a pasta to share. Paesano pizza - sausage, pepperoni, olives, mushroom and caramelized onions The pizza bread stayed dry on the bottom and didn't get soggy! Nice chewy and crispy pizza bread with the right amount of savory toppings which surprisingly wasn't too salty. 5/5 Prosciutto pizza - organic basil, prosciutto, arugula, burrata cheese. The prosciutto was salty but the burrata cheese balanced out my palate so it wasn't overwhelming. Very good pizza! 5/5 Braised short rib bolognese with whipped ricotta and parsley oil - how can you resist in-house made pasta? Nothing beats the texture! It's just so much better when it's freshly made versus store bought dry pasta. This is how it should be! The sauce was good as well but the meat was a little bit too salty for me. Maybe if they added cream to the bolognese, it would lighten the saltiness of the sauce. Still a very good dish! 4/5 Tiramisu gelato - Perfect sweetness and flavor! 5/5 We had 3 pieces of pizza left and had to pack it. I also wanted to make room for their gelato! So I walked inside their restaurant where they had ice cream behind the counter like an ice cream parlor. I tried a sample of their pumpkin which was very good. It had pieces of gingerbread cookie in it! But I had my mind set for tiramisu gelato. It was yummy! Loved the coffee liqueur flavor and bits of lady finger biscuit in it. Sweet way to end the evening! I highly recommend Rudolfo's Cafe! read more

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Everything is insanely good - from the pastas to the burger to the fries. Thank you for serving such a huge side of fries!! read more

Pasta made in house, pizza dough made in house, desserts made in house, portions that are more than large enough to share Rudolfo's is Always a lovely meal. I enjoy that the menu is often changing so there is always something new to try. The service is warm and welcoming, busy and accommodating. Highlights are the bee's knees pizza, the Caesar is big enough for the whole table to have some, spicy Italian sausage pasta with the broccolini if it's on the menu atm is so good. The half chicken! Get a cookie to go. read more

Having lived in PG for 2 years, I can't believe it has taken me this long to try out Rudolfo's. The location is great, it's a wonderful and friendly feel inside. And it's situated in the heart of downtown PG on lighthouse ave. The parking at the time we came was easy peasy lemon squeezy. No appetizers this time, but I've got my eyes on that artichoke for our next dining experience. Kiddo got a cheeseburger. Great flavor, done too a perfect medium. Bun was soft and fresh. Fries were great. I got the pear and arugula salad with the $8 trip tip add on for the top. It was perfect. The salad was lovely with fresh greens and fresh pear. The candied walnuts gave a great contrast and crunch. The tri-tip was flavorful and done perfectly rare, just how I love it. Hubs got the short rib ravioli. I don't customarily love pasta dishes at home or out. But, let me just say, the sauce...tomato sugo sauce....was the most delicious pasta sauce I have ever tasted. Dessert was somewhat underwhelming, but I didn't take a star away because we ate the key lime pie at home the next day or 2 days after. I assume if we had gotten it in house, it would have been fresh and delicious...just like the rest of the fare from Rudolfo's. Highly recommended. read more

Rudolfo's - Pear & arugula salad with rare tri-tip - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Everything we ordered was simply fantastic. After a long beautiful day walking 2 of the pro-am tournament courses, we were tired and craving burgers. Rudolfo's The Works burger was perhaps the best burger I have ever eaten. Eat it exactly as constructed for a savory flavor bomb. We really enjoyed it with the fries and a side of onion rings. To get our veggies in, we shared a gimungous Caesar salad with delicious dressing, copious grated Parmesan and tasty crunchy bread crumb "croutons." If only we lived in Pacific Grove, we would be regulars. Sorry was too hungry for pics. read more

Great attentive service & food is delicious. From the bolognese, spaghetti & meatballs, salads, tri trip and chicken sandwiches to the onion rings & tiramisu nothing disappoints. Great seating indoor and outdoor. Nice casual ambiance. One of the best restaurants on Lighthouse in Pacific Grove. Give it a try! If you do, you'll return again. read more

Actually, Rodolfo's is better than great. The food is beyond excellent! Try the lasagna, it'll knock your socks off! The caesar Salad is phenomenal. Actually, everything on the menu is worth trying. The service is great and the atmosphere inviting. Make your way to Rodolfo's...you'll be glad you did! read more

Loved this spot! Nice ambiance and food was exactly what we were craving after a long day in Monterey. Excited to come back and try more read more

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

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went with a large group and the staff was amazing taking care of us and even sang happy birthday and gave a complimentary slice of their in house tiramisu. (if it's your birthday you can pick any one of their desserts but tiramisu is the best). I would definitely recommend getting a pasta. I git the burger and was a bit disappointed nonetheless would go back read more

Don't order coffee. It's about the worst coffee I have ever tasted. Don't order the burrito unless you don't mind greasy tortillas. The menu has no prices. Actually, I didn't see a price listed anywhere. We ordered 1 burrito, 2 chicken tenders and 1 carnitas sandwich. The total, including the nasty coffee, but not including tip was $100. We were served on take-out containers though we had not ordered take-out. On the other hand, taking the food home was a good idea and we did leave. The food WAS tasty and it the portions were generous. The seasoning is on the heavy side, but in general the food tastes good though a bit too spicy. Lastly, would we go back? The answer is no, except that I might go back to taste their gelato ice cream. The main warning is check the price of the items unless you don't mind a surprise at checkout and whatever you do don't order coffee. read more

Rudolfo's is the 'Don't Miss' restaurant in PG! Exceptional cuisine created by the formally CIA educated Rudolfo, who, in addition to being a master craftsman, is also a very interesting conversationalist. Aside from the diverse and delicious menu, Rudolfo succeeded in hiring extremely attentive, polite and friendly team members. read more

Rudolfo's - World's most succulent meatballs! - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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I had the arugula/pear /walnut/gorgonzola salad and lemonade. The lemonade was okay but the salad - ooh la la. The best salad I ever had! The walnuts had a generous sugar glaze and the arugula leaves were evenly covered with the exact right amount of balsamic dressing. Sufficient pear slices and gorgonzola. The decor is tastefully modern, pleasant to look at with an enormous vase of gladiolas on the center table. The waitress was attentive but not overly so. I give it an enthusiastic perfect rating of "Great!" read more

Rudolfo's menu is interesting, with a variety of selections to choose from. My favorite dishes are the chicken alfredo and the orange risotto. The restaurant is attentive to dietary restrictions and my chicken alfredo was carefully prepared with that in mind. If you are a risotto fan, the flavors are changed often. Rudolfo's also offers a variety of cookies, ice cream and other desserts. Most of the cookies are all natural and taste incredible. Maddie and the entire staff are very friendly and welcoming. Even though I was vacationing in Pacific Grove, I soon felt like a regular customer, in the best way. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Cute casual place with indoors and patio. Great service, but the Pizza!! OMG. Best pie I've had outside of NY! read more

Rudolfo's - Amazing pizza pie! - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

My wife and I were visiting Pacific Grove for the first time and were looking for a good place to eat for dinner. Rudolfo's knocked it out of the park! Our server was incredibly attentive, thoughtful with her recommendations, and a true delight with every interaction we had with her. We ordered the soup of the day, which lucky for us was an artichoke bisque- the best we've ever had. We also ordered the pesto tagliatelle, which was incredible. We took home a piece of chocolate cake that we have yet to try, but I'm here to say that if you find yourself in the area and want a lovely dining experience, please try Rudolfo's. We will definitely be back. Hopefully sooner than later! read more

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

My meal was everything I expected and more! Service was 100%, attention and communicated request with Chef ( Thank you Chef). I highly recommend because it really is just that good. Sorry no pictures because, I was too busy demolishing plates . ( Fried Chicken, Caesar Salad and Chicken Fettuccine ) read more

Cute lil' place in down PG. Had a light meal of mixed green salad w/chicken served with the lightest focaccia. Dressing was light yet flavorful. My espresso martini was yummy! Though it's a small place, when a group of 8 people came in and started chatting, I felt like I was in a beer hall because of the acoustics! I won't hold that against them. read more

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

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Best Tri Tip Sandwich and Onion Rings I have ever had....excellent service. We will be back!!

Wow...just wow!! First time here for a business birthday dinner and we were beyond amazed. Tatiana our server was super attentive and kind throughout the evening and we were a party of nine. Our appetizers and food all came out within a timely manner and the food was beyond delicious! Fresh, quality, taste, and portion everything you want in a meal. The chef even came out to say hello to conclude our evening. Hats off! read more

Rudolfo's - Fettuccini Chicken Alfredo - Italian Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

They NEVER answer their phone at night. And when the phone call eventually goes to voicemail, the greeting says their voicemail is full. Of course it is full --- that is because no one ever answered the phone, and unhappy customers left messages that were never returned. So if you want to order to-go, you have to go to the restaurant and then wait for 45-60 for them to prepare the food if they are the least bit busy. And you can't make reservations since they don't answer their phone. NOT ANSWERING THE PHONE IS A CARDINAL SIN FOR A SMALL BUSINESS!!! They do use a small online ordering platform that is cheap (cheap for the restaurant, not for cheap the customer). But that online platform has known security vulnerabilities, privacy concerns and most importantly, there are constant complaints from customers that it overcharges. Avoid Rudolfi's, you will regret it. read more

AMAZING food! The meatballs are the best meatballs I have ever had. Reminds me of Grandma's House. Home made pasta that is spectacular! I cannot say enough amazing things about the chef and the food! Amazing service and ambiance! Recently discovered this restaurant and have already brought family back. We will absolutely be coming back again! read more

Charming location. Absolutely delicious food and dessert was to die for. Great service and a fantastic experience. We will definitely be back! read more

Food was so delicious. Had the pear and arugula salad, parm crusted chicken dish. Service was perfect. Attentive but not hovering. Ambiance is great for a chill meal with friends or family. Definitely will be back! read more

When I come to Pacific Grove, this is a MUST! Being from Orange County, it can be hard to find incredible food in other places. This place beats my other finds. They have a dog friendly patio which helped since we brought my dog on our vacation. The ambiance for outside was nice and our server was on top of the game. Inside, it was comfortable and had soft music playing. The menu is so diverse but done so well. All the descriptions sounded so good we came back twice! Our first day we went hard: stuffed artichoke, focaccia bread with oil, tri tip sandwich and the pear arugula salad with tri tip and had dessert of Oreo cheesecake and two berry pie. Day two we tried the cheesy focaccia bread, turkey sandwich and the short rib ravioli. We already are making plans to come back in 6 months solely for the food and amazing service. Thank you for being the highlight of my spring break! PS the cookies are worth it, trust me. read more

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Pacific Grove is my happy place. We wanted to try something new and found Rudolfo's here in Yelp. I'm glad I went. We had Brussel sprouts and the cheesy focaccia for appetizers. Quite a lot of brussel sprouts. It was just on the verge of being too much. I ordered the lasagna. Very yummy. The sauce is like a vodka sauce. Very flavorful. Again - quite a big portion. My husband had the ravioli- he felt it was a bit one dimensional, not very texturally appealing. My son had the chicken Parmesan. Noodles were sticking together. They could have used a bit more time in the water. I like that they make their own pasta. This is quite the feat and I do appreciate this. We Sat next to another restaurant that had a jazz band playing which was a nice add to the experience. read more

I just stopped in to pick up my food that I had ordered ahead but I wish I had ate in or at least ordered dessert too! I showed up a couple minutes early but my order was ready right when it was estimated to be, great service! The salad was just the right size and the ingredients paired well together. Would definitely recommend if you're in town! read more

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I wrote a draft containing notes when I made a visit a few months back. Normally I would write a long review based on the notes, but I think this sums it up nicely. Food and beer delish Waitress was dim and had never tasted anything on the menu and could provide no suggestions "Uhhh... garlic bread sounds like it could be good?" Open airy and light atmosphere Held against will, waited years for the check to arrive read more

Arrived at 4:15 without reservation, my fault I get it, but at 4:15? Hostess said we could eat inside if we were out by 5:30. Honestly, she was just rude about it. Waitress took our order for food and we never saw her again. We had to ask the hostess for drinks. Someone brought us our bill and we done by 5:00. Wife had the Bees Knees pizza. I had the Wagyu burger. Both plates were very good. The food was very good, service not so much, and ambiance very loud. Maybe we hit them on a bad afternoon? read more

Yum! First spot for a quick lunch. Hungry family group seated quickly and enjoyed friendly service. Food was served quickly and didn't wait long after ordering. Everyone enjoyed their selections. My burger was great. Juicy flavorful meat with great fixins. The Monterey was a huge sandwich could easily serve two. Really enjoyed our patio dining the beautiful California day. Give this place a try! read more

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

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Great sourdough pizza, fresh pasta, and the Caesar salad was spot on. Save room for gelato!

One of the best meals I have ever had! Actually two of the best meals, as we returned the second night that we were in town. Flavorful al dente pasta, with beautiful sauces, the type you savor! read more

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Delicious food. Great service, I highly recommend checking this place out. The hand breaded onion wings were a hit.