Monterey County's rich heritage of agriculture and its bounty of fresh ingredients from the land and sea produce a truly inspired dining experience worthy of praise, cementing Monterey County as a world-class culinary destination. The respected Michelin Guide has honored 16 recommendations, 2 starred restaurants and 2 bib gourmands. These distinguished restaurants in Carmel, Monterey, Pebble Beach and Big Sur, including the award-winning Aubergine, which celebrates gaining an additional coveted star in 2024, are not to be missed during your visit for their exceptional quality and culinary artistry.
About the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide boasts a 120-year-long tradition of showcasing superb dining experiences in culinary destinations. A Michelin star rating honors various calibers of prestige based on:
- Quality of ingredients
- Mastery of cooking
- Harmony of flavors
- Artistry of the Chef as reflected in the cuisine
- Consistency both over time and across the entire menu
Today, the Michelin Guide stands as an iconic symbol of culinary excellence. Below are the outstanding restaurants in Monterey County that have been awarded Michelin ratings.
 3 stars Exceptional cuisine worth a special journey |  2 stars Excellent food worth a detour |  1 star High-quality cooking worth a stop |  Bib Gourmand Friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices |  Recommended Restaurants Simply serves good food |
Michelin Restaurants in Monterey County
Aubergine, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Two Michelin stars recognize restaurants for excellent food worthy of a detour. Aubergine, helmed by Executive Chef Justin Cogley and Pastry Chef Yulanda Santos, prepares skillful, ingredient-driven cuisine that celebrates the abundance of the area. Aubergine's Lead Sommelier, John Haffey, was celebrated as the Sommelier Award winner of 2023 for his expertly curated 1,800-selection wine list that complements Chef Just Cogley's lauded tasting menu.
Chez Noir, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Chez Noir is an elevated seafood-centric restaurant that showcases pristine local Monterey Peninsula ingredients sourced directly from farmers and fisheries, serving as a love letter to the region. From baked goods to charcuterie, preserved produce, dry-aged fish and fresh pastas, each dish shines with the flavors of housemade ingredients inspired by Chef Black's Michelin-starred experience and ongoing exploration of French and northern Spanish cuisines.
Maligne, Seaside
Michelin's Bib Gourmand honors establishments that serve high-quality, three-course meals at approachable prices. Maligne is a mixture of contemporary European and classic American dining. Its seafood-driven menu is inspired by the warm and generous hospitality Chef Klaus Georis witnessed in his childhood, along with his work in Michelin-star restaurants on two continents.
Yafa, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Yafa will transport you to a villa in Greece. The casual corner cafe serves expertly prepared Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes in a warm and homey environment.
Michelin Guide Recognized Restaurants
An additional 16 restaurants are formally recognized by Michelin as must-stops for every epicurean visiting Monterey County. Each restaurant that is included in the Guide has been evaluated by a famed inspector and merits a very good standard of food and wine experience.
Akaoni, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Pristine sushi at surprisingly down-to-earth prices.
Big Sur Smokehouse, Big Sur
Melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork and brisket find perfect harmony with creative, smoky sauces.
Casanova, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Rustic French and Italian cooking featuring deliciously simple dishes, like hearty cannelloni.
Cultura, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Inspired by the cuisine of Mexico, with particular attention paid to the region of Oaxaca.
Coastal Kitchen, Monterey
Executive Chef Michael Rotondo is exploring new ground and bringing fresh culinary prowess to the Peninsula.
Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizzeria, Seaside
A family-run establishment serving up saucy generously portioned Italian-American staples.
La Bicyclette, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Comforting seasonal cuisine with a California-Mediterranean slant, plus pizzas and breads fired in their wood-burning oven.
Lucia Restaurant & Bar. Carmel Valley
Superb local and seasonal ingredients paired with spectacular views of the valley and vineyards.
Montrio Bistro, Monterey
Tasty renditions of familiar favorites, like big, crisp pieces of golden-fried calamari with zesty chermoula.
Paprika Cafe, Monterey
Flaky spanakopita, smoky baba ghanoush and vibrant tabbouleh served with a warm welcome from the chef/owner.
Peppoli, Pebble Beach
Rustic wood-fired Tuscan cooking is named for the Pèppoli Vineyard in Italy.
Seventh & Dolores, Carmel-by-the-Sea
A modern American steakhouse serving naturally farmed and humanely raised foods prepared to be decadent and soulful.
Sierra Mar, Big Sur
A bounty of California seasonality, from Monterey abalone with garden lettuce to homemade cavatelli with summer squash.
Stokes Adobe, Monterey
French and Italian elements are seen in hearty, satisfying dishes like the maltagliati pasta in prosciutto-parmesan broth.
The Sardine Factory, Monterey
A mix of classics like crispy sand dabs alongside "˜80s-glamour revivals like lobster ravioli in cream sauce.