Monterey County is the epicenter of the sustainable seafood movement. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's peer-reviewed Seafood Watch program was a pioneering effort in linking dining behavior to ocean health. While the program provides the tools you need to follow the right path and make sustainable choices, several local restaurants are also committed to offering in-season seafood sourced directly from Monterey Bay and California’s central coast fishermen.
Check out these restaurants on your visit and be sure to ask what the local catch is:
Café Fina (47 Fisherman's Wharf #1, Monterey) – Dominic Mercurio’s family grew up in Monterey’s fishing industry and decided to open a restaurant in the late 1980s. Serving Italian seafood, you’ll enjoy fresh fish, produce and family recipes that have been passed down from generations. Available year-round, try the grilled sand dabs.
Carmel Valley Ranch (1 Old Ranch Rd, Carmel Valley) – With a hand-crafted, homegrown approach to its food, dining at Carmel Valley Ranch offers the freshest ingredients from its gardens or sourced responsibly through local purveyors. Dine at Valley Kitchen and try items like their seasonal Monterey Prawns with garlic butter and snap peas.
Googie Grill (1520 Del Monte Blvd, Seaside) – Named after the 1940s modern architectural style coined “Googie,” this neighborhood eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy family recipes, comfort foods and classic plates with a modern twist. At dinner, try the grilled sand dabs or ask about the wild-caught fish.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Café (886 Cannery Row, Monterey) – Located within the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the café includes fresh, seasonal items. Try the Baja Fish Tacos, including local Monterey rock cod.
Passionfish (701 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove) – Featuring sustainably sourced seafood and locally grown produce, Passionfish provides the freshest ingredients in an intimate setting. The restaurant also offers an allergy-friendly menu. Choose the Dungeness crab salad when in season.
Phil’s Fish Market (10700 Merritt St, Castroville) – Opened in 1982 to sell locally caught fish, Phil’s Fish Market has grown to include a restaurant that serves its world-famous Cioppino, a family recipe from Phil’s grandmother, Nina Catalano. With a wide range of seafood options, check to see what’s on the Seafood Watch list during your visit.
Sea Harvest (2420 CA-1, Moss Landing) – Situated along the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing, Sea Harvest is committed to offering sustainable seafood dishes served in compostable containers and plastic-free packaging. Choose from Fish & Chips, grilled local rockfish and more.
Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse (7th Avenue & Dolores St, Carmel-by-the-Sea) – Enjoy fresh seafood and all-natural meats from Niman Ranch, including 28-day dry-aged steaks, in a contemporary, upscale setting designed for gathering. Try the drowning crab cake featuring local Dungeness crab when in season.
Wild Fish (545 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove) – Menus at Wild Fish vary several times a week, as the owners ensure that the day’s meal includes the latest catch and crops from local fishermen, farmers and foragers. Check their website for the latest offerings, including dishes like smoked sablefish, Monterey Bay rock cod and more.
Check the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch website for a list of sustainable choices in your area. You can also download the Seafood Watch iPhone app, which received the "Best Smartphone App" award from Treehugger.