MICHELIN Guide Recognized Restaurants in Monterey County

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. The respected MICHELIN Guide has honored 16 restaurants throughout the destination in 2022, with this year marking Monterey County's first time being a part of the statewide partnership with MICHELIN Guide California. These distinguished restaurants in Carmel, Monterey, Pebble Beach and Big Sur, including the award-winning Aubergine, which has maintained it's coveted star since 2019, 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:

1. Quality of ingredients
2. Mastery of cooking
3. Harmony of flavors
4. Artistry of the Chef as reflected in the cuisine
5. 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. 

MICHELIN Restaurants in Monterey County

AUBERGINE

Carmel-by-the-Sea

A MICHELIN star recognizes restaurants high-quality cooking that is consistently prepared with excellence. Aubergine, helmed by Executive Chef Justin Cogley and Pastry Chef Yulanda Santos, prepares skillful, ingredient-driven cuisine that celebrates the abundance of the area. The daily changing eight course Tasting Menu is an of-the-moment celebration of seasonality and creativity. Learn more about Aubergine's MICHELIN star here.

YAFA

Carmel-by-the-Sea

MICHELIN’s Bib Gourmand honors establishments that serve high-quality, three-course meals at approachable prices. Yafa will transport you to villa in Greece. The casual corner cafe serves expertly prepared Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes in a warm and homey environment. Learn more about Yafa's Bib Gourmand here.

MICHELIN GUIDE RECOGNIZED RESTAURANTS

An additional 14 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 a 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.

CHEZ NOIR

Carmel-by-the-Sea 

French bistro fare with an occasional Spanish accent, showcasing the bounty of the California coast. 

CULTURA

Carmel-by-the-Sea 

Inspired by the cuisine of Mexico, with particular attention paid to the region of Oaxaca.

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 charmoula.

PAPRIKA CAFÉ

Monterey 

Flaky spanakopita, smoky baba ghanoush and vibrant tabbouleh served with a warm welcome from the chef/owner.

PÉPPOLI

Pebble Beach 

Rustic wood-fired Tuscan cooking 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 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.