The Chef's Guide to Eating at Montrio is a series of short, practical guides to dining at Montrio — the Michelin-rated fine dining restaurant in downtown Monterey, California. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, these guides help you decide what to order, how to pair it, and what makes each dish worth ordering.
Our menu and wine list change with the season — the dishes and pairings in these guides are a guide, not a guarantee. Please call (831) 648-8880 to confirm what's on tonight.
What to Order at Montrio
First time in? A chef-led walk through the signature plates — from Lobster Bisque poured tableside to the Snake River Farms Wagyu ribeye.
Read the guide →What to DrinkWine & Cocktail Pairings
What to pour with what. Central Coast wines and house cocktails matched to scallops, short ribs, steak, and seafood.
Read the guide →From the CoastThe Sustainable Seafood Guide
Why our seafood tells a story — sustainable sourcing, and the dishes that show it off best.
Read the guide →Or view the full Montrio dinner menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I order on my first visit to Montrio?
First-time guests often start with the Lobster Bisque poured tableside or the Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes, then choose between the Seared Sea Scallops, the Cioppino, or a Certified Angus or Snake River Farms Wagyu cut. See our full What to Order guide for the chef's picks.
Does Montrio help with wine pairings?
Yes. Our team is happy to pair any dish with a wine by the glass or bottle, or with one of our house cocktails. Our Wine & Cocktail Pairings guide covers recommended matches for the most popular plates.
Is Montrio's seafood sustainable?
Montrio is committed to serving sustainable seafood and is a certified green restaurant. Seafood is responsibly sourced, and the daily Catch of the Day reflects the chef's freshest sustainable selection.