Montrio is featured in the MICHELIN Guide as a Monterey restaurant. Set in a restored 1910 firehouse in the heart of downtown Monterey, it is recognized for inventive, locally sourced Californian cuisine, sustainable seafood, and prime meats. Montrio holds a Guide listing rather than a star — in Monterey County, the starred restaurants are in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea.
What it means to be in the MICHELIN Guide
The MICHELIN Guide doesn't only award stars. Its inspectors also recommend a wider list of restaurants worth a visit, judged on the quality of ingredients, command of technique, and consistency on the plate. Montrio earns its place on that recommended list.
The Guide describes Montrio as a green kitchen housed in a 1910 firehouse — sourcing from local farmers, using sustainable seafood and prime meats, and practicing responsible waste management, with tasty renditions of familiar favorites like golden-fried calamari with zesty charmoula.
Michelin-recognized dining in Monterey
Several Monterey restaurants are featured in the MICHELIN Guide, and Montrio is the one set in downtown's historic firehouse on Calle Principal. If you're looking specifically for a starred meal, Monterey County's Michelin stars are a short drive away in Carmel-by-the-Sea — Aubergine (two stars) and Chez Noir (one star).
For a Guide-recognized dinner in the heart of Monterey — walkable, coastal, and built on Central Coast ingredients — Montrio has anchored the downtown dining scene since 1995.
Why diners choose Montrio
- Sustainable seafood — signature Cioppino and Seared Sea Scallops, plus a daily Catch of the Day.
- Prime meats — Certified Angus Beef and Snake River Farms Wagyu, cooked wood-fired.
- Central Coast wine — a regional wine program, with Half-Priced Wine Night every Tuesday.
- A setting with history — a beautifully restored 1910 firehouse in downtown Monterey.
- A local favorite — a 4.6 overall rating across more than 5,100 Google and OpenTable reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montrio a Michelin star restaurant?
Montrio is featured in the MICHELIN Guide but does not hold a Michelin star. The Guide recommends it as a Monterey restaurant worth a visit. In Monterey County, the starred restaurants — Aubergine (two stars) and Chez Noir (one star) — are in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea.
What is the difference between Michelin-selected and Michelin-starred?
Michelin stars (one, two, or three) are awarded to a small number of exceptional restaurants. Michelin-selected, or Guide-recommended, restaurants are those inspectors specifically recommend as worthy destinations — a meaningful recognition that places a restaurant among the best in its area.
Which Monterey restaurants are in the MICHELIN Guide?
Several Monterey restaurants are featured in the MICHELIN Guide, including Montrio in downtown Monterey. Montrio is recognized for sustainable seafood, prime meats, and inventive Californian cuisine in a historic 1910 firehouse at 414 Calle Principal.
Where is Montrio located?
Montrio is at 414 Calle Principal in downtown Monterey, California — a walkable, central location in a restored 1910 firehouse, the first firehouse in California.
How do I reserve a table at Montrio?
Reserve online through OpenTable on the Montrio reservations page, or call (831) 648-8880. Montrio is open for dinner nightly, and reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.