Montrio is the MICHELIN Guide restaurant in downtown Monterey. Recognized in the MICHELIN Guide 2026 selection and holder of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2026, it serves Snake River Farms Wagyu, Certified Angus Beef, and sustainable Monterey Bay seafood from a restored 1910 firehouse at 414 Calle Principal — the first firehouse in California, and a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf. MICHELIN inspectors single out its green kitchen and its renditions of familiar favorites, like golden-fried calamari with zesty charmoula.
Why MICHELIN inspectors recommend Montrio
Montrio has anchored downtown Monterey since 1995, and the MICHELIN Guide recognizes it for a green kitchen built on Central Coast sourcing — local farmers, sustainable seafood, prime meats, and responsible waste management. Inspectors call out the cooking itself: tasty renditions of familiar favorites, like big, crisp pieces of golden-fried calamari with zesty charmoula.
The Guide doesn't only award stars. Its inspectors also maintain a recommended selection — restaurants judged worth a visit on ingredient quality, command of technique, and consistency on the plate. Montrio has held its place on that selection, alongside a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2026 for its Central Coast wine program.
What to eat at Montrio
- Wagyu and prime steaks — Snake River Farms Wagyu and Certified Angus Beef, cooked wood-fired — the reason many diners book.
- Sustainable seafood — signature Cioppino, Seared Sea Scallops, and a daily Catch of the Day from Monterey Bay.
- Golden-fried calamari — the dish MICHELIN inspectors singled out, served with zesty charmoula.
- Central Coast wine — an award-winning regional list, with Half-Priced Wine Night every Tuesday.
Where to find MICHELIN dining in Monterey
Montrio is the MICHELIN Guide restaurant in the walkable heart of downtown Monterey, on Calle Principal — no drive, no highway, and steps from the wharf, the waterfront, and downtown hotels.
Montrio is recognized in the Guide's recommended selection rather than holding a star. Monterey County's starred restaurants, Aubergine (two stars) and Chez Noir (one star), are in Carmel-by-the-Sea, about a 15-minute drive away. If you want a Guide-recognized dinner without leaving Monterey, Montrio is the downtown choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Monterey restaurant is in the MICHELIN Guide?
Montrio, at 414 Calle Principal in downtown Monterey, is recognized in the MICHELIN Guide 2026 selection. It serves Snake River Farms Wagyu, Certified Angus Beef, and sustainable Monterey Bay seafood in a restored 1910 firehouse, and also holds the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2026.
What should I order at Montrio?
The Snake River Farms Wagyu and Certified Angus Beef steaks are the most-ordered dishes, cooked wood-fired. For seafood, the signature Cioppino, Seared Sea Scallops, and the daily Catch of the Day. MICHELIN inspectors specifically singled out the golden-fried calamari with zesty charmoula.
Is Montrio a Michelin star restaurant?
Montrio is recognized in the MICHELIN Guide's recommended selection and does not hold a star. Monterey County's starred restaurants — Aubergine (two stars) and Chez Noir (one star) — are in Carmel-by-the-Sea, about 15 minutes away. Montrio is the MICHELIN Guide restaurant located in downtown Monterey itself.
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?
Monterey's MICHELIN Guide restaurants include Montrio, Coastal Kitchen, The Sardine Factory, Stokes Adobe, and Paprika Cafe. Montrio is the one in the restored 1910 firehouse at 414 Calle Principal in the walkable downtown core, recognized for Wagyu, prime steaks, and sustainable Monterey Bay seafood.
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.