Some Restaurants Are Nice. Montrio Is the One You Remember.
For couples celebrating in Monterey from mid-June through mid-July, the choice of restaurant matters. The setting, the food, and the pace of the evening all shape the memory. At Montrio, all three come together to create an unforgettable dining experience.
The Atmosphere: Intimate and Alive
Housed inside a beautifully restored 1910 firehouse in downtown Monterey, Montrio offers something rare: a dining room that feels both lively and intimate at the same time.
Warm lighting plays across exposed brick walls and original architectural details, while the open kitchen— anchored by a wood-burning grill and brick oven—adds an inviting energy without overwhelming the room.
Summer evenings are especially magical. As the coastal air cools and downtown Monterey begins to glow, Montrio settles into a rhythm where conversations linger, glasses stay full, and two hours somehow feel like forty minutes.
What to Share: A Perfect Couples' Menu
Begin the evening with the Lobster Bisque, poured tableside for a touch of elegant theater. Rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying, it's the perfect opening course for a special night.
Follow it with the Heirloom Tomato & Burrata, where vibrant heirloom tomatoes meet cool, creamy burrata in one of Monterey's most effortlessly romantic pairings.
For the main course, order the Seared Sea Scallops alongside the Filet Mignon and enjoy an exceptional surf-and-turf combination, prepared with refined technique and restraint.
If you're looking for something rich and memorable, the Duck Confit remains a favorite among couples, showcasing the patience and craftsmanship of Montrio's kitchen.
Complement your meal with a selection from Montrio's carefully curated wine list. Whether you're seeking the perfect pairing or taking advantage of the popular Tuesday Half-Priced Wine Night, the knowledgeable staff can recommend wines that perfectly match your evening.
Dessert and the Long Finish
House-made desserts provide the perfect finale. More importantly, Montrio encourages you to slow down. There is no pressure to rush the experience. It is a restaurant designed for lingering conversations, shared desserts, and one more glass of wine before the evening ends.
An Award-Winning Evening
Montrio's reputation is backed by consistent recognition, including the OpenTable Diners' Choice Award 2025 and Michelin Selected 2026 recognition. It remains the only Michelin-recognized restaurant in downtown Monterey, California, making it a destination where exceptional dining is expected—not occasional.
Mid-summer is one of Monterey's busiest and most romantic seasons, and reservations fill quickly. Don't leave your special evening to chance.
Reserve Your Table
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Hours
Monday–Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Plan Your Visit to Montrio
- Browse our seasonal Monterey dinner menu
- Reserve a table in downtown Monterey
- Discover our Central Coast wine program
- Host your celebration with private dining & events