<p>Why do tourists and locals alike keep coming back to Montrio? The short answer is: the food. The longer answer is below.</p> <p>Montrio is the kind of restaurant in Monterey, CA where the <a href="/menu">menu</a> is worth reading slowly. Internationally and seasonally inspired, built around locally sourced organic produce, sustainable seafood, and premium cuts, every dish has a reason to exist. If you're visiting for the first time this summer, here's exactly what to order.</p> <h2>Start Here: Appetizers That Deserve the Spotlight</h2> <p>The Lobster Bisque is the restaurant's signature opener. Poured tableside over Atlantic lobster tail and fennel confit, it's as theatrical as it is delicious.</p> <p>The Savory Corn Crème Brûlée with Duck Prosciutto is one of the most unexpected plates on the menu — a silky corn brûlée paired with duck prosciutto, smoked beets, arugula salad, and a Dijon vinaigrette. It's the dish that makes first-timers pause and regulars order it every time.</p> <p>The Fish Sticks, made from local rock cod with salmon roe and Montrio's house tartar sauce, are the playful side of the kitchen. Don't let the name fool you — this is a genuinely outstanding plate. The Almond Butter Pork Belly, layered with pickled apple, arugula, spiced almonds, and jalapeño honey, balances richness with brightness in a way that surprises guests every time.</p> <h2>Salads Worth Ordering as a Course</h2> <p>The Burrata and Heirloom Tomato Salad — shaved frozen heirloom tomatoes, burrata, Elio Verde EVOO, Villa Manodori, and micro basil — is one of summer's most beautiful pairings on any menu in Monterey. The Montrio House Salad with local greens, candied pistachios, pickled apples, berries, and Cambazola cheese is lighter but just as layered.</p> <h2>Entrées: The Heart of the Menu</h2> <p>The Cioppino is Monterey on a plate — a celebration of coastal California seafood that belongs on every first visit. The Kurobuta Pork Chop from the wood-burning grill arrives with the kind of caramelized crust only live fire can produce.</p> <p>If you're looking to indulge, make it the Filet Mignon. It's become one of Montrio's most talked-about dishes, with guests routinely describing it as the best steak they've ever had. Perfectly prepared and packed with flavor, it's the splurge-worthy entrée that keeps diners coming back.</p> <p>The Wagyu Eye of Ribeye remains an exceptional choice for steak lovers, while the Duck Confit continues to be a perennial favorite — technically flawless and deeply flavorful. The Roasted Jidori Chicken proves the kitchen treats every protein, not just the premium cuts, as worthy of its very best effort.</p> <h2>End Well</h2> <p>House-made desserts close the meal on the same note of intention that opened it. Ask your server what's seasonal — during the summer months, the pastry team is at its creative best.</p> <p>Pair everything with a selection from <a href="/wine-program">Montrio's curated wine list</a>. Tuesday evenings, select bottles are half price.</p> <p>Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, entertaining visitors, or simply looking for an unforgettable dinner, Montrio continues to set the standard for dining in Monterey.</p> <p><a href="/reservations">Reserve your table today</a> or call (831) 648-8880.</p>
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