The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year—a time to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace the warmth of the season. In Monterey, where the coastline glows under the late sun and the air carries a gentle sea breeze, it’s a perfect occasion to gather with loved ones and enjoy everything this vibrant season has to offer.
At Montrio, we welcome the solstice with a menu inspired by peak-season ingredients and a setting that encourages guests to linger. Whether it’s your first visit or a cherished tradition, the solstice reminds us that some of life’s best memories are made around a table—with fresh food, glowing light, and the people who matter most.
There’s something unforgettable about summer evenings in Monterey. As the sun sets over the coast, our outdoor patio comes alive with laughter, clinking glasses, and the aromas of dishes made from scratch. With extended daylight, there’s more time to enjoy another glass of wine, another story shared, another bite of something delicious.
Our pet-friendly patio is designed for golden hour—comfortable, breezy, and surrounded by the energy of downtown Monterey. It’s an ideal place to relax and take in the season, one sip and bite at a time.
Fresh Ingredients, Local Bounty
Our summer solstice menu is rooted in the region’s agricultural abundance. We highlight ingredients that are in their prime—ripe berries, crisp greens, tender vegetables, and fresh herbs—transformed into dishes that are vibrant and approachable.
Start your evening with the Corn Crème Brûlée, served with almond smoked red and golden beets, duck prosciutto, and arugula salad in a Dijon vinaigrette. Or try the Heirloom Tomato Salad, where burrata meets basil pistachio pesto, Villa Mandori balsamic, and puffed quinoa for a celebration of texture and flavor.
Looking to warm up the evening? The Onion Soup Gratinée with caramelized onion broth, gruyère, and country sourdough offers comfort with a seasonal twist.
Shared Plates, Shared Moments
The solstice is a celebration of connection—and our menu is designed to be shared. Small plates like the Almond Butter Pork Belly, with pickled apple salad, spiced almonds, and rice wine vinaigrette, are perfect for passing around the table.
For a seafood-forward start, enjoy the Fried Oyster Tacos with béarnaise, watermelon radish, and micro arugula, or the Pan Seared Blue Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, paired with malt vinegar aioli and a petite pea shoot salad.
Pair any of these with a glass of Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc from Santa Ynez Valley or the Alexander Valley Vineyards Rosé for a seasonal match made in heaven.
Entrees That Shine as the Sun Sets
As evening settles in, heartier entrées take the spotlight. The Roasted Double-Cut Kurabuta Pork Chop from Snake River Farms is bacon and breadcrumb encrusted, served with Sriracha risotto, grilled asparagus, dehydrated apple, and an apple gastrique. It’s bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Seafood lovers can savor the Grilled Local Catch, where the day’s sustainably sourced fish is elevated by the chef’s seasonal inspiration. Or try the Seared Sea Scallops over creamed corn risotto with cherrywood smoked bacon, tomato confit, and juniper-aged balsamic vinegar.
For plant-forward diners, the King Trumpet Vegetarian “Scallops” mirror the elegance of our scallop dish, served with creamed corn risotto, grilled asparagus, and tomato confit.
Toast to the solstice with one of our expertly crafted cocktails that showcase the season’s best flavors.
Almost Paloma
Tequila, lime juice, house-made grapefruit shrub
Clarified Colada
House spiced infused Rum, coconut, pineapple, lime juice
Browned Butter Old Fashioned
Brown butter washed Rittenhouse Rye, house-toasted almond syrup
Smoke & Mirrors
Bahnez Mezcal, Chartreuse, Amaro Nonino, lime (tableside presentation)
Ocean Strike
Clarified gin, blue spirulina, Italicus, lemon, citric acid, rosemary
Sunset in Oaxaca
Bahnez Mezcal, house-made Tepaché, honey, lemon, Fee Brothers Tobacco Bitters
Thyme Traveler
St. George Terroir Gin, lemon, Big Sur Huckleberry & Thyme Cordial, ginger beer
And for those looking to sip without spirits, our mocktails offer just as much flavor:
Montrio Spritz
Lyre’s Italian Orange, tonic, mint
Passionate Life
Passionfruit, lime, mint
Blood Orange Shrub
House-made blood orange sherbet, soda, lime
Grapefruit Shrub
House-made grapefruit shrub, soda
Whether you’re hosting a group dinner or enjoying a quiet evening for two, Montrio is here to make your summer solstice celebration feel effortless. From intimate indoor tables to our lively patio setting, every corner of our space is designed to help guests connect and celebrate.
We’re proud to represent Monterey’s values—sustainability, hospitality, and community—on every plate. Our ingredients are thoughtfully sourced, our service is warm, and our passion for seasonal cuisine shines all year, but especially on nights like these.
There’s no better way to welcome summer than with fresh flavors, coastal air, and heartfelt conversation. Whether it’s the first toast of the evening or the last forkful of dessert, the solstice is a reminder of the joy that comes from gathering around the table.
Reserve your table and celebrate with us at Montrio—where light, flavor, and community come together under the Monterey sky.
📞 831.648.8880
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