Welcome to Del Monte Beach: Monterey’s Laid-Back Culinary Hotspot
If Monterey’s bustling Cannery Row and tourist-heavy Wharf are the city’s big stages, Del Monte Beach is a locals’ hideaway where the surf is mellow, the sand is golden, and the food scene is seriously underrated. Tucked just south of downtown and hugging the gentle curve of Monterey Bay, this residential neighborhood boasts an edible mix that reflects its laid-back, beachy personality—think creative casual eats, craft coffee, and a few secret spots you’ll wish you’d discovered sooner.
Whether you’re here for a sandy stroll, a sunset paddleboard, or simply hungry from the salty breeze, Del Monte Beach offers dining experiences as memorable as its views. Here’s where to eat, sip, and linger like a local.
Seaside Standouts: From Classic to Contemporary
Wave Street Café
Location: 550 Wave St, at the edge of Del Monte Beach and Cannery Row
Don’t let the casual beachy vibe fool you—Wave Street Café delivers a next-level brunch experience. Locals rave about their lemon ricotta pancakes (fluffy yet rich), and the outdoor patio draws a cool crowd of surfers and breakfasters alike. Prices range from $12-$18 for most breakfast and lunch dishes, making it upscale-casual but worth every penny. Specialty coffee drinks here—like the Velvet Mocha—will have you lingering long after your meal.
Del Monte Express Food Trucks
Location: Del Monte Ave and Casa Verde Way parking lots
Hidden near the Dunes on Monterey Shopping Center and dotted along Del Monte Avenue, a small rotation of food trucks sets up camp on sunny weekends. The seafood taco truck is a particular highlight, offering Baja-style fish tacos ($5 each) and ceviche cups with local rockfish. Another favorite, Maria’s Tacos, serves up handmade tortillas stuffed with slow-braised carnitas and tangy salsa verde. Prices are budget-friendly ($3-$10), and everything tastes better with bare feet in the sand.
Hula’s Island Grill
Location: 622 Lighthouse Ave—just a short walk from the neighborhood’s northern edge
Hawaiian-inspired and heavy on the aloha spirit, Hula’s Island Grill is a must for anyone seeking creative cocktails and Polynesian fare under surfboards and bamboo lanterns. Order the sweet potato fries with wasabi dip ($8), then dive into their signature Jerk Pork Tacos or daily fresh-catch poke bowl ($15-$22). Their “Tiki Tuesday” happy hour is a local legend for discounted mai tais and appetizers.
Hidden Gems and Small-But-Mighty Spots
Lighthouse Café—Local’s Coffee Favorite
Location: 599 Lighthouse Ave (near Hoffman Ave intersection)
A tiny, hole-in-the-wall spot, but easily one of the best coffee experiences in Monterey. Lighthouse Café serves locally roasted beans and killer pastries. Try the croissant breakfast sandwich ($7.50) or their almond latte, which hits the spot on foggy mornings. Seating is limited, but the friendly vibe (and free beach parking out front) make it popular with the post-surf crowd.
La Bahia Mexican American Grill
Location: 372 Lighthouse Ave, cozy corner with Reeside Ave
Don’t let the unassuming storefront fool you—La Bahia is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Family-run, super affordable (most plates under $15), and loaded with flavor, this spot’s chilaquiles, carne asada fries, and homemade aguas frescas are musts. It’s the kind of place where “regulars” are folks who stumbled in craving a burrito after the beach and never looked back.
Sweet Treats and Bakeries
Parker-Lusseau Pastries
Location: 539 Hartnell St, tucked behind Del Monte Ave
People cross town for Parker-Lusseau’s almond croissants and fruit tarts. Just blocks from the sands of Del Monte Beach, this French-style bakery is a local legend. You’ll find the shelves packed with buttery viennoiserie, seasonal galettes, and rustic breads. There’s a tiny patio out back if you want to savor your treat with a cappuccino ($3-$7 per pastry/drink).
Revival Ice Cream
Location: 463 Alvarado St, just a short walk inland
While technically bordering Old Monterey, Revival is absolutely worth the 10-minute stroll from Del Monte Beach. Their artisan ice cream—made with local ingredients—offers flavors like Bee’s Knees (with local honey and handmade honeycomb) and Monterey Strawberry. Vegan and gluten-free options abound, and single scoops start at $5.
Classic Beach Eats: Burgers, Pizza & More
Beach House at Lovers Point
Location: 620 Ocean View Blvd, an easy bike ride along the rec trail
For a classic California meal with water views, Beach House at Lovers Point is beloved for its oceanfront sunsets and casual but elevated menu. Order a Monterey Bay calamari appetizer, wood-fired pizzas, or the garlic butter burger. Most entrées run $15-$28, and the panoramic views are free.
Pizza My Heart
Location: 620 Lighthouse Ave, steps from Del Monte Beach’s main entrance
The go-to for a grab-and-go slice between beachwalks and bike rides. Try local’s favorite: the “Big Sur” (tomato, garlic, mushrooms, and pepperoni)—just $4.50 a slice. It’s a quintessential Monterey quick bite.
Local Traditions and Annual Foodie Events
Del Monte Beach’s community vibe means many food rituals center around picnics, beach bonfires, and sunset snacks. Every summer, look for pop-up food fairs and BBQs near the public beach access at Surf Way and Tide Ave, where neighbors gather to share homemade tamales, grilled salmon, or locally harvested produce.
A must-visit is the weekly Monterey Farmers Market on Alvarado Street (Tuesdays), just a couple blocks up from Del Monte Beach, where you can pack your own picnic from farm-fresh strawberries, artisan breads, or an empanada stand that’s become an open secret among locals.
How to Explore the Neighborhood Eats
The best way to taste Del Monte Beach? Start at Del Monte Ave and follow your senses up Lighthouse Ave and down toward the sand. Clustered around Casa Verde Way, Wave Street, and into the quieter corners near Ocean View Blvd, the neighborhood’s food scene rewards curiosity. Expect easy parking, friendly faces, and the kind of unpretentious, creative spirit that sets this beach apart from its more famous neighbors.
Whether you’re craving a warm scone after a sunrise walk, catching a sunset fish taco, or sipping coffee with sand between your toes, the dining scene at Del Monte Beach is Monterey at its most relaxed—and most delicious.