Delicious Places to Eat in Monterey on a Budget

Monterey is not only a beautiful coastal city but is also called the language capital of the world. Monterey’s ethnic and cultural diversity is reflected in the wide variety of food available here. Many restaurants in this area tend to be on the pricier end of the spectrum. But do not fear, there are tons of places here where you can find delicious food without emptying your wallet, if only you know where to look! If you are hoping to find some great, budget-friendly, delicious places to eat you have come to the right place!

The Paris Bakery

Open 7 days a week, this local favorite offers a fresh selection of pastries, soups, salads, fresh fruit, and sandwiches. The Paris Bakery is operated by the Jegat family from France 🇫🇷 who originally owned a bakery in, you guessed it—Paris!
Cuisine: French
Where: 271 Bonifacio Place, Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, 6:30 am – 4:30 pm. Sunday.
What to order: At lunch pick up a spinach, tuna tomato, or onion rosemary quiche for $4.50, or a croque monsieur, a delicious blend of ham, Bechamel sauce, and gooey Swiss Cheese on French bread. This is a large sandwich and you can easily split it between two people for only $6.00. Then, c’est magnifique! You will still have $$ left for espresso or dessert!
Note: There are two locations, one in Seaside and one in old Monterey. I recommend the Monterey location because it is within easy walking distance to all the downtown shops and museums and is just a few blocks from Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
Hot Tip: There is a huge parking garage two blocks west of the bakery in Monterey if you plan on heading out for shopping or sight-seeing after lunch.
Helpful Links: Paris Bakery

Dametra

Dametra, at Del Monte Mall in Monterey, CA is the much cheaper, more casual sister restaurant to the more expensive but amazing Dametra Cafe in Carmel-by-the-Sea. While you won’t see belly dancers or listen to the kitchen staff crooning Greek songs tableside here, the food is just as delicious and very affordable.
Cuisine: Mediterranean/Middle Eastern
Where: 630 Del Monte Center, Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Open daily from 11:00am – 9:00pm
What to order: Gyros, kabobs, chicken shawarma, falafel, dolmas, salads, baba ghanoush, and spanakopita. They also have Moroccan mint tea, Turkish coffee, beer, and wine. The most expensive item on the menu is the “plate” selection which includes your choice of meat or falafel, rice, and two sides (I usually pick a salad and spanakopita). You also receive freshly baked white or wheat pita bread. All for $9.95. The portions are huge, so bring your appetite.
Note: There is seating both inside and outside. I usually prefer to sit at the window bar and people watch.
Hot Tip: Spring $2.50 for the baklava, thin layers of phyllo dough filled with walnuts, pistachios & honey. You will not be disappointed.
Helpful Links: Dametra

Chopstix

You can’t beat the value you get for quality Vietnamese food here. Everything on the menu is less than $7.99.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Where: 1244 Munras Ave., Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am-8:30 pm
What to Order: Favorites include Vietnamese Egg Rolls, Pho Gà Chicken Noodle Soup, Lemon Grass Beef, Vegetarian Glass Noodles with Tofu, Mandarin Chicken Wings, and Vietnamese BBQ Pork Chops.
Note: The restaurant is fairly small and may fill up quickly during peak meal times, I recommend making reservations, OR order take out and head to Del Monte Beach for a picnic.
Hot Tip: Try their Vietnamese coffee or choose from their dozens of flavors of milk tea and Boba!
Helpful Links: Chopstix

Compagno’s Market & Deli

This beloved Monterey market has been keeping Defense Language Institute students and Monterey regulars well fed for over forty years. They were voted best deli sandwich in Monterey and it is easy to see why! The sight of these ginormous subs with their super fresh and tasty fillings will astonish you.Cuisine: Italian-American
Where: 2000 Prescott Ave. Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Open daily 9:00 am-4:00 pm
What to order: I recommend the Hoagie with salami and mortadella or the chicken salad with almonds on either the soft baked or Dutch crunch bread. Order a half size sub for $8.99-$9.99 and it is still big enough give you two meals. For two people order a full size for $11.50-$12.50 and save even more. If you are vegan, no worries, they offer a delicious no-meat sub with sprouts, mushrooms, avocado, cucumber, and bell peppers.
Note: This place is somewhat off the main drag in the middle of a residential neighborhood and has a teeny tiny parking area on the west side that rapidly fills during peak lunch time, it is best to arrive early.
Hot Tip: Take your subs down the hill to San Carlos Beach, which marks the end of Cannery Row, at the intersection of Cannery Row and Reeside Avenue and watch the scuba divers at this popular dive area.
Helpful Links: Compagnos

Gianni’s

This well-known pizza joint has not only great pizza but also sandwiches, pasta, and calzones. Pizzerias come and go, but this one stands the test of time, and for good reason.
Cuisine: Italian
Where: 725 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Monday-Thursday 3:30 pm-9:30 pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00 am-10:30 pm, Sunday 11:00 am- 9:30 pm
What to order: Try the mouthwatering meatball sandwich for $8.37 or the linguine & clams marinara for $10.94.
Note: The parking lot fills up quickly during peak times, you may want to make reservations and arrive a bit early if you want to be seated on time
Hot Tip: This is within walking distance of the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Helpful Links: Giannis

Mundo’s

Mundo’s is close to downtown Monterey and has great food for great prices. They are fur baby friendly, so you can take Fido with you!
Cuisine: American
Where: 170 Webster St., Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10:00 am-5:00 pm
What to order: Try the spicy tuna melt for $9.29 or the grilled eggplant sandwich for $7.99. They also offer Curry Chicken Salad with Ciabatta or Tortilla Wrap for $6.99. The ciabatta bread is what makes the cake: it’s done perfectly–lightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Note: They do not take reservations or deliver
Helpful Links: Mundos

Monterey’s Fish House

It is Monterey, so you have to try seafood, right? I recommend Monterey’s Fish House. There are always long lines here, night after night, and for good reason!
Cuisine: Seafood
Where: 2114 Del Monte Ave., Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, Dinner: Monday-Sunday 5-9:30 pm
What to order: Try a bowl of their delicious clam chowder for $6.95 or split an entree; the portions are very large. I recommend it ALL. There are no bad choices here!
Hot Tip: Make reservations or you may end up waiting in line for an hour or more
Helpful Links: Monterey’s Fish House

Caffe Trieste

Located in downtown Monterey, close to shopping & the wharf.
Cuisine: Italian
Where: 409 Alvarado Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am -10:00 pm
What to order: Try the Tonno Melt or Veggie Panini for $9.99
Hot Tip: Sit outside and enjoy the fresh air and Monterey vibes. On Friday and Saturday nights, there is great live music!
Helpful Links: Caffe Trieste

Parker-Lusseau Pastries

Housed in the historic Fremont Adobe building and close to downtown shops and Colton Hall Museum
Cuisine: French
Where: Three locations, but my favorite is 539 Hartnell St., Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am -5:30 pm, and Saturday 7:30 am- 4:30 pm
What to order: Favorites include the turkey with honey dijon on a Croissant for $7.25, Portabella & Leek Quiche for $6.50 and the daily cup of soup for $4.75. If you want to go straight for dessert, the Almond Croissant is to die for, $5.50
Hot Tip: Sit outside at the tangerine colored tables and people watch
Helpful Links: Parker Lusseau