Monterey Cookhouse - (Near Monterey, CA)

Richard Palmer A kitchen firing on all cylinders — let down by the front of house. Monti’s delivered one of those meals where dish after dish lands with quiet confidence. Not flashy for the sake of it, just thoughtful cooking, excellent ingredients, and plates that look as good as they taste. The flash-fried calamari set the tone immediately: tender, impeccably crisp, and paired with crispy fried lemon slices that were nearly as addictive as the calamari itself. Salty, citrusy, and bright — the kind of detail that signals a kitchen paying attention. Both burgers were standouts. The grilled lamb burger (gluten-free) arrived precisely medium-rare, juicy and deeply flavored, with creamy feta and cool cucumber tzatziki providing just the right contrast. The sirloin burger, topped with house-made bacon, blue cheese, and salsa verde, struck a similarly deft balance — rich without tipping into excess, the herbs keeping everything lively. The lemon tagliatelle with Dungeness crab was a highlight: silky pasta, generous crab, gentle heat from chilies, and enough lemon to keep the dish vibrant without overwhelming the sweetness of the seafood. This is a plate that disappears faster than you expect. And then there were the skinny fries — crisp, rosemary-flecked, and unapologetically indulgent thanks to the blue cheese. Not an afterthought side, but something you actively compete over. Dessert was a quiet triumph. The lemon olive oil pound cake, moist and fragrant, paired beautifully with honey-roasted grapes that brought warmth and depth, while the vanilla crème fraîche added just enough tang to keep the sweetness in check. Refined, balanced, and deeply satisfying. The wine choice didn’t disappoint either. The Guadagni Family Wines Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley, 2024) was fresh and expressive, and the fact that Monti’s offers four Sauvignon Blancs on a compact list is genuinely impressive — a small but telling sign of a wine program run by people who care. Visually, the meal was as strong as the flavors. The photos say it all: clean, composed plates with real attention to presentation, without drifting into pretension. The catch: service. We waited a full 15 minutes before seeing a server and ultimately had to ask the host for help. When our server arrived, the opening line — “I’ll only be your server for the first half of your meal” — came before any apology or welcome. Add being seated at the table closest to the restrooms despite ample availability elsewhere, and the front-of-house experience simply didn’t match the quality of the food. Bottom line: Monti’s kitchen is doing excellent work, and we’ll absolutely return for the food and wine. Next time, though, we’ll be much more assertive about service — because a meal this good deserves a smoother landing.

Joe The food was really good here. I was not disappointed. I tried a black lager and it was delicious. I wish I had time to stay longer and try more of their beers. They cooked the burger perfectly which is a hard thing to find these days. Ill definitely be back next time Im in town.

Janet Dang Food was good. Service was sloooooow! We grabbed a table for 5 and they had us wait for a chair and then a random patio chair was brought over. Orders were placed and we brawl sat there for 3 hrs total between waiting, ordering the food, and then getting the food. Do not come here if you are hangry or on a time crunch. Service was inattentive after we received our plates, that was that. We didn’t get checked on or ask if we needed anything else. All the dishes were good though so no complaints on the food. Just know they are very busy and they had two ppl for the whole entire restaurant. Bring your patience

Victor Delicious meal and I would have recommended everything on the menu. Good portions, decently quick service.

Chip off the old block She is a breath of fresh air. The Grove looks like a winter wonder land in California. With all the stars above you and the lights shining so bright make you feel young again. From apparel, candy, and fine dinning to movie theaters and Santas workshop where you and your children can have their picture taken. But dont stop there! Proceed to the farmers market where the are endless options of food. Overall I had a great time and highly recommend both the Grove and the Farmers Market. Enjoy.

J S Not my first time at Urban Plates, and it’s always a wonderful experience. From the moment you walk in, the staff greet you warmly, which sets the tone right away. The salmon was tender and flavorful, the mashed potatoes creamy and yummy, and the Brussels sprouts were cooked perfectly. I also tried the dragonfruit and strawberry drink. It was super refreshing and tasty. What I really appreciate is that they consistently serve healthy cuisine without compromising on flavor. Alex even went around to every table to check on our meals, which made the service feel extra thoughtful.