One of the best things about traveling is discovering new neighborhoods, different ways of life and my personal favorite, amazing food. One of the first things I do when I’m planning a trip is start looking for perfect bites I don’t want to miss. From hole in the wall neighborhood spots, or gas stations (yes, even some gas stations have perfect bites) to beautiful cafes with outdoor seating and farm to table creations- I’m here for all of it. My recent trip to Monterey really delivered on the food front. In just a few days, KT, TK and I stumbled upon more than a few perfect bites. Hungry yet? Let’s get started!

First Awakenings

A great breakfast option, just steps from Monterey Bay Aquarium, stop by First Awakenings for blueberry pancakes before you head to the aquarium. Actually, stop by for one pancake… it’s the size of a large platter. These pancakes are nearly the best I’ve ever had- no one tops Crepes on Cole in San Francisco.

Sandbar & Grill

Our very first stop when we got to town, I couldn’t imagine a better place to kick off a weekend in Monterey, than with fresh seafood at Sandbar & Grill. Sitting in the window overlooking the boats in the marina, I could feel the stress of the week melt away… aided by my expertly prepared ginger margarita and ridiculously fresh crab club sandwich. By the end of lunch, I was in full vacay mode. Cheers to the weekend!

Wave Street Cafe

The secret is out about Wave Street Cafe. When you arrive, you’ll notice several people milling around, checking with the host about where they are on the list, eagerly anticipating their breakfast. Save this brunch experience for a lazy day when you have some time to wait, otherwise you may have to eat and run (like we did). That said, I’d do it all over again. Why?? Two reasons… 1) Cinammon Roll pancakes and 2) Monkey Do cakes.

First off, cinnamon roll pancakes should happen all the time. And I can hear you wondering, ‘what the hell is a Monkey Do cake??’ This fantastic pancake creation comes complete with caramelized bananas and candied pecans… yes.we.did. And yes, you can and should too.

Rosine’s Restaurant

I don’t play about sweets. Every year, I host a holiday cookie party. I currently have three types of flour in my kitchen along with two mixers, various kinds of baking chocolate, countless cookie cutters, festive aprons and endless baking tools. I’ve been known to bake pies, muffins, cookies and cakes from scratch- just because. On my birthday weekend, I was looking for a good slice of cake to celebrate another year. To say that Rosine’s Restaurant makes amazing desserts doesn’t quite do it justice.

Caramel, Oreo, yellow cake with fudge icing, chocolate buttercream- this dessert counter will overwhelm the senses of anyone with a sweet tooth. And a word of warning, if you see what you want before dinner, don’t wait to get your slice. Entire cakes disappear in minutes around these parts. Somebody stole my slice of Oreo cake out of this tantalizing display case while I ate dinner. Rude. This colossal slice of cake may run you $9, but you can eat on one slice for three days. I may or may not have had a few bites each day before breakfast. Do what makes your sweet tooth smile.

Carmel by the Sea

Just south of Monterey, Carmel by the Sea is absolutely worth a visit on your trip to the California coast. TK and I spent an afternoon on the Carmel Wine Walk, a necessary addition to my growing collection of wine itineraries. As is usually the case, we discovered a few yummy gems along the way.

The Cottage Restaurant

Visiting The Cottage Restaurant feels like walking into grandma’s house, warm and cozy with wonderful aromas and plates of great food. Cottage is a great place to have a hearty breakfast or brunch before the Carmel Wine Walk, or a day of exploring the area’s shops.

Yeast of Eden

Sit outside in the Carmel Plaza at Yeast of Eden and enjoy an afternoon snack. Try the Saigon Wings and Rosemary and Sage Frites. I’m not a beer person, but if you are, they offer flights. A great alternative for anyone who isn’t into the area’s very popular Carmel Wine Walk.

Scheid Vineyards

Okay so it’s technically not food, but I thought a nice dessert wine would be a great finish to this collection of perfect bites on my Monterey food crawl.

Head over to Scheid Vineyards for a taste of the aptly named Closing Bell, a sweet and delicious conclusion to this yummy tour.

So that’s it for the Monterey food crawl. Closer to home than Atlanta or New Orleans, but equally tasty! I actually came home from my weekend in Monterey with several restaurants still bookmarked. So much food, so little time! Monterey may get a food crawl 2.0…

What are some of your favorite perfect bites on the California Coast??