Monterey is famous for its coastal charm and world-class seafood, but tucked away from the bustling tourist hubs is one of its most inviting—and underrated—food neighborhoods: Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande. Situated just southeast of downtown Monterey, where Del Monte Avenue meets Fremont Boulevard and skirts the beautiful Laguna Grande Park, this neighborhood offers a surprisingly diverse range of delicious dining experiences. Whether you’re craving homestyle breakfasts, inventive international cuisine, or a perfect pastry to pair with your morning coffee, Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande has a spot for you. Consider this your local foodie guide to the best eats in this community, including both well-loved favorites and hidden gems.
Breakfast & Coffee: Morning Perks and Cozy Corners
Few things set the tone for a Monterey day like a satisfying breakfast, and Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande delivers.
- The Breakfast Club (1130 Fremont Blvd)
- This all-day breakfast institution is a can’t-miss for locals and visitors alike. The menu is huge, with everything from cinnamon roll French toast to garden-fresh omelets. Portions are generous and the retro-chic décor makes it endlessly Instagrammable. Budget-friendly, with most dishes under $15.
- *Foodie Tip*: Try their Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise—there’s a reason it’s always busy on weekends.
- Red’s Donuts (210 Natividad Rd, just off Fremont Blvd)
- A tiny, no-frills shop, Red’s is a Monterey County legend. Classic glazed donuts, melt-in-your-mouth old-fashioneds, and unbeatable maple bars come straight from the fryer. Grab a dozen before heading to Laguna Grande Park for a sweet outdoor breakfast.
- *Foodie Tip*: These donuts sell out early, so arrive before 9 a.m.!
- Acme Coffee Roasting Co. (398 Del Monte Center, quick drive west)
- A favorite stop for caffeine aficionados, Acme is where neighborhood regulars go for expertly crafted lattes, pour-overs, and fresh pastries. Locally roasted beans mean a deep Monterey connection in every cup.
Lunches & Light Bites: From International Flavors to West Coast Classics
Lunchtime in Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande means flavor-packed options for every craving and budget.
- El Cantaro Vegan Mexican Restaurant (1014 Cass St, near Fremont Blvd)
- Unsuspecting from the outside but a revelation inside, El Cantaro serves 100% vegan takes on Mexican classics. Their mushroom “carnitas” tacos, creamy horchata, and house salsas draw diners from across the Peninsula. Main dishes run $10–$15.
- *Foodie Tip*: Don’t sleep on the plantain empanadas—crispy, sweet, and satisfying.
- Papa Chano’s Taco Truck (usually parked near the corner of Casa Verde Way and Fremont Blvd)
- Look for the cheerful food truck and you’ll find some of the most beloved street tacos in the area—no frills, just perfectly seasoned meats, homemade salsas, and warm corn tortillas. The al pastor and carne asada tacos are must-tries and only a couple bucks each.
- The Bagel Bakery (1126 Forest Ave, a bit north of Laguna Grande Park)
- Understated and homey, The Bagel Bakery is where locals grab bagel sandwiches piled high with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or egg and cheese—a perfect midday pick-me-up.
Del Monte Grove’s Standout Dinners: From Seafood to Sushi
When the sun sets, this neighborhood transforms into a hub for diverse and memorable dinners.
- Benihana Monterey (1360 Del Monte Center)
- For a show with your dinner, Benihana’s teppanyaki grills make mealtime into a memorable event. Watch as chefs slice, dice, and sear everything from steak to shrimp right before your eyes. It’s pricier—a typical entrée runs $20–$40—but the performance is part of the charm.
- *Foodie Tip*: Perfect spot for birthday celebrations and special nights out.
- Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurant (598 Foam St, easy hop from Del Monte Ave)
- This casual-but-classic seafood spot sources its catch locally, so you’re always getting the freshest fare imaginable. The fish and chips is a golden, crispy classic, and their clam chowder rivals the best on the Peninsula.
- Sushi By the Bay (751 Lighthouse Ave)
- Cozy, family-run, and beloved by regulars, Sushi By the Bay offers traditional sushi rolls, fresh sashimi, and inventive chef’s specials. The atmosphere is friendly and prices are reasonable—a solid choice for a laid-back sushi night.
Bakers, Sweet Treats & Hidden Local Secrets
Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande isn’t just about sit-down meals—the sweet scene is worth a separate trip.
- Paris Bakery Café (271 Bonifacio Place)
- Short drive from the neighborhood’s core, but worth it! Paris Bakery does French pastries—think flaky croissants, rich eclairs, and creamy custard tarts—that rival anything in San Francisco. It’s a morning and afternoon staple for locals.
- Yama Sushi Market (693 Lighthouse Ave)
- Half hidden behind a modest storefront, Yama combines a tiny sushi deli with a well-stocked Asian grocery. Their sushi-to-go is perfect for picnics in Laguna Grande Park, and their mochi ice cream is a sleeper hit.
Local Food Traditions & Community Vibe
What makes Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande truly special is its neighborhood feel. It’s a spot where regulars really are regulars, and where food traditions mix beautifully with new culinary energy.
- Families picnic at Laguna Grande Park with burritos and donuts.
- Students from local colleges fill up cozy cafés for late-night study sessions.
- Every summer, pop-up food trucks gather near the park’s edges, dishing out Monterey’s best portable eats.
Where to Go: Food Hotspots and Walking Loops
- If you want a culinary stroll, start at the intersection of Fremont Blvd and Casa Verde Way—then wander west toward Del Monte Avenue, making spontaneous stops at bakeries, taco trucks, and family diners along the way.
- Laguna Grande Park is perfect for a picnic if you want to enjoy your takeout with lakeside views.
- For a deeper adventure, loop north on Natividad Road and Forest Avenue for a diverse array of low-key lunch counters and bakeries.
Final Bites
From classic American breakfasts to vegan Mexican, from legendary donut counters to hidden sushi gems, Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande’s food scene is full of surprises. This is Monterey as the locals know and love it: unpretentious, vibrant, and always delicious. Next time you’re hungry in Monterey, skip the tourist crowds and let your appetite lead you through this under-the-radar food haven.