Monterey and Carmel, nestled along California's Central Coast, are renowned for their stunning coastal views and a growing emphasis on fresh, sustainable ingredients. This region offers a diverse array of restaurants catering to health-conscious diners, blending culinary creativity with nutritious options. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, exploring the healthy dining scene in Monterey and Carmel promises a delightful experience.
A Focus on Fresh, Sustainable Cuisine
The Monterey and Carmel area distinguishes itself with a commitment to sourcing fresh seafood directly from Monterey Bay and utilizing organically grown local produce. Each establishment prioritizes quality and freshness, ensuring that every meal is not only delicious but also supports local agriculture and sustainable practices.
Featured Healthy Restaurants
Carmel
Earthbound Farm Stand: For the best breakfast in Carmel, this is a must-visit. It's a favorite place to order green smoothies with ingredients fresh from their organic farm. You can also enjoy a dreamy picnic lunch, wandering through the garden and picking your own herbs.
The Stationaery: Head to this charming, neighborhood staple in downtown Carmel for lunch or brunch, offering healthy and delicious options.
Cultura Carmel: If you're craving Mexican food, this is the best dinner spot in Carmel. Located right in downtown Carmel, it features the most delicious and fresh fare.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Carmel Belle: Stop here for coffee and smoothies to start your day off right. Carmel Belle also has some of the best vegan pizza, with a Roman-style option featuring roasted red peppers, artichoke, roasted garlic, and mushrooms. They also offer a Farmer’s Market chopped salad with a vegan dressing.
Monterey
Alta Bakery: Venture to Monterey to enjoy the cutest cafe and bakery with the best, freshly-made baked goods in an amazing, historic courtyard.
Cella Restaurant: This sister restaurant to Alta Bakery offers a mostly gluten-free menu featuring a fresh raw bar, interesting appetizers like grilled squid, and mouth-watering entrées.
Wild Plum Cafe: A quick walk outside downtown Monterey, this cafe offers an organic option for breakfast and lunch. They serve local and organic produce, hormone-free turkey, grass-fed beef, and local, organic coffee. Try their fluffy egg steamers or unique Morning Salad.
Terra Superfoods: This local mini-chain serves healthy favorites in a bowl. Check out their smoothie, acai, or grain bowls, filled with superfoods like goji berries, chia seeds, flax, and chickpeas. They also offer wraps and toasts using bread from Ad Astra Bakery.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Happy Girl Kitchen Co.: A beloved local cafe and gourmet food producer, Happy Girl Kitchen Co. offers delicious baked goods, salads, and homemade kombucha. They specialize in preserves and specialty jarred items like chutneys, jams, and marmalades.
Perfectly Pressed: Located at the entrance to Alvarado Street near the historic Cooper Molera Adobe and Alta Bakery, this spot offers juices, cleanses, smoothies, and snacks. They specialize in cold-pressed juice made from local, organic produce grown in the nearby Salinas Valley.
Pacific Grove
Julia’s: This fully vegetarian restaurant with vegan options specializes in locally-foraged mushrooms. The yellow curry and brownie (topped with candy cap mushroom-infused coconut caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream) are must-tries.
Pizza My Heart: This spot now has a completely vegetarian/vegan menu featuring Miyoko’s vegan mozzarella.
Other Notable Options
Aki Fresh Mex: Offers a variety of delicious plant-based dishes from their Blue Zones Inspired menu.
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution
Cocina 1932 Cali-Mex BBQ: Fuses smoky BBQ with bold Mexican flavors, offering tender meats, tacos, and veggie-friendly Power Bowls.
El Cantaro: A fully vegan Mexican restaurant in Monterey, offering authentic dishes like enchilada combo plates and crispy potato tacos.
Turn 12 Bar and Grill: A casual American Bar and Grill with a menu that serves a little of everything, from steaks and pasta, to pizza, burgers and salads.
Day Trips and Healthy Bites
Big Sur Bakery: If you're taking a day trip to Big Sur, stop here for breakfast. They serve a delicious breakfast until 2pm, and the wood-fired sourdough levain or breakfast sandwich are highly recommended.
Vegan Delights in Monterey County
Monterey County boasts a surprisingly great vegan food scene, with several spots offering innovative and delicious plant-based options.
El Cantaro (Monterey): This fully vegan Mexican restaurant is a standout, offering authentic dishes that satisfy cravings for refried beans, Spanish rice, and enchiladas.
Terra (Monterey): Specializes in clean and healthy vegan options, including savory and sweet bowls, toasts, and cold-pressed juices.
Paprika Cafe (Monterey): Offers vegan baklava and a vegetarian menu with vegan Mediterranean dishes like foul moudamas and falafel.
Julia’s (Pacific Grove): A vegetarian spot with vegan options, known for its mushroom-centric dishes and unique creations like the brownie with candy cap mushroom-infused coconut caramel sauce.
Happy Girl Kitchen Co. (Pacific Grove): Offers vegan baked goods, salads, and homemade kombucha, along with packaged goods like preserves and specialty jarred items.
Petra’s (Pacific Grove): Offers a vegan falafel with pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and a garlic tahini sauce wrapped in fresh pita.
Pizza My Heart (Pacific Grove): Features a completely vegetarian/vegan menu with pies featuring Miyoko’s vegan mozzarella.
Carmel Belle (Carmel): Offers vegan pizza with roasted red peppers, artichoke, roasted garlic, and mushrooms, as well as a Farmer’s Market chopped salad with vegan dressing.
Activities to Complement Your Healthy Dining
Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: This seaside Carmel walking trail is perfect for a scenic hike and stunning pictures.
Play by Carmel River State Beach: Enjoy a relaxing beach day on the soft sand with breath-taking views.
Take a day-trip to Big Sur: Get breakfast at Big Sur Bakery, hike Mcway Falls and the Ewoldsen Trail, pop by the historic Henry Miller Library, then get drinks at Nepenthe.
Take a day-trip to Monterey: Visit the bay-front Monterey Bay Aquarium and walk down the street to Ghirardelli for an oceanside sundae.
Go kayaking: Rent kayaks and float right next to seals & otters at Elkhorn Slough.
Go wine tasting: Spend an afternoon touring the wineries and vineyards of Carmel Valley.
Hike with alpacas: Take an alpaca hike with stunning views of the valley.
Accommodation with Wellness Amenities
Carmel Valley Ranch: This luxe hotel and resort in Carmel Valley offers a day spa, fitness center, and group workout classes like outdoor yoga surrounded by mountains.
Villa Mara Carmel: An elegant, seaside villa that’s just steps away from the white sands of Carmel Beach.
Blue Zones Project Influence
Monterey County embraces the principles of the Blue Zones Project, which promotes healthy living through community involvement and access to nutritious food. Several restaurants in the area feature Blue Zones Inspired dishes, emphasizing plant-based options and wholesome ingredients.
tags: #healthy #restaurants #monterey