Coastal Kitchen

Where Monterey Bay's dramatic coastline meets culinary innovation, Coastal Kitchen Monterey emerges as the peninsula's most sophisticated dining destination. Tucked within the Monterey Plaza Hotel, this intimate tasting-menu sanctuary offers an unparalleled marriage of panoramic ocean vistas and Chef Michael Rotondo's artful contemporary cuisine, establishing itself as the crown jewel of Monterey fine dining.

Since launching in 2022, Coastal Kitchen has redefined the region's culinary landscape under the masterful direction of Executive Chef Michael Rotondo, whose illustrious pedigree spans Charlie Trotter's Chicago, Restaurant Paul Bocuse in Lyon, and The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco's Parallel 37. The 2008 Bocuse d'Or "Most Promising Chef" award winner—honored by culinary legends Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller—brings world-class expertise to this oceanfront stage. The restaurant has swiftly garnered critical acclaim, earning Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence and recognition as one of the best restaurants Monterey has ever witnessed.

Rotondo's exclusively tasting-menu approach showcases a philosophy of radical localism, sourcing 98 percent of ingredients within a 100-mile radius. His seasonal compositions unfold as culinary poetry: wood-roasted local black cod elevated with miso marinade, smoked paprika, and chorizo; duck confit raviolo swimming in rich poultry broth; and honey nut squash blinis crowned with whipped koji mascarpone. Each five-course journey begins with an intricate three-part amuse bouche, building toward signature preparations like the 48-hour braised beef short rib. The ever-evolving menu celebrates Monterey's coastal bounty through innovative techniques and global flavor influences, positioning the restaurant firmly in the fine dining stratosphere.

The window-lined dining room creates an immersive theater where crashing waves provide the soundtrack to sophisticated revelry. White-tablecloth service strikes an elegant yet approachable tone, while Sommelier Conrad Reddick's expert wine pairings elevate each course through carefully curated selections. The business casual dress code maintains refinement without intimidation, and the professional yet warm service team ensures an unhurried, authentic experience. Special sunset reservations transform dinner into pure magic, as golden hour illuminates both the Pacific horizon and Rotondo's artful presentations.

Coastal Kitchen reservations book well in advance, particularly for coveted sunset seatings that pair the chef's five-course feast with Monterey Bay's most spectacular views. This is destination dining at its finest—where California's coastal essence meets world-class gastronomy in an unforgettable oceanfront setting.