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Hours
Sun
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Mon
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Tue
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wed
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Thu
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Fri
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Mediterranean, Spanish, Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Special occasions, Romantic, Large groups, Bar scene, Business meetings
Does this restaurant allow dogs or considered pet friendly?
Details
About
Come see what everyone is talking about and dine on our spectacular Mediterranean outdoor patio! Estéban Restaurant, the 2024 Travelers' Choice Award winner, is the heart of authentic Monterey dining, offering a unique culinary experience. Our team brings knowledge and understanding of the culinary world, serving modern Spanish cuisine and highlighting local, seasonally sourced ingredients from our long-standing relationships with local farmers, winemakers, ranchers, fishermen, and other artisan producers. The restaurant features shared plates and classic selections to share by the warmth of the fireplace in the relaxing outdoor patio setting. We also have a menu designed specifically for To-Go if you choose. Open for Breakfast 7am-10am, Dinner starting at 4:30pm. Be sure to stop in for Tapas Happy Hour starting from 4:30-6pm daily. Open for Brunch on Sat. & Sun. from 9am-1:30pm.
CUISINES
Mediterranean, Spanish
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Dog Friendly, Family style, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
493 reviews
Excellent
311
Very good
102
Average
47
Poor
14
Terrible
19
Marti B
73 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We decided to get away for a couple of days before our regular life schedules got hectic. Since our last experience here was good, we decided to have dinner here again.
Walked in on Sunday at about 530pm and was greeted by Richard, who was our server back in 2018. He was solo on the floor that evening but since we weren't in any rush, we sat by the firepit and took our time with cocktails and small plates of yummy food. Potatas Bravas, apple salad with pomegranate, grilled lamb chops. It was relaxing and just how we wanted to start our little getaway.
Monday, after walking around the aquarium and town, we decided the best thing to do was to head back the hotel where we knew we would get a great meal and just walk back to our room. Richard was again our server so it was like going to a friend's house for dinner. His suggestions of the sirloin and the roasted chicken was spot on. They have a discounted wine list on Monday nights and we took advantage of that.
The food here is wonderful and I would certainly recommend most of the menu at this point. I still really appreciate that there are a couple of vegetarian/vegan offerings. I like also that people traveling with pets can bring their four legged friends down to the patio and pups have a little menu too to select from.
The best part of this are the people. Nicky, the restaurant manager, checks in with the guests and I've seen her bringing out blankets and taking an order or two when it gets busy. Richard is a gem. He is knowledgeable about the menu and the local wines; he is very good at what he does and will make sure you get taken care of. We saw Miguel who has also served us in the past. Its nice when you come back to place and find your friends there, shake hands and know that there are genuine people who take pride in their establishment and their work and present the best experience possible.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hello Marti,
Wow thank you for your amazing 5-star review! We are so appreciative of your comments and want to thank you for sharing with us. We are so glad to hear that you had such wonderful visits with us on your recent trip to Monterey and that we could make it feel that much more like home. In addition, we want to thank you for your kind words on our staff, particularly Richard and Nicelle, and will certainly pass along to them. We hope to welcome you again soon on another Monterey getaway!
Sincerely,
Management of the Inns of Monterey
Written January 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
C M
1 contribution
May 2020 • none
We were staying at the Casa Munras, just as the Covid-19 started(mid-March), so already, there were few in town. Staff at the property was great and the restaurant was out of sight. Chef Gus took such good care of us, we had invited a friend who had just gotten out of work and worked the cocktails, wine list, and menu. Even dessert was terrific. We also benefitted from tapas hour, $5,$8, $10 plus fab drink prices, then, a couple of entrees...So it was a great all around experience not just a meal.
Several weeks later(in May), we returned, everything was shut down. We had to order to go, had lovely cocktails(to go) on the patio, while waiting and took an amazing Paella for 4. Again, Chef took great care of us, and the staff was terrific. They could not wait on us but we still felt like we were taken care of .
Written May 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hello,
Thank you for the amazing and wonderful comments about Chef Gus and our Estéban Staff. We strive to provide each of our customers with the best service possible. We look forward to you dining with us again soon!
Sincerely,
Management of the Inns of Monterey
Written June 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margery L
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • family
We dined outdoors because of COVID-19 although we would’ve asked for an outdoor table regardless because of our dog (they even have a dog menu!). The tables were very nicely spaced, and the three of us decided to share various tapas. The food was quite good and reasonably priced for the quality. The staff was very attentive and friendly. When the sun went down, the overhead heater worked perfectly to keep us comfortable. We look forward to returning there on our next trip.
Written July 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hi Margery,
Thank you for the wonderful review and comments. We're so glad to hear you enjoyed our food and had a great dining experience. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Sincerely,
Management of the Inns of Monterey
Written July 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DogDaze55
Salem116 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
We were promptly seated at our reservation time. Beautiful decor. Nice fireplace. Attentive waiter, Richard. We asked about the paella, and placed an order, content to wait an hour for the "signature dish" made personally by Chef Mario. We enjoyed an excellent charcuterie tray paired well with a Spanish rioja wine. We watched mouthwatering tapas served to nearby tables, anticipating our paella.
We took the attached paella photo and marveled with our waiter at the abundance of clams, mussels, and prawns.
Then the evening turned odd, disappointing.
The paella pan had a 1/4 inch of charred rice (burnt, not carmalezied or toasty) at the bottom. We wanted to like this dish, but the mussels and clams were shriveled, dry. The unburned paella had a traditional flavor, it was delicious. The bottom was not edible.
Being foodies, we assumed the chef would like to know about the charred pan bottom and the desiccated shellfish. We sent the remains to the kitchen, stating that we intended, in fact insisted, that we pay in full for our meal. We assumed the chef had become distracted with other orders and let his "signature dish" burn while unattended. Waiter Richard delivered our message, reluctantly; he returned to say the chef did not wish to speak with us, "the dish was prepared to perfection" but we wouldn't be charged. We restated that we wished to pay, but really desired to speak with Chef Mario.
Only two tables were occupied, the other had been served. We waited. Finally, the chef appeared. We asked if the paella was a good example of his best work for this "signature dish" or if perhaps it burned with inattention? Chef began to explain the cooking style. We explained we'd enjoyed the dish in Spain, in other speciality restaurants, over a fire pit, and had even made it ourselves.
What started as a genuine desire on our part to provide honest feedback was met with arrogance, stubbornness, and yet again, an offer to not charge for the paella.
We paid the entire bill, leaving Richard a generous tip. We wonder how many more people will come, wait the hour for Chef Mario's charred rice?
So, we'd suggest, readers, that you instead try the tapas.
Note: ive written many restaurant reviews, around the world to celebrate excellent cuisine and chefs. This is only the second negative review, I've ever written.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee-and-Baby
345 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Found a nice patio place during these tough times. The seafood paella was ok. Good mussels and shrimp. We prefer our rice to have that cooked crusty part on the bottom. We came early for tapas hour and enjoyed sangria and mussels while waiting. Some tables were a little too sunny at 5:30. Some wind. We did need the heater fired up next to us. We'll be back for more tapas! Appreciated the COVID awareness shown by staff. Make reservations.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hi Lee,
Thank you for the review and comments, we will share this feedback with our staff. We're glad to hear you had an overall good dining experience and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon to try more of our tapas.
Sincerely,
Management of the Inns of Monterey
Written August 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BuddyV
Monterey County7 contributions
May 2020 • none
My family has loved Esteban Paella nights! The dish is so fresh and delicious, it’s like a trip to Spain enjoyed in our own dining room. We’ve always loved dining at Esteban’s and take-out was a wonderful “discovery” that we made due to SIP. I’m sure we will continue this new tradition long after we have a vaccine :-). During SIP we have also taken advantage of the Mother’s Day breakfast and the Easter dinner. Esteban’s always delights!
Soon we will be back to enjoy dining in the warm and welcoming restaurant as well, but we’re very happy we were able to enjoy Chef Gus’ excellent cuisine while we have been at home. Thank you for the great meals, safely delivered with curb-side service! Much appreciated
Written June 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hello,
Thank you for the wonderful review, we will share your comments with our Chef and Staff. We're so glad you and your family enjoyed the Paella's and holiday specials. We look forward to welcoming you all back to dine with us again soon!
Sincerely,
Management of the Inns of Monterey
Written June 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane Smith
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • family
This was the worst Prime Rib Dinner I had ever eaten! My son & I ordered a Sangria & bottle of beer to begin our meal. Next, we were served Crab
Bisque soup in which both Bowles had two very large crab shells we had to remove from our mouths. Then we were served Prime Rib with a butter knife to cut the meat! When asked for a steak knife they gave each of us a dinner knife & said they had no steak knives! The potatoes were instant potatoes that were so runny you were unable to pick up with a fork! The blackened broccoli was so hard you were unable to eat! The dessert was a choice between pumpkin pie or pecan pie. It was a small pie in a 4” aluminum pan that you might buy at Costco!!! Terrible meal!!! When we complained they charged us $45.00 for one Sangria & one beer!!!
Either hire a new chef or close your doors!!
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jimlaud
2 contributions
May 2020 • none
We dined at the patio of Estéban on its first night after the shutdown. The guest safety protocols were first rate giving a complete feeling of safety. Chef Gus Trejo’s menu is still outstanding and the serving staff (especially Anna at the bar) were welcoming and cheerful. A wonderful restart to resuming life.
Written May 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hello,
Thank you for the amazing and wonderful comments about Chef Gus and our Estéban Staff. We strive to provide each of our customers with the best service possible. We look forward to you dining with us again soon!
Sincerely,
Management of the Inns of Monterey
Written June 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
El Turista John
New York City5371 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
Maybe they were just having an Off not, but my experience at Esteban is 180 degrees the opposite of many of the other reviews. The service was shoddy, the food and drinks over priced, and the food in general bland. I've been to many tapas restaurants in the US and Europe and this was BY FAR my worst experience. The bacon wrapped dates were over cooked (to the point of being charred), the empanadas lacked flavor, and the arancini were bland. To top it off the drinks were weak (not watered down just weak). This is certainly not someplace I'd recommend to anyone. 4 tapas and drinks for 1 person cost a whopping $95.13 without tip.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We were all disappointed to hear your most recent visit to our restaurant was not what you had expected. Rest assured, the challenges you mentioned are being addressed with our team, as it provides us the best opportunity to improve our service and products offered. We truly hope you allow us another opportunity to serve you in the future to demonstrate our commitment to providing you with a more delicious and enjoyable meal.
Sincerely,
Inns of Monterey Management
Written May 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
clroe
70 contributions
Dec 2020 • family
We ordered takeout for my daughters birthday. Excellent food with huge servings. The chickpea stew was her special request, and it fed three adults. The Caesar salad was also huge. The Arancini was also generous. We had ordered tapas on previous visits, so we didn’t realize that most of their entrees feed two or three. They even included a complimentary slice of cheesecake for the birthday girl.
Written December 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hello,
Thank you for the wonderful review and comments. We're so glad to hear your daughter and the whole family enjoyed all the delicious food. We look forward to welcoming you all back again soon.
Sincerely,
Management of the Inns of Monterey
Written December 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Giuseppe L
Monterey County2 contributions
Mar 2021 • couples
Great experience. Nicelle was super friendly and accommodating, the menu has tasty choices with creative flairs. I let Richard pair the wines with our tapas dishes and he did absolutely great.
We had five dishes and enjoyed each one.
Will absolutely go back, probably in April as it appears as the menu change monthly.
Written March 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hi Guiseppe,
Thank you for the wonderful review and comments. We're so glad to hear you had a great time dining with us and enjoyed the tasty tapas and wine pairings. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Sincerely,
Management of the Inns of Monterey
Written March 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tiger T
Jacksonville65 contributions
May 2023 • solo
Over rated food at best and zero try to satisfy the customer. Come pay leave.ordered the halibut, basically 45 dollar tasteless fish in broth with pesto, not seasoned barely any flavor. Salad i got ans bread was 14 total yet much better than dinner itself.
Written May 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns of Monterey
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to write this review; your feedback is important and has been shared with our team. Our goal is to provide top-quality and delicious food to our guests, and we do our best to accommodate dietary needs. We are sorry to hear your meal was not what you had expected. We hope you allow us another opportunity to serve you in the future to demonstrate our commitment to providing you with a more enjoyable meal.
Sincerely,
Estéban Restaurant
Written May 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
russian v
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • couples
This restaurant is the top 3 I have ever been to. If you are in the Monterey area you have to stop by. We were there for almost 2.5 hours ordering dish after dish and not even one of them was less than a 5 star meal. The dishes are fresh and unique, no one else has such a well thought through menu.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hello,
Thank you for the wonderful review, comments and beautiful pictures. We are happy to know, we are one of your top 3 restaurants. We are also glad to hear you had a great time dining with us, as well as enjoyed our delicious, fresh and unique dishes. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Sincerely,
Management of the Inns of Monterey
Written July 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan W
Half Moon Bay111 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
Coming out of hibernation from the COVID pandemic we decided to take a short trip to Monterey. Safe dining options, of course, are a major concern. So excited to see that Esteban had just reopened and had patio dining. The restaurant is located in the Casa Munras hotel and has a beautiful multilevel patio with socially distanced tables, a fire pit, and many heaters which are totally needed on a cool Monterey evening.
Our server, Aiden, was knowledgeable about all the creative bar and menu items and helped us select an amazing feast to share! We started out with a couple of the craft cocktails and they did not disappoint. First course was one of the chef’s special tapas, a crudo of yellow tail (flown in that day from Hawaii) with watermelon and micro herbs. Fresh and delicious! Next course was a crispy pulpo with grilled radicchio, Yukon gold potatoes and chorizo. The paella Del Mar included mussels, clams and shrimp and was cooked perfectly. It had the crispy bottom (socarrat) that is a sign of an authentic paella. Dessert was the homemade chocolate chip cookies, a cappuccino and an espresso martini. The end to a perfect meal.
The wait staff are skilled and attentive. Portion sizes are great and the menu has so many interesting items. We will definitely return.
Written April 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the wonderful review and comments. We're so glad to hear you had an amazing time dining with us and enjoyed our fresh and delicious dishes. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Sincerely,
Management of Inns of Monterey
Written April 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Monica V
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • couples
The highest quality service, highest quality food. Starting from Olga, the amazing hostess that made us feel so welcomed. Our server Richard not only made us feel at home but so exquisitely and accurately described each dish, we were blown away. Every dish is a unique experience that is better than the last. If you're not from town then you need to make this restaurant a dining priority. If you live in town, I am jealous of you.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inns_of_Monterey
Hello,
Thank you for the wonderful review and comments. We're so glad to hear our staff was very helpful and that you had an amazing time dining with us, as well as enjoyed, our delicious dishes and flavors. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Sincerely,
Management of the Inns of Monterey
Written July 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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