Like the other restaurants at Pebble Beach, this place has a deceivingly folksy name to go with a decidedly up-market atmosphere. The decor is modern with exposed beams, hanging deco-style lamps and abstract artwork. The menu features an array of creative, mouthwatering seafood dishes such as Oyster Chowder, Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon Roulade and Applewood Smoked Sea Bass. The raw bar offerings change nightly, but there is always a Raw Fish Board to appease the sashimi lovers in the house. There is great service, too.

With its comfortingly clubby atmosphere, polished wood tables and carnivore-friendly menu, this place is the opposite of neighboring Club XIX in nearly every aspect. It claims to offer "casual dining," but unless your concept of casual includes entrees and candlelight, you should file it away in the "upscale-casual" category. The specialty of the house is grilled Grade-A beef from Harris Ranch in Coalinga (central California). Other dishes include sand dabs, rack of lamb and sandwiches. The service is terrific.

It is easy to guess what this restaurant's focus is after you learn that it is the namesake of a famed Italian winemaker. Do not visit for a good glass of porter. Instead, select from the impressive list of rare and expensive wines. The Tuscan-inspired cuisine is a treat with or without wine. Start with Cacciucco alla Livornese, a tangy seafood soup seasoned with saffron, and move on to the cheese-stuffed Cannelloni al Forno. Almost all of the decadent desserts have been thoroughly soaked in liquor. The restaurant is handsome, dignified and graceful, perfectly conducive to either hand-holding or deal-closing.

Hawaiian super-chef Roy Yamaguchi brings his signature cuisine to the Monterey Peninsula. While California Cuisine is nothing new to foodies, Roy's mixture of ancient Asian cooking traditions and cutting-edge Pacific Rim techniques can make even jaded palates take notice. Try Slow-roasted Mongolian Pork Tenderloin, Steamed Hawaiian Onaga or Crispy Pumpkin Wontons. Accompany the meal with a red wine from Roy's own label. Relax in sophisticated surroundings, attended by an expert server. You will understand why Roy's is an island treat and a new mainland favorite.

Experience unforgettable views of the green hills of Big Sur dipping dramatically downward hundreds of feet to meet with the azure Pacific Ocean. The secluded woodland location seems a million miles away from anything else, though Silicon Valley is only an hour away. Diners enjoy rich game, fresh seafood, and prime cuts of meat prepared California-style Nouvelle Cuisine, which means that portions are small and artistically prepared. Many Monterey and Carmel vintages are stocked in the cellars. There is shuttle service to convey diners up the hill to the restaurant.

This is the only restaurant in the Monterey area that is right on the ocean. The inside is subdued, but it offers huge windows that are practically on the cliff. Watch sea lions, pelicans, and everything else as the waves come crashing in. The service is impeccable for the locals, tourists and wedding parties here. Specialties include swordfish steak and Filet Mignon. The wine list is fairly extensive. Day or night, the view is awesome.

Located just 10 miles off scenic Highway One and in the heart of Carmel Valley, Daniels Garden Bistro is a great stop-off on any road trip or visit to this enchanted part of the country. The talented chef serves up fresh and unpretentious entrees and salads that will make your mouth water. The lunch menu offers up vegetarian, meat or seafood paninis served on hearty whole wheat bread, light salads and homemade soups while dinner offers up a fresh catch of the day, pastas, appetizers like Grilled Artichoke and mouth-watering entrees like Braised Oregon Lamb Shank. The chef and owner, Jimmu Ugaz, takes much pride in serving up the best food and often greets guests at their table to ensure their satisfaction with the meal. The outdoor dining area is a great place to enjoy the Carmel weather and sweet smells.

This classic western steakhouse has been serving up massive portions of meat and seafood for more than 40 years. You have the choice of dining inside amidst the turn-of-the-last-century decor, or outside on the patio. Either way, you will be able to choose exactly how you want your steak cut and cooked. The service here is dynamite. Go for the 22-ounce Porterhouse or the rack of lamb with pesto. This place includes a neat saloon, and you can even buy meat to take home.

The food at this pleasant bistro is prepared under the same direction as the fine cuisine at Marinus, but the ambiance is quite a bit more casual. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. The outdoor seating overlooks the croquet lawn, hence the restaurant's name. Visitors and locals dine on light California-Mediterranean fare. Try the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare for an appetizer, followed by a dish of rich Paella. A glass of Bernardus wine makes the perfect accompaniment. The place is appropriate for family dinners or for relaxed cocktailing.

Californian cuisine is inspired by fresh flavors - a showcase of seasonal and local ingredients that are usually grown in backyard gardens. At Bistro 211, patrons get to experience an inviting and small town atmosphere featuring the same flavors and some staple favorites. Owner Carmen Magnusson brings menus highlighting home-made dishes like Smoked Salmon Quesadilla, San Francisco Patty Melt, Chicken Curry Salad and Beef Stroganoff. A bespoke wine list perfectly sets off each course. A separate breakfast and brunch menu is also offered. The casual ambiance and quality of food is matched by the top-notch service. Patrons can even dine with their furry friends on the lovely outdoor patio.