The dining room at Montrio, located in a former firehouse, is on the formal side—tablecloths, stemware, and multiple fork sizes at each place setting–but funky overhead lamps and cloud-like ceiling sculptures keep the vibe relaxed. The food is so good that it would be worth eating in any setting. You can’t go wrong with any of the steaks, the onion soup gratinée is intensely savory and cheesy—a near-perfect execution of French onion soup—and the lentil roulade, with chestnut stuffing, mushroom jus, beets, and chive oil, showcases a kitchen which gives just as much attention to vegetarian dishes as they do to meat.

This quirky converted firehouse, with its rawhide walls and iron indoor trellises, has a wonderfully sophisticated menu. Organic produce and meats and sustainably sourced seafood are used in imaginative dishes that reflect the area's agriculture—crispy artichoke hearts with Mediterranean baba ghanoush, for instance, and hamachi crudo with passion-fruit vinaigrette.

The best European and American cuisines inspire the seasonal small plates and main courses served here. The menu is based on sustainable seafood, local organic produce, prime meats, and house made desserts. The bistro has won national and regional awards for excellence given by Wine Spectator, Esquire, Wine Enthusiast, and the American Culinary Federation.

Sustainable note: There's a certain warmth to Montrio, not just because of the friendly service in a 1910 brick firehouse. Executive chef and partner Tony Baker is also fired up about sustainable, local and organic ingredients, which have helped him win the 2009 American Culinary Federation's Celebrated Chef of the Year award, as well as numerous local polls since the restaurant opened in 1995. While less seafood-focused than the other restaurants on this list, Montrio is a proud member of the Seafood Watch Program, avoiding red-listed items and promoting green-listed ones.

Offering a vibrant mix of Italian, French, and Californian cuisine for over 15 years, critics have heralded the menu, and diners voted it "The Best"!. Popular menu items include delicious crab cakes, succulent seared scallops, tender lamb tenderloins, and sweet potato-pecan ravioli. Not only that, but Montrio has been rated one of the five greenest restaurants in Monterey, with dog-friendly dining on their outdoor sidewalk patio, complete with heat lamps to keep you comfortable while dining!

You can find plenty of excellent dining on Cannery Row or within a few blocks, such as the sustainable seafood at the Michelin-recommended Coastal Kitchen, baked goods at Alta Bakery and Cafe, and the acclaimed Italian cuisine at Montrio Bistro, housed in a 1910 firehouse. At Old Fisherman’s Wharf, stop for a scoop at Monterey Bay Creamery, lunch at Old Fisherman’s Grotto (known for its chowder and Dungeness crab), or a dinner of fresh seafood with an Italian spin at Paluca Trattoria.

Best for: A romantic dinner dateAddress: 414 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940Contact info: (831) 648-8880Cuisine: EuropeanDon’t miss: the cocktails Reserve a table here Menu. Montrio Bistro is a fine dining experience in a converted firehouse in the heart of downtown Monterey. The low lighting, white tablecloths, and artwork-lined walls create a great atmosphere in the historic building, making it one of the best restaurants in Monterey for a romantic dinner date.

Montrio Bistro, a beloved spot by locals and tourists, is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. Kick off your dining experience with one of their handcrafted cocktails and indulge in appetizers such as the bacon-on-bacon (sous vide homemade bacon, wrapped around pork belly, and served with black pepper-covered blackberries). When it comes to the main course, The Ultimate American Burger steals the spotlight with its rich flavors and delicious toppings.

Housed in the city’s first firehouse built in 1910, Montrio prides itself on being one of the five greenest Monterey restaurants, serving dishes made from the freshest ingredients directly sourced from local farmers and using sustainable seafood and prime meats. Their ever-changing menu of internationally and seasonally inspired small plates and main courses features tasty renditions of familiar European and American cuisines.

Likewise, al fresco service had long been a draw for Montrio Bistro and Tarpy’s Roadhouse — part of the Coastal Roots Hospitality family. “Our experience with outside dining has been extremely positive. We find that the enthusiasm of all guests is high and they appreciate being able to still have a sense of normalcy,” says Coastal Roots Hospitality’s president Ken Donkersloot.

You'll find this treasure in it's original setting in the Historical District of Monterey just down the street from "1833.". Known for it's creative and original cuisine, Montrio Bistro is highly rated by reviewers and extremely popular with locals. This is a smaller restaurant with about 30 tables, a nice bar and designed to give an eclectic and upscale attitude.

As a green certified restaurant, our ever changing internationally and seasonally-inspired small plates and main courses are energized by the best of European and American cuisines. Sustainable seafood, local organic produce, prime meats, house-made desserts, stock and sauces reflect Chef Baker’s motto: feel good about what you eat!

Long considered one of the city’s best restaurants, Montrio is back in action after a remodel. There’s a new lineup of craft cocktails and the same friendly service that won it a place in locals’ hearts, but it’s the cuisine that proves most memorable. The menu updates seasonally, but the sauces are always impeccable.

Inspired by European and American cuisines, enjoy internationally and seasonally-inspired small plates and main course meals. Montrio uses sustainable seafood, local organic produce, prime meats and house-made desserts along with homegrown stocks and sauces. Montrio is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m.

Montrio in Monterey stands out with its farm-to-table approach, impeccable service, and delightful dishes. Located near the coast, it’s a top choice for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable meal. The ambiance is inviting, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or enjoying a casual night out.

We did not visit but I have seen several positive reviews from coeliacs recommending Montrio Bistro as a safe option for gluten free food. They have gluten free options marked on the menu (and the online menu, along with other allergens) and staff are apparently very knowledgeable.

Montrio was the big muckymuck in town before Restaurant 1833 opened. Alas, it really can't compete with its more elegant, more accomplished rival. The decor in this former firehouse is downright odd— large cloud-shaped sculptures hang from the ceiling, along with the snaking pipes…

Montrio Bistro, housed in a restored firehouse in downtown Monterey, is known for its seasonal farm-to-table offerings and handcrafted cocktails. A favorite dish is the pan-roasted chicken served with truffle mashed potatoes, bringing comfort and creativity together on one plate.

One of the top choices in Monterey, Montrio serves up delicious and inventive American cuisine with a consistently evolving menu. Converted from an old brick firehouse, the restaurant is well located and a value at $25-30 a plate. Service is professional and efficient.

Housed in a historic firehouse, Montrio Bistro combines old-world charm with contemporary flair. The restaurant’s innovative menu features a blend of European and American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local seafood. Specialties and Unique Features:

Located in a building that used to serve as a firehouse, Montrio is unique in more ways than one. Serving up dishes that are an elegant fusion of American and European cuisine, it aims to provide diners with a fresh and thoughtfully-created dining experience.

Terroir in a Jar is offering “relief deals” for local farmers on its fresh produce preservation services and is expecting delivery on April 1 of a new Harvest Right freeze dryer to provide the best and safest method for preservation of foods.

Another Certificate of Excellence winner, this well-known Monterey landmark features Chef Baker’s best of “European and American cuisines.” To reserve your place, phone (831) 648-8880, or have a look at their offerings here: montrio.com/.

This restaurant is known for its environmentally conscious menu and seasonal small plates. Expect European/American organic cuisine served inside a chic historic fire-house, but super high-end. Perfect for date night.

414 Calle PrincipalMonterey, CA 93940(831) 648-8880 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Montrio Bistro is an upscale New American restaurant offering creative dishes and fine wine in a converted firehouse.

The service staff was amazing and even helped us took a few great photos. Food was excellent; best crab cake I’ve ever had. Will definitely dine here again.

Montrio,� 414 Call Principal, Monterey,� 648-8880.� French/Italian Bistro.� $$$.� Voted one of the best new restaurants in the United States (1996).

Open Hours: Daily: 4:30 PM - 10 PM | Happy Hours: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM. View Montrio Bistro on Google Map. Montrio Bistro Phone Number

Let’s cut straight to the chase when it comes to the happy hour at Montrio Bistro: It’s every day from 4:30-6:30 p.m.