A friend recommended we go to Montrio as it is his favorite restaurant in Monterey. Parking is along street or in a small, one level covered garage next door. We were lucky to find a spot in the garage at around 5 pm so be prepared to circle around the area for parking - your best bet will be street parking. Our server was an interesting guy - quite talkative and definitely had strong opinions. Nevertheless, we did have a good meal and while it was nearly forgotten, my Blood Orange Shrub mocktail (house made blood orange sherbet, lime, and soda water) did eventually arrive after our miso glazed pork belly was served. Miso glazed pork belly is a must order here - 6 pieces of pork belly are crisp along the edges but have a slightly sweet, slightly salty flavor. The arugula and onions on the side were great to cut into the fat. The complimentary bread here is quite good - crispy exterior but very soft interior. I wish there was more thyme throughout the butter instead of being the decoration on top. Caesar salad - very garlicky, comes with big pieces of romaine and actual anchovies on top. Not many places do this with Caesar salad so I really liked this one. We opted to go family style for the meal so us 3 dudes split 2 short ribs and a side of Brussel sprouts. Brussels were very good (caramelized, but not burnt and could taste the sweetness), but would've liked at least 2x the portion if we're paying $14 for them. Short rib had good flavor throughout the cut - sometimes these can only have flavor on outside but not permeate inside. The potato puree had enough butter and the sautéed spinach also complemented the dish. This is definitely a splurge restaurant but the food quality was solid! I felt every dish was above average and I could justify spending the money I did here for almost every dish (still looking at you, Brussels...) We were full so we skipped dessert. On a Saturday evening, it was about 60% full. Some ambiance suggestions I would make - while I loved the red booth seats, somehow the air felt slightly cold inside - if they warmed it up inside and added some fire elements, it would be perfect.

This has to be one of the best restaurants my husband and I have ate at. I got the short rib with the bees elbow cocktail. My husband got the New York strip and both plates were exquisite! The beef was cooked in a fire oven which gave it an amazing woody taste from the fire and was super tender! I'm not much of an alcohol drinker and my bees elbow was perfect! All I could taste was the honey and still got the effects of alcohol! Our server was very attentive and pleasant. The ambiance was relaxing and romantic. Thank you Montrio for the great experience !

This is an overlooked spot. We tried it because it was across the street from our hotel and were wonderfully impressed. I don't do fancy restaurants often, but plan to go here every time I stay in Monterey. The staff was very attentive and the food was excellent. I requested a very rare filet minion and it was cooked to perfection, and melted in my mouth.

Visits to Montrio already always exciting food is consistent and delicious! But this time the downstairs bartende didn't pat attention to my drink order and made it wrong. Then the server upstairs tried to make the drink better with no sugar but had no success. Good old fashioned drinks with good Bourbon are not made with cubed ice... just sayin On the upside, the caesar, scallops entree and flourless chocolate cake were fantastic! Even better the company was superb!

Was looking to get out of Carmel for dinner and came to Montrio! Location was super cute and convenient and there is a ton of street parking. Drink menu was so fun and unique, brown butter old fashion yes pls! The best thing we ate all night was the crudo, wow, they had a hint of spice with little bitty jalapenos and a hint of lime - so good! Main courses were alright but the apps and drinks really shined here!

Nice, open and spacious restaurant. Wait staff was friendly and attentive. We were celebrating our engagement and they brought us a complimentary dessert and sparkling wine that was a lovely end to the meal. The Caesar salad was really tasty. The fillet was buttery and amazing. The sides were just OK. The Waygu was mostly great, but a bit overcooked and charred on the end pieces. Overall good experience, we would give it another try.

I had another opportunity to dine at the restaurant. This new experience was memorable. The short ribs are absolutely delicious - perfectly cooked, wonderful flavor, excellent portion. The risottos are the best - we ordered 2 additional sides for the table. We also ordered mushrooms and the calamari. The service is first class! I will be back to enjoy another meal!

Excellent, attentive service from the whole staff especially our server William, who introduced the manager to the person in our party who called ahead about a garlic allergy. Beautiful interior, you can see small remnants of the former firehouse it was, like the red brick wall and gold carved fire extinguisher behind the maitre d stand. Ladies, check out the larger women's bathroom stall for the black and white photo of the former fire house. I'm surprised a former Michelin-rated restaurant offered bread and butter though it was rather unremarkable. A sign of a good restaurant is having mocktails on drink list, good sign. I didn't get a drink but my friends enjoyed their mocktail and drink. DUCK BREAST, coconut rice and charred bok choy. Thank you for accommodating the person allergic to garlic, who loved everything. BRANZINO - 3 pieces of fish, provided me with two meals. The sauce was tart and acidic and needed salt. The stewed tomatoes were the best, and the farro was perfectly chewy. ORECCHIETTE with spicy sausage - large serving for high end pasta, delicious, and al dente For meat lovers they have Wagyu and angus cuts. There's a great patio facing the quiet street. We found street parking a few blocks away. Montrio is pricey but a great choice for a special meal with excellent service.