Three New Restaurants We're Counting Down the Days For on the Monterey Peninsula

While we love our longtime local favorites (will there ever be an Old Fashioned better than Bud's?), it's exciting to see talented restaurateurs continue investing in our communities with fresh concepts, new gathering places, and creative dining experiences.

This year, a few upcoming openings have generated more buzz and salivation than just about anything else. Whether you're a foodie or simply looking for your next date night or weekend lunch spot, these are three restaurants we're especially excited to see open.

Carne Asada Fried Rice at The Butter House

Benny Walker's – Downtown Monterey

The team behind Seaside favorite The Butter House is bringing its next concept to downtown Monterey, taking over the former Britannia Arms location on Alvarado Street. If you've ever waited in line for brunch at Butter House, you already know why people are paying attention.

While The Butter House built a loyal following serving breakfast and lunch, Benny Walker's is taking the team's culinary style in a new direction. The downtown Monterey restaurant is expected to feature an American-fusion menu with Filipino-inspired influences, a full bar, and dinner service—giving fans of The Butter House an entirely new way to experience the owners' creativity.

Although an official opening date hasn't been announced, anticipation has continued to build as locals eagerly await what promises to be one of downtown's most exciting new dining destinations. With Alvarado Street continuing to evolve into one of the Peninsula's premier restaurant corridors, Benny Walker's feels like a perfect addition.

The owners have kept us all updated through their social media accounts and progress is coming along well with the remodeling. We are all hoping those doors open soon.

Typical weekend crowd at the original San Pedro Fish Market. Photo courtesy of Rewards Network.

San Pedro Fish Market – Fisherman's Wharf

For many locals, this opening comes with a bit of nostalgia.

San Pedro Fish Market will be moving into the longtime home of Scales Seafood & Steaks, a Fisherman's Wharf staple that served visitors and residents for decades before closing its doors. While it's always bittersweet to say goodbye to a local institution, it's exciting to see the space remain dedicated to fresh seafood and waterfront dining rather than sitting vacant.

San Pedro Fish Market has been one of Southern California's most treasured seafood destinations. Sundays at Ports O' Call have been a tradition for residents of Los Angeles for decades, with trays of seafood boils (pictured in the hero image above), grilled fajitas, and garlic bread being passed around with smiles and fingers full of Old Bay seasoning.

For Peninsula locals, this is exciting not just because of the food, but because it brings another destination restaurant to one of Monterey's most iconic locations. The combination of fresh seafood, outdoor waterfront dining, and an energetic, family-style atmosphere could make this one of the most popular gathering spots on the Peninsula. No exact opening date has been provided yet, but the plan is for a debut this year.

Famous off-menu Cinnamon Rolls at Stationaery. Photo courtesy of Eater.

Mammone & Mama's Boy – Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you're a fan of Stationæry, you'll probably be just as excited as we are for what's coming next.

The team behind one of Carmel's most beloved cafés is preparing to open two new concepts: Mammone, a full-service Italian restaurant, and Mama's Boy, a neighboring Italian deli and sandwich shop inspired by the cafés and markets of Southern Italy.

Stationæry has earned national recognition—including a place in the Michelin Guide—and has become known for turning simple ingredients into unforgettable meals. Of course, locals know there's another reason people line up on weekends: those legendary off-menu cinnamon rolls and crispy potato pancakes that have developed something of a cult following.

That reputation for thoughtful hospitality and exceptional food is a big reason these new concepts have generated so much excitement. Mammone promises a refined take on Southern Italian cuisine, while Mama's Boy looks poised to become the kind of neighborhood deli you'll find yourself stopping by again and again for sandwiches, imported specialties, and something delicious to take home.

Whether you're planning a date night or grabbing lunch before a walk through downtown Carmel, these sister restaurants feel destined to become local favorites. The owners are working diligently and their plan to open this year seems likely (thankfully!).

A Great Time to Be a Local

One thing all three of these restaurants have in common is that they're being created by people who already understand what makes the Monterey Peninsula special. Rather than bringing generic chain concepts to the area, they're building places designed to become part of the local community.

Whether it's enjoying cocktails in downtown Monterey, gathering around a seafood feast overlooking the harbor, or discovering your new favorite Italian restaurant or sandwich shop in Carmel, there's plenty to look forward to over the coming months. We'll certainly be among the first in line—and we'll be sharing our thoughts once these highly anticipated restaurants officially open their doors.

Is there another upcoming Monterey Peninsula restaurant you're excited about? We'd love to hear what's on your radar as our local dining scene continues to grow.