other ethnic
Ambrosia India Bistro
Sublimely aromatic and spicy cuisine from every region of the subcontinent is served in a beautiful dining room at this slightly-off-the-beaten-path restaurant. A true gem from a talented chef whose last restaurant was rated the best Indian food in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Chronicle. Full bar. 565 Abrego St., Monterey, 641-0610.
Amir’s Kabob House
Monterey County’s only Afghan restaurant serves delicately spiced meats, rice and vegetables accented with mint, cumin and garlic. The owners’ hospitality suffuses the sparsely decorated dining room, where haunting Afghan music plays in the background. Try the lamb kabobs. 794 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 642-0231.
An Choi
Start with a selection from the trendy cocktail list and dive on in to a comprehensive pan-Asian menu featuring clay pot, pad thai, sashimi and everything in between. 1120 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, 372-8818.
China Delight
One of Carmel’s favorite Chinese restaurants specializes in Cantonese, Szechuan and Hunan-style cuisine. Try the asparagus chicken, Szechuan shrimp or Hunan beef. 133 Crossroads Blvd., off Highway 1 at Rio Road, Carmel, 625-3367.
Epsilon
Authentic Greek vegetarian dishes like dolmadas (stuffed grape leaves) and spanakopita (spinach in phyllo dough) join chicken, lamb and other Adriatic specialties on the menu at this venerable downtown institution. Always noisy, friendly and enjoyable. Try the garlicky dipping sauce with pita. 422 Tyler St., Monterey, 655-8108.
Golden China
When a hankering for beef broccoli or sweet and sour chicken sets in, let the pros at Golden China set you up and bring you a beer to wash it down. 1784 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, 899-5115.
Hula’s Island Grill
This delightful slice of Hawaiiana in New Monterey serves island-inspired dishes like poke (marinated raw fish), shredded pork and coconut-crusted mahi-mahi in a charming, kitschy split-level room festooned with surfboards, photographs and a TV showing surf videos. 622 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 655-4852.
India’s Clay Oven
Brightly decorated with Indian art, India’s Clay Oven has garnered a loyal following among diners who love to feast on lamb vindaloo and tandoori meats, as well as vegetarian dishes and New World concoctions. 150 Del Monte Blvd., Monterey, 373-2529.
Indian Summer
Indian Summer serves its traditional Indian cuisine next door to the Memory Garden in Monterey. A beautiful outdoor patio with fire pits, belly dancers and a hookah bar make this a popular late-night hangout for locals and visitors alike. 220 Oliver St., Monterey, 372-4744.
Khan’s Kabob House
Weekly staffers can’t get enough of this place, which serves up South Asian and Middle Eastern standbys like beef kabob and chicken biryani with a generous helping of good cheer. All meat is halal. 825 Hamilton St., Seaside, 392-1100.
Nak Won Korean BBQ House
Another example of why Marina is becoming a destination for diverse dining. Classic Korean fare like Hot Pots and buckwheat noodle dishes join a wide selection of barbecue beef, chicken and pork. There’s upbeat service, kim chee and ban chan. What more could you want? 330-A Reservation Rd., Marina, 883-2302 or 883-2309.
Persian Grill
The exotic flavors of Iran’s centuries-old cuisine entice at this chic eatery in New Monterey. Expect flavors of rose, saffron and sumac throughout tender lamb and succulent kabob dishes. 675 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 372-3720.
Petra’s
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars flying to the Mediterranean for great hummus and babaganoush. Petra serves mouthwatering couscous, a creamy chicken/veggie dish called Chicken Delight, and eye-opening Turkish coffee. A new location in Monterey offers a partial menu. Two locations: 477 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, 649-2530. 435 Alvarado St., Monterey, 646-2080.
Roy’s
Under the guidance of Chef Roy Yamaguchi, award-winning Roy‘s has become a Peninsula favorite since opening in 1995. Roy’s specialty is its appetizerstry the Mongolian baby-back ribs or the Szechuan tea-smoked duck spring rolls. 2700 17 Mile Drive, the Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach, 647-7423.
Thaiwaiian Bistro
Husband and wife duo Kimo and Venus Watari brought their Asian combo-style (he’s Hawaiian, she’s Thai) cuisine indoors to this hip little happiness hut. Look for poke and curry soups, kahlua pork and pad thai. Great music and tropical videos add to the aloha spirit. 1184 E. Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, 658-0134.
