9 Must-Try Salinas Restaurants: Where the Salinas Locals Eat

February 6, 2023 by Alison Bentley

Updated on March 26th, 2024

Reading Time: 3 minutes

When your city’s nickname is the “Salad Bowl of the World,” then you’re probably expecting to find some amazing local restaurants. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in Salinas, CA. Whether you’re looking for a favorite breakfast spot or a restaurant using locally sourced ingredients, you’re bound to find it living in Salinas, CA.

And if you’re new to the area or recently moved into your first apartment in Salinas, you may be wondering just where to go for a bite out. Redfin has a list of 9 must-try Salinas restaurants to add to your list. Let’s dive in.

#1: First Awakenings

Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 171 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901
First Awakenings’ Website

Situated in the heart of downtown Salinas, First Awakenings is a classic breakfast and lunch spot with fresh and amazing options. You can find a variety of dishes at First Awakenings – anything from their famous pancakes either plain or with fillings like blueberries, granola, or seasonal fruit, omelettes with veggies or meats, as well as grilled sandwiches and more.

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#2: El Charrito

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 122 W Market St, Salinas, CA 93901
El Charrito’s Website

Serving Mexican food, El Charrito’s Salinas location is another option to add to your list of must-visit restaurants. From burritos, burrito bowls, tortas, taquitos, and a breakfast menu, there’s lots of options to choose from.

#3: Eagle Restaurant

Cuisine: Chinese restaurant
Address: 26 W Alisal St, Salinas, CA 93901
Eagle Restaurant’s Website

Another must-try Salinas restaurant is Eagle Restaurant. You’ll find a variety of Chinese dishes like chow mein, walnut shrimp, spicy lemongrass chicken, and Szechuan beef at their downtown Salinas location.

#4: The Bakery Station

Cuisine: Bakery
Address: 202 Monterey St, Salinas, CA 93901
The Bakery Station’s Website

If you’re looking for a bakery serving fresh-baked bread like ciabatta, whole wheat, and brioche, sandwiches like pulled pork, BLT, and egg salad, as well as muffins and scones, make sure to grab a bite at The Bakery Station.

#5: The Steinbeck House Restaurant

Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 132 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901
The Steinbeck House Restaurant’s Website

Maybe you’re on the hunt for a restaurant that blends American history with local cuisine? If so, head to The Steinbeck House Restaurant, the childhood home of author John Steinbeck, where you’ll find dishes rotating each week.

#6: Growers Pub

Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 227 Monterey St, Salinas, CA 93901
Growers Pub’s Website

Established in the 1940s, Growers Pub serves a variety of classic dishes like Monterey Bay calamari, Salinas Valley wedge salad, pork chops, chicken Marsala, and prime rib with your choice of potatoes.

#7: Norma’s Restaurant

Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 32 John St, Salinas, CA 93901
Norma’s Restaurant’s Website

You can find Norma’s Restaurant located in South Salinas, where there’s a great selection of items like chilaquiles and California benedicts, seasonal strawberry French toast, calamari steak sandwiches, and homestyle meals like pork chops and country fried steak.

#8: Villa Azteca

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 157 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901
Villa Azteca’s Website

If you’ve recently relocated to Salinas and are searching for a family-owned and locally sourced Mexican restaurant, you can find that at Villa Azteca. From tacos on handmade tortillas and lobster quesadillas, to prawns in mango sauce and chicken mole, there’s always something new to try.

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#9: Salinas City BBQ

Cuisine: BBQ joint
Address: 700 W Market St, Salinas, CA 93901
Salinas City BBQ’s Website

At Salinas City BBQ, there’s a lot of options to choose from – pulled pork sandwiches and tri-tip, brisket, and St. Louis style rib plates to cornbread, beans, and home-made bread pudding. Salinas City BBQ is situated just west of downtown Salinas.

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Alison Bentley

Alison is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about housing affordability and home interior design ideas. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.

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