Cafe Fina sits right on Monterey’s waterfront, and you’ll immediately notice the wood-burning oven visible through the windows as you approach. The restaurant focuses on Italian cooking done the straightforward way — they make their own pastas and raviolis fresh, pulling from seasonal organic vegetables from local gardens and whatever’s best from Monterey Bay that day. The seafood changes based on what the boats bring in, and the kitchen treats it simply so you actually taste it.

The outdoor patio is where you’ll want to sit with your dog. It’s got that casual Mediterranean vibe without feeling pretentious, and your dog can settle onto the pavers while you work through a wood-fired pizza or a plate of their house-made ravioli. The ocean’s right there, and on a clear afternoon the light hits the water in that particular Monterey way that makes you understand why people keep moving back here.

Service is attentive without hovering. The staff clearly knows the menu and doesn’t oversell — they’ll tell you honestly if something’s sold out because they didn’t make a huge batch, or if the halibut’s better today than the sand dabs. You won’t feel rushed, even when it’s busy, and they’re genuinely fine with dogs being on the patio as long as they’re calm and not bothering other diners.

The patio setup means you’re somewhat protected from wind but still getting that sea air. It stays pleasant even on cooler Monterey days, though bring a jacket. If you’re planning to go during peak season or on a weekend evening, showing up earlier rather than later makes the whole experience more relaxed. Your dog will appreciate the space to stretch out, and you’ll appreciate not waiting an hour for a table.