Estéban Restaurant sits inside the Casa Munras Hotel & Spa in downtown Monterey and does something you don’t see often—it takes dogs seriously as dining companions, not just tolerated guests. The Spanish-inspired menu focuses on Mediterranean tapas and shareable plates, the kind of food that actually works well when you’re splitting attention between your plate and your dog. The outdoor patio is where you’ll spend time with your dog. There’s heated seating, which matters on those cool Monterey evenings, and a firepit that makes the whole experience feel less like you’re eating outside and more like you’re gathered around something intentional. You can actually get comfortable there, which changes everything about how the meal feels.
What sets Estéban apart is their willingness to prepare food for your dog. This isn’t just a casual “sure, bring your dog” situation—you can call ahead and work with them on something your dog can actually eat from their kitchen. They use fresh, local ingredients, and they’ll extend that thoughtfulness to your dog’s meal too. It’s a small thing that signals they’re thinking about the experience you’re both having, not just checking a box.
The restaurant has picked up recognition as Monterey’s Best New Restaurant and Best Happy Hour, which reflects the Munras family’s approach to hospitality. That reputation for paying attention to detail and quality extends to how they treat people dining with dogs. The atmosphere is warm without trying too hard—fireplaces inside, that firepit outside, the kind of space that feels like somewhere you’d want to linger on a weekend evening or after exploring the nearby Monterey Bay waterfront.
The patio’s proximity to downtown Monterey means you’re close enough to walk around the area before or after your meal, which works nicely if you want to break up the day with some exploring. If you’re planning to bring your dog, a call ahead to discuss what they can prepare makes sense. It takes five minutes and ensures everyone’s on the same page about what the meal will look like.
