Paradiso Trattoria - Monterey

What struck me immediately was the stunning view of Monterey Bay. The restaurant features walls of windows, elevated just one story above the beach and water. The decor has a vibrant Mediterranean style, adorned with colorful decorations, pictures, and lighting. Soft Spanish music played in the background, enhancing the overall atmosphere. We were seated at a table by the window, allowing us to enjoy the sights of kayaks and sailboats gliding through the bay. The tables were covered with white paper over linen tablecloths, but unfortunately, ours didn't seem to have been changed since the last guests and wasn't quite clean. The lunch menu presented a wide variety of options, many focusing on seafood. The specials included 4-5 choices of duck, along with soup or salad for $9.95. My dining companion and I opted for the local dishes – one had the Rockfish Special while the other chose Sand Dabs. Both dishes featured similar textures and were prepared in the same manner. I found the fish to be more fried than battered, but I could taste more of the fish than the dough, and it was quite good. The duck came with spaghetti and green beans alongside two generous fillets. The spaghetti had a light coating of sauce, and the green beans were delicately seasoned. There was so much food that I skipped appetizers. My guest had the special that included a salad, which I thought was tasty but overdressed. Our server was friendly, and the bus staff were efficient. From what I observed at nearby tables, the waiter seemed to struggle with keeping things organized. He didn’t introduce the specials or clarify details about the menu options we were considering; he was mainly there to take our order and answer questions. Not wanting to miss out on dessert, we decided to share a chocolate mousse. It was served in a tall sundae glass, making it more than enough for both of us. Ultimately, my companion and I left feeling that we had made a good choice. The food was tasty, and the view, decor, and overall value were exceptional.