Fodor's Expert Review Mattei's Tavern

Housed in a renovated 1886 building, erected during the stagecoach era, Mattei's encompasses several sophisticated, light-filled dining rooms with leather seats and benches, exposed brick walls, and high ceilings with wooden beams. The seasonal menu features California ranch–inspired dishes, many of which are cooked over a wood fire in the open kitchen and all of which use local and regional ingredients. You might start with Central Coast abalone and greens from local farms, then feast on squid ink rice with grilled octopus or pork belly and clams, and finish with a dark chocolate soufflé.