The Lantern Room aims to be Monterey’s oceanfront retreat off Highway 1

Breathtaking sea views Anchor point of the modernized Monterey Beach hotel, but the view will compete for attention between consulting chef Paul Corsentino’s seasonal menu and ROY Hospitality’s reimagined decor at its new restaurant, the Lantern Room. Still, one wall of the dining room features windows facing the water – they’re big enough to remind Corsentino of his time at sea. “When I walk into the dining room, I get the same feeling as if I were on a cruise ship,” says Corsentino, “it’s So on the sea. It’s really cool.”

The Lantern Room is, of course, a hotel restaurant aimed at traveling guests, but the team also wants to attract locals and day-trippers traveling Highway 1. Corsentino has created a menu to suit every taste, with seasonal ingredients from local farms. “The menu is designed so that foodies come here to enjoy unique dishes,” says Corsentino. “But we also understand that we are a hotel and we want something for the steak-and-potato fans too.” Corsentino has experience in restaurants in New York, Chicago and the Monterey area, but he has also worked in major hotel restaurants like the National at the Royal Sonesta Benjamin New York and Sur House at the Alila Ventana Big Sur.

Patrick Tresenza

Patrick Tresenza

Patrick Tresenza

Chef Jose Velasquez will be running the kitchen year-round. Expect solid classics like steak frites, but with meat cooked sous vide for 24 hours, or a grilled half chicken made from poultry from Fogline Farm in Santa Cruz, served with Castroville artichokes, farro and braised Basque peppers. Beyond that, the dishes will get more playful, with dishes like Monterey black cod from local fishmonger Sea Harvest, served with coconut grits, bok choy and kimchi broth on the side. For breakfast, the restaurant continues to work with local businesses, sourcing milk bread from bakery Ad Astra Bread Co. and using it for the French toast, garnished with seasonal fruit like summer peaches.

The wine list gets even more oomph from Ian Brand, winemaker and founder of I. Brand & Family, who curated the wine offerings. Expect some wines from Brand’s label, but also selections from a variety of local wineries along the Central Coast, such as Wrath Wines and Caraccioli Cellars. Cocktails, meanwhile, have been upgraded and feel “super fresh,” Corsentino says, and also feature local ingredients. “Every cocktail is really thoughtful and well-made,” he says.

Décor by San Francisco-based design team ROY Hospitality lets the view shine while adding attention-grabbing elements. Macrame rope pieces by artist Jim Olarte line some of the raised and tiered booths—to better appreciate the view from different vantage points—and blue stripes fill the space, painting the booths and front seating, as well as table elements like the napkins. A fireplace in the restaurant keeps the atmosphere cozy no matter what the weather is like outside. As a neighbor, Corsentino is happy to see the restaurant and hotel become a place for tourists and locals alike. “It’s a fantastic location,” Corsentino says. “Even the hotels in Monterey are on Santa Cruz and don’t have the front views of the bay like this hotel. Combine that with quality ingredients, and it’s a recipe for success.”

The Lantern Room at Monterey Beach Hotel (2600 Sand Dunes Drive, Monterey) opens Wednesday, August 21, and is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for breakfast and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for dinner.

Ron Starr

Patrick Tresenza