Monti's

Monti's Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Tucked within the upscale Montgomery Village Shopping Center, Monti’s is a locals’ secret. A vibrant outdoor patio warmly greets visitors and the Mediterranean bistro feel extends to the interior.

Food & Drinks: A wide assortment of offerings makes it easy to nibble or go big. Oysters on the half shell, artisan cheeses and wood-fired flatbreads are delightful small bites. Heartier starters include Tunisian chicken meatballs with a pomegranate and spicy cucumber salad, or duck liver mousse drizzled with truffle honey and fleur de sel. A daily grilled special is the main attraction: barbecued goat tacos, pomegranate-glazed spare ribs or leg of lamb with lightly crisped potatoes. Appealing mains include Moroccan-style king salmon with chickpeas, sautéed kale and preserved lemon, or grilled hanger steak with pine nut-lemon spinach and Boursin cheese fondue. Sunday brunch proves popular with eggs Benedict made with Dungeness crab cakes and crème brûlée french toast. Desserts maintain the swagger, including a butterscotch pudding with ginger caramel sauce and snap crumble. Sonoma and Napa wines are offered by the glass alongside festive specialty cocktails.