Rudolfo's Eatery

Rudolfo's Eatery

543 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, United States

+1 831-920-1381

Restaurant, Gluten-free restaurant, Ice cream shop, Pasta shop, Pizza restaurant, Salad shop, Sandwich shop
(422)
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About This Place

Nestled in the charming coastal town of Pacific Grove, Rudolfo's Eatery is a culinary treasure that masterfully blends Italian-inspired cuisine with American favorites, all while catering thoughtfully to gluten-free diners. Whether you’re craving a comforting plate of pasta, a perfectly baked pizza, or a refreshing salad, Rudolfo's delivers a warm, inviting dining experience that feels like a hug on a plate.

The restaurant’s diverse menu dazzles with standout dishes that have earned rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. Imagine biting into their Jalapeño Pepperoni Pizza, where a hint of spice meets the perfect crispy, chewy crust, or savoring the rich, velvety embrace of their Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka, elevated further by the creamy, indulgent addition of burrata. The pasta options don’t stop there: the Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Chicken Alfredo offer decadently smooth sauces wrapped around perfectly cooked noodles, making each forkful pure comfort.

The meaty side of the menu shines just as brightly. The Louisiana Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich delivers a bold, spicy kick layered with tender, juicy chicken, while the Smoked BBQ Platters invite you into a smoky, hearty feast that pairs beautifully with their curated selection of wines and craft beers. For lighter fare, the Caprese Panini burst with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil on toasted bread, and the Salads, like the Caesar with house-made croutons, offer a lively crunch and fresh, savory flavors that feel thoughtfully crafted.

Don’t overlook the gems at Rudolfo's dessert counter. The Tiramisu perfectly balances coffee-soaked layers with creamy mascarpone, while the Strawberry Shortcake offers a sweet, fruity conclusion to your meal. Customers have also raved about the whimsical s’mores cookie and the indulgent birthday cake cookie, both of which are the perfect endnotes to any dining experience.

The atmosphere at Rudolfo's Eatery is as inviting as its menu. Diners praise the staff for their heartfelt hospitality, making even solo guests feel genuinely cared for and valued. Outdoor seating enhances the experience by offering a relaxed environment to enjoy Pacific Grove’s fresh sea breeze alongside your meal. Whether you’re stopping by after a day at the WeatherTech Raceway or looking for a cozy brunch spot, Rudolfo’s consistently makes everyone feel like a welcomed friend.

The weekend brunch, especially the Breakfast Burrito with its savory cheese crust and delicious sauce, is a crowd favorite that perfectly demonstrates Rudolfo’s knack for comfort food with creative flair. Their commitment to quality and flavor shines through every dish—from the crispy, flavorful Black Truffle French Fries to the savory Meatballs Focaccia that is both hearty and satisfying.

Rudolfo’s Eatery stands out not just for its food but for the heartfelt connections it creates with its guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a meal made with care and passion, this gem on Lighthouse Ave promises a dining experience that is authentic, flavorful, and utterly unforgettable.

For a taste of Pacific Grove that lingers long after the last bite, Rudolfo’s Eatery is an essential stop—where the perfect blend of Italian soul food and local charm come together in delicious harmony.

Service options
Outdoor seating Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list Live music Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Organic dishes Small plates Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Friday
    10:00 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Saturday
    10:00 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Sarah Mumper
    1 month ago

    DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN! We started with apps: onion rings (normally a side), cheesy garlic focaccia, and pancetta balsamic Brussels sprouts Entrees included: spicy rigatoni with burrata (burrata was extra and 10/10 worth it), butternut squash ravioli with ricotta (ricotta was extra and worth it), organic beef lasagna, and parmesan crusted chicken. Desserts: s’mores cookie, birthday cake cookie and tuxedo cake. Didn’t have a bad thing and wish we could’ve eaten more! Rudolfo and his team run an efficient and great restaurant. Though it seems small in size, the portion sizes were hearty and every bite packs in so much flavor and we are SO excited to come back in the next couple months. This for sure will be a staple any time we visit Monterey.

  • Michael Ali
    2 month ago

    We came up to Pacific Grove for the Motorcycle Races at WeatherTech raceway. And where staying in Pacific Grove for the weekend. My partner in crime was looking for something different for dinner and found this little cafe on Yelp. Omg this place was amazing. Outside dining and Italian dining dishes that were out of this world. We managed to get in without having to book a reservation on short notice the staff there were very polite very helpful. I trade the lasagna and oh my God the portions they serve there were amazing so filling so good. My girl had a pear and apple salad with also some handmade lemon raviolis. They were delicious and for dessert she tried their dark chocolate Italian gelato hit the spot dinner for 2 this quaint little intimate little restaurant. I highly recommend if you’re staying in Monterey or in Pacific Grove it’s Fairly priced for what you’re getting in the service is amazing. We also found out that if you order a head special order, they do serve a very, very nice Tomahawk steak.! we will definitely make this a regular spot every time we visit Pacific Grove and when we’re traveling the Bay Area

  • Fiona
    2 month ago

    We are locals and love Rudulfo’s. It is a hidden gem. We enjoy going on the weekends for breakfast. They have a wonderful brunch menu Friday and Saturday and a Heatwaves menu on Sunday with chicken sandwiches that are to die for. The breakfast burrito on Sunday is one of the best in the area and has an awesome cheese crust and sauce and it’s so good I forgot to take a picture before devouring half of it. They also have great cocktails. The atmosphere is very relaxed and they have outdoor seating as well.

  • Ernesto Hernandez
    3 month ago

    My family and I loved our experience here recently. All the food was fantastic. The dough on the pizza might be the best I’ve ever had. I would love to return and try the pastas in the future. Our Brussels Sprouts with pancetta were delicious. The Cesar tasted fresh and savory at the same time and the house made croutons gave the salad a delicate and not super hard crunch like store bought. We sat out on the sidewalk on a beautiful day and look forward to being back.

  • Caroline Mehls
    3 month ago

    I had such an incredible experience at Rudolfo’s. Even though I was dining solo, the team made me feel so welcomed and taken care of — truly some of the best hospitality I’ve had anywhere. The food was outstanding. The spicy rigatoni was perfection, the Caesar salad completely blew me away, and the dessert is absolutely not to be skipped. Everything was flavorful, comforting, and beautifully done. As someone who used to live here and comes back often, Rudolfo’s is my forever favorite spot. It’s the place I look forward to visiting every single time I’m in town, and once again it did not disappoint. An all-around amazing dinner. I couldn’t recommend more!

  • Stephanie Johnson
    3 month ago

    Amazing food I had the Pepperoni Pizza, which was amazing. The meatballs with the fresh focaccia bread was really tasty, the Brisket sandwich was amazing and the Burger was delicious. Fast and friendly service. Will definitely go back here.

  • Aveya Carter
    3 month ago

    Any meal here is great really however recently we really try to make it to their brunch . We have had so many of their items on the brunch menu and we never had a miss but we always order the breakfast burrito it’s one of our favorite breakfast items anywhere. If you can’t make it for brunch they have great pasta dishes and pizzas . On Sundays they have a pop up and we always get fried chicken sandwiches and Mac n cheese to go when we are on family outings to the beach or park . I wish I had got some better photos because this does it no justice. It’s a great restaurant for families or date night in a cozy location.

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