Welcome to Petra Cafe
**Our Story at Petra Cafe**
Nestled in the heart of downtown Monterey, Petra Cafe brings the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. With a focus on quality, our menu features delightful options like the signature Gyro Sandwich, rich with seasoned meat and fresh toppings, and the beloved Falafel Sandwich, perfect for vegetarians. Customers rave about our exceptional tzatziki sauce and flavorful dishes, all delivered with a warm and friendly vibe. From casual dine-in experiences to convenient takeout and delivery, Petra Cafe is your go-to spot for a quick and satisfying meal, whether you're fueling up for a day of exploration or enjoying a cozy dinner.
- 435 Alvarado St Monterey, CA 93940 United States Hotline: (831) 646-2080
Welcome to Petra Cafe, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of downtown Monterey, California. This inviting Mediterranean cafe offers a casual dining experience that perfectly balances flavor, freshness, and a friendly atmosphere. With its prime location at 435 Alvarado St, Petra Cafe makes for an ideal stop for both locals and travelers exploring the vibrant Monterey area.
As you step inside, you’ll find a cozy space adorned with a limited number of tables, creating a comfortable environment perfect for lunch dates, family dinners, or a quick takeout in the midst of adventure. The buzzing yet moderate noise sets the stage for a casual meal, whether you're dining in or enjoying a quick bite at home.
Petra Cafe proudly serves a variety of Mediterranean delicacies that promise to tantalize your taste buds. The Gyro Sandwich, available with seasoned meat or chicken, is a must-try, generously wrapped in pita and complemented by fresh tomatoes, onions, and their standout cucumber garlic sauce. For those leaning towards vegetarian options, the Falafel Sandwich makes for a delightful choice, bringing the flavors of hummus and tahini together in a satisfying bite. Customers rave about the food, highlighting that even the simplest of dishes, like the Baklava, leaves a lasting impression.
- Delivery and Takeout: Perfect for those on the go or who prefer to savor their meal elsewhere.
- Catering Options: An excellent choice for gatherings, ensuring guests enjoy authentic Mediterranean fare.
- Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal al fresco while soaking in the charming ambiance of downtown Monterey.
- Kid-Friendly: A wonderful place for a family outing with options that appeal to younger palates.
Petra Cafe offers an extensive menu full of robust flavors, where each dish is crafted with attention to detail. Patrons have applauded the excellent cooking, often noting the quality of the meats and the complementary fresh sides, such as the Greek Fries and Hummus—perfect for embracing the Mediterranean spirit.
Service at Petra is casual and accommodating; simply place your order at the counter, and staff will promptly bring your meal to your table. Diners appreciate this straightforward approach, which is enhanced by the friendly nature of the staff, creating an inviting environment.
In terms of accessibility, Petra Cafe easily accommodates various payment options, including credit cards, Android Pay, and Apple Pay, making your visit smooth and hassle-free. This cafe is not only about good food but also about creating memorable experiences, whether you’re enjoying a quick lunch with friends, a cozy dinner with family, or simply indulging in a snack after exploring the unique shops nearby.
In summary, Petra Cafe is more than just a place to eat; it is a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine that invites everyone to experience its warmth and flavor. Perfect for a casual outing, it caters to a broad audience, making it a must-visit spot for anyone in Monterey.

for the tzatziki alone, 5 stars. it was soooo delicious!! i thought I didn't like tzatziki sauce but thanks to Petra cafe, i think i love it the meats were also pretty delicious, esp when paired with both the hummus and tzatziki. the salads are also great for adding some fiber to ur diet~ we were craving something light for dinner and this was the perfect spot. the pita bread was a little bit dry and thin, not what I'm used to but still does the job nonetheless. i would come back solely for the tzatziki :) service is order at the counter and they'll bring out the food to you if you choose to dine in. the inside is pretty small! just a handful of tables. its right in the middle of downtown Monterey so theres much to explore after you're done eating

A great Mediterranean spot for casual eats that's located in a busy downtown street with many other shops! The Petra combination is a great way to try two different meats. The tzatziki was delicious and complemented the meats well, and the kafta kabab was seasoned well. The cashier was also very friendly and help clean out our plates after we finished eating. Overall I'd recommend it!

This is the best Mediterranean meal we've ever experienced! We visit Pacific Grove monthly from the Bay Area and usually dine in Carmel. We will stop doing that now that we have found Petra! The best food we've had in the Monterey bay. Food is fresh, flavor is full, and service is impeccable. We got the Petra combo plate, you get a little of everything- including a starter salad for around $28. Delicious. We will be back many times!

My son and I had a very nice quick dinner. Reasonably priced. Everything was perfectly cooked and very fresh. This was actually much better food than their flagship restaurant in Pacific Grove. An older (Greek?) woman was cooking, and I suspect she was responsible for the excellent food.

This is a nice place. The food cost is high, and I was surprised it was about $50 for two meals and rice. Especially because it's a small place. I was also surprised that my receipt for each item was higher than what is listed on the menu. In addition, $7 for a side of rice seems excessive. The cashier was polite and the food came out fairly quickly. For a Thursday evening at 7pm there weren't any other patrons and I wonder if it was the chilly evening or the high prices. Over all the vegetarian combo was good. The fish and chips were ok - not great like a fish place but ok. The pita bread was from a store and a bit stale. The stuffed grape leaves were ok. The hummus was really good. I wonder if the y lowered the prices a little and maybe had some specials, people might be willing to go there for a meal. But with the high price I probably won't be going again.

Solid food. I know there is another Mediterranean place on Alvarado, I have been there to. However Petra is a local spot and never misses. I am in a rut and always get the Gyro. However they have plenty of other options. Service is straightforward, efficient. The ambiance is pretty minimal. I usually take my Gyro to go and eat it in my car. I have also eaten at their location in Pacific Grove (sit down) it was excellent.

Great little spot in downtown Monterey. The Mediterranean food was excellent. The Gyro combo plate was spot on with a soda for a bit $15. I think this is my favorite in downtown Monterey for lunch/dinner. It is simple and very good.