The Steinbeck House Restaurant

American restaurant · Salinas

The Steinbeck House Restaurant

American restaurant · Salinas

2

132 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901

Photos

The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by Courtesy of the Steinbeck House
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by Courtesy of the Steinbeck House
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by Courtesy of the Steinbeck House
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by Courtesy of the Steinbeck House
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null
The Steinbeck House Restaurant by null

Highlights

Victorian home restaurant serving French-inflected American cuisine  

Yelp Rating
4.8
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Placeholder

132 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901 Get directions

steinbeckhouse.com
@steinbeck_house_restaurant

$20–30 · Menu

Information

Static Map

132 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901 Get directions

+1 831 424 2735
steinbeckhouse.com
@steinbeck_house_restaurant

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 19, 2025

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@atlasobscura

10 Literary Cafés, Pubs, and Restaurants to Feed Your Muse

"To readers of John Steinbeck, author of East of Eden, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Red Pony, the city of Salinas, California, might seem mighty familiar. The surrounding area still largely resembles the landscape from his books, and the National Steinbeck Center in downtown Salinas is a testament to his work. But if your foray into Steinbeck Country leaves you hungry, a restaurant in the author’s childhood home can provide some sustenance. In a glorious Queen Anne–style house, volunteers from the local Valley Guild run the Steinbeck House Restaurant. The house, both Steinbeck’s birthplace and childhood home, is cozily decorated like a vintage tearoom, with tablecloths and china on the tables scattered throughout the rooms of the house. Originally, the Valley Guild “shared a common interest in gourmet cooking and wanted to showcase Salinas Valley produce,” and the group has also maintained the historical house since the restaurant opened in 1974. The restaurant generally serves lunch, with dinner served the first Friday of the month. The rather vintage, French-inflected menu changes every few days, with updated schedules posted on their website. Recent menus have included poulet de broccoli, beef stroganoff, and Gabilan soup (a reference to the nearby Gabilan mountains). If none of those appeal, taco salads and fajitas are always available, and a range of simpler sandwiches can also be taken to go. Desserts range from crème brûlée to Steinbeck Brownie Pie. There’s also regular Saturday afternoon teas, for those who want some scones with their Steinbeck." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/literary-restaurants
View Postcard for The Steinbeck House Restaurant
@atlasobscura

The Steinbeck House Restaurant – Salinas, California - Gastro Obscura

"To readers of John Steinbeck, author of East of Eden, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Red Pony, the city of Salinas, California, might seem mighty familiar. The surrounding area still largely resembles the landscape from his books, and the National Steinbeck Center in downtown Salinas is a testament to his work. But if your foray into Steinbeck Country leaves you hungry, a restaurant in the author’s childhood home can provide some sustenance. In a glorious Queen Anne–style house, volunteers from the local Valley Guild run the Steinbeck House Restaurant. The house, both Steinbeck’s birthplace and childhood home, is cozily decorated like a vintage tearoom, with tablecloths and china on the tables scattered throughout the rooms of the house. Originally, the Valley Guild “shared a common interest in gourmet cooking and wanted to showcase Salinas Valley produce,” and the group has also maintained the historical house since the restaurant opened in 1974. The restaurant generally serves lunch, with dinner served the first Friday of the month. The rather vintage, French-inflected menu changes every few days, with updated schedules posted on their website. Recent menus have included poulet de broccoli, beef stroganoff, and Gabilan soup (a reference to the nearby Gabilan mountains). If none of those appeal, taco salads and fajitas are always available, and a range of simpler sandwiches can also be taken to go. Desserts range from crème brûlée to Steinbeck Brownie Pie. There’s also regular Saturday afternoon teas, for those who want some scones with their Steinbeck. Know Before You Go The Steinbeck House is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Check the website for the dates of special themed teas and the Friday dinners." - katerayne, Julius Spada, Anne Ewbank

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-steinbeck-house-restaurant
View Postcard for The Steinbeck House Restaurant

R Go

Google
Friendly young ladies welcome you like family. I love them all! Food is great- the rolls are finely baked, creamy lettuce soup is to die for, and the creme brulee is just superb! The store boasts of rare finds- books from the 1930s, an embroidered autographed cap. Glad I stopped by to see the house.

Eva Li

Google
The service is so wonderful. They are volunteers who works at the restaurant and they provide you so much great info and history beyond the house. The food was also very good. Highly recommended! Will definitely come visit again!

Nak-un Kim

Google
Great hospitality and good food. Can't believe that this is run by a group of volunteers! Reservation is a must. Note: You should park in the parking lot across the street.

Marilyn Wong State Farm Agent

Google
I love this place! John Steinbeck is my favorite author of all time and this restaurant preserves the rich history of this house where he was born and raised! Got the opportunity to enjoy their 50th anniversary and the free hors d'oeuvres were delicious! The volunteers that make up the staff are amazing people and made the entire experience very memorable! I can’t wait to come back for lunch!

sallyann grieshaber

Google
Stunning Victorian home of John Steinbeck turned into a restaurant. Excellent food, well presented and competitively priced. I cannot say enough about the wonderful women who work here. Their service is a labor of love...truly, for they are not paid. They are proud to volunteer and work in an authentic, designer decorated Victorian mansion, which was the home of John Steinbeck and maintained as a credit to his memory. These fabulous women donate their tips to the upkeep of the mansion. Their knowledge of Salinas, John Steinbeck and the Monterey Bay area; their service skills and genuine warmth of hospitality was palpable. All deserve a shout out! Carol, your warmth and charm we so enjoyed! Thank you! Picked up gifts from the shop downstairs by local artists.

Gary Ogawa

Google
Wonderful historic restaurant and home for a delicious and filling lunch. Who would expect such great flavors and warm service. You really get a feel of the place. There's also a fantastic gift shop downstairs, take a look and you'll go home with a memory! Open only certain days of the week. Parking in back.

Marta Fife

Google
This is the third shower I have hosted in addition to many celebrations and luncheons for many years. The Steinbeck House is special to my heart❣️❣️❣️ The perfect setting for our Bridgerton Diamond of the Season baby shower tea❣️❣️❣️

Maria Schell

Google
Did you know that the Steinbeck House is mostly run by volunteers? It is, and they do a fantastic job with service and treating you special for your lunch or dinner out. Every corner of this house is historic, beautiful,and preserved well. I recommend eating here for that very special meal you will not regret it.