At most airports, dining is something travelers rush through between boarding calls. But at Woody’s at the Airport Restaurant and Bar, located inside the terminal at Monterey Regional Airport, the experience feels entirely different. Here, meals unfold at a relaxed pace with sweeping runway views, fresh Central Coast cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere that has made the restaurant a favorite among both locals and travelers.
Chef Tim Wood Brings Coastal Flavor to the Runway, A Unique Dining Experience at Woody’s Restaurant
Perched on the second floor of the terminal building—outside the security checkpoint—Woody’s is easily accessible whether you’re catching a flight or simply looking for a great place to eat in Monterey. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the runway, where private planes and regional flights taxi and take off against a scenic backdrop that often reveals glimpses of the nearby Monterey Bay.
That distinctive experience has earned Woody’s national recognition. The restaurant was voted the #1 Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards in both 2023 and 2024, highlighting how the restaurant has become a beloved destination not only for travelers passing through but also for the local community.
A major part of Woody’s continued evolution is the leadership of Chef Tim Wood, a well-known figure in Monterey County’s culinary scene. Wood previously earned widespread acclaim during his time at Carmel Valley Ranch, where he was frequently voted the best chef in the region.
There are many reasons for that recognition, but three qualities stand out: his instinct for spotlighting exceptional ingredients in approachable dishes, his generous involvement in community events, and his natural ability to host guests with humor, warmth, and candor.
Chef Wood’s culinary philosophy centers on letting great ingredients shine. At Woody’s, that means emphasizing locally sourced produce, fresh seafood, and regional products whenever possible. The menu reflects Monterey’s coastal bounty while maintaining the comforting dishes that longtime guests have come to love.
Classic favorites remain at the heart of the restaurant’s identity. Local sanddabs, lightly breaded and pan-fried, are a longtime signature—delicate, golden, and unmistakably tied to Monterey Bay. Crispy calamari continues to be a popular starter, served tender and flavorful. And Woody’s celebrated prime rib, slow-roasted and deeply savory, remains a staple for guests seeking a hearty and satisfying meal.
Under Wood’s guidance, however, the kitchen also embraces seasonal creativity. Fresh salads highlight produce from nearby farms, seafood specials change with the day’s catch, and menu additions reflect the agricultural richness of California’s Central Coast.
But Chef Wood’s impact goes beyond the plate.
Those who have worked alongside him say his personality is just as important to the dining experience as his food. Chef Cal Stamenov, who spent years working with Wood at Bernardus Lodge & Spa, describes him as one of the most hospitable chefs in the region.
That spirit of hospitality is evident throughout Woody’s dining room. It’s common to see Chef Wood greeting guests, chatting with regulars, or personally delivering a dish to someone he recognizes. The result is an atmosphere that feels less like an airport restaurant and more like a neighborhood gathering place.
The crowd often reflects Monterey itself—a mix of pilots, travelers, business professionals, and longtime locals enjoying a relaxed meal while watching aircraft glide down the runway.
As evening arrives, the setting becomes especially memorable. The sky above the coast glows with the soft colors of sunset while runway lights flicker to life below. Diners linger over wine and dessert as planes lift into the twilight, creating a scene that is both peaceful and quietly exhilarating.
With Chef Tim Wood guiding the kitchen and the beauty of Monterey Bay just beyond the windows, Woody’s at the Airport has become something rare in modern travel.
It’s not just a place to eat before a flight.
Woody’s at the Airport Restaurant and Bar is one of Monterey’s most welcoming dining rooms—where great food, genuine hospitality, and a front-row seat to the sky come together in one unforgettable experience.
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