Our History
OVER FOUR DECADES OF HOSPITALITY
Food. Fun. Fandango.
Life at Fandango, much like the spirited dance it was named for, has always been vibrant, welcoming, and full of character.
In 1983, restaurateur Walter Georis transformed a charming house in Pacific Grove into what would become one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most beloved dining destinations. Among Fandango’s earliest guests were Pierre and Marietta Bain. At the time, Pierre managed Club XIX at The Lodge at Pebble Beach alongside Executive Chef Pedro De La Cruz. While Fandango offered a very different atmosphere from the formality of Club XIX, its warmth, European charm, and sense of hospitality immediately resonated with them.
The Bain family’s roots in hospitality trace back generations. Their family has operated the historic Grand Hôtel Bain in the south of France since 1737, bringing centuries of tradition, culture, and appreciation for fine dining to Fandango.
In 1986, Pierre and Marietta Bain purchased the restaurant and reopened it later that year with Pedro De La Cruz serving as head chef. Together, they helped shape Fandango into a destination known for exceptional cuisine, thoughtful service, and an atmosphere that feels both elegant and inviting.
Over the years, Fandango has evolved while remaining true to its original spirit. Expansions introduced additional dining rooms, private event spaces, and the beloved upstairs dining area, all designed to preserve the restaurant’s intimate European character.
Today, Fandango continues to welcome generations of locals and visitors alike for celebrations, special occasions, and unforgettable evenings on California’s Central Coast. For the Bain family, the greatest honor has always been the loyal guests who return year after year and have made Fandango part of their traditions.
RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
HONORED BY SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST RESPECTED CULINARY ORGANIZATIONS
From the very beginning, the Bain family has been dedicated to exceptional food, thoughtful service, fine wine, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Over the years, they’ve taken great pride not only in the many honors Fandango has received, but in the loyal guests who have made the restaurant part of their traditions.
