Find it here.
Za'atar, freekeh, Persian tea, labneh, pelmeni, Vimto, dates by the box. If we don't stock it, ask — we special-order for customers every week.
Browse the marketServing Monterey since 1992
International market and deli on Lighthouse Avenue
Imported groceries from the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe, and a deli counter in the back.
Opens today at 10 AM
580 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey
Best of Monterey County
Nine times a Readers' Pick
Voted by Monterey County Weekly readers. Each award went to International Market & Deli, our name before Basra Bay.
Member of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
In the pressBest International Market
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
Best Ethnic Market
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2016
- 2015
Why people come in
Find it here. Eat well. Ask us anything.
Eat well for lunch.
Beef-and-lamb or chicken gyro, chicken or beef shawarma, falafel, hummus, lentil soup, baklava and Turkish coffee. Made when you order it.
Order now
Ask us anything.
New to an ingredient? Gloria and the team will tell you what it is, how to use it, and what to serve it with.
Meet the familyFrom the deli counter
Made when you order it.
Gyro
$13.00Tzatziki, red onion, cucumber and tomato, wrapped in Greek pita.
Shawarma
$13.00Chicken with lettuce, or beef with red onions, in pita with tahini.
Falafel
$12.00
Baklava
$2.75–$2.99Greek style or Middle Eastern style.
From the shelves
On the shelves
Stock from Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Greece, Armenia, Afghanistan, Russia, Poland, Italy and the UK. If we don't stock it, ask. We special-order for customers every week.
Spices & bulk
Za'atar, sumac, saffron, whole cardamom, turmeric, paprika and allspice, with bulk spices at fair prices.
Grains, legumes & pantry
Bulgur fine to coarse, freekeh, rice, red lentils, chickpeas, fava beans, tahini, date molasses, tomato and pepper pastes, pickles and turnip pickles.
Olives, oils & preserves
Cracked Syrian olives, Kalamata, olive oils, jams, and rose and orange-blossom waters.
Tea & coffee
Loose black teas, cardamom tea, maté, Turkish coffee in several roasts, and cezves, cups and gift sets to brew it properly.
Dates & sweets
Medjool, deglet noor, sukkary and khudri dates — Barhi in season — plus baklava, Turkish delight, halva, honey cake, chocolate-covered dates and imported biscuits.
Seasonal & specialty
Canned desert truffles in late winter and spring, Ramadan date boxes, and holiday gift baskets made to order.
Our story
From Basra to Lighthouse Avenue
I grew up in Guam; Adil grew up in Basra, in southern Iraq. In September 2015 we took over a market on Lighthouse Avenue that had been feeding Monterey's international families since 1992.
In 2026 we gave it a new name. The shelves and the welcome haven't changed. New to an ingredient? Ask me what it is, how to use it and what to serve it with.
Gloria
Catering & gatherings
Mezze platters, wrap trays and baklava for the office, the team, the family.
Order from the catering menu or ask Gloria to build something around a region, a theme or a dietary need. Gatherings for 20–25 at our sister café, Basra Bay International Café, two blocks away.
Google reviews
What our customers say
“Amazing gyros that were so delicious! The tzatziki was the best we've ever had, and the meat was tender and flavorful. The portion was good with substantial fillings. Quick service for a speedy meal. There were small tables outside to eat. We highly recommend and we will go again.”
Laura Hunter · Google, July 2026
“The food was so delicious! we had the Gyros and the Beef shawarma and they were mouth watering. The best part of this place is the customer service, the owners are so kind and create the best atmosphere. 100% recommend!”
Maryam Handulleh · Google, August 2026
“I ordered takeout and absolutely loved it! The food was delicious, and they offer a fantastic selection of international specialties. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. I'll definitely be ordering again very soon!”
Simona Siring · Google, July 2026
“Nice hole in the wall market with great prices and unique products! We enjoyed the Turkish delights, Turkish coffee, gyros and non-alcoholic malts. The lady running the store, Crystal, was very kind, informative and friendly. Be sure to stop by for any snacks and advice if you’re touring the area! If you’d like a sit-down restaurant, a few blocks down there’s a sister store with equal prices, called International Café.”
Rushil Dandamudi · Google, July 2024
“This is one of my favorite places on Lighthouse. If you know what you are looking for, it's amazing.... if you don't.....it's a treasure trove of adventure! They have my favorite teas and saffron sugar. Their sweets are unparalleled! And the staff....the staff! They are amazing and knowledgeable. Regardless of how busy they make me feel like I'm the only one in the store. Their menu is simple and perfected. I almost always get the beef shwarma, and I love everything about it! And they have a good selection of bottled drinks from the Middle East I have never seen before, so I always try a new one! Go eat their food and be happy!”
Benjamin Kalis · Google, July 2023
“Absolutely amazing Schwarma plate. Tons of Turkish delight selection and fabulous baklava! Super friendly and quick service to boot. Would highly recommend to anyone!”
Ryland Taylor · Google, April 2023
“NOT A TOURIST TRAP (coming from a local who doesn’t like to eat out in Monterey and has to go to Salinas for good food). Great food and amazing middle eastern shawarma. If you’re not getting this shawarma what are you even doing on this street?🫠 also, try baklava for dessert!”
Viktoriia Fick · Google, December 2022
“Love this place! A small but stuffed with great international hard to find grocery items concentrated in the Middle East and Asia. Some really good prices too. It also has a small menu of delicious food too. I had the best chicken wrap with tahini sauce I’ve had in a long time here. Nice fresh cut veggies and it was perfect. Had a tub of humus with a wrap for dipping on the side too”
Bosque Burger · Google, December 2022
- Read all reviews on Google
4.5 out of 5
293 reviews on Google for the market on Lighthouse Avenue.
Good to know
Questions we get asked
Anything else — call (831) 375-9451 or ask at the counter.
When are you open?
Monday 10 AM – 4 PM; Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM; Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM.
Where do I park?
Street parking on Lighthouse Avenue and the side streets.
Can I eat there?
It's counter service, with a few seats inside and a sidewalk table. Everything on the deli menu is made when you order it. You can also order the deli online for pickup.
Do you cater?
Yes — mezze platters, wrap trays and baklava for the office or the family, and gatherings for 20–25 at Basra Bay International Café, two blocks away. For a gathering at the café, call (831) 215-1817 or use https://www.basrabaycafe.com/catering. Market trays are priced with Gloria.
Can you order something you don't stock?
Usually. We special-order for customers every week — ask at the counter or call.
What's in the gyro?
Beef and lamb or chicken, tzatziki, red onion, cucumber and tomato, wrapped in Greek pita.
Do you make gift baskets?
Yes — holiday gift baskets made to order, and Ramadan date boxes in season.
Do you sell wine or beer?
No, we don't sell alcohol. We do carry Vimto, fruit nectars and sodas from the region.
Is International Cafe part of the market?
Yes. It is now Basra Bay International Café, at 296 Lighthouse Ave, Ste C. It is the family's sit-down room, open since May 2024, and gatherings there are booked with the café.
Visit
On Lighthouse Avenue, a few blocks uphill from Cannery Row
580 Lighthouse Ave
Monterey, CA 93940
| Monday | 10 AM – 4 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 7 PM |
| WednesdayToday | 10 AM – 7 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 7 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 7 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 7 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM – 7 PM |
Street parking on Lighthouse Avenue and the side streets. Counter service, a few seats inside and a sidewalk table.
580 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940Open in Google Maps