Carmel-by-the-Sea Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Carmel-by-the-Sea - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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11 Recommendations
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1. Aubergine
$$$$ | |To eat and sleep at luxe L'Auberge Carmel is an experience in itself, but even those staying elsewhere can splurge at the inn's intimate restaurant, which was awarded a Michelin star in 2022. Chef Justin Cogley's eight-course prix-fixe tasting menu (your only option at dinner, $265 per person) is a gastronomical experience unrivaled in the region.
Monte Verde at 7th Ave., Carmel, California, 93921, USA831-624–8578Known For
- Exceptional chef's choice tasting menu
- Expert wine pairings (extra fee)
- Intimate nine-table dining room
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential -
2. Basil
$$ | |Eco-friendly Basil was Monterey County's first restaurant to achieve a green-dining certification, recognition of its commitment to using organic, sustainably cultivated ingredients in creative dishes such as black squid linguine with sea urchin sauce, charred octopus, and smoked venison and other house-made charcuterie.
San Carlos St., Carmel, California, 93921, USA831-626–8226Known For
- Organic ingredients
- Creative cocktails
- Year-round patio dining
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential -
3. The Pocket
$$$ | |In surf lingo, "the pocket" is a perfect riding spot within a barrel-shape wave, and this Italian–Californian restaurant is likewise a perfect (casual and unfussy) gathering spot for those who seek first-rate food, wine, and cocktails. The chefs craft seasonal menus that focus on seafood, fresh pastas, curries, steaks, and braised meats.
Lincoln St., between 5th and 6th Ave., Carmel, California, 93921, USA831-626–8000Known For
- Sleek marble, wood, and slate dining room, spacious garden seating
- Full bar, extensive list of more than 400 wines
- Lively atmosphere, especially during the daily happy hour
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch -
4. Anton and Michel
$$$$ | |Carefully prepared California cuisine is the draw at this airy restaurant, where the rack of lamb is carved at the table, the grilled Halloumi cheese and tomatoes are meticulously stacked and served with basil and Kalamata olive tapenade, and the desserts are set aflame before your eyes. For lighter fare with a worldwide flair, head to the bar, where small plates such as Dungeness crab ravioli and brochette of filet mignon with chimichurri sauce are served.
Mission St. and 7th Ave., Carmel, California, 93921, USA831-624–2406Known For
- Romantic courtyard with fountain
- Elegant interior with fireplace lounge
- Flambé desserts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential -
5. Casanova
$$$ | |This restaurant inspires European-style celebration and romance in an intimate French-country setting. Feast on authentic dishes from southern France and northern Italy—think beef tartare and escargot. Private dining is offered at Van Gogh's Table, a relic from France's Auberge Ravoux, the artist's final residence.
5th Ave., between San Carlos and Mission Sts., Carmel, California, 93921, USA831-625–0501Known For
- House-made pastas and gnocchi
- Private dining at antique Van Gogh's table
- Romantic candlelight dining room and outdoor patio
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Flying Fish Grill
$$ | |Simple in appearance yet bold with its flavors, this Japanese–California seafood restaurant is one of Carmel's most inventive eateries. The warm, wood-lined dining room is broken up into very private booths.
Mission St. between Ocean and 7th Aves., Carmel, California, 93921, USA831-625–1962Known For
- Almond-crusted sea bass served with Chinese cabbage and rock shrimp stir-fry
- Clay pot dinners for two cooked at the table
- Authentic Asian decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
7. Grasing's Coastal Cuisine
$$$ | |Chef Kurt Grasing draws from fresh Carmel Coast and Central Valley ingredients to whip up contemporary adaptations of European-provincial and American dishes. Longtime menu favorites include fresh farm-raised abalone, a savory sausage and seafood paella, and grilled steaks and chops.
6th Ave. and Mission St., Carmel, California, 93921, USA831-624–6562Known For
- Artichoke and fontina ravioli
- Grilled steaks
- Bar, patio lounge, and rooftop deck
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential -
8. L'Escargot
$$$ | |Chef-owner Kericos Loutas personally sees to each plate of food served at this romantic, unpretentious French restaurant. Order the pan-roasted duck breast or the pork medallions with wild mushrooms or white wine sauce; or, if you can't decide, choose the three-course prix-fixe dinner.
Mission and 4th Ave., Carmel, California, 93921, USA831-620–1942Known For
- Authentic French-country dishes
- Prix-fixe dinner option
- Locally sourced ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Reservations essential -
9. Stationaery
$$ | |This cozy neighborhood restaurant serves one of Carmel’s most popular brunches every day, plus dinner several nights a week. The eclectic seasonal menu focuses on elegant comfort food with an international flair—options vary, but might include caviar with crème fraiche and kettle chips, shakshuka, chilaquiles, or poke bowls for brunch and soft-shell crab with fava bean puree for dinner.
San Carlos St., Carmel, California, 93921, USA831-250–7183Known For
- Specialty coffee, natural wines
- Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Takeout window
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.–Wed. -
10. The Cottage Restaurant
$ | |This family-friendly spot serves sandwiches, pizzas, and homemade soups at lunch, but the best meal is breakfast (good thing it's served all day). The menu offers six variations on eggs Benedict and all kinds of crepes.
Lincoln St. between Ocean and 7th Aves., Carmel, California, 93921, USA831-625–6260Known For
- Artichoke soup
- Sweet or savory crepes
- Daily specials
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner -
11. Vesuvio
$$$ | |Chef and restaurateur Rich Pèpe heats up the night with this lively trattoria downstairs and swinging rooftop terrace, the Star Bar. Pèpe's elegant take on traditional Italian cuisine yields dishes such as risotto made with local seafood, spicy Calabrian sausage, and lobster reduction sauce, crab ravioli, and velvety limoncello mousse cake.
6th and Junipero Aves., Carmel, California, USA831-625–1766Known For
- Traditional cuisine of Campania, Italy
- Two bars with pizzas and small plates
- Live music on rooftop terrace in summer
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Cash not accepted
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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