Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most charming and quaint towns on the coast of California. It definitely left an impression on me with the beautiful coastal views, English cottage-style architecture, and some of the best restaurants in the region.
It is a popular place among foodies with more restaurants per capita than any other city in the country. They pride themselves on having more than 60 diverse restaurants in one square mile with a full range of international, regional, and local cuisines.
It is distinctly located near where most of California’s food is grown in the Salinas Valley, so the majority of the restaurants source locally and serve some of the freshest food. This combined with access to some of the freshest seafood from Monterey Bay provides a true culinary experience.
I hope this list with some of the best restaurants in Carmel helps narrow your search and provides you with the information you need for your next trip!
Do I Need Reservations for Carmel by the Sea Restaurants?
One of the most common questions is if you need a reservation for restaurants in Carmel. I would highly recommend getting a reservation at most places, especially for breakfast in Carmel and dinner. The restaurants are cozy and small, so they tend to fill up quickly. We found that most restaurants in town took reservations besides Mission Ranch. I have attached the link to the website for each place, so you can check on the most current restaurant policy.
Best Places to Eat in Carmel
Carmel Coffee Roasters
If you are looking for a good coffee shop, check out one of several Carmel Coffee Roasters’ locations with one right in the downtown square.
Rise & Roam
This was a cute coffee shop in town that had some of the best savory breakfasts for on-the-go. All of the bread is made in-house every day which makes for an amazing aroma from the second you step in the door.
Stationaery
This was easily one of the best places in Carmel for breakfast. It is set between streets in town and offers an intimate setting with indoor and outdoor seating. The coffee here was delicious with the seasonal latte really shining. Highlights from the menu include the potato pancake, chilaquiles, and french toast.
From Scratch
If you’re looking for an all-day breakfast in Carmel, this is the place to go. Located in Barnyard Shopping village, this is the perfect stop for brunch in Carmel after a morning of shopping. From Scratch is famous for its Eggs Benedict but their made-to-order omelets and huevos rancheros are amazing too!
Carmel Belle
Carmel Belle is a real secret spot in Carmel, tucked away behind a storefront, this family-owned restaurant is casual, order-at-the-counter style but with delicious organic food throughout. All their food is fresh and locally sourced for breakfast and lunch which adds to the farm-to-table style cuisine.
Village Corner
If you’re looking for Carmel restaurants with outdoor seating, Village Corner is a great option for breakfast and lunch. They serve casual, classic American food with a Mediterranean twist and their charming terrace is perfect to enjoy al fresco dining as you watch the hustle and bustle on Dolores Street.
La Bicyclette
Noted as one of the top restaurants in town, this is a place you don’t want to miss. It features European Country cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Due to the nature of using seasonal local ingredients, the menu does change weekly. They are known for their pizzas cooked in their wood-fired oven. But the linguine pescatore was amazing too!
Brophy’s Tavern
Attached to Hotel Carmel (where we stayed this trip), this upscale sports bar offers the feel of an Irish pub with good beer and great food. Try the braised short rib fries and the fresh local halibut fish & chips!
Akaoni
This is a famous sushi spot that many locals love. While we didn’t get to make it here on this trip, it is definitely on the list for my next trip.
The Restaurant at Mission Ranch
This rustic, ranch-style restaurant is a beautiful spot that was made famous by Clint Eastwood, and one of a few Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurants with a view. It was originally a farmhouse that Eastwood restored and turned into the restaurant that it is today that maintains the majority of the original country charm. The seafood linguine was fantastic!
Folktale Winery Restaurant
If you’re looking for a Carmel winery to visit on your trip, Folktale Winery is located in Carmel Valley on a vineyard and the beautiful views and experience made this one of our favorite stops on our trip. With refreshing and eco-friendly wines and amazing food, the experience here is top-notch. Order a wine flight to enjoy on the patio with the stunning views and you might even be lucky enough to catch a live band playing music.
The pizzas are amazing at the Wine Garden Restaurant, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the limited menu. They also have a great Sunday brunch menu with classic breakfast dishes and wine-centered cocktails. I highly recommend coming here for a truly remarkable experience full of great food, beautiful views, and an amazing atmosphere.
Seventh & Dolores
This is the best Carmel steakhouse and also the sister restaurant to Folktale Winery. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance as this is one of the more popular steakhouses in Carmel.
Seventh & Dolores is a modern steakhouse and has a bright, welcoming feel. They also offer indoor and outdoor seating with chic, airy decor – perfect for a more upscale dining experience. You can’t go wrong with any cut of steak here, but our menu highlight was definitely the porterhouse steak – absolutely heavenly!
Casanova
This charming, rustic restaurant in Carmel styles itself on French and Italian dishes with a distinctly European feel in the decor too. Famous for having been frequented by Van Gogh, the outdoor patio is really the unique feature when you dine here.
Their ever-changing seasonal menu adds to the charm here as the restaurant works with organic farms and local fisheries to bring in the best seasonal produce and dishes!
Cantinetta Luca
I highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for an Italian restaurant in Carmel by the Sea! The authentic Italian cuisine, great wine selection, and cozy atmosphere make this a perfect spot for a romantic dinner in Carmel.
Cantinetta Luca is also a local’s favorite – so you know it must be good! You can’t go wrong with any of the pasta or wood-fired pizza options here.
Portabella
Located in the heart of Ocean Avenue in Carmel, this small, quaint restaurant is all about old-world decor and rustic European charm and they have a great outdoor patio area. With a focus on French and Italian dishes, our menu highlights were the avocado chicken sandwich, oven-braised short ribs, and the lemon dijon garlic chicken.
La Balena
This artisanal Italian restaurant is a rustic, cozy hidden gem with a beautiful outdoor patio area. A favorite is the Pollo Fritto (fried chicken) but the entire menu had so many great food options.
Aubergine
Aubergine Carmel is an award-winning, upscale dining experience, perfect for a special occasion. They have a daily changing eight-course Tasting Menu and offer course-by-course wine pairings from their extensive wine list. Eating here really is an experience!
Il Tegamino
Visit Il Tegamino for an authentic, romantic dining experience with some of the best Italian food in Carmel! You really feel like you’re in Italy, because the menu is inspired by Chef Giuseppe Panzuto’s hometown of Napoli, Italy.
With hearty comfort food and an Italian bistro vibe, this is a cozy restaurant that’s popular with both visitors and locals. The charming outdoor courtyard seating, surrounded by timber-framed architecture and warm lighting is all part of the experience!
Cultura Carmel
The best Mexican restaurant in Carmel, Cultura is home to traditional Oaxacan Mexican food and great sharing dishes in a welcoming, casual dining atmosphere. They also have a full bar that specializes in unique cocktails and traditional mezcal.
Treehouse Cafe
If you’re looking for rooftop restaurants in Carmel, this cozy spot has indoor seating and an outdoor terrace serving international and Thai-influenced dishes.
This is a great restaurant located in the center of town with great food and service.
Hopefully, this food guide has given you plenty of inspiration for where to eat in Carmel. With so many choices and amazing restaurant experiences, there’s something for everyone in Carmel by the Sea.
xx,
Ashley
Other California Travel Posts: Big Sur Roadtrip Guide | Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails | Best Beaches in Lake Tahoe
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