Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea

“Everyone should have the full dinner at least once but once you get the vibe then sit at the bar or the super comfy patio and order a la carte.

Service is absolutely charming and worth the price of admission. The menu changes a lot but if you see the abalone skewers then they are a must have.

Cocktails are approachable and match the vibe perfectly. It's a regular stop for us.”

“Great foods and great friends !”

“Excellent pizza!! Excellent service. Cute ambiance ..small,quaint. We got our food in no time. They're quick in bringing everything! Never a dry water glass. We'll be back!!”

“Just a fabulous experience! The service levels were over the top. Never wanted for anything. Ate at the restaurant and had an 8-course tasting menu! To die for!”

“This is one of the most unique and exciting restaurants in Carmel. Amazing cocktails and the food is both creative and authentic. Wine list is great too! Never disappoints.”

“Beyond amazing. Service ambience and food was impeccable”

“Absolutely fantastic restaurant and a breath of fresh air in the Carmel culinary community. The food was incredible and the service was top notch. The space is refreshingly chic and relaxing. The tables are spaced apart to allow for conversation and there's no rush to finish your meal. You are encouraged to linger and enjoy the best meal in Carmel!”

“Sushi was fresh and buttery! Cooked food was also great!
Definitely a place to scope out when you’re in Carmel!
Kids loved the candy when we paid ☺️”

“Delicious pizza & drinks.”

“We had very nice anniversary dinner at Stationaery. We sat outside, since we still do not feel comfortable for an indoor seating due to pandemic. The evening was cool, but heating lamps made it comfortable for longer and leisure meal. Both food and service were excellent. We highly recommend this friendly restaurant and will be back for sure🤩”

“Amazing food with first class service. In a word.... WOW!!!”

“Five stars isn’t enough to rate the quality of the food, the delightfulness of the staff, or the ambiance at the Flying Fish Grill. We’re visiting the area primarily for golf, and our caddie told us that the Flying Fish Grill is his favorite restaurant in the area. We completely understand why! SO many “WOWs” in this meal from start to finish. We had the chips and ginger salsa, Calamari, Crab Tower, Salad, Sea Bass, and hot fudge sundae. Every. Single. Bite was amazing. And the service was the best we’ve experienced in the Monterey area. That’s saying a lot as we’re staying at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. From the very first contact on the phone, to the last bite of dessert we felt like family. Absolutely fantastic experience in every possible way!”

“Amazing wine, incredible service, and an unbeatable tasting room vibe!

We visited De Tierra Vineyards yesterday in Carmel-by-the-Sea and had such a great experience! From the moment we walked in, the tasting room’s cozy, welcoming atmosphere set the perfect tone. It’s stylish yet relaxed, and such a fun place to discover great wines. De Tierra truly captures the unique terroir of Monterey County displaying beautifully balance with distinct character.

What really made our visit special was the personal attention we received from owner Jeff Meacham and his team. They were incredibly welcoming, took the time to share stories about the vineyard’s history, and guided us through the wines with genuine passion. You can really tell they care about creating memorable experiences for every guest.

If you’re in Carmel and love great wine with exceptional experience, De Tierra Vineyards is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back!”

“One of our Favorite places- in the Barnyard- very cozy, decorated with Swiss clocks, artwork, hand- carved wood. Great goulash, baked onion soup, schnitzel with spaetzle, as well as fondues. Family run, great service, fair prices”

“one of the best in Carmel...”

“Muy rica comida pero sobre todo la atención y el servicio de primera gracias a Daniel y a Martín por su excelente atención 🙋🏻‍♀️”

“We enjoyed cocktails and wine at Bud’s during our stay at LaPlaya last weekend!”

“Le Soufflé remains a treat despite the new "lunch only" option. The food is outstanding: each of the four different entrée soufflés was delicious. Grand Mariner, Chocolate, and the pièce de résistance, a Passion Fruit soufflé for dessert were also outstanding. Service remains friendly and personal. However... daylight service lacks the ambiance of an intimate upscale Parisian bistro. Ivan and Lisa have no control over the construction site across the street. And, without the glow of the table lamps the interior feels sterile, something that (flowers, different pillows, art work... something) could address. Still, a cold glass of Champagne, classic salade verte, elevated savory (mushroom for me) soufflé, followed by a cloud of sweetness with dessert sauce or vanilla ice cream is a treat. Plus one can walk it off on Carmel Beach after: Win:Win!”

“The service is always great and the food is so good and fresh. We’ve been there multiple times to listen to music and it’s been really good. Enjoyed Ryan Sesma last night. Highly recommend! 😊”

“We had a dinner in this restaurant during our short stay in Carmel at the end of January; overall - the atmosphere, the service, the wine list were quite authentic French. I love France and French cuisine, I missed the frog legs very much, here they were good but tiny, more like they are in Chinese restaurants; French frog legs should be bigger and have more meat. Classic escargot seemed too spicy for me; the onion soup had a subtle burnt taste, looks like the onion was too fried. I gave my 4* for the overall experience, but there is definitely a lot to improve.”

“Stopped in for a couple of pints this afternoon, and were VERY impressed with the beer! Absolutely delicious. A true small-batch microbrewery, with a very relaxing vibe and friendly service. Brought a 4-pack home to enjoy on the deck, and we'll definitely be stopping by the taproom again.”

“Nice place to have family gatherings..very nice restaurant and foods they serve..”

“Very rustic Mood but extremely friendly staff. So it's really fun to eat. All the dishes we had throughout very delicious and very sumptuous portions. Full recommendation and an insider tip in Carmel.”

“Great service, great ambiance, great food!”

“Amazing food and service. If you need gluten free options then this is the place! GF garlic bread, pasta, and more. soooo good!”

“Highly recommend!! We had a 90th birthday dinner for my mom with 11 people. Everything was superb! Outstanding service, excellent food and drinks. Outside terrace is pretty and even allowed our 2 dogs. Superb! Thank you to Z and the wonderful staff, everything was perfect!!!👍”

“Expansive ocean view. Absolutely gorgeous.
Drinks are on the high side but are well-made.
We didn't have food this time but it was good in the past.”

“The Pocket in Carmel-by-the-Sea serves beautifully prepared seasonal dishes, with standout fresh seafood and inventive small plates that showcase local coastal flavors. The intimate atmosphere is cozy and elegant, making it ideal for a romantic dinner or special celebration, whether you choose the warm indoor seating or charming patio. Service is consistently attentive, warm, and thoughtful from start to finish. The quality of the food, curated wine list, and overall experience make it a true gem in Carmel—absolutely delightful and highly recommended.”

“Super cool spot with a lot of local shops! Food, spa, coffee, wine, everything!”

“Amazing wine and atmosphere”

“Excellent food and great service and good live music.”

“This is a great place to grab a casual bite to eat — with amazing beer! We came with our kids and they all had a good time. The food was delicious and they even have unique and tasty mocktails. The outdoor space is nice and protected from the elements as it sits in the middle of the Carmel Plaza. We always love coming here and taking our friends visiting from out-of-town too!”

“The front courtyard is closed for renovations at the moment (Jan 2026) we sat in the back (where they have wedding receptions) and it was really relaxing and lovely. We easily got a table on a Thursday afternoon. We ordered the “White Witch” and some food. Our server was patient and kind. When he left for the day another server checked up on us frequently. It was a really nice overall experience and we left with some wine and olive oil to take home as gifts from their gift shop ❤️”

“Gorgeous!! I came to the ranch for a conference, and will definitely be coming back again. Could not ask for more lovely scenery, more activities (hiking! golf! archery!), or more considerate staff.”

“7D is our go-to date night spot in Carmel. The food, the drinks, the atmosphere is all great….and consistently every time we visit. The sea bass entree is some of the best fish we’ve ever had.”

“Amazing food. Amazing atmosphere and wonderful service.”

“This is our second time eating at Il Tegamino, and both times it was absolutely delicious. It is definitely a step up from your basic Italian American cooking. The pacchieri in ragu sauce was the winner, but everyone enjoyed the other items we got. The service is very attentive. Both times we ate outside. But because the terrace is all enclosed and with the space heaters, we were perfectly comfortable, even at the end of January. This place is a hidden gem in a town of frequently overpriced and mediocre restaurants, catering to tourists. ”

“Loved the food, Teo our server was exceptional. Cozy yet romantic. A must to enjoy when in Carmel.”

“The Quail has gone above and beyond my expectations and I’ve only been here 3 hours!! The service is amazing and the grounds are exquisitely perfect!! The suite is probably the nicest room I’ve ever stayed in. I am in love with this place. Don’t even want to leave to go anywhere else! I highly recommend!!”

“Phenomenal service and food! We were there on visiting for Christmas holiday when Carmel had a major power outage the day after the storm. But despite that challenging situation, Edwin's staff made sure they prepared the food on time, with superb quality and service. Just outstanding on all fronts in the midst of a challenging situation. If you want a true experience of Filipino-Indonesian taste & quality of food and hospitality in Carmel/Monterey area, Edwin's the place to go. Their Kare-Kare is the best! (I know--we're Filipinos and I'm a homegrown cook. =))”

“Very good food and excellent service!! It was as a very nice experience !!”

“First time trying burrata, on the caprese sandwich and it was complimented so well by the balsamic dressing. The bread was tasty and texturally appealing. I really enjoyed the slight crunch on the exterior and the soft inside. It was made to be the perfect vessel. Next time, I think I'll give the turkey a go- I just usually don't eat meat often, i have to be in the mood.

I ate outside, in the fresh air. I watched the birds fly around and the yellow, pink and crimson roses swaying in the breeze. This place is peaceful.

Also found it really neat that they juice their own oranges. There's an assortment of wines and beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic), coffee from Brazil and Ethiopia- which really caught my eye. The staff is friendly and genuine and I didn't have to wait long. I'll have to bring my mom here sometime.

The inside vibe is modern with an upscale feel, kinda rustic. I imagine the evening lighting to be warm, judging by the panel hues. Glad I stumbled upon this place and got to try it out. It's one of those flavors that you want to savor. Take in the atmosphere then, return to nibble some more. And for lavender enthusiasts, I noted there's a lavender latte on the menu. That's one of my personal favorites.

Last thing I noticed: they don't accept cash payments. Unfortunately, I had to skip the latte this round because I only had cash on me but there was enough incentive to come back.”

“We sat outside with our pup. The server promptly brought him a dog bed and a bowl of water. Our server kept our glasses full and was very attentive. The food was good, we left happy.”

“Really fun spot and super friendly staff.”

“Love the BLTA. Need a quick lunch or snack? This is the place. Only reasonable prices in Carmel.”

“Our wedding cake from Sweet Reba’s was absolutely perfect! From the very first tasting to the final delivery, Reba and her team were wonderful to work with—kind, attentive, and genuinely passionate about their craft.

The cake itself was not only beautifully decorated but truly a showstopper at our reception. The design matched our wedding theme perfectly—elegant, romantic, and detailed down to every flower and ribbon. Guests couldn’t stop taking photos before we even cut into it!

And the flavor? Incredible. Each layer was moist, rich, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, just delicious. Our guests are still talking about how good it was (and some even asked for seconds!).

If you want a wedding cake that tastes as amazing as it looks, I can’t recommend Sweet Reba’s Bakery enough. Reba turned our dream cake into reality and made our day even more special.”

“Akaoni is one of my favorite restaurants and serves the best sushi that I've had in California. We personally make trips to Carmel-by-the-sea just to eat here, so if you are a sushi aficionado, I genuinely think you should try squeezing in a visit. One time, I ate here prior to a big interview, and my stress just melted away.

Yes, you need a reservation to eat here because they have a limited amount of space and work to make the atmosphere peaceful and calming. I think that some folks misinterpret their directness as rudeness, but I personally feel that they are polite and provide excellent service. Our experiences here have been positive and memorable.”

“Great food, wonderful service and awesome atmosphere!”

“We love Woody's. Liked the airport location but Del Mesa is more upscale, GREAT service (thanks !) and super good food. For the locals !”

“Wow, this is probably my favorite tasting room in Carmel by the sea. I’ve tried a half a dozen and this one is the friendliest and the most generous and knowledgeable. I think it’s the first tasting room that was in Carmel by the sea. Janet was behind the counter telling stories and is very knowledgeable about all the wines and the other things to do in the area.”

“Sometimes, five stars don't do a location justice. This is one of those times.
Exceptional in every respect. The atmosphere is honestly one of those rare finds.
Service was fantastic, sat at the bar and our server was never more than a few steps away.
The spirits selection is something that you rarely see. Their top shelf, is what the words mean.
Everything we had to eat was outstanding. Served fast and almost too hot to eat, except the oysters of course, which were also over the top. I seriously can't give the fish and chips a high enough recommendation!
My only regret is that I don't live nearby. When I'm anywhere near here, I'll go out of my way to visit again!”

“Best coffee in the West”

“One of our favorite places breakfast. We're never disappointed by the food or the staff.”

“The place is really cool looking with all the Pasta machines and Noe & Isidro our professional, helpful and knowledgeable! The price is great. The pasta is beautifully well made, but let’s talk about those ravioli….. THE RAVIOLI ARE PHENOMENAL”

“Place is really good. Their sushi is really good. Service needs a little work and they need to get some fountain drinks, but aside from that I had a wonderful experience there”

“Amazing wines and a tasting room that is the best in Carmel!”

“Jeffrey’s has the best food 🥘 and it’s very reasonably priced.”

“There are varieties of delicious breads that you can try and all very fresh”

“Great piano bar! Awesome lemon drops😃”

“First time I finished a burger!!”

“We love Cafe dal Mare 🤍 It’s a cozy, inviting place run by a charming, local family with heart and soul. Everything there, is gourmet. My favorites are the hazelnut ricotta chocolate cake and cafè mocha; which they hand craft with a beautiful ganache; and their lemon tarte, which takes me back to the Amalfi coast while still enjoying ours! They’re also pup friendly, which makes for a fun stop on our daily adventures in town. Now, if Akira would only stop eyeing my cake…!”

“Food is casual and good. Margherita flatbread was a bit too salty but it was good overall. House salad was delicious and fresh! Fries are delicious, very flavorful. My dad said the beer is amazing too. Service is 11/10!!!!! Very fast and accommodating. I recommend this place as a nice casual joint.”

“Picked up food to go last year and it was really good. So happy that we found this place again! Ordered garlic parm and spicy fried chicken wing plates, lemongrass chicken and beef meatball pho. Also ordered strawberry and melon boba milk tea and Vietnamese coffee with egg cream. Food and drinks came out quickly. Customer service was great. It was so good that we ate and drank everything! We will definitely come here again when we’re in the area.”

“Delicious pizza & drinks.”

“Stumbled upon this lovely Cafe and we were captivated by the food, ambience and overall service! All day breakfast mean and the Apple strudel were soul warming. Perfect brunch in a cool autumn day :) it’s low-key but 100% cozy like a warm blanket.”

“Great time watching the Niners game.”

“Chef Todd’s menu is awesome here and you can’t go wrong with anything! The BLT is my favorite right now and the beer selection is the best around with many local brews as well as cool things like Pliny on tap! Parker has also put together a really good wine selection from around the world with some killer value offerings!”

“5th Ave Deli & Catering Cafe is such a charming spot! We stopped in for some takeout to enjoy a picnic at the beach, and it was a great choice. The service was warm and friendly, making the experience even better. The sandwiches were not only affordable but also offered a wide variety of options, along with drinks and snacks. The quality of the food was solid, and the personal service really made it stand out. Definitely recommend this place, and I’ll be sure to return next time I’m in the area!”

“Always amazing. Great food and service. 👏🏼 my favorite”

“We came in on a saturday afternoon and were able to find a table right away! The Bar side of the restaurant has happy hour every day from 4-6pm and their small plates and pizzas were on the food list! Their cocktails were all 8 dollars and house wines 7 dollars. We ate and each had a drink for under 40 dollars which seems absurd in Carmel! Not only affordable but the food was to die for! We had the Truffle Gnocchi which was easily the best gnocchi I've ever had and the White Truffle Pie was so fresh and full of mushrooms and onions! Dipping the crust in the leftover gnocchi sauce put it over the edge! Isabel was our server and she was kind and quick with everything! It was a wonderful little stop in Carmel, just off Ocean Ave!”

“Gorgeous!! I came to the ranch for a conference, and will definitely be coming back again. Could not ask for more lovely scenery, more activities (hiking! golf! archery!), or more considerate staff.”

“When I tell you my burrito 🌯 was THICKKK (it was so big it almost all fell apart, I was stunned!)

I got the shrimp burrito and it was humongous! It was scrumptious though, and very filling. I also got the chicken tortilla soup which was very flavorful. Chips and salsa were great aswell.

Overall good meal and next time im Carmel I will come back!”

“Small fresh menu but with something for everyone. The sea bass was fresh and tasty. Chicken was moist and delicious. Beet salad was fresh with an absolutely wonderful piece of salmon. We'll be back. No Parker rolls though..too bad. Artichoke dip was surprisingly light and great with the toast.”

“We split the broiled red snapper sandwich that turned out to be a large serving for two. Excellent fresh fish on thick toasted bread with tomato lettuce and purple onion, tartar sauce to add.”

“An unexpected highlight of our recent visit to Carmel! Warm, welcoming, fun vibe, great food. There are places one just doesn't insist on veggie options. 🤫”

“I ordered thru App. Buy one footling sandwich, get one free! Great deal!

Wheelchair accessibility: Handicapped parking spaces. Easy entrance.”

“Best coffee in the West”

“Barmel Love Love Love ❤️”

“From farm to fresh right on the plate; try the walnut apple salad and add chicken if you like. The atmosphere by the fire warms one inside and out.”

“The only place in Carmel to find a good bagel prepared right.

Apparently under new management, the new staff is great. Say hi to Lim, he's a good dude working hard to maintain high quality standards while working to improve.

I'm a big fan. Highly recommend.”

“This place is gem. Very good food, good quantity. Probably the best veggie dishes Ive had. The prices are remarkably good, especially for this area. Its deceptive in that the decor is very nice so it looks like it would be expensive, but its not. I hesitate to say its a great value because that makes it sound cheap, but it really is great food, atmosphere and service and also price. Of course the takeout is my go to. A super family run place in the Crossroads (Sweet Reba’s, MYO, etc) away from throngs of tourists. Man I love it here!”

“They have good coffee here.”

“They have good coffee here.”

“Friendlier and quiter than most starbucks I've been to. Have also noticed that this one seems to be more dog friendly. As long as your dog is behaved. Outside seating. Charging outlets still, plus in my book since I'm a traveler”

“Mini combo was Yummy!”

“Best coffee in the West”

“Excellent atmosphere and food”

“Great foods and great friends !”

“Incredible food and service! We love Chef Moises at 40 Love Catering!”

“Absolutely fantastic restaurant and a breath of fresh air in the Carmel culinary community. The food was incredible and the service was top notch. The space is refreshingly chic and relaxing. The tables are spaced apart to allow for conversation and there's no rush to finish your meal. You are encouraged to linger and enjoy the best meal in Carmel!”

“Route 1 was closed and I had to return to Carmel from Big Sur and took Freeway 101 instead. So another pasta at Portabella! Always going back for it.”

“Great food service and atmosphere”

“Enjoyed an amazing lunch! Delicious and the service was great 😊 👍🏻 Totally recommend this place.”

“We needed to find a restaurant we could bring our small dog and also be covered from the possible rain, they also had heaters. We ordered the calamari, oysters and crab melt and it was all good. We would definitely go back.”

“We had a great meal last night and wonderful service with Bryan! Our lasagna and pizza were fantastic.”

“Amazing food. Amazing atmosphere and wonderful service.”

“Great food, fantastic service and great atmosphere”

“Never fails to give great food and service.”

“There are varieties of delicious breads that you can try and all very fresh”

“Fun sitting at the Sushi Bar! Great team, great service, and of course great food!”

“Great piano bar! Awesome lemon drops😃”

“This is our second time eating at Il Tegamino, and both times it was absolutely delicious. It is definitely a step up from your basic Italian American cooking. The pacchieri in ragu sauce was the winner, but everyone enjoyed the other items we got. The service is very attentive. Both times we ate outside. But because the terrace is all enclosed and with the space heaters, we were perfectly comfortable, even at the end of January. This place is a hidden gem in a town of frequently overpriced and mediocre restaurants, catering to tourists. ”

“Great Customer Service. And the food was Great”

“Loved the happy hour! Great food and drinks!! The service was fantastic!”

“We love Cafe dal Mare 🤍 It’s a cozy, inviting place run by a charming, local family with heart and soul. Everything there, is gourmet. My favorites are the hazelnut ricotta chocolate cake and cafè mocha; which they hand craft with a beautiful ganache; and their lemon tarte, which takes me back to the Amalfi coast while still enjoying ours! They’re also pup friendly, which makes for a fun stop on our daily adventures in town. Now, if Akira would only stop eyeing my cake…!”