Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea

“Fabulous food and terrific service and hospitality from a friendly and professional staff. My wife and I both took the wine pairing and the selection and quality of the wines were flawless. Unlike another high-end restaurant where we had dinner a few months ago, there was nothing stingy about the pours at Chez Noir. It's a pricey meal to be sure, but we both thought it was worth it and will definitely re-visit.”

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

“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!”

“The Greek with gyro meet and the prosciutto and fig were both amazing! They are generous with toppings, and the crust is delicious. Casey was attentive and worked hard to keep all the customers happy both in person and over the phone.”

“Great foods and great friends !”

“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🤩”

“The service was 10 stars. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was perfect. The owner was so kind and even ended our night with a complimentary ice cream dessert and said if we’re truly full we will not touch it! ;) We laughed a lot and enjoyed our dinner.”

“The Jäger Schnitzel was perfect! The mushroom gravy was just right, reminiscent of Bavaria, and the cutlet was tender and juicy. Great price for a .5 liter of good Köning Pilsner. Service was outstanding. I’d say this place is a must-visit if you want a fantastic meal! Everything was served at the perfect temperature, so extra points.”

“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 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! 😊”

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

“One of our favorites in Carmel. Seasonal menu that highlights the best available ingredients. We have been here several times and never had a bad dish. Cozy atmosphere.”

“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.”

“Great service, great ambiance, great food!”

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

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

“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.”

“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!!!👍”

“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.”

“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.”

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

“We love Alvarado beers but this was our first time having Mai Tai on tap. True nectar of the hop gods. Staff was very friendly and professional. We had the veg pizza and salad with a beer flight of our choosing. Very dog friendly. The outdoor seating space was in a mall type courtyard and was huge. I was surprised by the polished vibe since I like a more thrashed, worn brew pub vibe but hey I’m not complaining since the food and beer were 10/10. This is a must visit right in the Carmel downtown.”

“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.”

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

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

“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. ”

“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. =))”

“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!!”

“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.”

“Stunning bakery - we had a lovely healthy cup of soup and sandwich, then tried their generous baked goods samples - every one of them outstanding! Thanks to Sweet Reba's for the complimentary sparkling water 🙏”

“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!”

“Love this place. But depending on staff, welL? Signature burger requested as rare. Severed like leather. Gets reserved tables requests wrong most times. Beet salad with two tiny beets? Not good. Still, a strong recommendation.”

“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!”

“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.”

“Best coffee in the West”

“This is a great alternative to our go-to bbq place nearby. Wish they open much later on weekends in the summer so we can spend more time at hwy 1.
Service was prompt and food was enough to fill the hunger. Chef came to check on our food which was great.”

“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”

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

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

“Great piano bar! Awesome lemon drops😃”

“Great time watching the Niners game.”

“Tasty fro yo, lots of flavors, toppings, sauces, fruit, candy, nuts. Prices are too high. A sundae at Baskin Robbins is less $ but you won't get the diversity of toppings. They have discount nights for students, vets, seniors if you can remember when they are.”

“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!”

“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…!”

“Amazing wine and atmosphere”

“Great staff, food, and beer! A group of us (11) finished a memorial hike for our friend, and we gathered at Post No Bills in Carmel for lunch. Cooper was the only one working in front of the house when we arrived. He was GREAT!! Very accommodating to our group. So friendly, too. He also accommodated our request for separate checks (we wouldn't ask if it was too busy). We were impressed that he remembered who ordered what as we moved around, and some of us were couples and some were singles. Each check was 100% accurate. Definitely going back! Great service, yummy food, great beer, nice vibe, and a lot of parking.”

“Delicious pizza & drinks.”

“I went here. I was so glad we ended up here. I asked a man down the street where to go for breakfast, and this place was the recommendation. Gabrielle, the hostess, was so inviting and amazing, and our server Cathy was great. Food was off the charts good. Was it expensive? Don't ask that question. Ask: Do I love and respect myself to have a life-altering breakfast experience? And it was for us. Thank you Lil Swissies.”

“Ordered so items for takeout and it amazing! I wish I would have eaten the food there, such a cute dining area and patio. I would highly recommend the coconut prawns with chips so good good!”

“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.”

“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!”

“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!”

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

“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!”

“First time I finished a burger!!”

“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.”

“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. 🤫”

“When I made a reservation at Covey Grill, I did so out of convenience as we were arriving to The Quail lodge late and I thought dinner at the hotel would be best after a long travel day. My family and I arrived to the restaurant at our reserved time and were seated immediately. The hostess even provided us the option to sit inside or outside on the deck. We opted for an indoor window seat. We began with the ahi grade tuna and satsuma starter. It was delcious. The tuna was so fresh. My husband and I each ordered the halibut market fish for the evening. The fish was prepared nicely and served with mashed butternut squash and asparagus. Our boys enjoyed their Shirley Temples, hot dogs and French fries. I must say the French fries were legit. We were impressed by the service provided and the quality of the dishes served. While we were disappointed to find out the restaurant would not be open for the regular menu the remainder of our stay, we were able to try their three course menu night via room service the final night of our stay. Be sure to check the days and times of operation and book a reservation as you will not be disappointed. Covey Grill is not your typical hotel restaurant.”

“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.”

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

“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.”

“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!”

“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.”

“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”

“They have good coffee here.”

“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!”

“Love this place. But depending on staff, welL? Signature burger requested as rare. Severed like leather. Gets reserved tables requests wrong most times. Beet salad with two tiny beets? Not good. Still, a strong recommendation.”

“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”

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

“Great piano bar! Awesome lemon drops😃”

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

“Never fails to give great food and service.”

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

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

“Great Customer Service. And the food was Great”

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