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.”

“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!”

“Beyond amazing. Service ambience and food was impeccable”

“Nice to sit outside. Seaweed salad large and very good. Green salad had a lot of dressing. Some good rolls, two with deep fried yams. Agedashi tofu delicious. Updated from previous review on 2026-05-12”

“Delicious pizza & drinks.”

“We loved our experience at the Flying Fish. The owner and the staff were so welcoming and friendly. Our meals were delicious and the banana sundae dessert was amazing! I think it will be hard to come back to Carmel without having a meal there. Highly recommend it.”

“I absolutely loved the wine here! The staff were amazing and super knowledgeable — I learned a lot during our visit. I especially appreciated De Tierra’s commitment to sustainable winemaking practices. Overall, it was such a wonderful experience and definitely worth the visit!”

“one of the best in Carmel...”

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

“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🤩”

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

“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! 😊”

“Absolutely phenomenal and uniquely special restaurant in the heart of Carmel specializing in French soufflés. I cannot emphasize enough how good the food is here, and wish we had come here sooner. Truly unforgettable experience. If you are a foodie, and if you like French food at all, this should be top of your list. Every single course was exquisite. How does this place not have a Michelin star!? Our gratitude and compliments to the chef for creating something so magical.”

“Great food and customer service! We had the classic fondue, and the sausage plate, which were delicious. We finished off with the creme brulee and strudel which we enjoyed as well! Plus I enjoyed my German beer in a boot shaped mug! We will come back again if we are in the area.”

“Delicious and incredible coffeeshop we accidentally stumbled upon in Carmel. Had the Hebron and the strawberry match and both were delicious. The woman working was so beautiful and kind and I would definitely come by again!”

“Wow. Truly excellent beers. We tried four different styles and every single one was on point — clean, well-balanced, and full of character. It’s always impressive when a brewery shows this level of consistency across styles. We also had the chance to meet the owner, who is also the brewer, and that made the experience even better. Super friendly, passionate, and clearly dedicated to the craft. You can really taste the care behind each beer. Great atmosphere, welcoming vibe, and top-quality pours. This is exactly the kind of place you hope to find when you’re out exploring — outstanding beer and genuinely great people. This place is a true gem. If you’re in the area, don’t miss it. Definitely worth the stop — we’ll absolutely be back. 🍻”

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

“We ordered fried rice, orange chicken, and crab wontons. The crab wontons were a bit disappointing — I couldn’t really taste any crab in them.

On the positive side, the prices are good and the service was very fast. Overall, I’d say it’s better than Panda Express.”

“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!!!👍”

“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.”

“I experienced a very relaxing happy hour visit at the Sunset lounge. Our server (Cassi) was so helpful and attentive our every request. Live music started in the lounge which topped off a perfect time spent at the Highlands Inn.”

“I rarely write reviews. The place has to be special. While Carmel offers a Smorgasbord of deliciousness, the best of the best is L’Escargot. Every category is five stars! So incredibly friendly and so incredibly talented! I had the frog legs (the sauce - wow!), the escargot (best I’ve had anywhere), the beef wellington ( ART!!!) and finished with creme brûlée ( last time I had one of this caliber was the year 2001) If you are in the area this place is a priority❤️.”

“Was there today on Mothers Day and ordered the Caesar salad with chicken, and OMG, the best.
Last time I was here I ordered the smashburger which was also so good. Love the food and very attentive staff. My go to place.”

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

“We had the most amazing time at a beautiful winery in Carmel Valley! We were staying at Carmel Valley Ranch and wanted to find a near by winery/vineyard that is kid friendly. Folktale is THE place! The service is beyond what we were expecting and the wines were amazing. Let me start off with Nick ,our server. He is the epitome of hospitality and so knowledgeable in Folktale’s wines selection. Started off with the Rose Brut which I thought was something you would have from Provence. Then enjoyed multiple of their reds including their Messenger wine. This is a wine I would highly suggest for someone who enjoys wine pairings with anything. Did not expect a Tuscan type wine like this. Well blended Sangiovese/Cab. Enjoyed their Pinot Noir Estate and The Hound as well. All in all this is great option for anyone visiting Carmel Valley and a must if you are staying at Carmel Valley Ranch. Thank you Folktale Winery and Vineyards for an enjoyable experience.”

“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.”

“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!!”

“Enjoyed a great dinner at Seventh and Dolores in Carmel.
Food was well prepared and had great flavor.
Waitstaff very professional and accommodating.
Was my wifes birthday and we could not have chosen a better dining location or experience.”

“Amazing food. Amazing atmosphere and wonderful service.”

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

“We loved the Lechon Kawali with fried rice and the Singapore Chilli Prawns… I am glad even if it is a fusion restaurant we can find South East Asian food in Carmel by the Sea ❤️”

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

“Delicious! Went with a friend after a hike and it really hit the spot. He got the Wagyu Banh Mi sandwich and I got the Wagyu Burnt Ends, we shared some fries. Super tasty, but pricey.”

“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.”

“I love this stylish wine tasting room
in Carmel Valley. Lots of abstract art and designer lounges. The space is tucked away in the back of Carmel Valley Village. Sparkling wines and pinot noirs were delicious. They also offer food pairing: charcuterie plates with salumi, cheese, nuts and olives. Our host Anthony helped make the experience even more memorable. I’d love to bring a group of girlfriends here for a wine tasting birthday party in Monterey. There’s also a patio for outdoor wine tasting.”

“Wonderful experience! We had a delicious breakfast. We ordered the classic breakfast and the kids had pancakes. Everything was so fresh and tasty and the atmosphere and service were impeccable. As one of my son’s exclaimed “this is the best breakfast ever!””

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

“Great food, wonderful service and awesome atmosphere!”

“Original Japanese sushi, prepared with tender, love, and care in front of us at the bar; it was exactly what we expected, meeting our high expectations.
A must visit if you are around Carmel and sushi is your cup of tea!..”

“Shout out to Romina at Aw Shucks! Stopped in with the hubby for cocktails and Romina has the best hospitality. I highly recommend sitting at the bar if she is tending. Cadillac Margarita hit the spot. Cheers, Romina!”

“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.”

“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.”

“I always get a takeout bowl and they’re on time. Food is delicious. I’m very picky about what I eat and they’re always accommodating when I ask for changes. The service people are polite and helpful. One downside is they recently increased their prices by a few dollars.”

“yummy food and great atmosphere my sliders were epic and the wine choices were great,Andrew was really attentive thank you”

“Best coffee in the West”

“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”

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

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

“Great piano bar! Awesome lemon drops😃”

“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!”

“Had a quick lunch here with my husband. He loved the meat lasagna and I had the beef tamales. We tried the spanish rice together, so delicious! Everything was affordable and tasted so comforting and lovely. I'll be visiting again in the future :))”

“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.”

“Eggs Benedict sausage and best hashbrowns we have had in a long time. Do not miss this if you are in Carmel. Well run family business. Cottage cheese is great also.”

“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.”

“My wife and I had a wonderful time during a day-trip last Sunday, 4/12/26. Our server did a great job of attending to our every whim and request! The ambience was fantastic and even though it rained a little, moving into the bar area was another experience in itself. We can't thank em enough for giving us such a memorable experience!”

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

“Stay away from the rice. Chicken flavor in it. Tofu tacos with tofu were excellent! The salsa bar is great. The hot salsa is some of the best I’ve had-but it is HOT! Vert tasty if you can take the heat. Good dind Updated from previous review on 2026-03-16”

“First time I finished a burger!!”

“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.”

“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.”

“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. 🤫”

“This was great place for seafood . I have been visiting Carmel and wanted to try something very simple and authentic . It was great and well made . They have fresh sea food and market . I would highly recommend this place for the food quality”

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

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

“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.”

“Best coffee in the West”

“Barmel Love Love Love ❤️”

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

Wheelchair accessibility: Handicapped parking spaces. Easy entrance.”

“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!”

“Always love the bagel bakery. Good bagels and great service.”

“They have good coffee here.”

“Just a normal Starbucks. Not better than other locations but not worse! May be better - because it had a nice person helping people to find their orders. Calling names. Well done!”

“They have good coffee here.”

“Mini combo was Yummy!”

“Excellent atmosphere and food”

“Best coffee in the West”

“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.”

“Sandra was great, provided information on the huge selection of gluten free options. Gluten free clam chowder, main entre and rich desert all excellent. She made the experience basically fine-dining!”

“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”

“Never fails to give great food and service.”

“Great piano bar! Awesome lemon drops😃”

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

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

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

“Lovely setting, excellent service, food was delicious and best coffee I’ve ever tasted! I know you use Lavazza but how do you make it?? When we make it to Carmel again we’ll definitely come back!”

“Great Customer Service. And the food was Great”