31 Best American Restaurants in Carmel By The Sea

“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!“

“We went on a Thursday night and the restaurant was about 3/4 full. They had live music with a woman who was pretty good at Alainas Morisette covers. We opted for their basket for two, which is a chef's choice ensemble including appetizers, salad, main courses, and both White and fried rice. The price was not mentioned when we ordered or on the menu - it was $75 per person.
Our basket included two kinds of fried rolls, green salad, prime rib, salmon, fried Chicken, prawns and the aforementioned and fried rice.

Everything was hot and fresh and it was a lot of food for two people. The two dishes that stood out most were the shrimp and the fried chicken. The steak had a little bit more gristle and fat than we cared for. Everything else in the basket was solid and good - if I did it again I would just order the basket but have chef include something other than steak.
After dinner, the waiter asked us if we wanted dessert and we said we were full. He brought us a couple of scoops of their ube ice cream on the House center was good and quite purple.
With one drink each, including the meal tax and tip. The total bill came out by $240 so it was not an inexpensive meal by any means. The waiter encouraged us to stay as long as we'd like and listen to the live music. The staff is nice and the service was attentive.“

“Super good food. Can’t go wrong with whichever you order.“

“If you approach Foray along 5th Avenue, you cannot help looking into the kitchen. The wide unobstructed windows reveal a brightly lit space where everyone seems dedicated to their task, in a quiet, resolute manner. A good sign for sure. When we entered, we were greeted by Caroline, who turned out to be the owner, along with her husband chef Michael. Her warm welcome was another good sign.

We decided to start with a cocktail. The night was young. We found the cocktail selection to be intriguing, and maybe also a little irreverent… Rum and apricot in a Negroni? I’m glad I tried! We asked for the brioche at the same time (its always bread time!). It was fantastic. I wanted to dip a piece of it in the Negroni – think baba at rhum – and maybe I did!

It gave us the opportunity to leisurely review the menu (we never felt rushed throughout the night, a nice feeling compared to so many other restaurants).

I started (I’ll stick to what I had. I’m confident my companion will share what she had in her own review) with the Castroville artichoke. The menu clearly puts forward the products of the area, and it was nice to think that I had just driven through the town where that artichoke was grown! I just loved the combination with the lime aioli and the mustard greens. The glass of Champagne Salmon was a great pairing. It was also a great pairing with the appetizer, the crab tortellini. The tortellini were light and indulgent at the same time. Again, a remarkable combination of flavors, and a delicious opportunity to compare the meyer lemon with the lime aioli of the previous dish.

Are we there yet? Nooooo. I had ordered the striploin, bleu s’il-vous-plaît! The temperature was perfect, as ordered (how many times…). The sides were imaginative and worked perfectly together. Finally, the Mathewson cab Caroline recommended was a fantastic accompaniment.

The night was not so young anymore… Yet, dessert was de rigueur. The tatin, reimagined, as so many items on the menu, was a wonderful conclusion to the evening (so was the impeccable espresso).
I will be back.“

“Phenomenal bar and great steakhouse. They have a good collection of wines, bubbles, hard liquor and cocktails.

Food was great right from the starters to maincourse and the dessert ?! It has a very lively bar. It has outside seating and indoor seating. Overall it has great atmosphere.

Vegetarian options: Food for all

Dietary restrictions: Food for all

Parking: Street parking

Kid-friendliness: Not so much

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“

“The Shrimp Louie salad was one of the BEST I've had in 30 years. It had fresh lettuce from an artisan farm and light dressing. Pickled red onion that has to be homemade with wonderful Italian olives. It wasn't that box baby green salad restaurants throw on plates that gets wilted. My mom had the beet salad and added perfectly cooked steak for an extra $9. Cheesecake was light and strawberry sauce divine. The people are spoiled that live here. It's not a tourist trap. My only complaint: main room and bar entrance needs a better clean to reflect the excellent food.“

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

“Wednesdays have a prix fixe menu. We had the surf and turf appetizer which was underwhelming, too much bread for the topping. For the main course we all had the halibut, which was overcooked and therefore a little dry. The flourless chocolate cake for dessert was amazing. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere welcoming.“

“Happy hour rolled into dinner and both were delicious !“

“I have been to mission ranch for breakfast and dinner, for breakfast I like going first thing at 7am and enjoy the view of the country and take in the fresh crisp air, the breakfast menu is very simply but appetizing also very affordable prices. Dinner is just as good as breakfast, candle lit dinners on the patio is unreal. The wait times depend on when you arrive but ive never waited more then 10 mins. Attentive staff, great service. 10/10“

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

“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. The food and the service. The Parker House Rolls are so good and I mean good. The shrimp the everything was great. Must must try this place. Go early they might run out of rolls. Kaitlyn out server was top notch. We will be back.“

“Jeffrey's is the place for brunch in the Monterey Bay. Way better than From Scratch, the same/slightly better than Katie's Place but half the price, better than First Awakenings, better than Bayonet, Crema, Monterey Plaza, Bernardus, even the Lodge at Pebble Beach (although not as decadent). The lobster omelette on the special menu is to die for! Crab cake bene is awesome, really so are all their benes. We live in Aromas and sometimes make the drive just to eat here. We've been eating here for 3 1/2 years and love it!“

“Such a beautiful resort tucked in the mountains with a beautiful view. Very clean and well maintained. Room was beautiful overlooking the grounds and mountains in the background. The staff from (Erin) at the front desk to the waitstaff were all very friendly and helpful. The lodge is awesome and has a warm welcoming feeling. We would HIGHLY recommend staying at The Quail!“

“This is a Real Gem a few tables, clean, nicely decorated, the food is always fresh and sources from great places, seasonal, from appetizer to main course Amir and his team are very attentive, friendly and patient. Nice wine list, the home baked bread is so tempting you can't stop eating. The meat and seafood is so fresh and cooked to perfection. A locals secret place always a pleasure to return“

“Never fails to give great food and service.“

“Awesome view great food One of my favorite places close to home....“

“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.“

“Great service and food!! Fast service and cozy atmosphere“

“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.“

“We enjoyed a lovely breakfast at Carmels Hidden Gem after a suggestion from the owner while eating at Yafa ( another 5⭐️!) are we glad we did, it was one of our favorite meals so far in Carmel. Best breakfast by far. Dia, the owner, waited on us with gracious hospitality. It was hard to choose from the menu as everything sounded wonderful. I don’t think you could go wrong. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. The roasted white corn waffle and the Swedish pancakes were a hit. My husband said his eggs Benedict were the best he had ever had. We will definitely return, as this is a must while in Carmel.“

“Everything was wonderful. Excellent service. Food delicious!“

“This fairy-tale themed building is a must if good food and service are on the menu. We visited on Sunday, Labor Day weekend. Given the small maximum occupancy of the locale, we had to wait about 10 minutes to get seated but it wa worth it. The food was fresh and delicious. The menu offers a little bit of everything and specialty items, such as its home-made scone and Olalliberry mimosas - both delicious. Don't pass up the country potatoes as they are delicious and fresh. It's doggy friendly, in the patio, so even four-legged family members can enjoy this lovely gem.“

“Great food, fantastic service and great atmosphere“

“Great food, wonderful service and awesome atmosphere!“

“Good quality food the beans was really good meats tinder will definitely eat here again“

“The Carmel Burger Bar is a great little place in the Carmel Plaza. We came with our kids and everyone got what they wanted between burgers, chicken strips and drinks. Good selection of adult beverages that are unique and great tasting.
I’ll definitely be coming back to the Carmel Burger Bar.“

“Loved absolutely everything about this spot!! Not only is the food amazing, the drinks are delicious and the patio is perfect. They are also the most dog friendly spot I have ever experienced. Water bowls and a dog menu are provided for your meal if you bring your dog(s) with you. I had to take advantage and I’m pretty sure the dogs would give it 5+ stars as well. Heidi took care of us, but the whole staff came by and said hello and made myself and the dogs feel so welcome.
100⭐️’s if I could.
Thank you for being so welcoming!

Dietary restrictions: Celiac friendly“

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

“Really fun spot and super friendly staff.“

“Great light and healthy food❤️“