21 Best Carmel Restaurants in 2025
Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, gourmet Italian or cozy cafés, you'll find an irresistible selection of Carmel restaurants to suit your fancy (and satisfy your hunger). Each restaurant offers its own unique flavor, making Carmel a must-visit destination for food lovers.
We've compiled our top picks of the best Carmel restaurants, so the next time you're in town — whether for vacation, work or just passing through — you won't have to struggle to choose a place to eat. The only question will be: which Carmel restaurant will you visit first?
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The Best 21 Restaurants in Carmel, CA
1. Aubergine
Tasting menus take center stage at Aubergine. This Carmel restaurant is a fine-dining gem with a well-curated tasting menu and equally delicious wine-pairing options.
The Vibe
A small, intimate Carmel restaurant with limited seating giving diners an exclusive dining experience that focuses on both the art of flavor and presentation.
What to Order
The chef’s eight-course tasting menu is meticulously crafted into dishes that will delight all your senses.
Aubergine | 7th Avenue, Monte Verde Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$$
2. Dametra Café
Greek fare is on the menu at Dametra Café, where hospitality and charm unite. There's something reminiscent of a Greek myth about this Carmel restaurant.
The Vibe
Expect to be treated like family at this Carmel restaurant, where live music and spontaneous dancing are the norm. Colorful wall hangings, marble columns and warm Mediterranean hues might make you think you’ve drifted up Mount Olympus to be with the gods (as will the food!).
What to Order
The Greek-style lamb shank is a must-order: it’s braised for six hours and topped with a lamb jus. You can choose from potato gratin or rice on the side, and the dish is finished with fresh vegetables.
Dametra Café | Corner of Ocean and Lincoln Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
3. L'Escargot
French bistro favorites find a home at L'Escargot, one of the most intimate Caramel restaurants. This classy spot offers a taste of Paris with its authentic French cuisine and impeccable style.
The Vibe
Cozy and exclusive with warm lighting, dark wood furnishings and a charming patio area. Expect white linen tablecloths and typical French style at this delightful Carmel restaurant.
What to Order
Translating to "The Snail" in French, this Carmel restaurant's name is a playful nod to its signature dish — escargot. So, when in Rome — or rather, Paris — order the escargot stuffed in mushroom caps.
L'Escargot | Mission Street and 4th Avenue, 6 Mission St., Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
4. Seventh & Dolores
A contemporary steakhouse, Seventh & Dolores is a delightful, upscale Carmel restaurant that encourages socializing and sophistication.
The Vibe
Diners can enjoy their meal indoors, surrounded by large splash paintings on the walls and plenty of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, or outdoors on the tree-lined patio.
What to Order
The classic onion soup makes for a great starter. For your main course, try the Chilean sea bass with kimchi soubise, charred cabbage and miso butter, served with bomba rice.
Seventh & Dolores | 7th Avenue and Dolores Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
5. Cantinetta Luca
Take a trip to the Italian countryside at Cantinetta Luca, a beloved Carmel restaurant. Diners regularly experience an authentic menu at this eaterie, inspired by traditional recipes from different regions of Italy.
The Vibe
A combination of wooden ceiling beams, brick ceilings and warm lighting bring this rustic yet elegant Carmel restaurant to life. Olive trees and climbing vines transport you to the Mediterranean.
What to Order
Order the grilled Gulf prawns to share with the table, then tuck into the spaghetti alla carbonara for your delicious main course — a favorite from the Lazio region of Italy.
Cantinetta Luca | Ocean Avenue and Dolores Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
6. Grasing's
Nestled inside what looks like a cabin straight out of your favorite fairytale, Grasing's is a dog-friendly Carmel restaurant serving locally sourced Carmel cuisine and offering an award-winning wine list.
The Vibe
This Carmel restaurant is the gift that keeps on giving with its charismatic exterior adorned with climbing plants and inviting interiors featuring warm hues and a cozy ambiance.
What to Order
Go for the abalone starter, enjoy a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes and indulge in the seafood pasta for your main course — it couldn’t be fresher than at this seaside location.
Grasing's | NW Corner of Mission and 6th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 9392 | $$$$
7. Toro Sushi
Sushi lovers are invited to gather and unwind at Toro Sushi, one of the most incredible Carmel restaurants that offers creative and ridiculously fresh Japanese cuisine.
The Vibe
The wood accents and contemporary chic style transport diners to Japan: an intimate, inviting space to enjoy some seriously delicious sushi.
What to Order
Rich with unagi sauce, shiitake mushrooms, tempura sweet potato, avocado and sunomono, the Geisha specialty roll will definitely make your mouth water.
Toro Sushi | Dolores Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$
8. Cultura Comida y Bebida
At Cultura Comida y Bebida, traditional Oaxacan cuisine takes center stage, with dishes that celebrate the profound cultural heritage of the region.
The Vibe
Dimly lit interiors and leather furnishings create the perfect spot to enjoy some of the best Carmel food on offer.
What to Order
The fried grasshoppers, or “chapulines”, will likely be a new experience for you, so dive right in! The Cultura mushroom mole makes an excellent main and there's also an impressive mezcal selection if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cultura Comida y Bebida | Dolores Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue, Su Vecino Courtyard, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
9. Valley Kitchen
Every nook and cranny at Valley Kitchen exudes artistic flair that diners will lap up as they enjoy their meals. Located within the iconic Carmel Valley Ranch, this Carmel restaurant features a seasonal menu regularly updated by Executive Chef Tim Wood, using ingredients grown in the ranch’s very own gardens.
The Vibe
Rustic elegance meets a relaxed yet refined atmosphere at this Carmel restaurant, with interiors featuring wooden accents, large windows offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and a cozy fireplace.
What to Order
Sink your teeth into the huevos rancheros for a brunch favorite. If you stop by for dinner, the melt-in-the-mouth roasted rack of lamb is divine paired with a fresh and colorful salad.
Valley Kitchen | 1 Old Ranch Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923 | $$$
10. Il Tegamino
Classic Italian comfort foods find a forever home at Il Tegamino, a cozy Carmel restaurant that specializes in traditional Tuscan cuisine, marrying the rich flavors and rustic dishes of Tuscany with the California coast.
The Vibe
There’s warmth and charm at this restaurant in Carmel, CA, with an intimate dining space reminiscent of a rustic Italian trattoria. Be sure to make reservations ahead due to the limited seating and popularity.
What to Order
Begin your flavor tour of Tuscany with the burrata, served with ripe tomatoes and a simple drizzle of olive oil. For your main course, the paccheri al ragù napoletano — pasta with a slow-cooked meat sauce featuring short rib, pork, sausage, Parmigiano and basil — is a standout.
Il Tegamino | South side of Ocean Avenue, between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel, CA 93921 | $$$
11. Terry’s Restaurant + Lounge
You’ll find Terry’s Restaurant + Lounge located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea at the Cypress Inn. This Carmel restaurant is a modern haven that combines upscale dining with a laid-back atmosphere.
The Vibe
At this stylish Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurant, you’ll find a perfect balance between elegance and comfort, with large chandeliers overhead, a cozy fireplace, subdued lighting and exposed wooden beams.
What to Order
Savory lamb chops, served pink, are a special-occasion choice. Or, the Cypress Burger, proudly dubbed the “best burger in Carmel,” comes with Swiss cheese, tomato, red onion, lettuce, bacon aioli and your choice of a green salad or fries. Carmel cuisine doesn’t get much better than this!
Terry’s Restaurant + Lounge | Lincoln Street and 7th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
12. Hog's Breath Inn
With a name like Hog's Breath Inn, you might not be sure what to expect at this Carmel restaurant, but rest assured you’re in good hands. Formally owned by Clint Eastwood, this restaurant in Carmel, CA has been serving up delicious meals for over 40 years.
The Vibe
Diners tuck into their meals surrounded by rustic charm, such as wooden beams, vintage décor, Hollywood memorabilia and, of course, Clint Eastwood photos hanging throughout.
What to Order
Try the Boston clam chowder with the house-roasted turkey sandwich on the side: a plateful of savory goodness.
Hog's Breath Inn | San Carlos Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
13. A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar
A visit to A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar is a seafood lover’s dream. Among Carmel restaurants specializing in fresh oysters and a variety of seafood dishes, A.W. Shucks definitely stands out with the freshness of the fish and the strength of the cocktails.
The Vibe
At this Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurant, you’ll find nautical-themed décor and maritime murals that pay homage to its glorious seaside location.
What To Order
Sticking with the seaside theme, try the oysters on the half shell — they're a favorite among diners.
A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar | Ocean Avenue, 3SW of San Carlos Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
14. Carmel Coffee House
Slow down for an afternoon of coffee and cake at Carmel Coffee House — a local gem for exceptional coffee, finger foods and even better conversation.
The Vibe
Cozy and warm, with comfortable seating and soft lighting, it’s the perfect place to curl up with a book or have a much-needed catch-up with friends in the cute courtyard outside.
What to Order
Take your pick from a selection of flaky pastries and pair it with a tasty latte — all the coffee here is roasted in-house.
Carmel Coffee House | Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923 | $$
15. Yafa
A hidden gem among Carmel restaurants, Yafa is celebrated for its selection of vibrant Mediterranean cuisine and cozy atmosphere. This restaurant brings a taste of the Middle East to the coast, with a menu that provides authentic dishes for diners to sample.
The Vibe
Yafa blends traditional Italian, Greek, Turkish and Lebanese elements with a few modern touches at this intimate but lively Carmel restaurant.
What to Order
Diners say the butternut squash ravioli with roasted pine nuts in a browned butter sage sauce is superb and a "must-have." Alternatively, mama’s kafta meatballs are deliciously moreish.
Yafa | Junipero Street and 5th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923 | $$
16. Le Soufflé
With a name that translates to "the breath," Le Soufflé is nothing short of a breath of fresh air on the Carmel restaurant scene. This spot is known for its traditional French soufflé dinner menu and exceptional fine dining.
The Vibe
Intimate and romantic, Le Soufflé captures the essence of a classic French bistro. Enjoy soft lighting, elegant décor and cozy seating, snuggled up with someone special.
What to Order
A soufflé entrée might be a first for many, but you're in good hands — at Le Soufflé they never sink. Choose from the Alsatian-style mushroom soufflé with mushroom Riesling sauce, seafood soufflé with lobster sauce or Roquefort soufflé. You can even end with a soufflé-based dessert, too.
Le Soufflé | SE corner of 5th Avenue and Dolores Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$$
17. Catch
Tuck into the catch of the day at Catch, a Carmel restaurant offering seafood aplenty with beautiful seaside views. The curated menu features fresh and sustainably sourced seafood — what’s not to love?
The Vibe
With ocean-inspired décor, diners enjoy their meals beneath jellyfish chandeliers and dim blue lighting, surrounded by ocean-themed murals and photos.
What to Order
Start with the wholesome clam chowder soup before tucking into the delicate shrimp and crab ravioli or the sumptuous surf and turf.
Catch | Ocean Avenue, between Lincoln Street and Monte Verde Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
18. Brophy's Tavern
Take a trip to an Irish pub at Brophy's Tavern, a cozy two-story Carmel restaurant where comfort food, local wines and craft beers keep diners coming back for more.
The Vibe
Lively with vibrant hues of green, sports memorabilia and an eye-catching canned beer wall.
What to Order
Order the fish and chips made with fresh halibut for a spin on the classic dish. It comes with steak fries, coleslaw and remoulade for even more of a modern twist — and it works!
Brophy's Tavern | 4th Avenue and San Carlos Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$
19. TreeHouse Café
For when you need a cozy rooftop retreat to enjoy a scrumptious meal, TreeHouse Café is the Carmel restaurant you should definitely consider. Diners can look forward to a seasonal menu with a global flair.
The Vibe
Wood is the theme at this Carmel restaurant — as you’d expect for a tree house. It features rustic décor and a warm, relaxed vibe that will make you feel instantly at home.
What To Order
The gyro platter is a popular choice, featuring seasoned lamb and saffron rice. For a seafood hit, choose the Spanish paella.
TreeHouse Café | San Carlos Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
20. Casanova Carmel
A dreamy fusion of Italian and French cuisine, Casanova Carmel is one of the longest-running Carmel restaurants. It boasts a well-earned reputation as the go-to romantic dining destination.
The Vibe
Intimate and romantic, this Carmel restaurant has buckets of old-world charm. It’s set in a tiny rustic shack, as full of history as it is twinkly lights.
What to Order
The gnocchi casanova au gratin is a must-try and paired with a pinot gris from the wine menu, it makes for a stunning meal.
Casanova Carmel | 5th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | $$$
21. Passionfish
Seafood lovers get special attention at Passionfish, a Carmel restaurant serving seafood and an impressive selection of wines in Pacific Grove, just a short drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The Vibe
Modern yet unpretentious in style, this is a great spot for both a casual dinner and a special occasion.
What to Order
Start with the sea scallop with a sweet and salty caper-raisin-walnut relish and artichoke risotto cake. For the main course, the rainbow trout is an excellent choice.
Passionfish | 701 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | $$$
Learn To Cook the Best Carmel Food
If you’d rather create a home-cooked meal than have one served to you in one of these Carmel restaurants, consider taking cooking classes in Carmel to bring popular Carmel foods to your kitchen table. As you prepare dishes using locally sourced ingredients, expert chefs share stories about the origins of recipes and the area's food culture: it's truly a worthwhile experience. Alternatively, try going on California food tours to find out more about the state’s famous food culture.
As you've seen, Carmel is a treasure trove of culinary experiences that are equally as diverse and charming as the city itself. Each Carmel restaurant offers something truly special, whether it's gourmet, or a casual bite. Cheers to discovering more of the best Carmel food and making fun culinary memories!
For even more ways to explore Carmel and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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