Location: Carmel
Top Restaurants in Carmel
Countries
Most Popular Mediterranean food in Carmel, California, United States
Find out what Mediterranean restaurants to try in Carmel. The first thing you need to know about Carmel: Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor, so don’t come here if you’re a hooligan. But if you’re after a romantic getaway to a seaside, art-filled village, Carmel might be perfect for you. You can even bring your dog—Carmel’s hotels, restaurants and galleries are remarkably Fido-friendly.
Things to do in Carmel
10. The Tree House Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By letravelgram
We were looking for a great dog friendly place for lunch in Carmel and we are so glad we found The Treehouse Cafe! The patio where dogs are allowed isnât big, so if youâre not fond of dogs I would recommend eating inside. I love Mediterranean food so I was in heaven. I had a Greek salad and we also ordered some hummus to start. The Treehouse Cafe is such a perfect spot for lunch or dinner in Carmel!
9. Enzo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Swindoneric
Carmel isnât a cheap town but this was a fairly pricey meal for what we had. The food was fine although not particularly memorable. The service was ok too. I found the automatically added 18% gratuity and the suggested additional 15/18/20% tip at the bottom of the bill a bit much.
8. Il Grillo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By Jerry B
Hoping for a dinner experience that matched our excellent wine/food walking tour of Carmel where Il Grillo was part of the experience, we were (sadly) underwhelmed by a very short, pedestrian menu of average quality, which was matched by lackluster service. I wanted so much for this to become "my" go-to Italian restaurant on the Peninsula... but, alas, it is not. Again, our taste of Carmel experience at Il Grillo was SO good, we went back for dinner... but were underwhelmed on all counts.
7. Mediterranean Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By GaryE152
We just happened to pick out Mediterranean for a late lunch because it was convenient to where I could park the car. and we liked the menu. Good choice. We both had a pasta lunch and salad and a drink. The food was excellent and the service was excellent. The restaurant is a little on the small side.
6. Casanova Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1477 reviews
Reviewed By mikesesq
Had been to this venerable restaurant many years earlier. How far has it fallen? Over the cliff as far as I am concerned. The evening started off innocently. Soon enough, we realized the sheer incompetence of the server and the kitchen. I ordered a highly touted rack of lamb special based on the glowing review of the server (four voluptuous bones with ample meat). When delivered to our table, most of the meat on two of âbonesâ had been sheared off leaving a tiny morsel of gristle. I pointed this out to the server, and he basically gave me a blank stare along with some lame double talk about the nature of natural meat cuts. If he had any clue whatsoever as a server, he would have said: âSorry, sir, that is certainly not up to our standards.â But no, he wanted to argue about the obvious lack of quality. Bad meal. Avoid this place like the plague!
5. Il Tegamino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 151 reviews
Il Tegamino is a family run restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea specializing in authentic Italian comfort food from Napoli, Italy. Il Tegamino does not accept reservations. It is first, come first serve. We hope to see you soon!
Reviewed By VadimT_12
Better than average small Italian restaurant in Carmel. Limited menu options (but don't be put off by this). Extensive wine list, both American and Italian. We particularly liked baked zucchini starter and signature ragu, but pasta and chicken were also quite good. Didn't have a chance to try desert as we were full after starter and main. No children menu, and plain pasta at $12 seem rather expensive. Price is about average for Carmel (meaning pretty expensive).If you after Italian in Carmel, this should be on your shortlist.
4. La Balena
Overall Ratings
4 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By Kerryloves2travel
This is a great lunch treat with Dario dining. Quiet, small interest on side street with delicious Italian food & fresh pasta. I enjoyed lunch here with friends. Roasted cauliflower is excellent. Grilled octopus with watermelon & mint was refreshing. Meatball appetizers was very good as well.For dessert, the Bombe s the bomb.Friendly service completes the dining experience.
3. Treehouse Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By Pembrae
Extremely friendly and helpful staff and a very interesting menu, with lots of gluten free options. We ate here on our first day in Carmel and were so happy with the food and service that we came back for the next two evenings as well. Would highly recommend, especially the green Thai curry.
2. Yafa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 554 reviews
Authentic Mediterranean cuisine served with love and joy in the beautiful city of Carmel by the sea .
Reviewed By Khalifa A
The food quality with Yafa restaurant is under expectations with no taste while the atmosphere is good.I donât recommend this restaurant for Middle East food.
1. Dametra Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3298 reviews
Eat, laugh, live and love are the title of the book of Dametra. After all this is what dining is all about. Here in our little corner we thrive to bring the true feel of the Mediterranean food experience, people together, eating good food, drinking, conve
Reviewed By Gabriela H
We have been to Carmel many times but never eaten here before. The staff were so accommodating, welcoming and friendly and the food was really good. Our kids are picky eaters and they loved the chicken. We will be back!
