Location: Carmel
Top Restaurants in Carmel
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Top 10 Italian food in Carmel, California, United States
Best Italian restaurants nearby. Discover the best Italian food in Carmel. View Menus, Photos and Reviews for Italian restaurants near you.. 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. Cantinetta Luca
Overall Ratings
4 based on 609 reviews
Cantinetta Luca offers an authentic Italian menu inspired by the traditional recipes of various regions of Italy. The Chef hand-crafts the dishes using the finest Italian products and locally sourced ingredients in a lively atmosphere. An extensive wine l
Reviewed By chatabacho1
We found this restaurant through other TripAdvisor reviews. Itâs a little quaint restaurant but truly authentic Italian food. The pasta was delicious, the meat platter was so yummy, the bread with olive oil so good, the pizza marguerita was spectacular! They also had our favorite beer scrimshaw so that was a plus! The service was good! And the location was perfect. If you are in Carmel you must eat here!Thank you for your visit and your review, Chatabacho1! We strive to provide an excellence service, meal and overall experience.We will look forward of seeing you soon.Sincerely,Cantinetta Luca
9. Il Fornaio
Overall Ratings
4 based on 639 reviews
Il Fornaio means "the Baker" in Italian. Located in downtown Carmel, Il Fornaio offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2007 wine list. Enjoy wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and g
Reviewed By 376terriy
Entered through the back entrance and had to walk to past the patio seating and bar area to reach the hostess station. Received immediate attention and were seated quickly. Pleasant, efficient and attentive service. Fresh baked bread - pillowy goodness with pieces of green olive with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We ordered the Roasted Beet Salad - arugula, thin sliced roasted red and golden beets, goat cheese, walnut bits, and a scrumptious lemon vinaigrette, Caeser Salad - romaine pieces, shaved parmesan, hard boiled egg, and crispy crouton slivers, and Fettuccine with meat ragout sauce - fresh pasta gently coated with a rich meaty read sauce. We will definitely be back when we visit Carmel-by-the-sea. Good service, great food, a wonderful dining experience.
8. 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!
7. 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.
6. Vesuvio
Overall Ratings
4 based on 549 reviews
Reviewed By BHartMich
Had a very nice dinner here in Carmel. Wide ranging menu offers many choices. I had the osso buco which was good, but not great. My wife had a fish entree which was very good. The wine list had many nice choices and we took the waiter's recommendations and were happy with the choice.Prices are high, but that is expected in Carmel. Overall, a nice experience.
5. Little Napoli
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1122 reviews
Reviewed By MichelleGoosen
I'd recommend making a reservation in advance, which thankfully we did. A full restaurant is always a good sign.The portions are hearty and the pizza was just the easy I like it: simple toppings of Parma, tomato and rocket with mozzarella. Pleasant atmosphere.
4. Bistro Giovanni
Overall Ratings
4 based on 293 reviews
When it comes to full-flavor Italian Mediterranean cuisine, just one restaurant comes to mind: Carmels Bistro Giovanni, a signature Firok Shield restaurant with exceptional food, gorgeous murals adorning the walls, and unpretentious service. From Certifie
Reviewed By Dinoalita
Everything was wonderful from the ambience, service, food, wine and even the other patrons. Everyone was so friendly. We had our five year old with us and they put us in a cushioned booth by the window where she could stretch out. Food was amazing! After living in Italy for some time, we look for authentic Italian food and this was it. The meatball appetizer is a must! The owner was so accommodating. Will definitely go back.
Most Popular Mediterranean food in Carmel, California, United States
3. 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.
Where to eat European food in Carmel: The Best Restaurants and Bars
2. La Bicyclette
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1483 reviews
Featuring European Country Cuisine, hand-crafted using local ingredients and old world artistry. Our food is simple and spontaneous, blending flavors and cooking techniques in a way that is rooted in tradition yet creative.
Reviewed By avasmimi
Not knowing where to have dinner in Carmel- We were so lucky to pick this place.Kate our server was amazing, the food was amazing, the ambiance and overall dining experience was amazing.Had the Butternut Squash Soup, a Pizza, some olives and of course...some wine, very affordable and AMAZING
1. Portabella
Overall Ratings
4 based on 505 reviews
In Italian, PortaBella means beautiful door. In Carmel, it's a threshold well worth crossing. During the day, passerby on Ocean Avenue are lured in by the sight of diners happily engaged in food and conversation on the picturesque flagstone patio. At nigh
Reviewed By TimDJ1
Looks small from outside, but much more seating in the back, still feels cosy. My partner had the short ribs and I had the osso buco. Best lamb ever, seriously. The waiting staff and the owner/manager were kind and attentive. Just a lovely place and a lovely eating experience, at a a fair price.
