Location: Carmel
Top Restaurants in Carmel
Countries
Top 10 restaurants in Carmel, United States
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
1. Dametra Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Elaine W - Los Angeles, California
We had the pleasure of dining here one evening during our recent stay in Carmel Highlands Valentine's Week. I had researched dining places online and this wonderful Mediterranean/Greek café popped up as #1 in Carmel on several searches. So we made reservations which is a must! We can certainly understand why it receives such a high rating but we never realized what an absolute delightful evening was in store for us. When entering the café we saw many tables in a small, cozy, intimate setting already occupied with a very busy wait staff. One of the owners came over to greet & welcome us. He was most pleased to know we had lunch at our favorite lunch place, Porta Bella, which he also owns. He made certain that we had the ultimate dining experience at Dametra. The Mediterranean/Greek décor adds to the fabulous atmosphere. It was our last evening in Carmel and we felt like stuffed pigs from the week so we ordered light that evening. We shared spaghetti and meat balls, a salad, and dessert. So sorry we were not hungry enough to order some of the their authentic menu items. About one halfway through dinner the owners and their wait staff grabbed the hanging instruments that were displayed on the walls and began playing music, singing, and dancing. They encouraged the patrons to join in dancing between the tables. Oh what a delightful evening! Everyone was having such a good time! I would encourage any and all to make a reservation and enjoy this wonderful café. We cannot wait to return to this gem!
2. Flying Fish Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 855 reviews
Reviewed By marypH8539MS - Bellingham, United States
Definitely recommend this restaurant especially to anyone that enjoys perfectly prepared fish with a wide variety of preparation options. The service is professional and efficient. We look forward to a return visit the next time we are in Carmel.
3. Yafa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 493 reviews
Authentic Mediterranean cuisine served with love and joy in the beautiful city of Carmel by the sea .
Reviewed By BKO57 - Singapore, Singapore
Was there on New Year's Eve and to celebrate a birthday. This is a small restaurant so book! Premises are cramped but there is live music and the servers are funny. The food was good - perhaps not as fantastic as the reviews sound. Some...MoreThanks for ringing in the new year and celebrating with us! We're glad everyone enjoyed themselves with pasta and dessert. We hope you all return soon. All the best, Ben, Owner
4. Mission Ranch Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By LightFighter - Lafayette, California
The Mission Ranch has been a favorite stop for many years. Situated on the edge of a stunning sheep pasture overlooking Pt Lobos, the historic ranch provides the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine on a nice afternoon/evening.
The restaurant opens at 4 for for drinks - and 5 for dinner. Patio seating limited and most of the tables are reserved for dinner guests - I recommend arriving a little before 4 to ensure you get a table outside.
The restaurant offers an excellent wine/beer list and a wide variety of bar-food items. No better place to grab a great glass of wine and some snacks while watching the late afternoon light over Pt Lobos. The sheep are also quite cute and it's fun to watch them all line up with no prompting waiting for the their master to open the gate.
An amazing spot - don't miss it!
5. Portabella
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 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 night, heady aromas and laughter waft innocuously out the famed front door each time it is opened. Once inside, you're instantly transported to the sun countries of the Mediterranean with "La Cuisine du Soleil." Inspired by regional dishes, the menu takes you on a gustatory tour of Italy, Southern France and Spain, complemented by a wine list offering an excellent selection of California wines. Vegetarian options are available.
Reviewed By travelingqueen9207 - Upstate New York
We had dinner here as it was highly recommended on TripAdvisor so figured we couldn't go wrong. We thought the pictures and reviews suggested more of an Italian restaurant so we were somewhat surprised when there weren't more Italian dishes on the menu. We landed on filet and lamb for our dishes and some nice red wine. However the filet ordered medium was rare and unfortunately had to be sent back...the lamb was delicious and when the filet came back out...it was still rare despite being cooked a bit longer. After round 2 of a disappointing attempt by the kitchen to reprieve itself, we opted to just send it back and not order anything else. The waiters appreciated our disappointment and within no time the owner arrived to explain the issue with the oven and potential reason for the filet being under cooked. The owner was incredibly apologetic and offered a few times to make something else. He was engaging and thoughtful. He talked with us about our trip, the area, his other restaurant we had visited ironically the night before and just made it a point to express the pride he took in his work. He brought us a dessert on the house, offered us more wine and again did everything he could to make up for the bad meal. When the bill came we realized not only had the filet been taken off but so had the lamb and we were only charged for our wine and a soup we started with. So although the kitchen has a huge fail that night, the owner and his outstanding customer service made up for what could have been a horrible experience. We left still feeling appreciated despite this one mishap. Definitely an A+ from the owner and something he didn't need to do. Food was not stellar but the overall experience ended up being more than we expected for sure.
6. Treehouse Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 443 reviews
Reviewed By LoveToTravel524 - Santa Cruz, California
We visit Carmel at least once a year and this was our first visit to the Treehouse Cafe and we will definitely go back! The owner Fadi and our waiter were so wonderful and made sure we were happy with everything (and they even hugged us when we left!) The warm bread with garlic and oil dipping sauce was amazing and my husband and I really enjoyed the delicious Yellow Thai Curry and Chicken Kabobs.
7. La Bicyclette
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Vancouver02 - Vancouver, B.C.
Reservations are a must! We had a light dinner...we shared a pizza and salad and it was perfect! Pizza was thin crust with prosciutto and arugula topping and the Winter salad was prepared with kale, fresh fruit and nuts. Service was very professional, overall, a delicious meal! We will certainly return when in Carmel again.
8. Terry's Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By CleveKen - Cleveland, Ohio
Every thing was good, but so many other places where we could have had a better meal. We sat outside in the courtyard which was nice and open. The menu is pretty traditional, but lots of good options. The food was just okay, not sure why maybe presentation or spicing..oh well. We had a great evening walk afterwards and in Carmel, you evening is always good.
9. Anton & Michel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 439 reviews
Reviewed By travelagentreplies - Burlingame, California
Dinner celebration with friends. Service was great and the interior is quite beautiful. Shared spring mix salad, beets and arugula and Caesar. Fine. Trout and couscous was quite tasty and others had salmon and jasmine rice, and paella, which was also very good. Nice wine list and creme brûlée, sorbet and lemon tart for some of the desserts. Not badly priced. None of it really grabbed me as memorable.
10. Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
A relaxing and comforting venue modeled after a European chateau where tables are thoughtfully spaced and fresh flowers, fireplace, candles and soothing musical notes are integral part of the dining experience. The ambience sets the tone for French country food served with a great deal of care for detail, and pastries baked daily on premises. Dining room is available for private dinner parties.
Reviewed By J3BD - Alameda, California
We’ve been coming here for over 25 years. We enjoy their lunch and dinner menus. But our favorites that’s so unique to this restaurant are their French desserts and their ambiance. I enjoy especially Carmel winter time when it’s cold and rainy—getting a table by their fireplace having a meal, dessert and hot tea. Just a perfect, cozy way of enjoying good food in the afternoon.
