Location: Carmel
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Where to eat European food in Carmel: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover Restaurants offering the best European food in Carmel, California, 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
10. Lula's Chocolates
Using recipes from Grandmother Lula, everything is handmade in Monterey CA.
Reviewed By mswiseguy
Lula's Chocolates has the best locally made sea salt caramels, individual caramels (the licorice caramels are to "die for" good), and homemade marshmallows (used in their Macadamia nut rocky road, hot chocolate mix packets) - not to mention a chile English toffee. We've brought their candy over to the Netherlands to friends who now, when we ask what they'd like from California consistently ask for something from Lula's. The service is always great and the chocolates sublime.
9. Lafayette French Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By 183katrinah
We are totally baffled as to why this place gets great reviews! We came because loads of people said it was great. After waiting 25 minutes for 4 crepes (in an empty restaurant) they were completely underwhelming. What works cost â¬3 in France cost $14 and they werenât even well prepared - we had the ham, cheese and egg crepe. To start do note it was a crepe and not a savoury galette as one would normally expect, but the cheese had not been melted and the egg had been fried separately and just thrown on. Service was terrible (worthy of Parisian terrible!) and we left with a hefty check, still hungry, and extremely disappointed. Iâm sure that if youâre the $15 avocado toast loving person youâll like this place but this is not for us.
8. Lugano Swiss Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By patsenoj
Have avoided coming here because i expected menu would be full of heavy items like meat and potatos and bland vegetables...i was wrong! The menu is quite broad and interesting. And for those that like schnitzel (many choices) or fondue(also many choices) you will not be disappointed either. I had beef goulash soup (excellent, with a zing to it) and fish and chips (fish was flawless..hot and lightly breaded). My wife had the tomato fondue, with veal sausage on the side. Both were great, but too much for one person. Wine list is good and prices correct. Dessert menu also attractive (especially chocolate fondue). Owner and servers were super friendly and attentive. Definitely worth a visit.
7. 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!
6. L'escargot
Overall Ratings
4 based on 184 reviews
L'Escargot is a French restaurant in Carmel, California with a warm, romantic dining room area and with plenty of space between tables.
Reviewed By BillyKmd
We went there to celebrate my wife's birthday, and it did not let us down. The atmosphere is cozy, the service fantastic, the food extravagant. We had Escargot, served in the shell with garlic/herb butter, and superb warm bread, Sweetbreads in puff pastry with a slightly sweet herbed sauce, Frogs Legs sauteed in butter in a piquant sauce, and Medallions of Veal,rich and saucy. Wonderful. Since all wines were half priced for Wednesday night, we spurge and score a fabulous wine for a fabulous price. A warm apple tart for desert was divine. I think we like this place.....
5. 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
4. Anton & Michel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 567 reviews
Reviewed By Lois M
Enjoyed another memorable dinner at Anton & Michel this past Friday night. The atmosphere, service and food are always wonderful. Special shout out to Luis, the GM, who goes above and beyond. Favorite dinner is 3 course fixed priced table side preparation of Caesar salad, rack of lamb, and bananas foster. Always enjoy warm bread and wonderful selection of wines.
3. Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 417 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 countr
Reviewed By GlobalVillage
Background: On a family visit to San Jose/Los Gatos, we had some time to visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Hungry, we stopped by Carmel for lunch. Having found structured parking, we liked the feel of Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant and thought we'd give it a try.Verdict: The patisserie serves real food and offers real service. For example, the turkey sandwich is slices from a whole roasted turkey, not packaged lunch meat. Everyone enjoyed what they ate or drank including the coffee, crepes, salads and soups. Plus they gave us a coupon to help pay for the structured parking. Several couples were dining (lunching) there.Hello GlobalVillage,Thank you for choosing to dine with us and for your nice review. I appreciate it.Magdy
2. 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.
Most Popular Mediterranean food in Carmel, California, United States
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!
