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Best Restaurants in
Carmel
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best restaurants in Carmel with the top eating places for fish, vegetarian, Mexican, the casual diner, and fine dining.
Choosing the best restaurants in Carmel isn’t easy as it has a great dining scene, but here we pick some of our favorites across a range of choices including seafood, vegetarian, fine dining, casual diners, and international cuisines.
Best Restaurants in Carmel
For the Seafood Lover
Flaherty's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar
Description: This lively spot offers a classic coastal dining experience. Expect fresh oysters on the half shell, succulent lobster rolls, and perfectly grilled fish. The décor is nautical-themed with a casual atmosphere.
Address: Dolores St & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 624-5522
Website: flahertysseafood.com
Pangaea Grill
Description: This upscale restaurant focuses on sustainable seafood. The menu changes frequently to highlight the freshest catches. The interior is modern and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering ocean views.
Address: San Carlos St & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 624-8474
Website: pangaeagrillcarmel.com
For the Vegetarian
Dametra Cafe
Description: This charming café offers a delightful array of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The menu changes seasonally to incorporate fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a focus on healthy and delicious food.
Address: Dolores St & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 624-8300
Website: dametracafe.com
The Gourmet Experience
Aubergine
Description: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary experience. The menu is a modern interpretation of California cuisine, featuring the finest local ingredients. The ambiance is sophisticated and intimate.
Address: 7th Ave & Monte Verde St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 624-8578
Website: auberginecarmel.com
Anton & Michel
Description: This French-inspired restaurant is known for its impeccable service and exquisite cuisine. The menu features classic French dishes with a modern twist. The dining room is elegant and refined.
Address: San Carlos St & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 624-8575
Website: antonandmichel.com
Classic American
Grasing's
Description: This beloved local spot offers classic American comfort food with a California twist. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, delicious sandwiches, and fresh salads in a relaxed atmosphere.
Address: Dolores St & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 624-8200
Website: grasings.com
Irish Pub Dining
Brophy's Tavern
Description: This casual Irish pub offers a lively atmosphere, great beer, and classic pub fare. Enjoy fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and other hearty dishes.
Address: Dolores St & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 624-8477
Website: brophystavern.com
International Flavors
La Bicyclette
Description: This charming bistro offers a taste of France and Italy. Enjoy classic dishes like coq au vin and spaghetti carbonara in a cozy, romantic setting.
Address: Dolores St & 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 622-9899
Website: labicycletterestaurant.com
Il Tegamino
Description: This bustling Italian restaurant offers a delicious menu of homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other classic Italian dishes. The atmosphere is lively and energetic.
Address: San Carlos St & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 624-8470
Website: iltegaminocarmel.com
Cultura Carmel
Description: This vibrant restaurant offers a modern take on Mexican cuisine. Enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes with a focus on local ingredients. The atmosphere is lively and colorful.
Address: San Carlos St & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 625-7600
Website: culturacarmel.com
Best Guide to Carmel and Monterey
Other Carmel Pages
Point Lobos State Reserve near Carmel and Monterey, with photos
A walk around the Point Lobos State Reserve near Monterey and Carmel provides lots of photo opportunities, especially of the Harbor Seal Birthing Area.
The 17-Mile Drive between Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey
Pacific Coast Highway Travel takes the 17-Mile Drive from Carmel to Pacific Grove and Monterey, stopping to see the Lone Cypress and beautiful coastline views.
Best Time to Visit Carmel
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best time to visit Carmel, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices, to help plan a visit.
Carmel Dog-Friendly Hotel
This Carmel dog-friendly hotel, the historic Cypress Inn, is co-owned by movie legend Doris Day and offers luxury lodgings for travelers in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Inn
If you want a Carmel-by-the-Sea Inn that is close to the ocean then the Lamp Lighter Inn is as near as you can get if staying downtown.
Where to Stay in Carmel
Where to Stay in Carmel include reviews of the Mission Ranch, Sea View Inn, The Cypress Inn, Lamp Lighter Inn and Vagabond's House Inn.
Where to Eat in Carmel
Pacific Coast Highway Travel's guide to where to eat in Carmel with Italian, French, Mexican and American places, from inexpensive to Michelin-star fine dining.
Carmel-by-the-Sea on the Pacific Coast Highway in California
Carmel on the Monterey coast is known for artists and celebrity residents, but there's also a mission, beaches, historic houses, and abundant wildlife.
Vagabond's House Inn
Historic and romantic Vagabond's House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Carmel is a great place to stay with free wine and cheese and generous breakfast.
Best Things to Do in Carmel
The best things to do in Carmel include visiting Carmel Mission, enjoying the beaches, Point Lobos State Reserve, 17-Mile Drive, and Tor House.
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