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.

Musician in the Dametra Cafe in CarmelLive Music in the Dametra Cafe in Carmel

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

Sample seafood dish AT Flaherty's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar in CarmelSample seafood dish at 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

The Pangaea Grill in CarmelThe Pangaea Grill in Carmel

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

Vegetarian dish at the Dametra Cafe in CarmelVegetarian dish at the Dametra Cafe in Carmel

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

Sample desserts at the Aubergine gourmet restaurant in CarmelSample desserts at the 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

Anton and Michel Restaurant in CarmelAnton and 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

Sample dish at Grasing's Restaurant in CarmelSample dish at 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

Brophy's Tavern in CarmelBrophy's Tavern in Carmel

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

Charcuterie Board at La Bicyclette in CarmelCharcuterie Board at 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

Sample dish at Il Tegamino in CarmelSample dish at 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

Sample dishes at Cultura Carmel Mexican restaurant in CarmelSample dishes at Cultura Carmel Mexican restaurant in 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

Where to Stay in Carmel

Best Guide to Carmel and Monterey

Moon-Monterey-and-Carmel.png

Other Carmel Pages

  • 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.

    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.

  • A walk around the Point Lobos State Reserve near Monterey and Carmel provides lots of photo opportunities, especially of the Harbor Seal Birthing Area.

    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.

  • Carmel on the Monterey coast is known for artists and celebrity residents, but there's also a mission, beaches, historic houses, and abundant wildlife.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • The best things to do in Carmel include visiting Carmel Mission, enjoying the beaches, Point Lobos State Reserve, 17-Mile Drive, and Tor House.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

    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.

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Heavy rain prompts flood watches, evacuation orders in Southern California

    Nov 16, 25 04:46 AM

    Forecasters warn torrential rain could lead to flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows

    Read More

  2. La Playa Encapsulates the Quirky Charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea

    Nov 15, 25 05:15 AM

    Carmel-by-the-Sea is loved by so many for its quirky, bohemian charm, and La Playa is a hotel that embodies that spirit so perfectly. Nestled in the heart of the village, surrounded by salt-soaked tre…

    Read More

  3. SoCal’s big storm: Evacuation warnings, road closures, tips for surviving

    Nov 14, 25 04:02 AM

    An atmospheric river storm should bring rain — heavy at times — to Southern California beginning Thursday night through the weekend. Under the storm scenario deemed most likely by forecasters, downtow…

    Read More