Blog

Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Carmel by the Sea

top must-try carmel by the sea restaurants
Credit: Image by inboundREM | Source
Note: This image may include elements generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

Nestled along the picturesque coast of California, Carmel by the Sea is a quaint gastronomic haven known for its bourgeoning culinary scene.

In the charming enclave of Carmel by the Sea, restaurants provide food enthusiasts with a unique epicurean experience.

List of Restaurants in Carmel by the Sea

This scenic town on California’s Monterey Peninsula boasts a diverse culinary landscape that captivates every food enthusiast’s heart.

Here are the best restaurants in Carmel by the Sea:

seared steak in carmel by the sea restaurants

Credit: Image by A L E X | Unsplash

1. Aubergine

At the award-winning restaurant Aubergine, diners are treated to Chef Justin Cogley’s clever combinations of flavor and texture. His tasting menus change every day to support the best ingredients available throughout the week.

Desserts are masterfully prepared by Chef Yolanda Santos, which perfectly complement Chef Cogley’s savory courses.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Monterey-Raised Red Abalone – A delicacy often accompanied by local seaweed and cranberry beans.
  2. Wagyu Beef from the Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan – Presented pre-plating and then triple-seared over Japanese coals.
  3. House-made Anise Hyssop Ice Cream And Wild Blackberries – One of pastry Chef Santos’ complex and beautiful desserts.

Reviews:

“The cuisine and wine pairings were absolutely outstanding. The staff did an excellent job with each course presentation and were very informative. The sommelier staff did an excellent job with their wine selections for both the standard and premium tastings, and they were also the catalyst that created a wonderful energy in between the courses. We would definitely recommend the wagyu “add on.” The wagyu blew us away! Thanks Aubergine Carmel for a magnificent night and a birthday my wife will remember forever!!”

– Dave Jukich

Restaurant Information:

filet mignon served in carmel by the sea restaurants

Credit: Image by amirali mirhashemian | Unsplash

2. La Bicyclette

A quintessential bistro located in a relaxed neighborhood spot in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea is popular for its comforting seasonal cuisine with a California-Mediterranean slant, as well as delectable pizzas and breads fired in their wood-burning oven.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Steak au Poivre – Pan-seared grass-fed 6oz filet mignon, peppercorn cognac sauce, truffle pommes frites, and mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette.
  2. Linguine Pescatore – House-made pasta, lobster, shrimp, seafood, velouté, pesto, tomatoes, and green onions.
  3. Poisson Saint Tropez – Pan-seared fresh catch, roasted fingerling potato, sauteed spinach, crispy leeks, charred pearl onions, beurre blanc, and salmon roe.

Reviews:

“A little piece of Europe in the heart of Carmel! Delicious food! Great service! The special of the day was paired with a perfect wine. The desserts were beautiful and delicious.”

– Marlene Jones

Restaurant Information:

pasta with fresh clams and parsley carmel by the sea restaurants

Credit: Image by Ensora | Unsplash

3. Casanova

One of the longest-running restaurants in Carmel by the Sea, this French and Italian restaurant is known as an intimate and romantic setting, with an outdoor patio once frequented by Van Gogh.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Gnocchi Casanova – Spinach, gnocchi au gratin.
  2. Linguini – Clams, mussels, prawns, velouté fines herbes.
  3. Cannelloni – Braised beef, mozzarella, truffle, tomato sauce.

Reviews:

“Awesome atmosphere and food! We got the burrata, crudo, sea bass and chicken. They were all 10/10! We also asked for an amendment of one of the dishes and they were super accommodating. Excellent service too! My fave in Carmel for sure and a must visit for everyone!”

– Alkmini Panagopoulou

Restaurant Information:

a rack of lamb steak carmel by the sea restaurants

Credit: Image by Mayumi Maciel | Unsplash

4. Anton & Michel

Anton & Michel serves classic European-inspired cuisine with a Californian twist. Aside from their classic signature dishes, they also offer seasonal specials and delightful new creations, providing patrons with a dynamic and ever-evolving culinary journey.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Twenty Layer Lasagna – Oxtail Bolognese, spinach pasta, San Marzano tomato.
  2. Rack of Lamb – Citrus-port sauce, oven-roasted vegetables, bacon-leek potato gratin.
  3. Whole Grilled Branzino – Stuffed with lemon, za’atar spice, rice pilaf, and mustard green salad.

Reviews:

“Best restaurant in Carmel. It’s beautiful, romantic, and most importantly, delicious. This restaurant also has a beautiful bar. Service is excellent. Reservations are recommended. Easy parking on side streets. Foods I recommend are lamb chops, crab cakes, duck pate.”

– Elizabeth Pereda

Restaurant Information:

ribeye steak with asparagus potato and carrots carmel by the sea restaurants

Credit: Image by Loija Nguyen | Unsplash

5. Grasing’s Coastal Cuisine

Grasing’s serves the finest coastal cuisine paired with an award-winning wine list that features the best California wines.

The restaurant is dedicated to sustainable, organic, and local food sources and supports exceptional generational farms and community food sources in nearby Monterey Bay, Salinas, and Carmel Valleys.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Mishima Wagyu Beef Carpaccio – Blackened seared raw, 24-month rosola di zocca parmigiano, black summer truffles, pickled red onion, mustard greens, Carmel Valley extra virgin olive oil, lemon, big sur sea salt.
  2. Grasing’s Prime Steak Tartare – Chipotle dressing, quail egg yolk, red mustard frill, sesame seed-big sur sea salt lavash.
  3. Grasing’s Reserve Golden Osetra Caviar – Traditional accompaniments, buckwheat blinis.

Reviews:

“Fancy spot with good wine, service, and food. You can expect a fantastic and sophisticated dinner at this establishment. We had the paella and Frigge 2015 chardonnay. They paired beautifully. Come here for a fancy night at Carmel by the sea.”

– Brandy Soto

Restaurant Information:

short ribs with asparagus carmel by the sea restaurants

Credit: Image by HI! ESTUDIO | Unsplash

6. The Forge in the Forest

The historical Forge in the Forest offers an extensive menu of California fusion cuisine featuring enticing appetizers and entrée. This spot has one of the best outdoor dining in Monterey County, with a fireplace, a 100-year-old oak tree, and a 12-person wine room.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Caprese – Burrata, heirloom tomatoes, basil, Balsamic reduction, and local olive oil.
  2. Braised Beef Short Ribs – 48-hour braised ribs with a Cabernet Sauvignon reduction, garlic mashed potatoes, and local veggies.
  3. Butternut Squash Ravioli – Sage brown butter sauce.

Reviews:

“I came here for my birthday since we were staying at Carmel for it. The best steak I ever had. Food was very good, and the amount was also perfect, especially for the price paid. I had never had truffle butter before, and that stuff was so damn good. The atmosphere was lovely, as we got an outdoor area. The place looks very beautiful and calm at night, with the fireplace. The staff were very nice. I’ll probably come back to Carmel just for the restaurant.”

– Linen (LinenInStiches)

Restaurant Information:

a pasta dish served in carmel by the sea restaurants

Credit: Image by Sofia Ciravegna | Unsplash

7. Dametra Café

Savor the flavors of Mediterranean locales such as Greece, Italy, the Middle East, and Northern Africa in a welcoming ambiance reminiscent of a far-off land as you are surrounded by Middle Eastern elements and the colors of a Mediterranean sunset.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Dametra Pasta – Chicken, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and garlic served over spaghetti.
  2. Greek Style Lamb Shank – 6-hour braised lamb shank topped with lamb au jus served over your choice of potatoes au gratin or rice pilaf and fresh vegetables.
  3. Fisherman’s Cioppino – Clams, mussels, salmon, prawns, and snapper in a tomato herb wine fish broth. Served with our delicious garlic bread.

Reviews:

“Relaxing, lively atmosphere with outstanding service. Professional and excellent culinary craft. Would recommend to anyone ever visiting Carmel – absolutely loved our time here.”

– Charissa Schwartz

Restaurant Information:

a salmon dish served in carmel by the sea restaurants

Credit: Image by Sebastian Coman Photography | Unsplash

8. Little Napoli

Little Napoli exudes Old World charm and shares centuries old traditions in Italian cuisine with their diners. Their menu is a tribute to Italian culture, featuring Chef Pèpe signature family recipes reminiscent of Napoli and the Italian countryside.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Lamb ‘Osso Buco’ – 4-hour braised New Zealand lamb shank, mashed potatoes, gremolata.
  2. Pacific Northwest Salmon – Sardinian fregola, asparagus, lobster cream sauce.
  3. Al Forno ‘Sinatra’ – Baked rigatoni, house Italian sausage, mushrooms, goat cheese, mozzarella, pangrattato.

Reviews:

“This is one of our fav places in the Carmel area. The food and ambiance are great. The biggest challenge we’ve had is with their front staff. Some of their staff sometimes gets very arrogant when it’s busy season.”

– Chanakya Mehta

Restaurant Information:

a pokebowl with salmon carmel by the sea restaurants

Credit: Image by Paul Einerhand | Unsplash

9. Flying Fish Grill

A visit to Flying Fish Grill takes one to the beautiful city of Tokyo. This culinary spot serves Asian Fusion dishes, mostly wild-caught fish.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Black Bean Halibut – Alaskan halibut, fermented Chinese black beans, mushroom, ginger & scallions steamed in paper pouches, steamed vegetables and grilled rice ball.
  2. Alaskan Black Cod – Grilled, papaya-avocado-grilled leeks salsa, sesame dressed arugula, toasted couscous.
  3. Grilled Sliced New York Steak – Prime steak, shimeji mushrooms in madeira sauce, tempura onion ring, grilled rice ball.

Reviews:

“A true GEM of our trip to Carmel. Incredible food, attentive staff, and fun atmosphere. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and talk to us about things to do in the area. Our hotel concierge recommended Flying Fish to us and we are so grateful!”

– Elise Bennett

Restaurant Information:

fried chicken dish served in carmel by the sea restaurants

Credit: Image by Engin Akyurt | Pexels

10. L'Escargot

An intimate, cozy, and romantic restaurant nestled in a residential neighborhood on Mission Street. L’Escargot’s menu is inspired by dishes offered at restaurants in villages and small towns in rural France.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Escargots Stuffed in Mushroom Caps – Garlic butter, herb breadcrumbs.
  2. Duckling Prepared Two Ways – Pan roasted breast, leg, and thigh confit; raspberry demi-glace.
  3. Roasted Chicken Provençale – Lemon, garlic, olives.

Reviews:

“Had an amazing dinner on our last night in Carmel. Food was amazing, staff was kind, and the ambience is perfectly inviting. Add this restaurant to your list!”

– Leah Michelle

Restaurant Information:

Cultural and Culinary Influences in Carmel’s Dining Scene

Carmel-By-The-Sea is known to be a haven for artists, writers, and intellectuals, who have been drawn to the inspiring ambiance of this unique, oceanfront hamlet.

And, as its charming courtyards and cobblestone sidewalks are now dotted with destination dining, Carmel-By-The-Sea is also attracting gourmands and epicures as well.

Home to some of the country’s top chefs, from Justin Cogley at Aubergine to Kurt Grasing at Grasings, this charming town boasts excellent restaurants that support local producers, mostly using farm-fresh ingredients and pairing them with the region’s best wines.

top must-try in carmel by the sea restaurants

Note: This image may include elements generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

Conclusion

There you have it – the best restaurants you must try when you’re in Carmel by the Sea.

The culinary landscape in this quaint coastal town is superb, and every gourmand will definitely have a great gastronomic adventure here.

If you have any questions about Carmel by the Sea, feel free to give me a call today at (831) 292-5097 or send me an email at team@heinrichbrooksher.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among these restaurants, Aubergine requires a reservation.

La Bicyclette, Dametra Café, and Little Napoli offer vegetarian options.

The average bill for these dining spots ranges from $50 to $100.

Yes. Anton & Michel, The Forge in the Forest, and Dametra Café are family-friendly restaurants in Carmel by the Sea.

Grasing’s, The Forge in the Forest, Dametra Café, and Little Napoli have outdoor seating.