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10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants In and Around Carmel Highlands

best fine dining carmel highlands restaurants
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Carmel Highlands, popular for its dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur coast, is also home to some of the best fine dining restaurants in the region.

An extraordinary culinary adventure awaits you here, as Carmel Highlands restaurants are known for their commitment to using only high-quality ingredients, so you can expect fresh and delicious food wherever you choose to dine.

beef fillet with vegetables carmel highlands restaurants
Credit: Image by Jessica Hearn | Unsplash

1. Pacific’s Edge

A destination restaurant nestled on the bluffs of Carmel Highlands, Pacific’s Edge offers spectacular views of the California coastline.

Pacific’s Edge is one of the most refined restaurants in Carmel Highlands. Everything on the seasonal menu only uses the freshest ingredients and is complemented by a storied wine list.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Filet Rossini – Beef filet, potato puree, foie gras, black truffle, Madeira sauce, and haricot vert.
  2. Grilled Lamb Chops – Anson mills polenta, summer squash, garlic jus, olives, and pomegranate seeds.
  3. Duck Duo – Farro, fennel, rainbow carrots, pancetta, cherries, and pistachio pesto.

Reviews:

“What a wonderful dinner and view. The Halibut was cooked to perfection, my cioppino was delicious. The sunset over the water was spectacular but the waitress Rosemary will be what I remember. I had told her a story of a childhood memory of mine having hot chocolate there 60 years earlier. She surprised us with two hot chocolates to end our wonderful meal. Great food and an even greater waitress. Thanks, Rosemary, for making my birthday great.”

– Karl Gosswiller

Restaurant Information:

2. Sierra Mar

Poised on the verge of a rocky seaside bluff in Big Sur, Sierra Mar offers unbeatable sweeping views of the Pacific coast, making it ideal for romantic celebrations like honeymoons or anniversaries.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. California Burrata – Winter citrus, chicories, and walnut.
  2. Monterey Abalone – Sea lettuce, rice porridge, and chrysanthemum.
  3. California Halibut “A La Grenobloise” – Fennel, artichoke, and baby leeks.

Reviews:

“An amazing atmosphere with air purifiers at every table. The staff is super nice, attentive, and accommodating to each and every order. My wife and I have severe Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, and Soy allergy and they completely accommodated us through all four courses of our meal with no issues at all. They were able to substitute items as well instead of removing them which made us feel very special and created a super personalized experience.”

– Matt Smith

Restaurant Information:

a plate of filet mignon carmel highlands restaurants
Credit: Image by Jessica Hearn | Unsplash

3. Mission Ranch Restaurant

Sitting on 22 acres with spectacular views of Point Lobos, Carmel River Beach, and the Pacific Ocean, this 1800s ranch offers a relaxing setting as you savor the delicious dishes from their extensive menu.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Slow Roasted Prime Rib – Fresh horseradish, seasonal vegetable, and twice baked potato.
  2. Filet Mignon – Red wine and roasted shallot glaze, seasonal vegetable, and potato gratin.
  3. Jumbo Sea Scallops – Exotic mushroom and spinach risotto, butter, and Asiago cheese.

Reviews:

“What a laid-back relaxing atmosphere with delicious food and drinks. We had Erick, he was one of the best servers we have ever had- attentive and knowledgeable. Outside is beautiful to enjoy the sunset, inside is a piano bar.”

– Amie Remsing

Restaurant Information:

4. La Bicyclette

La Bicyclette is an intimate café in the heart of charming Carmel-by-the-Sea that serves comforting seasonal cuisine with a California-Mediterranean slant. It’s the perfect spot for a date night or lunch with a close friend.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Oysters Mornay – Half dozen baked Kusshi oysters, béchamel sauce, spinach, seascape cheese, and breadcrumbs.
  2. Parisian Gnocchi – House-made spinach gnocchi baked in parmesan cream sauce.
  3. Poisson Saint Tropez – Pan-seared fresh catch, roasted fingerling potato, sautéed Bloomsdale spinach, crispy leeks, charred pearl onions, beurre blanc, and salmon roe.

Reviews:

“La Bicyclette is a gem in Carmel! The food is consistently solid and full of flavor. I highly recommend starting with the oysters—they’re fresh and delicious. The gnocchi is perfectly crafted, and the pizza is a standout with its wood-fired charm.

Their wine selection is also a fantastic touch— excellent pairings that elevate the meal. The cozy ambiance and friendly service make it a must-visit spot. If you’re in Carmel, don’t miss this place!”

– Torrance Carroll

Restaurant Information:

mixed fruits served on ceramic plates carmel highlands restaurants
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5. Casanova Restaurant

This family-owned restaurant was once a historic 1920s cottage owned by Charlie Chaplin’s cook. One of the interesting features here is “Van Gogh’s Table,” the table at which the famous painter enjoyed his daily meals while boarding at the Auberge Ravoux in France.

Today, it has been remodeled after their Belgian farmhouse, including their wine cellar, which houses a notable collection. Casanova is simply a relaxing and charming place to savor rustic French and Italian cooking.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Artichoke Risotto – Castroville artichoke risotto.
  2. Duck Leg Confit – Lentils, chicory, and seasonal mushrooms.
  3. Poisson De Saison – Seasonal fish.

Reviews:

“Rarely have I had a meal quite as delicious as this little hidden gem. The starters were light and savory. The cider (Aval) was voted best in the world in 2023 and was paired with a cheese for every order. The duck and lamb was complete perfection.”

– Jordan Hicks

Restaurant Information:

6. Grasing’s

Located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Grasing’s offers the finest coastal cuisine paired with an award-winning wine list featuring the best California wines and seasonally inspired cocktails.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Mishima Wagyu Steak Tartare – Tallow whipped chipotle dressing, cured egg yolk, red mustard frill, Big Sur sea salt, and dill pommes frites.
  2. Ahi Sashimi – Yakiniku sauce, Persian cucumber, avocado, siracha aioli, and wonton.
  3. Tomales Bay Oysters – Borba farms passion fruit and calamansi mignonette, Piri Piri hot sauce, lemon, on the half shell.

Reviews:

“My wife and I visited Carmel for the first time and chose Grasings based in online reviews. We were there on a slow night, but the service and food were impeccable. The wine list was insane, and for wines BTG, I challenge you to find a better selection. Every aspect of the meal was impressive from the Spanish Octopus for a starter, to our dessert. I would make another trip to Carmel from the Central Valley just to experience this cuisine and wine list again.”

– Luke Mohrlang

Restaurant Information:

a plate of steak and a glass of red wine carmel highlands restaurants
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7. Anton & Michel

A Carmel institution, Anton & Michel is known for serving classic European-inspired cuisine with a Californian twist in a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere.

The menu is a symphony of fresh, seasonal ingredients skillfully prepared into dishes that entice the palate. Their award-winning wine list provides the perfect accompaniment for an exceptional dining experience.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Twenty Layer Lasagna – Oxtail Bolognese, spinach pasta, and San Marzano tomato.
  2. American Kobe Beef Short Ribs – Wild mushrooms, cipollini onions, and horseradish mash.
  3. Maple Leaf Duck Breast – White bean cassoulet, duck confit, preserved lemon, and Calabrian chili.

Reviews:

“The services provided by the owner, Ehab Maayah, the professional management, and staff are the main reasons that we keep coming back. The old-world elegance is a rare thing, and we value their focus to make sure that everything about the dining experience is excellent. The risotto was perfection and the old-school bananas foster, flambéed table side, was delicious. I highly recommend this Anton & Michael!”

– Demetri L

Restaurant Information:

8. Chez Noir

Tucked away in the village streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Chez Noir is a modern, seafood-centric restaurant whose menu showcases the freshest locally sourced ingredients – seafood from Carmel-by-the-Sea; produce from Monterey, Salinas, and Watsonville; and wines from Central California.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Local Porcini Mushroom “a la GAMBARA” – Duck liver, egg yolk, and jus de poulet.
  2. Fines Herbs Fazzoletti – Honey mussel, Schoch dairy blue cheese, and wild sorrel.
  3. Santa Carota Ribeye & Monterey Abalone – Tokyo turnip, pomme puree, abalone jus, and watercress.

Reviews:

“My partner booked Chez Noir for a celebratory meal after he proposed earlier in the day and all I can say is this place is AMAZING. The service was unmatched, every person who spoke to us was so thoughtful and wonderful. The food was like nothing we’ve ever eaten, so fresh and all the dishes were just so well thought through. We arrived to champagne on ice and a cocktail in the perfect little bar, the whole vibe was just so intimate and welcoming! Thank you so much to the team there, you truly made the most beautiful day even more perfect!!”

– Chloe Inglis

Restaurant Information:

a plate of lobster carmel highlands restaurants
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8. Seventh & Dolores

Seventh & Dolores is popular for its traditional steakhouse staples with innovative twists and exceptional flavors served in a contemporary ambiance.

Its commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients, showcasing locally raised meats and seasonal produce from Monterey County’s abundant farms, has garnered attention from discerning diners and food critics alike.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. Chilean Sea Bass – Kimchi soubise, charred cabbage, miso butter, and Bomba rice.
  2. 7D Grand Seafood Tower – Half dozen oysters, charred Spanish octopus, ahi tuna tarter, champagne poached prawns, and 10g white sturgeon royal caviar.
  3. Charred Spanish Octopus – Coconut curry butter, mint, basil, cilantro, pickled chilies, and toasted coconut.

Reviews:

“Best dinner of our 3-day Carmel visit. Excellent service and we loved our meal. Husband had the rack of lamb. I’m not a lamb person but this was super tasty. And I had a perfectly grilled medium-rare filet. We were seated in the outdoor tent which was a bit cool but nice and quiet. Will definitely return.”

– Ann Cripps

Restaurant Information:

10. Aubergine

The award-winning Aubergine is the crown jewel of L’Auberge Carmel, a full-service luxury hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The menu features ingredient-driven cuisine that celebrates the bounty of the region, prepared with skillful technique and an eye toward varied textures and flavors. The 2,500-bottle wine cellar offers renowned selections from famed wine regions around the world.

⭐️ Must-Try:

  1. The Eight Course Tasting Menu – Changes daily, according to what seasonal ingredients are available.

Reviews:

“Far and away one of the best dining experiences my wife and I have ever had. I’ve been to French Laundry, Gary Danko, Manresa and others but I have to say, this is the little engine that could (they turn 10 tables a night!!!) Everything was fabulous from the food to the service. We had the sommelier choose a budget friendly wine based on some flavor profiles we gave him and he picked a real winner. The food was absolutely delicious and we loved how the sous chefs came out to describe and finish the dishes with a story or an emulsion. It was fun asking them questions about the many amazing ingredients. Will definitely go back!”

– Matt Olson

Restaurant Information:

best fine dining carmel highlands restaurants
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Conclusion

There you have it – the 10 best fine dining restaurants in and around Carmel Highlands that will definitely give you an amazing gastronomic experience!

If you would like to know more about what this location has to offer, particularly in real estate, please give us a call today at (831) 292-5097 or send us an email at team@heinrichbrooksher.com to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of these restaurants, such as Aubergine and Chez Noir, require reservations.

Yes, many of these restaurants offer vegetarian options, including Basil Seasonal Dining Italian Restaurant, Seventh & Dolores, and Anton & Michel Restaurant.

Many of these are family-friendly restaurants, like Forge in the Forest, Chez Noir, and Anton & Michel Restaurant.