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- Aubergine. Exquisite tasting menu and impeccable service have guests dropping French Laundry comparisons at this special occasion destination. A seasonal eight-course meal from superstar chef Justin Cogley features theatrical presentations of local seafood and produce like oysters and caviar packaged like a gift from a high-end boutique.
- Cultura Comida y Bebida. Savor elevated Mexican cuisine and superior mezcals at a cozy restaurant and bar from three Post Ranch Inn vets. You needn’t be Andrew Zimmerman to enjoy a delicious basket of spicy chapulines (grasshoppers), the perfect snack for sampling the noteworthy collection of rare mezcals.
- Valley Kitchen. Take in the views of the hotel and Carmel Valley while dining at this unfussy yet chic restaurant within the hotel lobby. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner feature honey, cheese, salts, eggs, fruits, and vegetables sourced from The Ranch’s organic garden.
- Seventh & Dolores. This Carmel charmer has all the elements for your big night out: fetching interior, lively crowd, and a steakhouse staples menu. Order a martini and pace through a meal of pristine West Coast oysters, Little Gems Caesar, and an aged Niman Ranch porterhouse.
- Grab a Beer at Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro. Many of the best places to eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea are of the fancier variety and can cost a pretty penny, so let’s start by talking about one of the best places to go if you want something a bit more casual: Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro.
- Get Donuts at Dutch Door. Is it cheating to call this donut shop one of the best restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea? Maybe, but I don’t care. My partner and I come here every single Sunday to get a donut because they are the best donuts we’ve ever had.
- Pick Up a Meal at Rise + Roam. Part coffee shop, part bakery, and part pizzeria, Rise + Roam does a little bit of everything. And they do it all wonderfully.
- Dine on French-Italian Fusion at La Bicyclette. La Bicyclette is a quaint restaurant in Carmel that’s a perfect spot if you want an unpretentious evening in a cozy atmosphere.
- Akaoni | Serves Dinner. This husband and wife-run sushi bar is beloved by locals and travelers alike. It’s a small spot so you could easily skip past it while exploring Carmel but don’t.
- Aubergine | Serves Dinner. Having earned a Michelin star in 2019, this fine dining restaurant is one of the most talked-about restaurants in town. Located in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea at the award winning Relais & Châteaux property, L’Auberge Carmel, this spot defines California’s brand of laidback luxury.
- Brophy’s Tavern | Serves Lunch & Dinner. If you’re looking for a spot to watch the game, you’ll likely end up at Brophy’s Tavern, one of the main sports bars in Carmel-By-The-Sea.
- Carmel Belle | Serves Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. Don’t let the tucked-away location in a shopping center deter you; Carmel Belle is hidden but worth the hunt.
- Aubergine Carmel. With its intimate dining room, delicately prepared dishes, and ingredient-driven menu, Aubergine reflects the many reasons why locals and visitors alike love the dining scene in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- La Bicyclette Restaurant. At La Bicyclette guests return time and time again to enjoy creative takes on the classics of European country cuisine. Bright copper pots, high ceilings, well-worn woods, and chalkboard menus give La Bicyclette a distinct bistro feel that pairs perfectly with the restaurant's French-Italian influence.
- Seventh & Delores. Seventh & Delores may be known for its impressive selection of drinks, but the steakhouse has some delicious dishes to boot. Scour the extensive wine list for your perfect bottle, or opt for a custom cocktail.
- Cultura Comida y Bebida. Cultura Comida Y Bebida's bar specializes in seasonal cocktails and features one of the state's largest collections of traditional Mezcal in the state.
- La Bicyclette. Dolores & 7th Street. This is many people’s favorite of the downtown Carmel restaurants for a reason. Not only does the interior (and exterior, frankly) bring major Francophile vibes to life, but their food — including salads, wood-fired oven pizzas, and mains like steak and swordfish — brings together the best of California fresh cuisine and European bistro style.
- The Stationaery. San Carlos Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues. When I first began going regularly to Carmel, this delightful cafe was under construction. Fast forward to now, and not only is it one of my favorite spaces to hang out in town, but I recently found out a friend from college owns it with her husband.
- Brophy’s Tavern. San Carlos Street and 4th Avenue. Would you believe me if I told you that this small gastropub, attached to the Hotel Carmel, serves up some of the best fish and chips I’ve had outside of England?
- Chez Noir. 5th Avenue, between San Carlos & Dolores Streets. The newest restaurant to make a splash in Carmel, Chez Noir is a four-course menu served for $125 with an optional $75 wine pairing.
When you think of Carmel, your mind may immediately go to exploring the coast, playing golf at Pebble Beach, or wine tasting, but it’s also a popular place among foodies. In fact, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more restaurants per capita than any other small city in the country, making it a culinary connoisseur’s dream.
We've gathered up the best places to eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Our current favorites are: 1: Chez Noir, 2: Dametra Cafe, 3: Aubergine the restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel, 4: La Bicyclette Restaurant, 5: Foray.
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