"My bf and I came early on a Sunday morning and it was busy!! We got lucky and got seats inside but it was definitely very crowded. The huge portions kept us satiated for hours after and we were made to feel right at home by the amazing service. We would definitely come back to try more of their menu the next time we're in town. Finding the restaurant is definitely a little bit confusing but such a cute area to explore.\n\nMy bf ordered the corn beef hash with potatoes and cheese biscuit (3.5/5): We loved the fluffiness of the cheese biscuit and it went well with the jam provided. Potatoes were very well seasoned. while the corned beef hash was flavorful, it was also a bit dry which was disappointing. The potatoes included with the hash were very flavorful as well. Because of the beef hash being dry though he'd probably skip this next time.\n\nI ordered the Sausage benedict with fresh fruit (4/5): Creamy, saucy, and very delicious. The inclusion of mushrooms and onions in this Benedict added a nice texture and helped break up some of the heaviness from the dish. Loved that the English muffin used was soft and easy to cut into."
Portabella
4.5
1488
Ocean Ave, Carmel
CLOSE · 11:30 - 21:30 · +1 831-624-4395
"10/10 ambiance 10/10 food 10/10 service! We highly recommend and will come again next time we visit!"
Carmel Belle
4
1208
San Carlos St & Ocean Ave, Carmel
CLOSE · 08:00 - 17:30 · +1 831-624-1600
"The BEST Salmon I've had in almost 43 years outside my country, Japan -- and the Sweetest owner ever! \n\nI rarely write reviews, but this one absolutely deserves it.\n\nMy husband and I visited Carmel Belle the day after our big Thanksgiving dinner because I was craving something light and fresh. I ordered the Farm Salad with salmon, and I asked if I could switch the spring mix to half romaine and half arugula.\n\nThe moment I took one bite of the salmon, I literally froze, and started becoming teary. \nI have lived in the U.S. for almost 43 years, and this was truly the BEST Salmon I have ever had outside of Japan - is absolutely NOT an overstatement !!! Perfectly seasoned, the outside lightly crisp, and the inside unbelievably tender, juicy, and melting in my mouth. This level of salmon is extremely hard to find in America, hate to say, but even at the highest-end restaurants -- it was shockingly incredible !!! \n\nMy salad was so delicious too, but the following day I went back and adjusted it to 2/3 romaine and 1/3 arugula, and that balance was PERFECT. When I told Chantel (the owner), she got so excited and said, "Oh my gosh, I have to change the menu for that!" She was so Sweet, so warm, so genuine, and truly cared about the food and her customers.\n\nWe came back again the very next day for lunch because the experience was that memorable. Chantel remembered us immediately and even came out to meet our dog, Leo. She was so Sweet with him and went out of her way to get him fresh water (Leo absolutely loved her too!). Moments like that stay with you -- real kindness, real connection, real hospitality.\n\n"Carmel Belle" is now officially one of my absolute must-visit places every time I'm in Carmel.\nIf you want incredibly fresh, beautifully prepared food, and the kindest service, this is the place !!! \n\nThank you, Chantel -- you truly made our trip special."
Catch
4
378
, Carmel
CLOSE · 11:30 - 21:30 · +1 831-624-5659
"My husband and I have eaten here a few times when visiting the Monterey Peninsula. The food is outstanding with incredibly reasonable prices for the freshness and quality. Start with some of the best fresh, fried calamari ever. And the Clam Chowder is legitimately the freshest, creamiest, bestest on the west coast. Service is great, with food coming out fast and hot, and they don't rush your meal! Mina is friendly and reads his customers well. The live music is such a nice treat, not too loud, not too much to interfere with your meal. Go and enjoy Catch Carmel!"
Best Dining in Carmel, Monterey County: See 32,481 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 136 Carmelrestaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more.
Set on the coast of California, Carmel has a plethora of great dining. These 20 best restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea range from award winning, elevated cuisine to casual cafes perfect for a weekend afternoon.
So, let’s dig into our list of Carmel’s best restaurants to get you all you need to know to get you where you want to go. All of the restaurants on the list are in beautiful downtown Carmel. Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurants competed in a Chef Showdown during Culinary Week. The winner is on our list!
The impressive array of inspiring restaurants and award-winning wine tasting all benefit from the bounty of Monterey County's fresh produce, locally sourced seafood, and California's largest premium wine region.
Charming bistros, seafood-centric restaurants, and so many dog-friendly spots ahead. Known for its “fairytale cottages” and a mish-mash of European-style architecture, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect launchpad for Central Coast beach days, some excellent hiking, Big Sur day trips, and wine-tasting weekends.
If you’re visiting Carmel-by-the-sea, choose a new place each time you go back. Pasta cuisine or spicy Japanese flavor can be the difference that turns the night ahead into something unexpected.
"Stationæry is a must-visit if you're in Carmel! This cozy, beautifully designed spot has such a warm, welcoming vibe -- it feels like someone created…" more
We've compiled our top picks of the best Carmelrestaurants, so the next time you're in town — whether for vacation, work or just passing through — you won't have to struggle to choose a place to eat. The only question will be: which Carmelrestaurant will you visit first?
Set on the California coast, Carmel-By-The-Sea is a village marches to its own beat. We're sharing the 11 best restaurants in Carmel-By-The-Sea for your next trip:
Best Dining in Carmel, Monterey County: See 32,481 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 136 Carmel restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more.
Set on the coast of California, Carmel has a plethora of great dining. These 20 best restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea range from award winning, elevated cuisine to casual cafes perfect for a weekend afternoon.
The impressive array of inspiring restaurants and award-winning wine tasting all benefit from the bounty of Monterey County's fresh produce, locally sourced seafood, and California's largest premium wine region.