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Best Lunch Restaurants in Carmel

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45 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Le Soufflé restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(462)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 1 time today
**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN- (CLOSED 2/17-2/21)**We are located in CARMEL, CALIFORNIA, USA. Reservations are only available through OpenTable up to 3 weeks in advance. Intimate indoor dining room can accommodate parties up to 4 guests- Menu changes seasonally- see website for current menu.Le Soufflé is a fine dining restaurant serving a traditional French soufflé lunch menu. Everything is exclusively prepared by our Executive Chef/Co-Owner creating a very unique and finely crafted dining experience. The wine list offers a selection of wines from exquisite boutique producers in France and are all available by the glass or bottle. Our guests can look forward to an elegant escape when they step into our intimate and luxurious dining room. We are located on Dolores Street, just two blocks off Ocean Avenue in the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
A photo of Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3326)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 21 times today
Anton and Michel is now open INDOORS and OUTDOORS at the COURT of the FOUNTAINS.LUNCH: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM / DINNER: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Reservations are highly recommended.If you are having any difficulty making reservations online, please call the restaurant directly at 831-624-2406 or send us an email.Since 1980, Anton and Michel has consistently maintained an award-winning reputation for true excellence in the art of fine dining. A complete interior remodel was recently completed features handset stonework throughout the restaurant. The floor to ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the Court of the Fountains. Zagat Survey calls it: Carmel’s long-standing paean to graciousness in dining out. Along with updated and contemporary changes to the menus, ultimate table side service flambé desserts remain. As quoted in the Wine Spectator, Anton and Michel is “probably the best dining experience in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea”.
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1715)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 25 times today
Our cuisine features beautiful specialties from France, Italy and Spain. The dishes are rich in color and flavor.PortaBella is picturesque: awarded First Prize for Beautiful Flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club.The ambience is stylish and romantic, the setting historic
A photo of Grasing's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3113)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 30 times today
DINING UPDATE: Please call restaurant if desired reservation is not available online.Grasing's is open for indoor dining and limited outdoor dining (weather permitting). Please note if stairs are an issue for any guest. Please continue to visit our website a https://grasings.com for menu updates, holiday offerings and special events. Grasing’s, located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, lies along the Pacific Coast in Central California in Monterey County. Celebrity chef partners, Kurt Grasing and Narsai David, truly created a gem. From friendly and professional service, an award winning wine list and seasonally inspired cocktails to the fresh and sustainable local ingredients.Please contact the restaurant to request dog friendly patio seating.
A photo of Mission Bistro restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(522)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 16 times today
Located on Mission Street between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, in Carmel California. Mission Bistro Restaurant is owned by Shaheen Alnuaimi. Our history-rich location is warm, charming, and above all cozy. We offer brunch, lunch, dinner, local, and import wines. Chef Matt Zimny sources from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches with the goal of serving what is fresh and currently available. At Mission Bistro we do Seafood and Steaks right. Cheers!
A photo of Pangaea on Ocean Ave restaurant
4.5
Awesome(205)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carmel
Booked 7 times today
Pangaea on Ocean Ave is a Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant's menu features a variety of Asian fusion dishes, as well as classic comfort foods. Pangaea on Ocean Ave is known for its bold flavors, ample portions, and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is located on Ocean Avenue in Downtown Carmel, California. Pangaea on Ocean Ave is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week! We also offer a special early 3-Course Sunset Dinner and Happy Hour during the week! Pangaea on Ocean Ave is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.**Please keep in mind that on busy days, our smaller restaurant may experience some delays with reservations. We truly value our guests and can't wait to show you some love!
A photo of Nicolas Cocina de Herencia restaurant
4.5
Awesome(326)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Carmel
Booked 15 times today
Reservations are not needed but are recommended, Walk ins are Welcome.The newest creation from the owners of the beloved Villa Azteca in Downtown Salinas (Salinas City Center), the eatery honoring the Alvarez family patriarch will open Summer 2023 in Carmel Plaza. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will have indoor dining, bar seating and a small outdoor space, serving specialty Michoacán dishes as well as other Mexican favorites, incorporating three generations of family recipes.
A photo of Catch restaurant
4.4
Awesome(540)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 5 times today
Welcome to Catch!.............................................
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(268)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 29 times today
Dametra Cafe is a casual Mediterranean restaurant. Here, diners can expect high-quality healthy food delivered quickly in a relaxed atmosphere. The decor and styling of the dining room is distinctly Greek, specifically like one of the many coastal cities that the country is known for. Between that and the hearty portions and prompt service, Dametra Cafe sits nicely between an upscale restaurant and quick-service places.Dametra's Cafe features primarily Greek cuisine, with some Italian and Spanish thrown in for good measure. Appetizers include hummus with pita bread, fried calamari, grilled jumbo prawns and steamed mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce. The meals are split between sandwiches, pasta and entrée offerings and features dishes such as shrimp and crab ravioli, a salmon burger with red onion and tomatoes, lamb shish kebab and a Greek style lamb shank with rice pilaf and fresh vegetables.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2310)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 15 times today
Il Fornaio means the Baker in Italian. Located in downtown Carmel, Il Fornaio offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list. Enjoy wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; house made and imported pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and house made soups; antipasti and a wide variety of desserts made daily from scratch.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MichaelVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    As usual, the food was excellent and our server, Sara was exceptional as well. 
    More info
    Anton & Michel RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    4.7
  • MarkVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •47 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Must dine when visiting Carmel. Split the rib-eye and add some sides. Delicious!
    More info
    Grasing'sPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    4.7
  • MarkVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •47 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We dine here often. Every time we’re in Carmel from SF. A must for us. Today we also had lunch outside. Always a pleasure. I must say the wait staff could be quicker once seated. Bringing water and a menu for lunch. Love PortaBella.
    More info
    PortaBella RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Carmel
    4.5
  • Safira
    California Central Coast •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Mission Bistro: Our Home Away from Home There are restaurants, and then there are places that feel like home. Mission Bistro is the latter for us. Every time we walk through their doors, we are met with warmth, kindness, and a level of hospitality that is simply unmatched. It’s not just about the food (which is always incredible); it’s about how they make us feel. From the servers to the management, and even the owners, everyone at Mission Bistro goes above and beyond to create an experience that lingers long after the last bite. They greet us like old friends, anticipate our needs, and make every visit special. It’s rare to find a place where you feel this seen and appreciated. On our most recent visit, something truly heartwarming happened—someone paid for our meal. It was an unexpected and beautiful moment, one that only added to the magic that Mission Bistro creates. It’s a place that attracts good people, fosters kindness, and reminds us of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with those we love. We can’t say enough good things about this place. It’s not just a restaurant to us—it’s a little pocket of joy in our lives. We are so grateful for the food, the atmosphere, and most of all, the people who make it so special. Mission Bistro, thank you for always making us feel like family.
    More info
    Mission BistroPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Carmel
    4.6
  • DoreanO
    Las Vegas •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 24 Feb 2025
    Outstanding incredible culinary experience! Worth the wait and will look forward to coming back! Perfection!
    More info
    Le SouffléPrice: Very Expensive• French• Carmel
    4.9
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