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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Carmel

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(229)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 29 times today
Dametra Cafe is a hot spot in Carmel due to its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Greek cuisine. Customers rave about the high-quality food, friendly service, and engaging environment. The restaurant is consistently packed with its live music and energetic ambiance. One reviewer even mentioned that the restaurant 'erupts into a middle eastern dance party', making it an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1677)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 59 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 Schooners Monterey restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3029)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 24 times today
Schooners, suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay, is a stunning restaurant featuring sustainable seafood and approachable, contemporary American cuisine. The ideal location for celebrating the Central Coast and the spectacular coastal region, the Schooners team commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood is reflected in the creative menu which features a variety of seafood options, both raw and cooked, as well as appetizers, soups, salads and main courses. A creative cocktail menu is served alongside an impressive wine list highlighting Monterey County vintners.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1624)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 49 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4963)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 26 times today
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3749)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 51 times today
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean combined with world-class dining on historic Cannery Row, just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The newly renovated Fish Hopper, housed in an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular views of the stunning Monterey Bay from every table, including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, certified Angus beef, pastas, and live shellfish. Our seafood is either locally caught or shipped in fresh daily, and our produce is locally grown in the Salinas Valley. Some favorites include fresh Monterey Bay abalone, macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” bone-in rib eye, and fresh Dungeness crab. Start your meal with our award-winning clam chowder, and indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations or a selection from our extensive wine collection. While enjoying your delicious meal, you can watch sea otters at play and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale.
A photo of Rio Grill restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2468)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 13 times today
Rio Grill, located in the Crossroads in Carmel, has been the place to meet friends, enjoy tasty, flavorful food and relax with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine for over 38 Years.Chef Luis Osorio creative American dishes are some of the most flavorful, colorful and vibrant on the Monterey Peninsula and celebrate flavor in every mouthwatering bite!In addition to the main dining room, Rio Grill has a comfortable lounge and full bar serving refreshing libations including the restaurant’s famous "Rio Rita.” The bar is lined with colorful caricatures of local faces and celebrities. Rio Grill's award-winning wine list by Wine Director, Gabe de la Vega, features more than 250 labels featuring a ton of local wineries and an extensive selection available by the glass.
A photo of The Whaling Station Steakhouse restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2424)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Monterey
Booked 13 times today
The internationally acclaimed Whaling Station Steakhouse, perched just above Steinbeck’s Cannery Row has been Monterey County’s #1 Steak House for over 50 years, The Whaling Station takes the term “Steakhouse” seriously...Select your USDA Prime cut of the USA’s finest beef from a silver tray or enjoy our slow-roasted USDA Prime, Prime Rib. An award-winning wine list and full spirits bar compliment your dining experience. Serving Dinner and cocktails from 4:30pm daily. The Bar at The Whaling Station Steakhouse has its own menu and its own local following, with drink specials and lively conversation served nightly. Parking in our private lot. A private, 50-seat banquet room is also available.
A photo of Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4299)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 30 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of El Torito - Monterey restaurant
3.9
Excellent(1199)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Monterey
Booked 24 times today
The authority in great Mexican food for over 70 years! Visit us for weekly celebrations where we infuse tradition with authentic Mexican cuisine, including $4 happy hour, $3 Taco Tuesday, Saturday Breakfast and All-You-Can-Eat + Drink Sunday Brunch. Experience a celebration of Family, Food & Community!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LauraVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We absolutely know we will be treated like royalty when we visit Old Fisherman’s Grotto. Once again they delivered. Sal made us feel like family. We started with calamari and artichokes with a nice drink from the bar. The calamari was crispy with the sauces adding a bit of excitement to each bite. The artichoke was creamy and rich. Bread and butter was served. We felt relaxed and never in a hurry. After the appetizer we put in the order for dinner, double lobster tails for him and 1/2 crab, salmon and grilled shrimp for me. We were both so happy with our meals. Dessert was the cherry on top, ollalieberry pie a la mode for him and and beautiful chocolate and vanilla cake with strawberries for me. Our water was constantly refilled. The view of the harbor was also very relaxing. I can’t wait until we are in town again to enjoy the hospitality once again.
    More info
    Old Fisherman's GrottoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    4.7
  • DanelleVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •73 reviews
    4.0
    Dined today
    We had not been to Porta Bella in all our years coming to Carmel. We are glad we finally did. The salmon was fresh and delicious. Our server was quite competent. The atmosphere was cozy. It is a short walk to our hotel, La Playa.
    More info
    PortaBella RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Carmel
    4.5
  • Dana
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    First timers, but will definitely return again. Wonderful restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. We were seated in the Captains Room. The ambiance was exquisite. I can only describe the service as impeccable, they know how to treat their customers and make the dining experience a delight! Brandon and Pedro were absolutely wonderful!
    More info
    Sardine FactoryPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Monterey
    4.7
  • RussellVIP
    Los Angeles •38 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Expect live entertainment, and audience participation. A fun evening.
    More info
    Dametra CafePrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Carmel
    4.7
  • Shaheen
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 16 Dec 2024
    I found this place in the magazine and turned out to be a fantastic restaurant by the water ! Easy to find and there are plenty of street parking! The staff were wonderful and amazing services ! I will visit this place again soon ! There are many shopping places near by as well!
    More info
    Schooners MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
    4.5

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Carmel

Discover the culinary delights of California's Central Coast with our guide to the hottest dining spots in Carmel, Monterey/Carmel. Renowned for their exceptional service, these restaurants offer a variety of atmospheres from cozy and intimate to vibrant and bustling, catering to all dining preferences. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, authentic Italian, or exquisite French cuisine, you'll find establishments here that boast top-tier menus, expertly crafted by chefs who prioritize quality and authenticity. Each restaurant not only promises delicious meals but also a memorable dining experience, thanks to their commitment to excellence in both food and service. The dining scene in this locale is characterized by its blend of high-quality ingredients, culinary expertise, and inviting atmospheres, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Embrace the charm of Carmel and Monterey/Carmel, where each meal is prepared with passion and served with a smile. Whether you're a local or a tourist, these hot spots are guaranteed to provide an exceptional dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.

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