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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Carmel

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grasing's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3096)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 29 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 Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1998)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 36 times today
An artful, romantic setting with an international wine list and amazing cocktails. Try some of our specialties: the "Mamma Mia" features mouth-watering meatballs with pasta and southern Mediterranean-spiced sauce, Veal Osso Bucco, Lamb Shank, steaks, and a plethora of seafood including halibut, salmon and sand dabs! For our gluten-free guests, we can also provide gluten free pasta and bread. *Patio availability depending on weather. We do have plenty of heat lamps but do not have covered tables outdoors. Please understand this when booking.* For parties of 6 or more and special events we require a credit card to hold your table with a 24 hour cancellation policy, $40 per person will be applied to your credit card for late cancellations and no shows. We will hold your table for 10 minutes.*We have a $30 corkage fee for a standard size bottle (750 ml.) 2 bottle maximum per table.
A photo of Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3311)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 31 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(1705)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 61 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 Dametra Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(257)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 43 times today
Dametra Cafe is a gem in the Monterey neighborhood, known for its healthy, high-quality Mediterranean food delivered quickly. The distinctly Greek decor adds to the charm. Reviews rave about the friendly atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food. One customer shared, 'the food was fresh & authentic, and the vibe was familial. It was like being at a family party.' With its lively environment and consistently high ratings, Dametra Cafe is definitely a neighborhood favorite.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2300)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 33 times today
Il Fornaio - Carmel is a neighborhood gem, serving authentic Italian cuisine in downtown Carmel. The restaurant consistently receives high ratings for its food, service, and ambiance. Reviewers praise the restaurant's 'fabulous food and service', 'wonderful dining experience', and 'real authentic Italian cuisine'. They also appreciate the restaurant's accommodating staff, good value, and the ambiance of the venue. It's a local favorite and a recommended place to dine in Carmel.
A photo of The Hog's Breath Inn - Carmel restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1044)
Price: Moderate
• American • Carmel
Welcome to the famous Hog's Breath Inn, Carmel.Formerly owned by Clint Eastwood, and sold to a good family friend, Kaiser Morcus,a seasoned restaurateur, hotelier, grocer, butcher and entrepreneur.​PATIO DINING, LUNCH & DINNER, OPEN 11 AMOur belief is that you are what you eat.
A photo of Le Soufflé restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(461)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel
**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 Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(438)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 14 times today
Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant is a beloved gem in the Carmel neighborhood, serving up French comfort food with a warm and cozy atmosphere. It's been delighting diners for over 58 years. Reviews glow with praise for its 'wonderful food, ambiance, service and management', 'great service', and 'delicious food'. It's a place where you can 'bring back memories of the many wonderful small, family owned restaurants you find in France', and it's been dubbed 'one of the true jewels of Carmel'.
A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2410)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 29 times today
Casanova Restaurant Carmel is a neighborhood gem. It has a rustic and charming setting that transports you to the south of France. Reviewers consistently rave about its romantic ambiance, excellent food and service. A recurring theme is the quality of the Italian and French flavors. It's a place that locals and visitors alike love to return to.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Elizabeth
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everything was wonderful - food, wine, ambiance, and especially service. One tiny quibble was that they did not dumb the table between dinner and dessert, but maybe they were slightly understaffed that night. Our server was otherwise perfectly attentive and knowledgeable!
    More info
    Grasing'sPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    4.7
  • LornaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great Valentine meal at Anton et Michel. They had planned well for a busy night with plenty of staff, and did not over book. We received a friendly greeting and were promptly taken to our table. There are various dining spaces, all are modern and inviting. Marco provided friendly and prompt service. Since my spouse doesn’t drink, I appreciated that they had a nice selection of half bottles, including several sparkling wines. My husband had the filet mignon, which he found an excellent quality and cooked a perfect medium rare. He would have liked a bit more sauce, so he will ask for extra next time we visit. I had the seafood fricassé, which included scallops, shrimp and smoked salmon ravioli in a decadent cream sauce. We ordered cherries jubilee table side for dessert. The presentation was lovely with an abundance of cherries. The perfect ending to a delightful meal. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Anton & Michel RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    4.7
  • Mary
    California Central Coast •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Couldn’t have been better! Food was excellent- service excellent. Brought friends who had never been there and they were talking about who else they wanted to experience this with because it was so amazing! Thank you for a wonderful time!
    More info
    Carmel's Bistro GiovanniPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    4.7
  • janetVIP
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Dinner at Portabella was perfect; from the cozy atmosphere, a warm greeting when we arrived, wonderful service from Veronica, and undoubtedly some of the best food in Carmel, our experience was fantastic. As a part-time resident of our beautiful city, I am so happy to have this gem of a restaurant be better than ever!!
    More info
    PortaBella RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Carmel
    4.5
  • Stephanie
    Houston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We came here on the first day of our honeymoon and had the best time! Music was amazing, food was phenomenal and service was OUTSTANDING! Will recommend Dametra time and time again! It is a gem in Carmel!
    More info
    Dametra CafePrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Carmel
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Carmel

Discover the hidden treasures of the California Central Coast dining scene with our curated list of neighborhood gems in Carmel, Monterey / Carmel area. Each restaurant offers a unique blend of ambiance and culinary excellence, making them standout choices for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic dining experience. From the rustic charm of European-inspired eateries to the cozy allure of local seafood spots, these establishments are celebrated for their exceptional service, delightful atmospheres, and delectable dishes. The dining scene in Carmel is renowned for its eclectic mix of fine dining and casual, intimate venues, where the focus is on delivering both quality food and a memorable dining experience. These neighborhood gems, often tucked away in quaint courtyards or charming streets, provide an ideal setting for a romantic evening, a family dinner, or a special celebration. Patrons consistently praise these restaurants for maintaining high standards in both cuisine and service, often highlighting the skilled preparation of both local and international dishes. Whether you’re craving freshly prepared seafood, classic French comfort food, or authentic Italian dishes, these neighborhood gems in Carmel have something special to offer. Perfect for anyone looking to explore the culinary delights of the California Central Coast, these restaurants encapsulate the charm and sophistication of Carmel’s vibrant dining culture. Make your reservation today and experience why these eateries are cherished as true neighborhood gems.

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