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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Carmel

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of L'Escargot - Carmel restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1238)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 1 time today
Nestled in a residential neighborhood on Mission Street, three blocks north of Ocean Avenue lies a slice of “Old Carmel”. Originally founded in 1958 by Yvan Nopert and his family, Chef – Owner Kericos Loutas carries on the traditions of superb Country French Cuisine and personalized friendly service. A local favorite for casual fine dining in a romantic atmosphere, L’Escargot offers visitors an alternative to the “tourist experience”. The menu changes frequently, as do the specials. A three-course prix fixed Bistro Menu is offered nightly.
A photo of Grasing's restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3050)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 25 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 Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3236)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 24 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(1667)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 33 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 Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1938)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 22 times today
Do you love Italian food? A world famous restaurant executive chef says it all by saying, “the best meals in California are at Carmel Bistro Giovanni!” 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 we require a credit card to hold your table with a 24 hour cancellation policy, $25 per person will be applied to your credit card for late cancellations and no shows. *We have a $30 corkage fee for a standard size bottle (750 ml.) 2 bottle maximum per table.
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(220)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 22 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
4.4
Awesome(2256)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 30 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 Yafa restaurant
4.0
Excellent(518)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 1 time today
Yafa Restaurant is a casual corner cafe serving delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes in a warm and homey environment.
A photo of Le Soufflé restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(447)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel
**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN**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
4.5
Awesome(422)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 10 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'.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Markvip
    Los Angeles •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Only thing I would change is have a regular bill so customers can tip more. The machine only shows 25% max on main screen so you’re shorting yourselves tips imo. Your server was excellent
    More info
    Grasing'sPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    4.6
  • Steve
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    It was a very fun evening great wine, great food, and a very fun staff. Not been for years and thoroughly enjoyed it. We hope to return soon
    More info
    L'Escargot - CarmelPrice: Moderate• French• Carmel
    4.8
  • grtfoodvip
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    THE BEST MEAL WE HAVE EVER HAD!! My husband had lobster ravioli that was terrific & I had a seafood dish that had with 7 different seafoods .. crab, mussels. Clams,white fish, shrimp, prawns. All in a yummy ragu sauce with linguine! BOTH OUTSTANDINGLY DELICIOUS! Also shared a great Caesar salad with slices of homemade sourdough with olive oil & balsamic for dipping '!' This is our new go to When we visit Carmel!' The hand painted murals on the walls & background Italian music added to the mood! We had a great server who topped off our amazing experience ‼️👍🌈
    More info
    Carmel's Bistro GiovanniPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    4.6
  • Judyvip
    Texas Panhandle •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Porta Bella was a fabulous dining experience! Cozy atmosphere, attentive staff provided excellent service, and amazing food. Highly recommend this restaurant in the heart of beautiful Carmel!
    More info
    PortaBella RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Carmel
    4.5
  • Connie
    San Diego •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Nov 2024
    Must come and vist Anton & Michel. Excellent service, menu, and ambience. This is one of my favorite restaurant and my friends and I come here regularly. Returning on the 27th for a birthday luncheon for 5 ladies.
    More info
    Anton & Michel RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    4.7

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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