Hungry? The eclectic, seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent destination for dining, offering an impressive variety of chef-driven restaurants for a town of its size. Nestled on California’s Central Coast with direct access to some of the state’s finest growing regions, Carmel features outstanding eateries and several celebrated annual food festivals.
Where to make your reservations:
- Aubergine (Monte Verde at Seventh): A multiple James Beard Award nominee led by Executive Chef Justin Cogley. Don’t miss the daily-changing eight-course tasting menu for a refined, seasonal experience.
- Little Napoli (Dolores and Seventh): Charming, old-school Italian ambiance with comforting country-style dishes and Chianti served by the glass—perfect for a cozy meal.
- Basil Seasonal Dining (San Carlos between Ocean and Seventh): Focused on organic produce and seasonal ingredients, Chef Soerke Peters crafts inventive plates complemented by creative cocktails. A favorite in the city center.
- Vesuvio (Junipero and Sixth): Southern Italian specialties and wood-fired pizzas prepared in a traditional Italian oven, ideal for casual, authentic flavors.
- La Balena (Junipero between Fifth and Sixth): Voted Carmel’s Best Restaurant in 2016 by locals, La Balena is known for rustic Italian dishes and memorable desserts like Limoncello Tartufo and Spumoni Bomba.
Whether you crave an elegant tasting menu, classic Italian comfort food, or inventive seasonal cooking, Carmel-by-the-Sea’s dining scene delivers a surprising range of high-quality options within a short walk of its scenic downtown streets.