Monterey / Carmel Restaurants
Make a free reservation
Visa Dining Collection
Get exclusive access to primetime reservations and access to special events at some of the country's hottest restaurants.
Book for dinner in California Central Coast
Introducing OpenTable Icons
New restaurants to OpenTable in California Central Coast
Award winning restaurants in California Central Coast
Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Monterey / Carmel
Updated on
Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.
Spotted Duck
Price: Expensive•Bistro•5(189)Join us at our welcoming establishment and indulge in the captivating flavors and unmatched ambiance that can only be found under the guidance of Chef Jerry Regester.
Small Restaurant, with BIG flavors!
From our beloved Duck liver pate, seasonal salads, to seared Duck Breast, or Caramelized Sea Scallops, Chef Jerry personally creates your dinner.
Come into a restaurant that cares for you from the front staff to the kitchen. We look forward to meeting you!Le Soufflé
Price: Very Expensive•French•4.9(477)**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.
Cella
Price: Very Expensive•Californian•4.7(293)Discover CELLA Restaurant + Bar at Cooper Molera Adobe in Downtown Monterey. Step into a sleek, historic venue with a heated pergola and stunning local woodwork. General Manager Bernabe DeLuna leads an exceptional wine program with a remarkable staff. Savor seasonal cocktails and mocktails crafted by Barkeep Joshua Perry. Chef Ben Spungin & Chef Cal Stamenov create an ever-changing menu inspired by the bountiful central coast. Join us and experience the neighborhood's culinary gem!L'Escargot - Carmel
Price: Moderate•French•4.9(1,293)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.
Pizza Heaven
Price: Moderate•Pizza Bar•4.8(40)Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Carmel-by-the Sea, Pizza Heaven entices both locals and tourists with its welcoming atmosphere and delightful menu.
Our delightful restaurant features a dog-friendly heated patio, where four-legged friends are invited to join their owners in indulging in a variety of culinary delights. From specialty pizzas brimming with distinctive flavors to timeless favorites that never disappoint, Pizza Heaven caters to all tastes.
In addition to pizza, the menu offers an enticing selection of options including pastas, salads, and Mediterranean pies, ensuring there's something for everyone. To elevate the dining experience, carefully chosen local and regional wines are available, adding a touch of sophistication to every meal.
Whether you're in search of a laid-back lunch spot or an intimate dinner setting, Pizza Heaven guarantees a taste of culinary delight amidst the coastal allure of Carmel, California.Bayview Grille
Price: Moderate•American•4.4(21)After a round or anytime, relax and enjoy delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and stunning views from our Clubhouse Restaurant. Our chef uses fresh, local ingredients to create a range of dishes perfect for golfers and families, whether dining indoors or on the patio. Whether you’re watching the game at the bar or savoring a meal with a view of Monterey Bay, Bayview Grill is sure to be a favorite. Daily specials showcase the best of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay, featuring gourmet burgers and hot dogs. If you prefer to unwind, the bar offers specialty drinks and six local microbrews on tap. Chef Caleb brings creativity and expertise to the kitchen, using fresh, local ingredients to craft dishes that delight both the palate and the senses. His attention to detail and presentation make each dish a work of culinary art, whether it’s a special tasting menu or a unique twist on a classic.
Sardine Factory
Price: Very Expensive•Seafood•4.7(5,088)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.Stokes Adobe Restaurant
Price: Expensive•Californian•4.8(860)Stokes Adobe is a new restaurant located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes. The menu offers chef driven seasonally inspired California cuisine. The bar and cozy outdoor fire pits offer classic cocktails, wines by the glass and local beers.
Carmel's Bistro Giovanni
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.7(2,061)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.Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant
Price: Moderate•French•4.6(463)Walk-ins' are taken starting at 11:30 am. Reservations accepted for dinner only, and walk-ins' accepted when possible.
Fifty eight years ago, Elaine and Pierre Boissiere established their eponymous restaurant at its current location, years before Carmel Plaza shopping center was built around it. They sought to offer the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea a relaxing and comforting venue modeled after a European chateau where tables are thoughtfully spaced and fresh flowers, fireplace, candles and soothing musical notes are integral part of the dining experience. The ambience sets the tone for French country food served with a great deal of care for detail and pastries baked daily on premises. It is a testament to their far sightedness that Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant continues to fulfill their vision to this day.
Outdoor dining in California Central Coast
See what locals rave about in Monterey / Carmel
- AAlanHawaii •3 reviews5.0Dined 1 day agoCompliments to the chef. Food was superb! Absolutely deliciousMore infoChart House Restaurant - MontereyPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey•4.4
- WWilliamSouthwest Florida •1 review5.0Dined 1 day agoMarco our water and bus person was delightful and one hard working team player!!More infoSchooners MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey•4.6
- CCarlosSan Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews5.0Dined 1 day agoBeautiful setting. Great service. The food was outstanding. We had an appetizer, the entree and a desert. All tasted amazing.More infoStokes Adobe RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey•4.8
- KKathyVIPSacramento / Sacramento Valley •134 reviews5.0Dined 4 days agoCreative menu, great service, always a favorite dining spot.More infoMontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey•4.7
- LLesVIPSan Francisco Bay Area •51 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoI've eaten here for years. The food is really good!More infoRosine's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• Monterey•4.6
Trending dishes in Monterey / Carmel
Restaurant experiences trending in California Central Coast
Private Dining
Private Dining
Discover Monterey
The California Central Coast is rich in sunlight, ocean views, and fabulous food. There are plenty of ways to burn calories, including a hike along the beach, a visit to the remarkable aquarium or a long stroll through one of the large shopping centers! Once you're ready to dine, Carmel is all set to help you out. Carmel cuisine has long been influenced by French tradition, and in addition to wonderful California wines, you can enjoy anything from delicate pastries to locally harvested salmon. Carmel restaurateurs have also done a great job of putting old buildings to new uses. Looking for a romantic spot? Consider making reservations at a corner table tucked into an old house for an intimate dinner.
Dining around Monterey / Carmel Hot Spots
Landmark
Shopping area
Train Station
Stadium or Arena
Theatre
Popular area
Institution
Convention Center
Monument
Museum
Park
Attraction park
Marina
Gallery
Golf Course
Business area
Ferry
Ski lift
Hotel / Lodging
Nearby Cities
Frequently asked questions
Dog friendly restaurants in Monterey / Carmel include Rosine's Restaurant, PortaBella Restaurant and Anton & Michel Restaurant
Child friendly restaurants in Monterey / Carmel include Rosine's Restaurant, Kona Steak and Seafood and Chart House Restaurant - Monterey