Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Monterey / Carmel? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Le Soufflé

5.0

5 (432)

$50 and over

French

Carmel

About the restaurant

**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.

Top review

Danovip

Dined on Sep 6, 2024

Lunch was fantastic and a very special experience.

La Mia Cucina

4.8

4.8 (981)

$31 to $50

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Stroll along 17th St., between Lighthouse and Laurel and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its fresh ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are “originals, not reproductions.” That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his ravioli dishes, are a renowned local favorite, and for good reason. They are hand made, with all the care that only a lifetime of creative food combining can bring. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for it's fresh fish and meat specials. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula and daughter Michaela, and the service is personal and inviting.

Top review

Aldo

Dined on Sep 9, 2024

Just a perfect restaurant to celebrate my wife’s Birthday! Service , food and ambiance unsurpassed. We are big foodies all around and this place beat them all. Go there now.

Pacific's Edge

4.5

4.5 (3320)

$50 and over

American

Carmel

About the restaurant

Nestled on the craggy bluffs of Carmel Highlands and offering spectacular views of the California coastline, Pacific’s Edge lives up to a well-earned reputation as a destination restaurant. Using ingredients inspired by the local bounty from land and sea, a creative culinary team curates seasonal menus complemented by a storied wine list. Where California casual meets refined dining in a one-of-a-kind location, Pacific’s Edge will surely delight all the senses.

Top review

Tom

Dined 7 days ago

An all-around wonderful experience. Great food, exceptional and friendly service, and one of the world’s most beautiful views.

Coastal Kitchen Monterey

4.7

4.7 (281)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Monterey

About the restaurant

NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH!!

The Coastal Kitchen Monterey is an idyllic setting to enjoy inspirational fine dining. The culinary efforts are on display in the show kitchen and the service team is poised to offer impassioned explanations.

Chef Michael Rotondo’s multi-coursed tasting menu focuses on sustainability and celebrates the bounty of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. A wine pairing of thoughtfully curated wines selected by the Sommelier team is available to complement each captivating course.

Additionally, we are also offering our Champagne Brunch on Sundays for 10am to 2pm.

Dinner Menus: Multiple Course Tasting Menu starts at $145 per person (Tuesday to Saturday Evenings)
3 Course Prix Fixe Menu $85 ( Tuesday to Thursday evenings)
Champagne Brunch Prix Fixe Menu: $75 per person (Sundays from 10am to 2pm)
Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time
Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.

Top review

Keri

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

At our table by the windows, with binoculars provided, we were immediately entertained by the harbor seals at dusk, jumping out of the water and barking on their way back to the beach. We had decided ahead of time to order the 5 course tasting menu with wine pairings. Within moments of ordering, we were presented with our amuse bouche accompanied by a delicious sparkling wine from the Loire Valley. I won't go course by course, or sip by sip, but the real stand-outs were the sugar snap pea soup with treasures of crab and prawns and the red wine braised short ribs were decadent. Our dessert wine paired perfectly with a light cheese cake accented by a tart cherry sorbet and raspberry puree. The staff treated us with such kindness from the moment we arrived till we walked back out the door heading to our hotel room. And all we could say for the rest of the evening was, "What an amazing meal!"

Stokes Adobe Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (700)

$31 to $50

Californian

Monterey

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Mercer

Dined 5 days ago

absolutely great experience. Service is great probably the best pork chop. I’ve ever had enjoyed everything about it. Highly recommended.

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4.7

4.7 (4876)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

The food, service, ambience were amazing! I ordered the prime rib, which is only available on Fridays and Saturdays, and it did not disappoint. That is my favorite entrée to order at the restaurant. I look forward to returning to the restaurant in the future!

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Popular dish

Sardine Factory's "Sorbet on Ice Swan"

Popular dish

USDA Prime Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Abalone Bisque

Nicolas Cocina de Herencia

4.6

4.6 (225)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Carmel

About the restaurant

Reservations are not needed but are recommended, Walk ins are Welcome.

The newest creation from the owners of the beloved Villa Azteca in Downtown Salinas (Salinas City Center), the eatery honoring the Alvarez family patriarch will open Summer 2023 in Carmel Plaza. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will have indoor dining, bar seating and a small outdoor space, serving specialty Michoacán dishes as well as other Mexican favorites, incorporating three generations of family recipes.

Top review

Mickey

Dined 7 days ago

Very friendly, welcoming, and inviting! Food was great, warm, brought out in a timely matter!! Staff very attentive and in it!! Definitely will be joining again!!

Kona Steak and Seafood

4.7

4.7 (66)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Monterey

About the restaurant

KONA Steak & Seafood was voted the "Best New Restaurant" winner on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula for 2023. Located in the popular Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, just minutes from Carmel, Pacific Grove, & all Peninsula cities.
A fabulous menu! Enjoy fresh seafood, lobster, Hawaiian loco moco, fresh ahi tuna, a great bacon cheeseburger, bone-in rib eye, miso-glazed seabass, filet mignon, macadamia nut crusted halibut, entree salads, cioppino, seafood pasta, Maui onion soup, coconut curry soup, and a large host of enticing appetizers. Enjoy KONA's generous portions, good value, & free abundant parking! The house baked desserts are worth a trip on their own..... incredible!! The gorgeous "ZenDen Bar" features full bar & "Tiki Bar" style concoctions curated with house made ingredients, and nightly Happy Hour from 3:00-9:00pm. Local wine list, craft draft beers, kid's menu, dog-friendly lanai/patio dining, continuous lunch & dinner service 7 days a week from 11:00am.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 5 days ago

Four of us went out to dinner. The food was delicious and perfect. I got the teriyaki steak and loved it. My husband got the tuna and loved it. The other person got the salmon and loved it. The dinner appetizer rolls are fresh and delicious. And we loved the dry ice lava cake dessert at the end. Highly recommend for date nights or fancy night out. Staff was friendly and attentive. We will definitely be going back.

Cella

4.8

4.8 (170)

$50 and over

Californian

Monterey

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

Jordan

Dined 7 days ago

Incredible experience. Visited from out of town. Our server Kevin was great, helpful, and friendly. Drinks were amazing as well as all of the food. Would love a second visit but sadly will have to wait until a return trip.

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Experience

Family-Style Mezze Experience

Anton & Michel Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (3193)

$31 to $50

Californian

Carmel

About the restaurant

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”.

Top review

donvip

Dined 2 days ago

Great service and great food. David our server was incredible.

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Popular dish

Classic French Onion Soup

Popular dish

Cherries Jubilee (for two)

Popular dish

GF Black Angus Filet Mignon

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