Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast

Best Authentic Restaurants in Carmel

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

9 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Chez Noir restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(49)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 21 times today
Chez Noir is Jonny and Monique’s love letter to Monterey County, celebrating its finest ingredients. We offer a $165 four-course menu in the dining room and on our patio. Our wine program focuses on independent producers, with an all California wine pairing, and select bottles from the West Coast, Spain and France. A no-show fee of $165 per person will be charged to parties who cancel less than 48 hours before their reservation. This policy applies to reductions in party size.Please note that Chez Noir is designed for adults. While we leave the decision to bring children up to the discretion of the parents, it is essential that all guests, no matter how small, be included in the guest count. We do not offer off-menu dishes or high chairs. We do not have a phone; for more info, please email info@cheznoircarmel.com.
A photo of Nicolas Cocina de Herencia restaurant
4.5
Awesome(373)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Carmel
Booked 22 times today
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.
A photo of Enzo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
4.0
Excellent(467)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 2 times today
If a Western Mediterranean version of life exists, you will find it nestled between Ocean ave and Seventh st on San Carlos Street in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The European style village nestled above a picturesque white sandy beach is the perfect backdrop to "ENZO". At Enzo, you will be beckoned by the rustically charming patios surrounded by draping bougainvillea on a sundrenched day or the cozy and simplistic interior warmed by the fireplace when the cool fog blankets the coast.Calabria is a southern region in Italy where the owner, Enzo, comes from. Calabria is a place where life is still slow. It's the beauty, the passion, the family, the love...this is what you will find at Enzo...simplicity, love, comfort, family!
A photo of Terry's Lounge at the Cypress Inn restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(18)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Carmel
Booked 10 times today
Wrap up your day, and begin a lovely evening with dinner at Terry’s Lounge. Our delicious entrees feature fresh local ingredients and Tapas items are perfect for sharing. Cypress Inn proudly features and pours a fine selection of Monterey County wines and is the premier cocktail bar in town.When defining the classic cocktail, it is impossible not to recall the sophisticated Golden Age of Hollywood, when libations went hand in hand with sultry seductions, cheery celebrations and raucous parties, and evoked the effortless style and sophistication of the movies in which they played a part. We feature a classic cocktail program that invites you to relive this pre and post prohibition age with a little Doris Day Hollywood flair.
A photo of Village Corner California Bistro restaurant
4.4
Awesome(145)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Carmel
Booked 4 times today
Village Corner California Bistro is a dining institution in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, that locals and travelers have been frequenting for 70 years. Experience our new menu as we work to carry on the tradition guests and Locals have enjoyed for decades. Illy Cafe Full Espresso menu Full Wine List featuring Local & California Wine Enjoy Bloody Mary, Bellini, MimosaCertified Green RestaurantLocal Fish SpecialsPrime SteaksWild Foraged MushroomsVegetarian Dishes Vegan Dishes - Daily Vegan SpecialsImpossible BurgerAl-fresco DiningOutdoor PatioDog FriendlyKids MenusGluten Free Menu, Gluten Free Corn Pasta, Gluten Free Hamburger Buns, Gluten Free Breads, Gluten Free Bagels & English Muffins, Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas. BrunchBreakfastLunch Dinner Wine DinnersFull Beer SelectionWe accept We Chat Pay
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5116)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 63 times today
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.
A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Monterey restaurant
4.4
Awesome(7072)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 57 times today
Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.
A photo of Monterey Marriott Special Events restaurant
3.7
Very Good(2)
Price: Moderate
• Speakeasy • Monterey
Join us for our live entertainment series at Live at Characters Bar. Featuring local musicians and performers from the longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world, the annual Monterey Jazz Festival.Located inside the Monterey Marriott, Live at Characters is a popular entertainment destination for locals and travelers.
A photo of Bayview Grille restaurant
4.5
Awesome(22)
Price: Moderate
• American • Seaside
Booked 1 time today
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.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • KarenVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Incredible food and staff in a gorgeous setting. Everything we ordered was delicious. Can’t wait to go back.
    More info
    Nicolas Cocina de HerenciaPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Carmel
    4.5
  • Gisele
    Las Vegas •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great atmosphere, service was amazing, and food was delicious!!!
    More info
    Terry's Lounge at the Cypress InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Carmel
    4.7
  • Michael
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Top 10 meal of all time. The salmon crudo and quail were spectacular. The service amazing. Both owners, one being the chef, came by to ask about our meal and experience. Well deserving of their Michelin star.
    More info
    Chez NoirPrice: Very Expensive• French• Carmel
    4.9
  • Judy
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 19, 2025
    The food was excellent and the service was fun and exceptional. We ate outside in the patio area and it had a quaint and romantic air about it. We would go back and highly recommend a visit to Enzos if you’re in the mood for some great Italian food!
    More info
    Enzo Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    4
  • Adrian
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 9, 2025
    This restaurant quickly became our favorite to visit during our vacation! We loved the service as well as the delicious food and laid back ambiance. Multiple servers checked on us to make sure we were having the best possible experience and we very much appreciated their dedication, of course they were already doing amazingly! My favorite dish was the pecan crusted French toast and the Diablo Skillet was just what I was searching for our entire vacation. Definitely would recommend anyone stop her to grab a bite anytime of the day!
    More info
    Village Corner California BistroPrice: Moderate• Bistro• Carmel
    4.4

Discover best authentic restaurants in Carmel

Discover the essence of authentic dining in California's Central Coast, particularly in the charming locales of Carmel and Monterey. This region is renowned for its vibrant dining scene, offering a unique blend of culinary experiences that highlight local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Whether you're seeking the rich flavors of freshly caught seafood, the refined tastes of French cuisine, or the heartwarming comfort of Italian dishes, the area's restaurants promise an authentic and memorable gastronomic journey. Each establishment in Carmel and Monterey is celebrated for its commitment to authenticity, delivering dishes that are not only delicious but also true to their cultural origins. The ambiance of these dining spots varies from cozy and intimate to elegantly sophisticated, catering to a range of preferences and occasions. Patrons consistently praise the knowledgeable staff and welcoming service, enhancing the overall dining experience. Local reviewers often highlight the freshness of the ingredients used, attributing this to the close relationships restaurants maintain with regional farmers and suppliers. Whether it's seafood pulled directly from the nearby Pacific waters or locally sourced produce that stars in every dish, the focus on quality and sustainability stands out. In summary, if you're exploring Carmel or Monterey and have a penchant for authentic dining experiences, the diverse and rich culinary landscape of this region is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you with lasting memories of exquisite taste and exceptional service.

OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo