Monterey / Carmel Restaurants
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Award winning restaurants in California Central Coast
Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Monterey / Carmel
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Le Soufflé
Price: Very Expensive•French•5(479)**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN (CLOSED JUNE 23-JULY 4)**
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.Chez Noir
Price: Very Expensive•French•4.9(41)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.
La Mia Cucina
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.8(1,055)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.Cella
Price: Very Expensive•Californian•4.8(302)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•4.8(1,295)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.Old Fisherman's Grotto
Price: Expensive•Seafood•4.7(1,753)Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
Sardine Factory
Price: Very Expensive•Seafood•4.7(5,094)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.Anton & Michel Restaurant
Price: Expensive•Californian•4.7(3,378)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”.
Carmel's Bistro Giovanni
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.7(2,078)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.Shearwater Tavern
Price: Moderate•Country kitchen•4.6(121)Located in the idyllic seaside community of Carmel, Shearwater Tavern features breakfast and dinner within the Carmel Mission Inn. Our dinner menu has a selection of smaller plates to share along with some larger individual plates.
We have partnered with a local dairy, coffee roaster, honey purveyor and bakery.
Our Chef Jae Moon's focus is on locally sourced seasonal items in an all from scratch kitchen. Our cocktail program features beautiful classic and specialty cocktails along with craft beer and California wines. You must try his House made Parker House rolls.
Outdoor dining in California Central Coast
See what locals rave about in Monterey / Carmel
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- MMariaNew York City •9 reviews5.0Dined 1 day agoA truly wonderful dining experience from start to finish. The food was exceptional, with each dish bursting with flavor and made with fresh ingredients. The snap pea salad was crisp and fresh. Pasta dishes were excellent and fresh. Megan our server was equally impressive – attentive, friendly, and efficient. Highly recommended and will be back next time we are Carmel.More infoStokes Adobe RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey•4.8
- RRebeccaVIPHawaii •19 reviews5.0Dined 1 day agoThe dessert was amazing!! Vanilla creme brulle topped with chocolate mouse. Heavenly!More infoCellaPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Monterey•4.8
- PPaulVIPSan Francisco Bay Area •40 reviews4.0Dined 4 days agohave been eating at Montrio for decades. . .it's inventive, well executed and convivial. Expecially convient if one is attending an event downtown Monterey.More infoMontrioPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey•4.8
- MMichaelCalifornia Central Coast •1 review5.0Dined 5 days agoService was outstanding as always, celebrating daughter’s birthday, her first time in. We had a fantastic dining experience, food, drinks and desserts were great! The view of the was a nice touch. Thank you!More infoChart House Restaurant - MontereyPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Monterey•4.4
- EElisa1 review5.0Dined on Jun 6, 2025We went on a Friday it’s was pretty busy but the service was still great and the breakfast was amazing we loved it all !More infoRosine's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• Monterey•4.6
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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
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Frequently asked questions
Dog friendly restaurants in Monterey / Carmel include Rosine's Restaurant, PortaBella Restaurant and Carmel's Bistro Giovanni
Child friendly restaurants in Monterey / Carmel include Rosine's Restaurant, Kona Steak and Seafood and Sardine Factory