Restaurants near Point Lobos Ecological Reserve

Upon arriving at the Tickle Pink Inn (3ish miles south in the highlands) we were handed a brochure for dining in the area. We chose Casanova for our first night, and couldn’t have made a better choice. Upon walking into the establishment, my wife pointed out that she felt like we had gone back to Positano. Casanova is quaint yet lively. Her atmosphere charms you and makes you feel like you could sit, converse, drink and eat for hours and hours, just like the Mediterranean experience intends. The food is excellent (go for the Sole). The staff took great care of us. 10/10 would recommend to anybody wandering around these parts of the California coast.

Always an excellent choice with well prepared meal options, nice wines to pair with professional service.

Perfect lunch venue, mussels with toasted bread was super tasty, just enough garlic to make bread dipping necessary, the Point Lobos eggs benedict with avocado and crab cake was easily shareable. And, of course, the view.....speechless!

Amazing service, food was delectable! Everyone’s dish was to die for. Cannot wait to dine here again!

My partner and I dined at Sur at the Barnyard on 6/30/25. I made reservations in advance because we were celebrating our 20th anniversary (there was a helpful spot on the reservation form to note any special occasion). Happy smiles greeted us when we arrived, and our server, Alpha, was there quickly to take drink and appetizer orders. My love, David, enjoyed the clam chowder and was kind enough to share :) and our fried artichoke app and the "don't miss" cheese bread were super delicious. David ordered the Chicken Marsala very much, moist and tender chicken with a flavorful sauce and smooth and creamy mashed potatoes. I chose the Lobster Ravioli... nice bites of lobster in beautifully cooked raviolis, in a lovely marsala sauce with bits of tomato and corn that popped freshness in each bite. Throughout, Alpha was attentive, engaging, and enjoyable to talk to. As he delivered the mains, he teased us as to our visit to "the Arctic" for the dessert course, and continued to mention each time he checked on us. Once we'd completed the amazing meal, it was time to "put on our parkas" and visit the Arctic. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but let me just say that the treat you get when you indicate a special occasion is tremendously fun, completely delicious, and more than enough for 2. We had an amazing time, food, drinks, and ambiance were pure perfection. But truly the star of the evening was Alpha. His presence, care, and sparkling personality truly propelled the evening from lovely and enjoyable to special and memorable. We will ABSOLUTELY be visiting Sur at the Barnyard any time we visit Carmel.