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Best Fun Restaurants in Carmel

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964 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grasing's restaurant
1. Grasing's
4.6
Exceptional(3052)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 10 times today
DINING UPDATE: Please call restaurant if desired reservation is not available online.Grasing's is open for indoor dining and limited outdoor dining (weather permitting). Please note if stairs are an issue for any guest. Please continue to visit our website a https://grasings.com for menu updates, holiday offerings and special events. Grasing’s, located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, lies along the Pacific Coast in Central California in Monterey County. Celebrity chef partners, Kurt Grasing and Narsai David, truly created a gem. From friendly and professional service, an award winning wine list and seasonally inspired cocktails to the fresh and sustainable local ingredients.Please contact the restaurant to request dog friendly patio seating.
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
2. PortaBella Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1669)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 40 times today
Our cuisine features beautiful specialties from France, Italy and Spain. The dishes are rich in color and flavor.PortaBella is picturesque: awarded First Prize for Beautiful Flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club.The ambience is stylish and romantic, the setting historic
A photo of Il Tegamino restaurant
3. Il Tegamino
4.6
Exceptional(1099)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 8 times today
Just steps off Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel, California, Il Tegamino is Carmel's favorite hidden gem. Wander past Carmel's iconic candy shop to find us tucked behind boutiques in a courtyard off the beaten path. We are a tiny restaurant charmingly hidden in Carmel-by-the-Sea's first courtyard. Dine al fresco in our outdoor space within The Court of the Golden Bough courtyard complete with standing heaters and an awning or feel transported to an authentic Italian bistro in our bustling small dining room. We welcome you to come grab a glass of vino in our new wine room. As a local small business, you will often find owner Giuseppe at your table side to welcome you and serve his menu of Italian comfort food inspired by his upbringing in Southern Italy.
A photo of Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
4. Anton & Michel Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3238)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 27 times today
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”.
A photo of Mission Bistro restaurant
5. Mission Bistro
4.6
Exceptional(481)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 17 times today
Located on Mission Street between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, in Carmel California. Mission Bistro Restaurant is owned by Shaheen Alnuaimi. Our history-rich location is warm, charming, and above all cozy. We offer brunch, lunch, dinner, local, and import wines. Chef Matt Zimny sources from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches with the goal of serving what is fresh and currently available. At Mission Bistro we do Seafood and Steaks right. Cheers!
A photo of Nicolas Cocina de Herencia restaurant
6. Nicolas Cocina de Herencia
4.7
Exceptional(266)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Carmel
Booked 16 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 Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
7. Il Fornaio - Carmel
4.4
Awesome(2257)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 26 times today
Il Fornaio - Carmel is a fun restaurant because it offers a unique Italian dining experience. Customers consistently praise the delicious food, excellent service, and wonderful ambiance. You can enjoy wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, pizzas from an oak wood burning oven, and a wide variety of desserts made daily from scratch. With its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list, it's the perfect spot to unwind with friends or family.
A photo of Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant
8. Carmel's Bistro Giovanni
4.6
Exceptional(1939)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 13 times today
Do you love Italian food? A world famous restaurant executive chef says it all by saying, “the best meals in California are at Carmel Bistro Giovanni!” 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 we require a credit card to hold your table with a 24 hour cancellation policy, $25 per person will be applied to your credit card for late cancellations and no shows. *We have a $30 corkage fee for a standard size bottle (750 ml.) 2 bottle maximum per table.
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
9. Dametra Cafe
4.8
Exceptional(221)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 27 times today
Dometra Cafe is a blast! It's a Mediterranean restaurant with a lively atmosphere that's perfect for a night out. Reviewers love the energetic vibe, live music, and the fact that the staff even joins in on the fun. The food is also top-notch with a wide variety of Greek and Italian dishes. Plus, they have a robust kids menu for the little ones. Whether you're in the mood for hummus or a salmon burger, this place has it all!
A photo of Pangaea Grill restaurant
10. Pangaea Grill
4.5
Awesome(162)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 29 times today
Welcome to Pangaea on Ocean Ave, where culinary excellence meets coastal charm! We take immense pride in announcing that we have been honored with the prestigious title of "Best Restaurant of 2022 and 2023 in Carmel-by-the-Sea."This remarkable achievement reflects our relentless commitment to providing an extraordinary dining experience that delights the senses and captures the essence of this beautiful coastal town. From our exquisite menu crafted with the finest local ingredients to our impeccable service, we strive to create memorable moments for every guest. Join us and indulge in an award-winning culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Stephanievip
    San Francisco Bay Area •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always a favorite…whether a casual bite in the bar, a special occasion or anything in between.
    More info
    Grasing'sPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    •
    4.6
  • Sylvia
    San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Anton & Michel’s is one of the best restaurants in Carmel! The ambience, the food and the service was outstanding! We celebrated our 35th anniversary at the restaurant and they made it very special from wishing us a happy anniversary when we walked in the door to the wonderful dessert we had at the end of the meal! We recommend this restaurant to all for special occasions or when you want a great meal with great service!
    More info
    Anton & Michel RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    •
    4.7
  • Claudia
    Mexico City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    After coming here for a few times, this charming Italian restaurant has become a must for us while in Carmel. The food is beyond exceptional. My fav is the Ragu, Jessepe mother’s recipe, which seem to be part of the menu for the last 10 years. You may experience here something infrequent at other places, the friendliness, and charisma the owner makes you feel at home .
    More info
    Il TegaminoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    •
    4.6
  • Judyvip
    Texas Panhandle •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Porta Bella was a fabulous dining experience! Cozy atmosphere, attentive staff provided excellent service, and amazing food. Highly recommend this restaurant in the heart of beautiful Carmel!
    More info
    PortaBella RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Carmel
    •
    4.5
  • Richardvip
    New York City •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Just as Wonderful as always great spot great food
    More info
    Mission BistroPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Carmel
    •
    4.6

Discover best fun restaurants in Carmel

Discover a delightful dining experience in the heart of California's Central Coast with our curated selection of restaurants in Carmel, Monterey, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Renowned for its scenic beauty and culinary diversity, this area presents a range of dining spots that promise not only great food but also a fun atmosphere. Each restaurant offers a unique blend of flavors and experiences, perfect for those looking to add a touch of excitement to their meals. Whether you're craving innovative California cuisine, freshly baked pastries, or wood-fired pizzas, there's something here to invigorate your taste buds. The dining scene here is characterized by its commitment to quality and a vibrant ambiance, making it a prime destination for both locals and tourists. Enjoy exceptional service, stunning views, and a lively environment that together create unforgettable dining moments. Ideal for anyone seeking a fun and flavorful escape, these restaurants ensure a memorable culinary journey on the California Central Coast.

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