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Best Authentic Restaurants in Carmel

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26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Il Tegamino restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1128)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 18 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 Nicolas Cocina de Herencia restaurant
4.5
Awesome(309)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Carmel
Booked 18 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
4.3
Awesome(455)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 15 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 Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2300)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 21 times today
Il Fornaio - Carmel is a gem of authentic Italian cuisine in downtown Carmel. As one reviewer noted, it serves 'Real authentic Italian cuisine.' The menu boasts wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, house-made pastas, and pizzas baked in an oak wood-fired oven. The restaurant's name, 'Il Fornaio,' which means 'The Baker' in Italian, speaks to its commitment to traditional Italian cooking.
A photo of Pangaea on Ocean Ave restaurant
4.4
Awesome(194)
Price: Moderate
• Asian • Carmel
Booked 30 times today
Pangaea Grill is a Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant's menu features a variety of Asian fusion dishes, as well as classic comfort foods. Pangaea Grill is known for its bold flavors, ample portions, and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is located on Ocean Avenue in Carmel, California. Pangaea Grill is open for lunch and dinner, and also offers a happy hour menu. The restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(257)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 45 times today
Dametra Cafe is a gem of a restaurant that truly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. It's all about the authenticity here, with reviewers praising the 'fresh & authentic' food. The atmosphere is often described as familial and fun, and the owner is commended for being 'welcoming'. Plus, the live music and dance parties add an extra layer of authenticity. The food is 'delicious' and 'fresh', with dishes like hummus, lamb shish kebab and baklava being fan favorites.
A photo of Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1999)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 24 times today
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.
A photo of Edwin's Kaona Carmel restaurant
4.2
Awesome(185)
Price: Moderate
• Asian • Carmel
Booked 5 times today
Edwin's Carmel is a South East Asian Fusion Restaurant located in the heart of Carmel by the Sea, CA.
A photo of Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(438)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 9 times today
Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant has been a fixture in Carmel for 58 years, offering an authentic French dining experience. Reviewers rave about its 'excellent, authentic French cuisine' and 'very good prices'. The ambiance is often compared to a 'chateau' with 'fresh flowers, fireplace, candles and soothing musical notes'. The restaurant is also renowned for its daily-baked pastries. Customers appreciate the 'friendly and helpful' service and the 'wonderful homey ambience'.
A photo of L'Escargot - Carmel restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1266)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 3 times today
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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Andrew
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was interesting and flavorful as always with excellent service and a festive and tasteful atmosphere for a lovely Valentine’s Day. We’ll be back ASAP. Will be back for churros, chicharrones and guacamole, and the mitaki birria. Incredible!!
    More info
    Nicolas Cocina de HerenciaPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Carmel
    4.5
  • KathyVIP
    California Central Coast •66 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We celebrated Valentines Day with a wonderful dinner and superb service. Our server - Aeden was so attentive and professional, it just made the evening more perfect for us. We have never been disappointed in anything we’ve ordered- this is our neighborhood go to and we just love the ambience and menu, also a great cocktail and wine selection.
    More info
    Il Fornaio - CarmelPrice: Moderate• Italian• Carmel
    4.6
  • GustavoVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    As busy as the restaurant was, every staff member was attentive to our needs and friendly. A restaurant of great teamwork and delicious food without a doubt.
    More info
    Pangaea on Ocean AvePrice: Moderate• Asian• Carmel
    4.4
  • KaylaVIP
    Las Vegas •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Amazing experience here! The wait staff, ambiance, and food were all top notch. As a Carmel local this will now be one of our go to restaurants. The zucchini with bread basket appetizer was like nothing we’ve had before.. sooo delicious. My husband got the seafood pasta and said it was the best he’s had in his life and he orders it everywhere lol. I got the fig and asiago ravioli and it was soo so good, creamy yet light!! We got the warm filled donuts for dessert which were also amazing.
    More info
    Il TegaminoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    4.5
  • Katie
    Coastal Georgia •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Feb 2, 2025
    The food was excellent, homemade fresh pasta and delicious sauces. Would definitely return for the food; however, the noise level was horrible. It’s a small, quaint place with only a few tables inside and we were seated next to a large party (which took up 85% of the dining room) who were loud, rude, and drunk. The food was lovely but our table couldn’t even hear eachother or the waitress. If you go, request to sit outside or your ears will be ringing by the end of your meal!
    More info
    Enzo Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    4.3

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.

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