Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Monterey / Carmel? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Le Soufflé

5.0

5 (453)

$50 and over

French

Carmel

About the restaurant

**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN- (CLOSED 2/17-2/21)**
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.

Top review

M .VIP

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

Soufflés aren’t only for dessert!!!!! Savory lunch done as a soufflé is magical. The borscht soup was incredible as was the salad and the stars of the show were the Garlic Soufflé and Mushroom Soufflé both striking to the eye and tummy. With only 16 seats you feel special with owner Lisa at your side as your host for lunch. This is Carmel hidden lunch gem.

Cella

4.8

4.8 (221)

$50 and over

Californian

Monterey

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

eileen

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

Our favorite restaurant in Monterey. Excellent food, service, and historical location. Thank you so much!

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Experience

Family-Style Mezze Experience

Passionfish

4.7

4.7 (7259)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.

Top review

CherylVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We are visiting the Monterey area and this restaurant was recommended by a friend. We enjoyed the biscuit, sea scallops, and whole cooked rainbow trout. Staff was very friendly and attentive.

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Maple-Banana Bread Pudding

36 Degrees North at San Juan Oaks Golf Club

4.7

4.7 (67)

$31 to $50

Californian

Hollister

About the restaurant

The signature restaurant at the newly reimagined San Juan Oaks Golf Club. 36º North brings an upscale ambiance and memorable dining experience through seasonally inspired California cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. With a dramatic olive tree featured as an iconic centerpiece, the scene is set for gourmet dinners and special occasions.

Top review

Joel

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent food, excellent experience,Excellent service will definitely go back. Highly recommend!

Coastal Kitchen Monterey

4.6

4.6 (315)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Monterey

About the restaurant

NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH!!

The Coastal Kitchen Monterey is an idyllic setting to enjoy inspirational fine dining. The culinary efforts are on display in the show kitchen and the service team is poised to offer impassioned explanations.

Chef Michael Rotondo’s multi-coursed tasting menu focuses on sustainability and celebrates the bounty of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. A wine pairing of thoughtfully curated wines selected by the Sommelier team is available to complement each captivating course.

Additionally, we are also offering our Champagne Brunch on Sundays for 10am to 2pm.

Dinner Menus: Multiple Course Tasting Menu starts at $145 per person (Tuesday to Saturday Evenings)
3 Course Prix Fixe Menu $85 ( Tuesday to Thursday evenings)
Champagne Brunch Prix Fixe Menu: $75 per person (Sundays from 10am to 2pm)
Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time
Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.

Top review

Andy

Dined 3 days ago

A fabulous meal. We did the three course fixed price. Every dish was superb. Even the freshly made rolls and butter were heavenly. Incredible service in a white tablecloth setting. And a low noise level so we could talk to each other!!! If we lived closer we would be regulars.

Nicolas Cocina de Herencia

4.6

4.6 (295)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Carmel

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Joe

Dined 2 days ago

Spectacular experience the Mexican food was very authentic. The plate was enormous. Actually we couldn’t finish it. All. Everything was so delicious. The service was beyond expectation will highly recommend to anyone.

Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette

4.5

4.5 (1296)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Marina

About the restaurant

Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette is an award-winning upscale seafood restaurant in Marina, CA. Indulge in a culinary experience like no other with a live show kitchen, tantalizing oyster bar, and perfectly cooked steaks. Join us for daily happy hour and enjoy our carefully crafted cocktail and wine program. Savor weekend brunch while relaxing on our pet-friendly patio. Whether you're planning a wedding, memorial, or business dinner, our private dining spaces are available to create a memorable event. Come and discover why our seafood restaurant is a top choice for those seeking exceptional cuisine and unforgettable dining experiences in Marina, CA. Open Monday - Friday from 2 PM- 9:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10AM - 9:30PM.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

We had such a lovely experience here! The food was amazing, special shout out to the octopus tacos with mole and the huevos rancheros! Whoever is in charge of the Mexican dishes is crushing it, lean in more guys. Our servers, Danny and Katie were excellent, so was the support staff. 10/10 would go back.

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Popular dish

Grilled Oysters

Sur at The Barnyard

4.4

4.4 (516)

$31 to $50

American

Carmel Valley

About the restaurant

Voted "Best Restaurant in Carmel Valley 2023"!

Located in the picturesque Barnyard Shopping Village just off of HWY 1 between Rio Rd and Carmel Valley Rd. Sur at the Barnyard is where foodies, beer lovers and families escape the stresses of their day-to-day lives to enjoy a great meal!

If you don't see a reservation available give us a call anytime and we will be happy to assist!

Need a reservation for 7 or more? Give us a call at 831-250-7188 or email us any requests at reservations@suratthebarnyard.com

Top review

SoniaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

The lobster ravioli was incredible! The staff was friendly and attentive. I would definitely visit again.

Pangaea on Ocean Ave

4.3

4.3 (180)

$30 and under

Asian

Carmel

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

NeilVIP

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

First time there and went for breakfast. It was great, we will go back!

Edwin's Kaona Carmel

4.2

4.2 (181)

$30 and under

Asian

Carmel

About the restaurant

Edwin's Carmel is a South East Asian Fusion Restaurant located in the heart of Carmel by the Sea, CA.

Top review

Xin

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

Great food, cute location, friendly server! Also had live music- a bonus since it was unplanned-for. Since we had a group of 4, we went for the "small" island basket, which was 3 entrees and 2 appetizers on a giant woven basket / platter. Very special experience (and SO much food :-) Only downside was that we'd originally made lunch reservations but the restaurant was clearly not open when we showed up (on time for the reservation itself; half an hour after the restaurant's opening time for the day). Ended up going in for dinner instead (hence the "unplanned" part of the live music). Would highly recommend, aside from the owner's opening-up glitch.

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