Best Restaurants for Foodies in Carmel

11 restaurants available nearby

1. Grasing's

4.6

Exceptional(3053)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Carmel

Booked 7 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.

2. Treehouse Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(266)

Price: Expensive

• Global, International • Carmel

Booked 10 times today

Treehouse Cafe offers global fare in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

A photo of Sur at The Barnyard restaurant

3. Sur at The Barnyard

4.4

Awesome(497)

Price: Expensive

• American • Carmel Valley

Booked 22 times today

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

A photo of Schooners Monterey restaurant

4. Schooners Monterey

4.5

Awesome(3020)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Monterey

Booked 43 times today

Schooners Monterey is a foodie haven, offering sustainable seafood and contemporary American cuisine. Reviewers rave about the fresh and organic food, with one stating 'the food is exquisite and you can taste the quality of the ingredients.' The restaurant's location over Monterey Bay and stunning views further enhance the dining experience. The commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood, creative cocktails, and an impressive wine list make Schooners a top choice for foodies.

5. Rio Grill

4.7

Exceptional(2464)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Carmel

Booked 10 times today

Rio Grill, located in the Crossroads in Carmel, has been the place to meet friends, enjoy tasty, flavorful food and relax with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine for over 38 Years.Chef Luis Osorio creative American dishes are some of the most flavorful, colorful and vibrant on the Monterey Peninsula and celebrate flavor in every mouthwatering bite!In addition to the main dining room, Rio Grill has a comfortable lounge and full bar serving refreshing libations including the restaurant’s famous "Rio Rita.” The bar is lined with colorful caricatures of local faces and celebrities. Rio Grill's award-winning wine list by Wine Director, Gabe de la Vega, features more than 250 labels featuring a ton of local wineries and an extensive selection available by the glass.

6. Montrio

4.6

Exceptional(4198)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Monterey

Booked 11 times today

Montrio is a foodie paradise, as described in reviews. Patrons praise its 'exceptional food', 'spectacular menu', and 'creative cocktails'. It's noted for its 'sustainable seafood', 'fine quality meat', and 'Monterey County’s best produce'. Montrio offers a 'fine European inspired-American cuisine' with a focus on local, high-quality ingredients. It's also noted for its 'exquisite presentation' and 'notable wine list'.

7. Passionfish

4.8

Exceptional(7213)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Pacific Grove

Booked 16 times today

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.

8. Covey Grill

4.4

Awesome(312)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Carmel

Booked 1 time today

Taste the fresh ingredients harvested from local organic farms that are hand selected by Executive Chef Goran Basarov and exquisitely prepared by his culinary team into the savory dishes available on our new menus. Covey Grill features a casual elegance with its indoor and outdoor dining located alongside the natural backdrop of Quail's sparkling pond and lush gardens. Our Carmel, CA restaurant is proudly guided in the principles of sustainability by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch and focuses on local farm to table options.We offer a variety of menus throughout the week between our two restaurants, Covey Grill and Edgar's Restaurant. Wednesday Dinners Chef Goran exquisitely curates our Love Thy Neighbor menu each week, a unique three-course dinner for $59++. 5PM-9PM every Wednesday.We offer our Sunday Dinners from Edgar's Restaurant with a unique menu curated with our Quail Lodge Golf Members favorite items from 5PM-9PM every Sunday.

A photo of Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa restaurant

9. Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

4.5

Awesome(854)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Monterey

Booked 16 times today

LIVE MUSIC every Thurs. & Fri. 5:30pm–8:30pmEstéban Restaurant: Spanish-inspired California cuisine.This local favorite offers indoor & outdoor patio (pet-friendly) diningUp-to-date hours: Open for BreakfastMon. – Fri. 7:00am–10:00amOpen for dinner Sun. – Thurs., 4:30pm–8:30pmFri. & Sat., 4:30pm–9:00pmTapas Happy Hour daily 4:30pm–6:00pmLive Spanish Guitarist: Thurs. – Fri. 5:30pm–8:30pmOpen for Brunch: Sat. & Sun. 9:00am–1:30pmGift Certificates Estéban Restaurant, the 2024 Diners' Choice award winner, carries on the Munras family tradition of culinary hospitality and excellence. It offers authentic Monterey dining in the historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a unique culinary experience featuring traditional Spanish-inspired California cuisine with a pinch of adventure. Choose from shared plates and classic selections. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/EstebanRestaurant and Instagram at instagram.com/estebanrestaurant/

10. La Mia Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(1004)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pacific Grove

Booked 4 times today

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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Mike
California Central Coast •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great service, very attentive at the table, but not bothersome. Short ribs were amazing and the pairing with the wine was just right.
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Grasing'sPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
•
4.6
P
Patriciavip
Los Angeles •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent, as always. Food ingredients very fresh Server and hostess were nice and thorough Highly recommend.
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Rio GrillPrice: Moderate• Californian• Carmel
•
4.7
J
Julie
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
First time here, and loved the outside seating. Service was great, and the food was wonderful! Will definitely return!
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Schooners MontereyPrice: Expensive• Californian• Monterey
•
4.5
J
Jessie
New Orleans / Louisiana •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Some amazing flavors and a unique menu. Enjoyed by all!
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Treehouse CafePrice: Expensive• Global, International• Carmel
•
4.7
RD
RossD
California Central Coast •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had a delicious dinner served by Austin. He is the perfect amount of attentive!
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Sur at The BarnyardPrice: Expensive• American• Carmel Valley
•
4.4

Discover best foodies restaurants in Carmel

Discover a culinary treasure trove in the Monterey / Carmel area, where each restaurant caters to the refined palates of foodies. This region, known for its diverse and vibrant dining scene, offers an array of eateries that specialize in everything from fresh seafood to authentic Italian and exquisite French cuisine. Food enthusiasts will appreciate the emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and the skilled craftsmanship that goes into every dish. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy French bistro experience, a seafood feast near the coast, or a sophisticated Italian dinner, you're sure to find a spot that not only meets but exceeds your culinary expectations. The restaurants in this area are praised for their exceptional service, welcoming atmosphere, and the ability to provide a memorable dining experience. Each establishment reflects the unique charm and elegance of California's Central Coast, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and culinary adventurers alike.

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Carmel

Best Restaurants for Foodies in Carmel

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11 restaurants available nearby

1. Grasing's

2. Treehouse Cafe

3. Sur at The Barnyard

4. Schooners Monterey

5. Rio Grill

6. Montrio

7. Passionfish

8. Covey Grill

9. Estéban Restaurant at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

10. La Mia Cucina

See what locals rave about

Discover best foodies restaurants in Carmel

Explore OpenTable