82 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2024-2025 food La Bicyclette French, Italian La Bicyclette is a little bit French. You’ll see words like canard and boeuf on the menu. But it’s a little bit Italian, with pizza from a woodfired oven. Weekend breakfast service is for those in the know. Dolores and 7th, Carmel. (831) 622-9899, labicycletterestaurant.com Le Soufflé French Here they treat souffle and other French classics with proper etiquette. Diners choose either a two- or three-course menu with several options each round. The menu changes seasonally, but you can be certain of one item. Yes, souffle—both savory and sweet. Reserve well in advance. 5th and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 250–5314, lesoufflecarmel.com Links Club Pub Fun, casual dishes with a little flair, including street tacos, creative nacho variations, a classic Chicago dog and more because when you are frustrated at having hacked your way to a double bogey, you want something comforting. Yes, the spot includes six Trackman golf simulators with more than 100 courses to choose from. Ocean and Mission (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 250-7816, linksclubgolf.com Little Napoli Italian Soothing songs of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin relax the evening, while paintings and photographs of Italy spark conversations. The setting is Old World charm with a quaint courtyard for outdoor dining. Oh—and it’s good. Very good. Dolores and 7th, Carmel. (831) 6266335, chefpepe.com/restaurants/little-napoli Little Swiss Cafe Diner One of the best phrases in the English language is “breakfast served all day.” Too bad Little Swiss Cafe is only open through lunch, but that still gives you time for a stack of pancakes and eggs any way. 6th and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 624-5007 Lugano Swiss Bistro Swiss, Fondue You make a commitment when you settle inside the wood paneled walls of Lugano Swiss Bistro because, well, it’s Swiss. That means schnitzel and other hearty foods, and big pots of fondue—not just the cheese version, either. 3670 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 626-3779, swissbistro.com Mission Bistro Steakhouse Steak and seafood classics, with caviar service. It’s an elegance place, but the menu is hardly staid or snobby. They serve a fine fish and chips or cioppino, as well. Open for lunch, brunch and dinner. Mission between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 574-8344, carmelmissionbistro.com Mediterranean Restaurant Mediterranean Care to guess what you’ll find on the menu? You’d think hints of Greece, Morocco, Italy, Lebanon, and so on. And you’d be right—to some extent. But there are burgers and other American selections, as well. Lincoln and Ocean, Carmel. (831) 624-5659 Nicolás Cocina de Herencia Mexican A new concept from Villa Azteca chef Susanna Alvarez, who set the standard for upscale Mexican in the county. Newly opened in 2024, the kitchen prepares pretty and exquisite Michoacán classics and three generations of family recipes. Ocean and Junipero (Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 574-8002 Pacific’s Edge Global The timeless spot relaxes visitors with soulstirring ocean views, a huge wine list and award-winning cuisine that can be both global and comforting. Even the simple dishes rely on French technique and the finest ingredients. 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel. (831) 622-5445, pacificsedge.com Pangaea Grill Global Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (all boozy—they even have honking breakfast cocktails), it’s hard to tire of this restaurant. Go from rack of lamb to Thai coconut curry to kalbi. And it’s worth traveling the world their way. Ocean between Lincoln and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 624-2569, pangaeagrillcarmel. com Pizza Heaven Pizza Keep it simple with a classic like pepperoni, build your own, try one of their specialty pies or go plum crazy with an exotic offering. Thai curry pizza, anyone? Duck confit? They have it here. 8th between San Carlos and Mission, Carmel. (831) 574-8529, pizzaheavencarmel. com PortaBella European Here you can choose between Spanish, French or Italian cuisine, paired with a glass of California wine. Those are good options to have. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 624-4395, portabellacarmel.com Promesa Spanish Set in a handsome, inviting villa, Promesa offers tapas—as simple as marcona almonds dressed in olive oil and Maldon sea salt or as expressive as ham croquettes—cheeses, charcuterie and a few main plates. Mission between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 5748665, promesacarmel.com R.G. Burgers Burgers Gourmet hamburgers are the mission here, where the Real Good (“RG”) burgers come in Western barbecue, Mediterranean and other styles. RG also serves bison, turkey and falafel burgers. 201 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 626-8054, rgburgers.com Other Brother Beer Co.
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