Visitors Guide 2024

86 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2024-2025 food Bakeries, Ice Cream and other Treats Cafe Carmel Part coffee shop, part ice cream parlor and a favorite for breakfast or sandwiches, Cafe Carmel is a local go-to. There are muffins, croissants, cookies, cakes and more. You can even find strudel. Ocean between Mission and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 624-3870 Cottage of Sweets They call them sweets here, not candy. It’s a British-style shop, after all. However, there are global flavors and more licorice than you can imagine. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 624-5170, cottageofsweets.com Dutch Door Donuts Southerners swoon when the neon light glows at Krispy Kreme. That’s Dutch Door Donuts, but all the time. And far better. They fry doughnuts to order, so you have to wait a bit. But you are rewarded with crispy, airy delight. Ocean and Mission (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 250-7901, dutchdoordonuts.com Lafayette Bakery Artisan breads and traditional French pastries (hello, warm croissant!) are among the offerings at this family-owned cafe. The pastry chef trained all over Europe and applies all of that sweet and yeasty knowledge. Grab a cup of coffee and spend an excellent morning. 3659 The Barnyard #E22, Carmel. (831) 915-6286, lafayette-bakery.com MYO Pure Frozen Yogurt Weekly readers have repeatedly crowned MYO Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt in the county. Flavors range widely and wildly—go savory or sweet, at three popular locations around the area. 157 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 574-3228, myofrozenyogurt.com Rise+Roam Call it the best of both worlds. Rise+Roam bakes breads and pastries you can take with you. But it also has a restaurant side where they turn dough into meals—pizza, sandwiches. So you can have your bread and eat it, too. Mission and 7th (Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 574-2900, riseandroamcarmel.com Sweet Reba’s People are justifiably disappointed when they see that last slice of a favorite cake or the last cookie disappear. But there are other favorites to find at this popular spot for baked treats. 206 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 6014818, sweetrebas.com Coffee, Tea, Juices Carmel Coffee House and Roasting Company Coffee roasted on premises and in small batches is enough. But they also stock loose teas. And there is an outdoor seating area. Ocean between San Carlos and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 626-2095 Carmel Valley In the Village: Baum & Blume Eclectic Its several decades of existence is a testament to the kitchen. What makes this place so distinct is that they provide take-home meals, are a boutique shop and a patio lunch place in one. And they serve popovers. 4 El Camino Road, Carmel Valley. 659-0400, baumandblume.com Cafe Rustica European The charming Cafe Rustica brings the flavors of Italy, Alsace and California together in one irresistible package. The setting is casual and so is the food. 10 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley. (831) 659-4444, caferusticavillage.com Corkscrew Cafe Pub It’s all about the ambiance—almost—at this pleasant garden spot with plenty of natural stone. The menu is small, which allows the kitchen to focus on what they do well. But with burgers, pizza, fish tacos and the like, there’s enough. 55 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 659-8888, corkscrewcafe.com Kathy’s Little Kitchen Diner Bacon and cheese on a burger is just about as adventurous as things get at Kathy’s Little Kitchen, and that’s just fine. Sometimes you want comfort—a homey omelet or some chicken salad. 13 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 659-4601 Mika Sushi Japanese Sushi and other Japanese dishes, but also with a Korean flair. The menu is extensive, especially when it comes to rolls. 9 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley. (831) 652-3069, mikasushi.menu11.com Roux European The Euro-comfort food capital runs the gamut on California-Mediterranean style cuisine, but features many Spanish- and French-leaning dishes. 6 Pilot Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 6595020, rouxcarmel.com Running Iron Restaurant and Saloon American Steaks and country-style fare are served up in the casual atmosphere of a neighborhood bar and restaurant. In this case, the neighborhood is Carmel Valley Village. 24 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 659-4633, runningironrestaurantandsaloon.com Trailside Cafe American With the help of a sunny front deck, long craftbeer bar and pebbled beer garden, the emphasis here is on accessible fare like sandwiches, mac and cheese and tri-tip. 3 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley. (831) 298-7453, trailsidecafecv. com Delis, Markets and Shops Lady & Larder Cheese plates and charcuterie plates made to order for your special occasions—even if that Woodward Marine Market

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