82 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 FOOD Casanova A much-loved cottage that is French and Italian, right down to its Dover sole meuniere and mushroom ravioli. But at lunch one can find a cheeseburger—on brioche, with pomme frites. 5th between Mission and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 216-3811, casanovacarmel. com L’Escargot The menu is inspired by country French, suiting the restaurant’s courtyard. Think terrines and steak frites, rabbit, chicken and veal— unfussy fare, yet with a worldly flair. Mission near 4th, Carmel. (831) 620-1942, escargotcarmel.com La Bicyclette La Bicyclette is a little bit French. But it can favor Italian, with pasta and pizza from a wood-fired oven. It’s a cozy and popular corner space. Dolores and 7th, Carmel. (831) 6229899, labicycletterestaurant.com Le Soufflé Here they treat souffle and other French classics with proper etiquette. Lunch guests choose either a two- or three-course menu. The menu changes seasonally, but you can be certain of one item. 5th and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 250–5314, lesoufflecarmel.com Lugano Swiss Bistro You make a commitment when you settle inside the wood-paneled walls of Lugano Swiss Bistro because, well, it’s Swiss. That means hearty foods and big pots of fondue— not just the cheese version, either. 3670 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 626-3779, swissbistro.com GLOBAL/ECLECTIC Cafe Luna Cafe Luna owes its popularity to an eclectic menu. It’s part coffee house, part bakery (don’t miss traditional Mediterranean cookies), but it also specializes in ramen and Mediterranean street fare. Ocean and Mission (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 250-7815 Carmel’s Hidden Gem Restaurant Everyone is looking for a hidden gem, right? The restaurant features fresh, local flavors and a menu that treads easily between fine dining and familiar comfort. Mission between 4th and 5th, Carmel. (831) 250-7811, carmelshiddengem.com Grasing’s Restaurant As Bon Appétit proclaimed, “Grasing’s turns local ingredients into inspired cuisine.” Not only that, the restaurant is known for its impressive wine list. Mission Street and 6th, Carmel. (831) 624-6562, grasings.com Links Club Fun, casual dishes, including street tacos, a classic Chicago dog and more because when you’re frustrated at having hacked your way to a double bogey, you want something comforting. The spot includes six Trackman golf simulators. Ocean and Mission (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 250-7816, linksclubgolf.com Pangaea Grill 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. Ocean between Lincoln and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 624-2569, pangaeagrillcarmel. com PortaBella Here you can choose between European and American classics, paired with a glass of California wine. There is an elegance to the preparations. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 624-4395, portabellacarmel.com Vin by the Sea This wine-focused restaurant sports a menu clearly designed by a chef with classic training and broad interests. One might find arancini, etoufee, meatballs or karaage. As you can imagine, it is easy to find a wine that pairs with each dish. Dolores between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 250-5100, vinbythesea.com INDIAN/THAI/VIETNAMESE Aabha Indian Cuisine Aabha’s kitchen prepares butter chicken, rogan josh, curries, vindaloos, biryanis, tandoori dishes and more. But when they turn to a variation like tikka masala, it rivals what you find in England. 3690 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 250-5940, aabhaindian.com Chopstix See listing under Monterey. 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel. (831) 625-2622, chopstixboba.com ITALIAN/PIZZA Allegro Gourmet Pizzeria A longtime institution for pizza, pasta and salads. Allegro was the first parlor in the area to treat pizza as gourmet, yet the vibe is low key. 3770 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 626-5454, allegropizzeria.com Enzo Ristorante Italiano Simple fare, stylish approach—that’s the Enzo way. The chef remains true to tradition, so the dishes are not dressed with fusion flavors. San Carlos between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 624-6545, enzocarmel.com Il Tegamino Recipes here are inspired by Italian home cooking. A beautiful Euro-style patio charms as well as the menu. Tucked in a courtyard, which just adds to the Old World ambience. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 238-9608, iltegamino.com Little Napoli 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. Dolores and 7th, Carmel. (831) 626-6335, chefpepe.com Pizza Heaven 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 Vesuvio A highly social locals’ favorite for pizza, pasta and the usual, plus an Italian-leaning wine list. Another major draw: the rooftop bar and lounge, complete with comfy seating and fire pits. 6th and Junipero, Carmel. (831) 6251766, chefpepe.com MEDITERRANEAN Dametra Cafe They speak tzatziki here, and moussaka. But also ravioli and kebabs. There’s even an all-American cheeseburger on the menu. Something for all, including a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. Ocean and Lincoln, Carmel. (831) 622-7766, dametracafe.com Mediterranean Restaurant 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. But there are also burgers and other American selections. Lincoln and Ocean, Carmel. (831) 624-5659 Treehouse Café A family-friendly atmosphere lives here, thanks to the tree-shaded raised deck out front. The menu roams the Mediterranean—hummus, gyros, osso buco—but slips in a few Americanisms and Thai favorites, too. San Carlos between 7th and 8th, Carmel. (831) 626-1111, treehousecafecarmel.com MEXICAN/CENTRAL AMERICAN Cultura Comida y Bebida This social hub features a menu focused on traditional and occasionally adventurous dishes—fried grasshoppers, anyone?—with precisely sourced ingredients and a deft touch in the kitchen. A deep selection of artisanal mezcals at the bar. Dolores between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 250-7005, culturacarmel. com Nicolás Cocina de Herencia A concept from Villa Azteca chef Susanna Alvarez, who set the standard for upscale Mexican in the county. The kitchen prepares pretty and exquisite Michoacán classics and three generations of family recipes. Ocean and Junipero (Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 574-8002
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