FOOD SEAFOOD Catch A seafood haven. Salmon, halibut, shellfish and more. You can order it grilled, fried, tossed with pasta baked on a pizza and…wait, what? That’s right. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 624-5659, catchcarmel.com Flaherty’s Seafood Grill and Oyster Bar Still fresh after almost four decades, this place draws locals and tourists alike for its broad menu. The inviting oyster bar ahelps. Dolores Street and 6th, Carmel. (831) 6251500, flahertysseafood.com Sea Harvest See listing under Monterey. 100 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 626-3626 STEAKHOUSES Mission Bistro Steak and seafood classics, with caviar service. It’s an elegant place, but the menu is hardly staid or snobby. They serve a fine fish and chips and cioppino, as well. Mission between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 5748344, carmelmissionbistro.com Restaurant at Mission Ranch Given the plump sheep grazing on greenery against dramatic views of Point Lobos, there’s plenty of charm to go around at Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch. Mission Ranch Hotel, 26270 Dolores St., Carmel. (831) 6259040, missionranchcarmel.com. Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse This boutique steakhouse fashions itself as a temple of meat and wine—and mixology designed “to keep boring people away.” As elegant as caviar, as casual as a bowl of grits. But the focus is on wet- and dry-aged steaks. 7th and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 293-7600, 7dsteakhouse.com Delis/Markets/Shops 5th Avenue Deli If you’ve seen it at a deli, they offer it here, from soups to hot meals to grab-and-go sandwiches, Just don’t pass up their desserts. 5th between San Carlos and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 625-2688, 5thavedeli.com Bruno’s Market & Deli A selection of prime meats, produce and other goods, as well as beers and wines. Bruno’s also offers a pickup menu of cold and hot sandwiches, grilled meats and—on weekends—luxuries like prime rib or baked salmon. 6th and Junipero, Carmel. (831) 624-3821, brunosmarket.com Breadsong Breadsong is a sandwich shop that stacks them both hot and cold, but also a bakery. For a unique treat (if it happens to be on the menu), try the chicken bacon doughnut sandwich. 102 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 999-3030, thebreadsong.com Carmel Honey Company Local honey that has pollinated a range of flowering things. So there are honeys of different hues and flavors, in jars large or small. Mission between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 687-8511, carmelhoneycompany.com Gold Leaf Spice & Teas These people are serious about spices, but especially about teas. Whether you are looking for a white peony or a ti kwan yin from China, they import loose leaf teas from around the world. 3690 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 7537700, goldleafspiceandteas.com Nielsen Brothers A grocery with local products, from olive oils to chocolates. The wine shelves also have local bottles. And there are salads and sandwiches for take away. A popular Carmel quick stop— one that has parking underneath. San Carlos and 7th, Carmel. (831) 624-6441, nielsenbros.com The Cheese Shop To step into this narrow space is to travel the world in cheese, wine and other goods. The finest cheeses, the little-known artisan treasures—it’s all here. You think sampling will help you make up your mind? No, that just adds to your want list. It’s a must experience. Ocean and Junipero (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 625-2272, thecheeseshopinc.com Cafes/Bakeries/Ice Cream/ Other Treats Cafe Carmel Part coffee shop, part ice cream parlor and a favorite for breakfast or sandwiches. There are muffins, cookies, cakes and more. Ocean between Mission and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 624-3870 Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. They roast organic beans, served at all three locations—all popular hangouts, too. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 626-2913; 3720 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 620-0844; 246 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 626-8784. carmelcoffeeroasters.com Cottage of Sweets They call them sweets here, not candy. It’s a British-style shop, after all. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 6245170, cottageofsweets.com Dutch Door Donuts 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 Gelato by the Sea The recipes were crafted in Florence, Italy. The ingredients are imported for greater authentic84 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 43 Fisherman’s Wharf Monterey 831-288-6218 montereybaycreamery.com Homemade Ice cream, SHakeS & SundaeS
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