The 28 best spots for quiche in Carmel

The food was good , but the behavior was not . We felt a sense of racism there, it’s a cash only restaurant so after the food was done , we got the receipt and asked the person for collecting the cash because we saw a previous American couple paying for their order and the waiter coming to their table and collecting the cash . But when we indicated several times to them., no response , we finally paid at the counter ourselves. It’s not a big deal for us , but it’s not good bejng treated differently.

Cash Only. There are 2 MUST REVISIT places every time that I come here: one is Patisserie Boissiere for their French onion soup and salad combo, and the second is Katy's Place for breakfast. They have over 15 variations of Eggs Benedict, everything from a more traditional style to a lobster eggs Benedict. They can also do the same dozen styles but in an omelet. The 2 of us shared the corned beef eggs Benedict and pancakes short stack. My favorite must-have is their huge, fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a side of Canadian maple syrup. OMG. Our 2 pancakes were big enough for the 4 of us to share. One the best. Great service. But CASH ONLY.

Avoid this place – total tourist trap. This was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had. First, be aware that this place is cash only, they don’t allow split bills, and refuse to provide an invoice — which is suspicious and likely a way to evade taxes. I sincerely hope local authorities take a closer look. The service was incredibly poor. They messed up my order, charged me for an item I never ordered, and then made a huge fuss about removing it — even though it was clearly their mistake. The food quality is subpar, definitely not worth the price. On top of everything, I accidentally left my sunglasses on the table, and the server, who clearly saw them, chose not to return them. I only got them back because another customer pointed them out as I went back to correct the bill at the cashier. This place survives off unsuspecting tourists. Don’t fall for it. There are far better places around with honest practices and decent food.

Their crab eggs Benedict was exceptional! And there are so many other eggs Benedict’s to try!

Katy’s place is located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-sea! My wife and I decided to try this restaurant on our last day! We decided to dine in (They do have a nice outdoor seating area as well)! The breakfast was great and very filling! We were satisfied with our choice of entree! We wish we were in town long enough to try some of the other menu items as well! The only downside to this place was that they only accepted cash! Not to many people just carry cash in the times we are living in! This is hurting the business! Especially if you have tourist coming into the city! I would reconsider why you are only taking cash and not allowing people to pay via credit card!

This place is odd. My elderly mother and I arrived at 9:29 am and they told us they were about to close. We were shocked and have never heard of a restaurant that stops serving breakfast at 9:30 in the morning. They still allowed us to order so we put our order in quickly. Mom ordered pancakes that were huge and fluffy but had absolutely no flavor. I ordered a ham and cheese omelette that was good. When it came time to pay, we were aware of their cash policy but were short on the cash ($48 for two breakfasts-steep!) so I ran to the ATM. Paid our bill and closed the place down with the staff by 10:00 am. Won’t go back because of the strange hours, mediocre food, and strange staff. They seemed put out they had to serve one additional table before they closed at 9:30, but we were thankful they allowed us to put in an order because we were hungry. Yin/yang experience for us.

Great breakfast spot. Bring cash they dont take credit cards.

A relatively small shop that was decently busy, probably because of its location. We spent just over $10 for a chocolate chip cookie and an eclair. The cookie was moist, not in the sense of being a good, soft cookie, but rather in the sense that it absorbed moisture while sitting there. It was still good, however. The eclair was not much to rave about. The filling was light, with a good amount of sweetness. The shell was stale as opposed to crisp and delicate, and the chocolate glaze was tasteless.

Best coffee and bakery in town. My husband tried 3 in one day and we came back here a few times! Line goes by fast! Worth the wait. Lobster tail was my favorite pastry!

Carmel classic finally gave it a try! Every time I’ve been to Carmel (even way back when I was a teen!), there’s always a line outside Carmel Bakery. So this trip, we finally decided to see what the hype was about. The display case looked tasty. Giant pretzels, colorful macarons, tons of pastries, and gelato that totally grabs your attention. I’m a pistachio lover, so I went straight for the pistachio gelato affogato and a pistachio cannoli. Both looked exciting, but the flavor was a little more artificial than I expected. I was hoping for that fresh, nutty, homemade pistachio vibe. Still, I appreciated how nicely presented everything was and how many options they had. I’d definitely come back to try something different next time. Maybe one of their famous everything pretzels or an eclair. The spot itself is iconic, and the staff were friendly even with the line out the door. Overall worth another stop on.

It’s got some good sweet treats but I honestly don’t know what all the fuss is about. Maybe I need to come back and try a breakfast burrito in the morning. I’d come back but it’s not THAT good that I’d wait in a super long line for like we’ve seen before. Small little shop so not really any place to sit. The staff was fine although I sensed a little annoyance from the guy taking our order. He was shoving food in his mouth while taking our order and was rolling his eyes when we asked for stuff they were out of.

There is always a long line here. We decided to wait in the line this time and we were pleasantly surprised with the pastries. Almond Horns are our favorite. The pistachio mousse cannoli is very delicious.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ Food: Coffee & Pastries Pretty much another bog standard Carmel coffee shop. They all seem the same. It wouldn’t be fair to call this a bakery as it’s not in the traditional sense. Yes, you can buy pastries and a good selection too, but no bread. Staff are friendly and the coffee decent. The pastries are nothing to write home about though but were good sized for the price. Not sure why there are such long queues either. Hey ho! What I liked: • Large pastry selection • Decent coffee • Friendly service What I didn’t like: • Unnecessarily long queues • Could have arranged the seating better • The pastries whilst ok could have been made much, much better. Do I recommend going? YES Will I go again? YES Was it good value? Relatively Price Point: $

Delightful little stop, there was a long lineup to order but the line moves pretty quickly. We got the mango gelato, walnut pastry & shortbread cookie - everything was absolutely delicious. This place is California’s oldest bakery and running for over 120 years.

Small coffee shop, the coffee and their pastries are D-eliciousssss! Overpriced but it was worth it since everything we ordered was yummy. My kid loved his Jasmine-Chamomile tea👌👌

The Carmel Coffee House in Carmel-by-the-Sea is such a cozy and charming spot! ☕🌿 It perfectly captures the vintage American vibe — from the warm décor to the friendly atmosphere. Every corner feels alive with history, surrounded by beautiful trees and artistic charm. It’s the ideal place to relax, sip coffee, and enjoy the peaceful culture of this lovely town. Don’t miss this spot when you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea — it’s truly unforgettable! 🌸🇺🇸

Got the depth charge and spring special chocolate truffle mocha. What was great that they had gluten free as well as vegan options for their famous pistachio cardamom tea cake.

We had a wonderful experience. I run a coffee shop in Chicago so I know quality when I see it and this was it. The beans are roasted in house. The lattes were incredible. The kind gentleman who took our orders and made our drinks was so welcoming and honestly wanted our feedback. The shop is hidden down a beautiful little alley. Then to top it off, we completely spilled a latte and he remade it for free. I will definitely be coming back on my next visit. Thank you for the amazing service. We had the lavender fields latte, crème brûlée latte, and an iced coffee ☕️

Absolutely loved this place! The coffee was delicious—smooth, rich, and perfectly brewed. The vibe is cozy and welcoming. A perfect spot to relax, catch up with a friend, or get some work done. Can’t wait to come back!

Great little coffee shop tucked away in an alley. Their coffee was quite rich, smooth, and freshly brewed. It has a nice cozy atmosphere, and the staff are friendly. Definitely worth checking out.

the logo is so cute so I can’t control myself walking into this tiny lovely garden! Like it

We ate at this place for dinner on a Thursday evening and it was buzzing! Tip is to get here early, we arrived before 6pm and got a table inside, by that time the wait for a table outside was already 1hr. There was live music and people singing along, great vibe! Service was great and the food was good. The view is amazing over the fields and out onto the water! Highly recommend a trip here.

Such a great experience. The food was excellent. I had the prime rib and my wife had the new York steak. They both came with the twice-baked potatoes. The meat was cooked to perfection but the potatoes were a contender for my favorite item. The outside patio had a longer wait but we just hung out in the piano bar. The wait was well worth it, the sunset from the outside tables is very rememberable.

We enjoyed a wonderful brunch at Mission Ranch! A gorgeous day in October. We sat on the back patio. It was about a 30 minute wait but we had a delicious Bloody Mary & listened to the piano player while we waited. Wide selection of food from salads, salmon, omelets, prime rib & lots of desserts. I felt the price of $45 was well worth it. Delicious food & amazing views. Highly recommend!

We went to have brunch at the restaurant. The location is fantastic and so was the service and food. There are three buffets ( one for pastries, desserts and bread one for seafood, clam chowder and one for meat, omelette and other hot dishes being prepared at that moment according to your taste) with a wide selection and excellent quality. We sat inside as it was chilly but the outside area was also great. There are deck chairs to enjoy your coffee outside taking in the beauty of the place. We definitely recommend it.

This is my favorite place in the whole world. The view is expansive and the food is not too expensive and you will be so happy you came here. Peaceful and beautiful. The sheep in the pasture overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the waves crashing on the rocks in a distance. It’s pastoral and wonderful. The staff is so kind. This place feels very casual, but elevated, and the view is the prettiest in California. Carmel is the best and mission Ranch makes it even better.

I suspected their 'no reservations' rule might be too good to be true and it was - it's a recipe for the chaos we witnessed when we tried to get a table on a Wednesday evening in October. I can't imagine what it must be like on a weekend in the summer. I was stuck in 2nd place to put our name on the list for almost 20 minutes as the small waiting area continued to fill up behind me. Every time it seemed like the manager might be able to get to the couple ahead of me, a new hotel guest would come in and jump the line. It would then take a few minutes to seat them, and my partner, who was waiting outside, witnessed her having to kick passerby off the patio and get stuck managing the chaos outside as well. My partner also witnessed a hotel guest having a meltdown because apparently they booked the room just so they could make a reservation at the restaurant to watch the sunset, which the restaurant didn't honor due to said chaos. The no reservations rule seems awful for customers but also so unkind to the staff - this woman in charge of seating was beyond flustered. I would've been, too, in her shoes. They should just have everyone, including hotel guests, make reservations! Oh, and apparently there is some kind of insider rule that if you show up at 3pm and try to reserve a table, they "might" honor it. (***eye roll***) We ended up having a lovely evening walking through downtown Carmel until we found an Italian restaurant with a gorgeous patio and amazing service - Little Napoli - check it out!

We visited on a Friday night for the restaurant only. Such a magical setting - the distant water, fields, trees, flowers, deer, sheep....We were lucky enough to be given a table at the far edge of the patio so our view was of nature. We walked around the hotel and what an adorable place. Truly grateful for the experience.

The staff were very friendly and very attentive ! I would highly recommend this place for an anniversary dinner. It pricy ! But food was delicious . If you are into art. There is a room you can dine in where the famous Picasso use to dine . We had some escargots, stone salad , fish and Wayho steak and finished off with a rich chocolate mouse !

Lovely restaurant and patio is super dog friendly! At least 3 tables, including mine, had a dog but we were all spread out enough that all pups were so behaved. The gnocchi is a must get and the duck and linguini was delicious! Mocktails are available and are so refreshing on a hot day!

Stopped at a favorite in Carmel-by-the-Sea to celebrate. Well worth it. Sat in the courtyard by the old tree for a quick, early dinner. The Fromage D'Affinois plate was perfectly balanced and enough for two. The Carpaccio was nicely done and we finished with Basque Cheesecake and Tiramisu. Pleasing atmosphere, service and food.

Wonderful experience. Beautiful atmosphere. Amazing food. My only complaint is that the busser came and grabbed my plate with 3/4 of my meal, I thought he was perhaps packaging it to go but it must of ended up in the trash. I’m sure it wouldn’t have been the same heated up anyways.

Lovely ambience and service. I like the simple menu with dishes that have been perfected. Favorite part of the night was going to see the tiny private room in the back with a table that Van Gogh ate at.

I had a fantastic time at Casanova! It’s a cozy place with an elegant yet relaxed vibe. My group ordered three starters (burrata, fig salad, and gnocchi) and four main courses (two braised beef cannelloni, pork chop, and rack of lamb). The gnocchi was chef’s kiss! I had the rack of lamb, and it was delicious. I couldn’t resist savoring the meat from the bone, but I have to say, the braised beef from the cannelloni was even better. I highly recommend Casanova!

I had a great experience for dinner in the courtyard. One thing if I were to pick on a as the in time communication between the team that wasn’t 100% picking up my request. But overall it was a very unique time for me.

We came during a weekday, and there was no wait. We sat on the outside and it was beautiful. The staff is attentive and friendly. The food was super delicious! They have this hot sauce that is so flavorful you have to try it. I will be trying to see if I can order this online. The hash is super delicious and I got the artichoke omelette. If you are in town, would recommend to stop by.

Stopped by Village Corner for breakfast and was pleasantly surprised by their gluten-free options. My wife went with the veggie scramble, and I went with the two eggs any style, poached, with thick-cut bacon and rye toast. The rye toast wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but it was still tasty. She also enjoyed a mocha, which she said was just right. The atmosphere was cozy, an ambiance that made for a bright morning. Even though it was a busy Sunday, we were seated quickly, which was a pleasant surprise. Overall, it was a solid breakfast experience, and we'd definitely return next time we're in Carmel.

My wife loved her bologenaise. She said, "hands down the best spaghetti bologenaise i have ever had. No wonder this restaurant was a favorite of Clint Eastwood!" My salmon was perfect. The service was better than anywhere I have ever eaten. Don't make the mistake of not eating here.

The food overall wasn’t great, the spaghetti and pizza were pretty bland. But the veggie burger was actually on point! Service was really good, and we loved the vibe and music

We went here during lunch time, the restaurant was busy. The staff were kind and friendly. We ordered fish tacos, burger and chicken quesadillas. All tasted very nice. I love the setting, it was so cozy and welcoming.

Village Corner gets extra points for being so helpful and kind. Another nearby restaurant gave me grief for bringing in a 12 week old baby in a stroller, but Village Corner happily accommodated me! The omelette was massive and tasty. Bottomless coffee is always a win! Everyone who works here is very friendly. Solid spot for a good breakfast in town!

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ Food: American breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner Carmel is a very pretty, affluent well kept town and this corner ‘bistro’ for want of a better description seems to be a local favourite. It’s easy to see why. This was a breakfast visit and serves all your favourite diner classics along with some upgraded eggs Benedict selections. I look forward to trying the lunch and dinner here one day but will definitely recommend it for breakfast. What I liked: • Very friendly service • Good, well cooked breakfast order • Reasonable price point • The owner is a pro and very nice man who knows how to work the room engaging with his guests. 5⭐️ for him! • Nice courtyard dining area with fire pit What I didn’t like: • Thought the two eggs and hash browns portion size was very small and poor value compared to the Eggs Benedict options. Despite tasting very good I should add. Do I recommend going? YES Will I go again? YES Was it good value? YES (overall) Price Point: $$

Personally found it a bit over-rated and overpriced it’s not bad by any means but here’s my take on what we got: - breakfast plate: a very small portion of food for the price, bacon was very burnt, biscuit was a bit on the overdone side, eggs were standard, jam was tasty. Drinks: The mocha was okay, but I’ve had much better for half the price, orange juice was delicious. chilaquiles: good but nothing special Potato pancake: good Cinnamon roll: very good (not shown on the menu) Overall, I know it’s Carmel, but the value wasn’t there

We had such a wonderful experience at Stationery in Carmel-by-the-Sea! I tried the avocado toast with eggs followed by the Basque cheesecake, and everything was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is cozy and charming, the staff are very kind and attentive, and on a Wednesday around lunchtime there were plenty of seats available. Highly recommend this place!

Heard this was the brunch spot everyone talks about, so had to make this our first stop. Scored a reservation just two days ahead, and I guess we got lucky, because walk-ins looked nearly impossible without a wait once the tables started filling up. Most people went straight for the standard breakfast plate, but we opted for the potato pancake and the chilaquiles. Best call of the day. The potato pancake was one of the best brunch plates I’ve ever had. A perfect stack: light creaminess from Stepladder fromage blanc, fruity sweetness from stone fruit, and that punch of umami from Ibérico ham. The crepe-thin potato pancake underneath gave everything contrast, soaking up the toppings with a little crisp and just enough grease. Absolute magic. The chilaquiles were solid. Balanced flavors, satisfying enough, but after the high of that pancake, they felt a tad plain. If you’re in the area, this place is worth the reservation for breakfast or brunch.

Great, attentive service! The food was a bit overpriced but everything tasted good. The lobster roll was good but not the same as fresh Maine or east coast Lobster rolls in my opinion! My husband loved his chilaquiles and the orange juice was fresh and yummy.

We recently visited Stationery in Carmel-by-the-Sea for brunch and absolutely loved it! The breakfast was delicious, the desserts were fantastic, and the coffee was just perfect. The atmosphere was cozy and the staff were super friendly and attentive. Highly recommend!

Blink and you'll miss this spot. Interesting mix of food on the menu but very delicious. We had the breakfast plate and the chilaquiles. One drawback - no mixed fruit side should cost $14. Lovely staff makes up for any negative.

Stationaery is a delightful breakfast spot with a cozy atmosphere and excellent food. We ordered the French toast, a breakfast plate with a biscuit, eggs on the side, hot chocolate, and a cardamom latte—everything was fantastic! The French toast was perfectly fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness. The biscuit was buttery and flaky, pairing wonderfully with the eggs. The hot chocolate was rich and comforting, while the cardamom latte had a unique, aromatic flavor that I loved. The service was warm and attentive, making the experience even better. Definitely a must-visit for a delicious and satisfying breakfast!

Our expectations were beyond exceeded with this restaurant. Of all the places we ate in the area, this was by far the best! The peach salad was refreshing and contained all the components of a great salad - crunch, a hint of sweetness to balance the arugula, and lots of decadent toppings! We also enjoyed the pizza, which was simple but SO delicious, the gnocchi which was amazing as well, and the apple pie dessert. Our server Desiree was so informative and kind and never rushed us! She made suggestions that enhanced our experience and absolutely upsold us (which we were grateful for because the mushrooms were to die for and that was her rec!). It was my birthday and she made it special with a candle and just being an amazing server. We don’t live local but dream of coming back, and are already planning our next trip around La Bicyclettes availability!

Finally got the opportunity to walk-in to the Michelin star restaurant located at Carmel by the sea. Ordered the Gnocchi parisien and the champignons pizza with the side of spiced oil. The gnocchi was pillowy soft, doused in a bed of creamy and cheesy sauce. The wood oven fired pizza was cooked to perfection with the mushroom topping. Overall great experience and will come again.

Tried to get dinner reservation but the earliest is around August but lunch was available the next day so we took it. I had the lunch special which is the Mezzo Guscio Nero that reminds me of our squid dish but it is a pasta with black sauce. It was tasty but eating the large portion was a tad salty. We also had pizza and steak and fries which are all good. The dessert we had was the least favorite. Overall, we enjoy our time and would visit again.

There was quite a bit of wait for dinner. But we literally forgot about the wait once we had the food. The pizza here is a must-try and unbelievably delicious; the wood-fired dough is just perfect. The soup is amazing—light, creamy and has a beautiful mouthfeel. The salad portion size was surprisingly filling. The space was so charming and inviting; it felt like a little extended getaway from the city. And the servers were accommodating and knowledgeable about the menu. We really had a fabulous time at La Bicyclette!

Had an amazing experience! Went up as a walk in and staff were friendly and welcoming. Went to celebrate my birthday and couldn’t have had a better experience. What really struck me was the sommelier Joseph who was so kind and helpful. Very knowledgeable and friendly as well. Service and food were 10/10!

We thought this was a Michelin-starred restaurant (as the sign at the entrance stated), but when we arrived for breakfast, we realized the glasses didn't smell very good. We saw the hostess wiping the glasses with a rag that wasn't exactly fresh. We decided to Google why the restaurant got a star, but it turns out it didn't. That sign at the entrance is just there to attract attention. I've long since gotten used to this kind of scam and deception, an advertising gimmick

A casual but well managed restaurant. Flow, serving speed, food taste are all very good. No wonder this is a local favorite place.

Came here early Saturday morning with a group of friends and was seated right away with no wait time. The restaurant provided indoor and outdoor seating. The food was delicious. My friends enjoyed their meals. I had ordered the cinnamon roll pancake and the carmel omelette. The pancake was crispy tasting the cinnamon per bite. Couldn’t finish the pancake and saved it for two days, pancake had its texture if you toast it for a few minutes. The omelette was really good paired with the fruit cup. Overall it was a good relaxing sit back vibe at this breakfast spot. Will be back when I’m in Carmel again.

Breakfast Lunch Diner place nestled in the middle of Barnyard in Carmel. The waiting to be seated indoor, outdoor or patio is unbelievably long but worth the wait , they note your preference of seating and send you a text message that gives you real time progress updates on your waiting time remaining and how many parties ahead of your turn to be seated. Our wait was a little over an hour but it was because we went during the prime brunch time of 12pm and 1pm . Our text message to be seated next came promptly and till then we walked around the shops in the barn yard and sat in the garden area soaking up some beautiful golden sunshine. We were seated inside and order taken promptly and served as well. The server was exceptionally courteous and attentive. The ambience is great for noisy conversations but notably a lot of youngsters were present in couples than the loud and larger noisy groups. Pricing wise it was aptly priced and in my opinion not too expensive considering it was Carmel. They have 2 restrooms for access and were clean and well stocked. Worth the visit for the hype (of waiting) 😀👍

My husband and I love this place! The food is very delicious. They serve the most amazing and savory banana walnut pancakes. I loved that we were able to order our personalized “from scratch skillet”. We had a skillet with three eggs, avocado, sour cream, ham, potatoes, cheese, and spinach with wheat toast. It was so filling and delicious! Personally, it was more than enough for two. But heck, we ate all of it! The employees are so friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this place as their food is delicious and there is a variety of options!

Tucked away in a multi-level shop area that is part of a hill slope. Very nice restaurant with relaxed seating areas outside. We ordered eggs Benedict, a mushroom burger, and a tuna melt sandwich. Everything was tasty and the service was good. We very much enjoyed eating here.

Walked in on a Sunday at noon and they were pretty busy, but we only waited about 5 minutes for a table. They don't take reservations. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but I don't think they have AC inside since it felt warm and stuffy. Menu is huge with lots to choose from. Very reasonable prices. Service was decent. Located on the lowest floor in a plaza with a huge parking lot We ordered the triple D sampler plate $24 and sausage benedict $18. I liked how they don't upcharge for customizing to egg whites. Huge portions and everything was delicious. My only complaint is that the chili was salty, was mostly meat, and didn't have much beans. Overall, great brunch food, big portions, reasonable prices. Highly recommend

The breakfast was amazing! The omelet was stuffed with toppings, and it felt like two thick slices of real bacon were inside. The potatoes were seasoned deliciously. I still dream about this breakfast after leaving vacation.

Do not waste your time or money on this overpriced, overrated place unless you enjoy a whole order of gnats & flies with your meal. It was the worse I have ever experienced anywhere. The flies are one thing but the gnats, which were everywhere is an indication of filthiness despite the image the dining area attempts to convey. I cannot believe I turned my nose up at Black Bear over this place. I am extremely disappointed over the experience. I only wish my only loss was the $100 spent but it wasn’t. What was suppose to be a nice enjoyable moment has left me completely dissatisfied. I wish you could see all the bugs in my photos but unfortunately they were moving faster than I could keep up with. I lost my appetite over the conditions and tried to cancel my order but unfortunately it had already been prepared so I asked for it to be packaged to go, even though I had No intention of eating it given my keen observation of things. I wanted to leave that package food on that table as a clear indication of my disgust, however, out of regard for those I was with who managed to fan off the bugs as they quickly woofed down their food, I didn’t.

The place is really cute, with cozy decor. The service is good and efficient. They have two counters where you can order—most people don’t seem to notice the second one. I’ve been here twice. The first time, I got an almond milk cappuccino, an Apple Jack (I love the juice), vegan tofu scramble, and my husband had the veggie sandwich. The second time, I went for a vegan croissant and tiramisu take out. It’d be great if they had more vegan options. I’m giving the food a 3/5 because the flavor is just… bland. No seasoning at all. My tofu scramble was dull, and my husband’s sandwich barely had any taste. They really need to improve the flavor.

I visited this lovely coffee shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea with my friends, and it was such a beautiful experience! ☕🥪🍫 The coffee has an amazing flavor, and they also serve delicious sandwiches, hot chocolate, and a variety of sweet treats. The warm and cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax, chat, and enjoy good food. A must-visit spot for anyone who loves great coffee and a peaceful vibe in Carmel! 🌿

Found this little cafe restaurant in the interior walkways of Carmel while browsing the shops and looking for a place to stop to eat. Carmel Belle had a large variety menu to choose from. We ordered to very different styles of food, more like a lunch and dinner plates, between my spouse and I. We had the BLT and grilled salmon. I was assured salmon would not disappoint even with a very busy Saturday lunch rush, and not the regular restaurant that would serve salmon. This place was terrific! The owners are wonderful people and waiters are polite and helpful! We look forward to stopping by here again on our travels! Thanks Carmel Belle.

Came because we saw a review about the scone being really moist, and it was true — ginger apricot, maybe the best scone I’ve ever had. Poached eggs done just right, and the sausage was tasty too. Good service and good fireplace ambience.

Quick cafe, crafted sandwich recipes. Philly cheese sandwhich was tiny, Brie and chicken was better sized with half melted cheese. Both meals served with a fresh side salad including cucumbers. Over all this was the quick and cheap deli stop we had planned on in the shopping center.

This was hands down the best coffee I’ve had outside of Italy. They offer an (Italian style) macchiato and I was dubious but I went for it. Whoa! So good. Smooth I love sugar in my espresso but it was unneeded here. Plus, they offered it in a “for here” cup. And we sat outside people watching. Really a wonderful spot to chill in an adorable town.

Carmel Belle is a hidden gem! The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal or a coffee break. The menu offers a variety of delicious, fresh, and wholesome options, with something for everyone. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the service is quick without feeling rushed. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, Carmel Belle is always a great choice. Highly recommend their pastries and freshly squeezed juices

10/10 - the food was excellent. We got the tuna salad sandwich, and it was SO fresh and tasty. The eggs Benedict were the best I've ever had, and the cheese blintzes were AMAZING. The staff was incredibly nice. We found the hostess to be hilarious, and our waiter was incredibly nice and offered awesome recommendations.

This is a wonderful place with such a flavorful homemade food. They treat you with free coffee in the morning and they have classical music playing from the speakers. The Little Swiss Cafe looks great inside, like a little gallery. I definitely recommend

Delicious breakfast. Excellent eggs Benedict. Place can get packed so service can be slow at times. 40minute wait time. Make sure you sign your name to the wait list. Street parking only.

Okay some may say my mistake was ordering a Mexican dish in a Swiss cafe.. but my goodness were they sooo off the mark in every way. See picture for reference of the “huevos rancheros”. Not only was the presentation laughable but it also tasted like canned refried beans and store bought side salsa and guacamole. It was honestly the worst breakfast I’ve ever had. The waitress did try to warn me. She mentioned that everything was served on the side and “some people don’t like that.” She was SO right! We also ordered their Cheese Blintzes and they forgot to give us the side of fresh strawberry jam on 3 of our orders! The restaurant itself is cute inside but tightly packed. Honestly the 2 stars are for the kind and lovely waitress who tried to warn me about my order and because she so kindly provided books to my 10 month old. She deserves 5 stars. The food deserves one at most.

Charming breakfast place. Loved the murals on the wall look closely you will find fun little surprises hidden in the paintings. Food was excellent. Service was excellent. We ordered a Belgian waffle, a omelette, some egg whites with home fries. All hit the spot. We are from the East coast so probably won’t get back anytime soon but if we lived in Carmel we’d be regulars.

I always enjoy coming down to Carmel at least once a year. I went here by myself for once and I enjoyed the service. The food was very solid, of course beating your typical breakfast spots (ie: Denny’s, Norm’s, etc) in terms of quality and flavour. I came on a very quiet day (Tuesday morning) and it was very relaxing. It just took very long for some reason to get my bill, but other than that I would still come here again

Everything in our order was so good. Top notch Swiss pancakes, bacon, pork sausage, eggs, potatoes, and coffee(regular and decaf). It amazes me how they made every ordinary item so good. Five stars for food. Wait and service might be a bit slow so do plan enough time and be patient.

Great little spot with outside dining for breakfast or lunch. We are not breakfast eaters but we decided to do breakfast before heading back home. I ordered the eggs Benedict and could not finish it and husband ordered the pancakes. Both are very good. Service is attentive and they are handling COVID restrictions with care. Worth a visit!

During the last day of our recent Carmel visit, my wife and I enjoyed breakfast at the Cottage Restaurant. We had heard good things about this restaurant and were eager to give it a try. It did not disappoint! We started off with coffee and I ordered a Mimosa. My wife ordered an omelette. The Cottage Restaurant has a selection of ingredients that can be added to the omelette; one can choose three ingredients and any extra over three are $1.25 each. My wife chose the cheddar cheese, bell peppers, and mushrooms. The dish came with cottage potatoes and she ordered toasted sourdough as her bread selection. I chose the breakfast burrito. As with the omelette, one can choose three ingredients, and I chose cheddar cheese, ham, and bacon. The burrito also came with cottage potatoes. The portions were generous and we were both pleased and full! Service was great, not too intrusive, and the staff was very friendly. Recommended for a hearty, tasty breakfast. Apologies for the somewhat blurry menu pic.

This is a must stop for us every time we go to Carmel. The grapefruit mimosa is fun. Loved the breakfast burrito this time. The refried beans are to die for. Sad this time we were too late to order the pancakes (the kitchen had closed) - so might have to come back soon.

My favorite brunch place in Carmel! Breakfast is served all day, and the Kathy cakes (mini pancakes) here are some of the best pancakes I’ve had anywhere, hands down. Lots of food options— I prefer building my own omelette and loading it with all the toppings. Ask for the mimosas with the grapefruit juice.

We went on a Saturday for brunch. Originally wanted to go to Village Corner, but they were closed. The staff at the Cottage restaurant welcomed us warmly and had a table for 2 ready as soon as we got there. It was pretty busy, though, and other parties needed to wait a little longer. That day, they said their cc machine was not working, so they were only accepting cash, which wasn't an issue for us. We ended up getting a ham eggs benedict, an omelet, and kathy cakes - one with berries and another with chocolate chips. I also got a grapefruit mimosa. They were out of their other juices. We enjoyed the meal and were really full. The place was really cozy and family-friendly.

Average food, cute restaurant, average service. Nothing special - food was hot and looked good, but lacked flavor for my taste. Big portions. The crab eggs benedict barely had any crab in it. The huevos rancheros was average. Hot coffee.

Absolutely delicious, would definitely come again. Very cute environment. We reserved like 45 minutes before coming. Elderly people inside giving the judging look towards young people enjoying themselves but it’s expected. Would choose this over iHOP any day ❤️🏳️‍🌈

Reminds me of my country like no other French restaurant I’ve tried in the area so far! Amazing food and service.

I absolutely love escargot—when it's prepared correctly. We used to frequent The Whaling Station in Monterey, California, until they unfortunately mishandled my escargot order. That prompted me to search for a new spot, and I discovered L'Escargot in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Since it was my birthday and I had the privilege of choosing the restaurant, L'Escargot was my top pick. A quick heads-up: Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular tourist destination, and parking can be challenging. If your reservation is at 6:00 PM, I recommend arriving by 5:30 PM to allow time to find legal parking. Avoid blocking driveways and be sure to read parking signs carefully. Now, on to the food: I give it 10 stars—yes, I know Google only allows five, but I’m doubling it. Our server, Freddy, was incredibly attentive, the rack of lamb was perfectly cooked, and the escargot was absolutely sublime. You can order the escargot classic in the shell or stuffed in mushroom caps. As a traditionalist, I chose the classic version. We also sampled the lobster risotto, which featured shaved lobster tail, tender asparagus, and delicate slivers of Parmesan cheese—rich, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. To complement the meal, I enjoyed a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, which perfectly enhanced the flavor of the lamb chops. One final note: if you're looking for mint jelly, be aware that in France its use is considered outdated, so it's unlikely to be offered. While I do enjoy mint jelly with lamb chops, the rack of lamb with garlic, rosemary, and a Cabernet reduction was a complete game changer—absolutely phenomenal.

The duck and cheesecake were great. Atmosphere is nice and has a genuine French bistro touch. Our waiter was fantastic. However - my experience in France is that each portion is brought out more leisurely and the menu is more typically broken into smaller courses. Though there were clearly many very happy regulars , I found the experience of the evening feeling a bit rushed. You will enjoy the food and service and have a nice evening - but you might not feel like you are reliving your last trip to the French countryside.

We have really loved L’Escargot in the past. The food wasn’t as good. I had ordered my beef Wellington medium rare and the waiter told me to cut into it right away so it doesn’t keep cooking and I did, but it was well done which is pretty much ruined. I didn’t send it back and neither did my mom when there were several chips in the ramican that her (mediocre) French onion soup was served in. It didn’t even occur to me to leave a bad review until we got the bill and there was an extra charge for using a credit card and an automatic 20% tip for our “large” (5 person) party. Very presumptuous. We always tip at least 20% and still would have e in with the mediocre food because the service was good. Usually when the tip is added it’s 15% and we ad d some extra, but that and the extra credit card charge left a bad taste in our mouths. Do better, L’Escargot!

Excellent food! The best I had in Carmel. The beef Wellington was a treat and the wines by the glass were so well selected. I will absolutely be returning. And the service was the perfect level of attentiveness - absolutely amazing.

Wonderful experience. Service was prompt and efficient but not overbearing. Wine menu is extensive. The food taste and presentation was excellent. The starter was escargot , tender and tasty, next was a blue cheese stuffed fig wrapped in prosciutto. The main as perfectly cooked beef Wellington and a equally delicious scalloped on a bed of risotto. Desert a cheese cake with a lemon zest topping. Not overly sweet or tart and a wonderful accompaniment to the wine. A must try when in Carmel or Monterey.

I found the dining experience rather underwhelming considering its price point. With a bill of nearly $320 for two people, my expectations were higher in terms of quality. Nevertheless, I must commend the staff for their excellent service. They even went above and beyond by moving the heater for us, and attended to us thoughtfully. However, it was a bit disappointing that they didn't offer any water for our dog. I understand that their main focus is serving us, not our pet, but it would have been a thoughtful gesture, especially considering how dog-friendly Carmel is. Speaking of the price, I anticipated more flavorful dishes. The escargot was enjoyable, and the foie gras was a delicious novelty for me. However, the beef wellington fell short in terms of taste. It lacked the desired flavor, and I found myself wishing for more sauce to enhance its overall appeal. Unfortunately, my husband's portion was too raw to eat, and we ended up giving those parts to our dog. His steak was significantly undercooked, resembling a blue state, while mine was at least medium rare. Although he didn't voice any complaints due to social anxiety, I insisted he should have done so but he didn't. Regrettably, the creme brulee "islands" were tasty but left me with the impression that I was paying the same price for a significantly smaller portion. It left me with a sense of being taken advantage of. Furthermore, the brownie served was simply a basic chocolate brownie, lacking any unique qualities. All things considered, I cannot help but feel that the restaurant failed to meet the expectations set by its price. I genuinely regret dining here, especially when I've had the pleasure of visiting restaurants like Cafe Sparrow in Aptos, which provide impeccable quality and taste at a fraction of the cost.

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe is a charming spot with a cozy atmosphere and an incredible selection of freshly baked bread and pastries. Their coffee is delicious, and I love that they offer gluten-free pastry options as well. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, making every visit a pleasant experience. Plus, there’s plenty of parking, which is a huge bonus. Highly recommend stopping by for a treat!

Lafayette Bakery in The Barnyard shopping center is an absolute must-stop if you’re in Carmel Valley and craving a true French bakery experience. We visited in the morning and were instantly greeted by the heavenly scent of fresh-baked bread, buttery pastry, and espresso in the air. We ordered a round of pastries and couldn’t stop smiling with every bite. The butter croissant was textbook perfect—golden, flaky layers with a tender, airy center that practically melted in our mouths. The ham and cheese croissant was equally delicious, with a gooey, savory filling wrapped in that same delicate pastry—comforting and indulgent without being heavy. The standout for me, though, was the lemon-filled pastry. Bright, tangy, and smooth, the lemon curd filling was tucked inside the softest pastry shell and topped with just a dusting of powdered sugar. It struck the perfect balance between sweet and zesty. We paired our pastries with lattes from the coffee bar, which serves rich, well-pulled espresso drinks that make a perfect match for anything in the pastry case. Sitting out on the patio surrounded by blooming flowers and happy customers felt like a little escape to a French village. Whether you’re craving a buttery classic, something sweet and citrusy, or a savory breakfast bite, Lafayette hits every note. They also have a variety of sandwiches made to go. Don’t miss it if you’re in Carmel—you’ll be thinking about that croissant long after your visit. Grab some to go to!

Love their croissant and salmon/spinach quiche! I have yet to try to lemon meringue tart but I'm pretty sure it'll be yummy, too!!! It's a small bakery but they have quality food!!! Ambiance is cozy and cashier was very pleasant!

Ordered the Ham and Swiss croissant, chocolate almond croissant, palmier, and a latte — all excellent quality and beautifully made. Beyond the great pastries, I was happy to support this bakery because they stand for something meaningful and proudly support LGBT+ and Black lives.

Delicious pastries and very friendly people. Hot beverages only but also very tasty! A must stop when in the area.

Ordered a vanilla macchiato, and it was honestly disgusting. It was almost entirely over-aerated foam, more like an extremely dry cappuccino than a macchiato. They also shorted me about an inch of milk, and the espresso tasted burnt, so bad I tossed it after two sips. My husband ordered two pastries — an almond croissant and a blueberry brioche — and both were stale, like they’d been sitting out for days. The photo shows the so-called “macchiato” just seconds after getting to the car. I should’ve gone back in for a refund, but the two female employees working that morning couldn’t have cared less. Save your money and your time.

Stopped in for some baked goods and hot coffee. The bakery is abundant in selections, from sweet baked goods to savory delights and sandwiches. Their breads are quite fantastic and the mini baguette into which they fill with ham and cheese (for example) to make a sandwich is beautifully chewy in texture. Their croissants are a class on laminated dough and their various tarts are on just crisp tart crusts where the fillings are not overly sweet and full of the innate flavors of the fruit filling. One stand out that I discovered (ordered 1 to try, went home with 14) was the bacon and cheese puff! Beautifully gougeres (savory choux pastry) that is airy, eggy, and cheesy... Chunks of bacon dotted through out, and a lovely crispy cheesy skirt that surrounds each puff! Don't miss these awesome puffs! (See photo of x-section)

The service at Café Carmel was excellent and impressively fast compared to most places. Both the breakfast sandwich and burrito were flavorful, and I especially loved the caramel macchiato. Definitely a great spot!

Really nice little cafe on ocean boulevard. Lots of little sandwiches and treats in the coffee is good. We really like this place and we'll go back every time we visit.

This is such a cute place and I loved the otter art! The barista were all super kind and helpful as we were tourist of this area and had several questions. I ordered a peach apple tea that was very good and my siblings got ice cream which they enjoyed. We also ordered a tirimasu. It was okay which is the only reason for the 4 stars

One of the best chai lattes I’ve ever had...no exaggeration. Café Carmel nails the cozy café vibe without feeling pretentious. The fresh-baked goods smell amazing when you walk in, and their breakfast burrito? Total standout. It’s big, flavorful, and will keep you full through an entire morning of exploring. Also love that they’ve got solid salad options if you’re trying to keep things lighter. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in town.

Delicious food made with very fresh and high quality ingredients! 10/10. Perfect if you’re looking for a quick bite.

Best Coffee! It’s funny…I’ve wandered past this shop for years while visiting family. But lousy in room coffee at a local hotel put Cafe Carmel right in my path. I’m so glad that I popped in today and enjoyed the BEST macchiato I’ve had outside of my home. Staff was friendly and fast, and the macchiato was perfect. I will definitely be making this a stop as often as possible when I’m back in town. I can’t wait to try the amazing pastries and the rest of the menu. Thank you so much!

We were first time visitors of Carmel-by-the-Sea and we were brought to this place by the food tour guide. We had the quiche with salad and we were so impressed that we came back on our last day and ordered the quiche and avocado toast. Both were very fresh and tasted amazing. We certainly miss that sort of quality in Illinois. We also came back few hours later for ice cream and cappuccino. Highly recommended place to visit.

My recent lunch at Portabella in Carmel was an absolute delight from start to finish. The moment I walked in, I was greeted with genuinely friendly service that made me feel welcome and attended to throughout my meal. The food truly stood out as exclusive and exceptionally well-prepared. The shining star of the meal, without a doubt, was the crab bisque. It was rich, flavorful, and perfectly executed – a dish that truly elevated the entire dining experience. Portabella offers a wonderful atmosphere and an impressive menu. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a memorable lunch in Carmel.

Quite bad that a restaurant that is fairly positively reviewed didn't give us an equally positive experience. This was more because of how our party was treated. We made a dinner reservation and when we arrived (we were so much on time), there wasn't a table waiting for us, we had to wait another 20 minutes at least (it was a full Friday night). The servers weren't apologetic at all and they were inconsistent with telling is which table was going to be for us. We had the feeling they didn't really care about our presence. About the food - I could only praise the smoked salmon salad (so good!). The truffle risotto was good but I have tasted good truffle risotto in other places, theirs was nothing too memorable, considering this is a highly rated restaurant. The linguine de mare - it was okay, it was too creamy and I got easily tired of it after a while. The restaurant, while having quaint architecture, feels quite cramped. What more with a full house of people. So yeah, not our best Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurant experience for sure.

It is ones if the best reviewed restaurants in town, and there are good reasons for it. The building is charming, like a small house on the Tuscany country side. Italian food is known for its simplicity and bold flavors, you will find exactly that here. There is nothing fancy about their preparations, but the flavor combination was divine, tender meats and perfectly cooked pasta, transitional Italian at its best. If they could tune down the saltines a bit, it would be perfect.

What a delightful restaurant. We had reservations and were greeted warmly from the get go. The restaurant has a cozy and pleasant vibe. The food is so good, as the wine choices. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable. We definitely will come again when in Carmel.

This restaurant is really pretty and feels very special. But the service was not. It took over an hour to get through it. 40 minutes for food, then another 20 for check. We were not checked on ever. We had to consistently flag down a server for WATER refill and more bread. We never had the same server either. There were only three of us, and two were splitting their meal. Staff felt rude too. Asked for the check for a second time and got some lip from the staff, "you'll get it". When we finally did get water, one of the servers asked if we had been forgotten about. The service was just too slow. They were also transitioning into dinner and started putting candles on our table. Shoving things around and reorganizing the restaurant while we are the only ones left is not a good look. It damaged the atmosphere. There was also a dog inside the restaurant without a leash. They were running about. I understand being dog friendly but it was a bit much. Someone should have done something. The food was alright. Had grilled salmon and corn and crab soup. They were good but 40 dollars good? I don't think so. Someone in my party asked for a substitution and they failed to deliver. After waiting 40 minutes... I wouldn't come back. Maybe this was just an off day. I had high expectations and was let down.

The food is very salty. The waiter was not friendly. After the food was served, many flies were flying around the table. There no waiter asked the food was okay or not. The waiters talk so loud and laugh, they don’t care customers. Why so many recommendation for this restaurant?All I can say is that my experience was really really bad!

The restaurant itself is nice, good location, seating outside is nice when sunny. Staff are friendly and attentive. The food isn’t great, even the most basic as a burger and salad. Aperol Spritz isn’t good.

Overall: ⭐️☆☆☆☆ Food: Horrific Avoid this place if you have any sense of taste whatsoever. The words Paris and Bakery should not be used in the name of this shop. There is genuinely nothing at all authentic or good to report here. They serve the poor people of Monterey bland, limp excuses for croissants in the misguided belief customers have no taste and will just put up with it. If you want a croissant which is light, crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside with layers of flaky pastry served with a little butter and jam as it should be do not go here. Let’s not even start about their interpretation of a baguette. It’s a total disservice to the local community and disrespect to the French. No wonder it was easy to walk straight into as opposed to other local places which had lines. They may have been here a while but I can tell you their days are numbered. People are wiser and standards have been raised. This place is shockingly bad and I really, sincerely mean that. As readers know, I always give credit where it’s due. I wonder if the owners can stand up with hand on heart and look their customers in the eye whilst telling them they are being served delicious, carefully made, authentic French baked goods. I doubt it very much. What I liked: • Absolutely nothing What I didn’t like: • Dirty • Over priced • Not authentic • The ‘croissant’ • Cheap watery coffee Do I recommend going? NO Will I go again? NO Was it good value? NO Price Point: $

What a gem! This spot is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious pastries and a satisfying lunch. Their Croque Monsieur and French onion soup are absolute winners for a quick and tasty meal. I also really appreciate the recent updates with the new tables and cash registers – it makes for an even better experience!

Corner neighborhood bakery, with some nice looking pastry cases. There was a 2 person line when I arrived, but it took a while for it to move. Unfortunately they were sold out of breakfast sandwiches at 10:30, so I got an Almond Croissant which was served warm and a bit greasier than I was expecting.

This is a cute little bakery/cafe, very enjoyable to be in with a great variety of baked goods to try. The food is good, but surprisingly underwhelming -- closer to what you'd expect from a spudnut shop than a fancy French bakery. The croissant is soft and quite buttery, more of an American style. The croque monsieur was a bit forgettable. The capuccino was very nice though, mellow in flavor with a well-bodied foam. I'd definitely like to try their bread and quiches next.

The best quiche I have ever tasted, and a heavenly chocolate almond croissant. Highly recommend.

Been a regular here for over 10 years. The quality and consistency is on point. Easily one of the most iconic breakfast spots in Monterey, and a must stop spot for any friends or family that comes to town!

You can feel the European authenticity…. Wide variety, flavorful options…. A great place to start your day!!!!

The food was worth the mediocre service. My waitress would disappear for long periods of time on a not crowded Sunday night. She returned 3 times to tell me my sparking water was “coming” over 15 minutes. I asked about the specials on Sunday she said they had $1 oysters but were “out” at 7:05pm. I ordered the Prawns with Heads on them very good and the Octopus and a cheese pizza and all 3 were prepared and presented well. I felt like the server maybe had others tables away from mine but not sure.

this is my third time at Esteban's and every time i enjoy a meal here the food is always consistently delicious. Rebecca has been my service twice now and always provides the best service. she's so kind, and truly makes my dining experience even better! i love sitting outside under their covered patio (with heaters!). it’s also pet friendly too! i was so hungry, my stomach ate first -- however, i ordered the breakfast burrito and it was FANTASTIC. it's hearty, there are huge chunks of bacon in it, and the salsa that accompanies it has great flavor! the restaurant is located inside the cutest hotel, Casa Munras. they also offer tapas during dinner service, which is also absolutely delicious. it's also so cute inside with the spanish style decor. parking is easy to find close by in the adjacent lot or on the street. already looking forward to my next meal here when i'm in town again! 10/10 for Esteban Restaurant!

Perfect for Tapas and drinks. Went to try their tapas on a Sunday. Was surprised with the oysters and wine deal. We were so full on oysters and Tapas that we didn’t even need a main meal! Best service by Stephanie. Will definitely go again

We had the Tuesday nigh “date night” special for $79 for 2 of us. 4 courses including sangria. Great value and the service was amazing and it was perfect to sit outside in the garden area.

While we arrived for an early dinner with friends around 5:30 on a Sat night several months ago, the place was already getting busy. And by the time we left around 8:30, it was really the place to be it seemed. We were 3 couples dining and started with drinks and several appetizers which were all very good. We then all split entries and were very pleasantly surprised when they were brought to the table already split! Who does that proactively? Such a great service addition. All of the food was very good - pic of *half* of the chicken dinner.

Thank you to Esteban’s for having a fun empanada Mondays for five dollars where you can try more than one type, which is what I did. You could either have indoor or patio seating. My preference was for the original empanada.

The food, service, and atmosphere were excellent! The spices and freshness of the dishes were perfect. The drinks were also well-made. Our server was delightful and made the dinner even more enjoyable. I went back a few days later for appetizers and had an equally wonderful experience.

This place used to be very good. This is my fifth time eating here. I tried to make it a point to come here every time when I am in town. Their appetizers are still good and it is still dog friendly. The cauliflower and octopus are delicious. The pasta however are all very bland and not great. It is very unfortunate because this place used to be excellent.

We enjoyed a fantastic dinner al fresco in the beautiful cozy front patio at La Balena decorated with colorful purple and white lights. First of all, the service was friendly, very attentive and professional. The food was fantastic and unique, too. We started with the delicious Burrata Tartufata (garnished with truffles), toasted bread, sea salt and olive oil. We then enjoyed the amazing chanterelle (great flavor!!!) mushrooms with linguini in a wonderful light sauce. We split their famous crispy giant Pollo Fritto which is half of a Fogline Farm Fried Chicken with flavorful mashed potatoes. We finished with a refreshing lemon sorbet nestled inside a giant lemon accompanied by Italian Biscotti. The owners, Emanuele Bartolini & Anna Abney Bartolini, stopped by to say hello and were so welcoming and kind. The restaurant also features an indoor dining room and back patio, but the front patio is my favorite! An outstanding dining experience in Carmel by the Sea. Very highly recommended!

Delicious Italian restaurant. Highly recommended ! The dishes were all great although we would have hoped that the portions were a little larger.

Beautifully cooked Italian food! Gorgeous atmosphere for its small location.

Cozy small restaurant that gives a bit of the feeling of an osteria in Florence. They have outdoor seating at the front, as well as in a charming back patio (my favorite spot). They also have a few tables inside. The food was delicious from the start. Even the olive oil served with the table bread was remarkable. We had some grilled octopus with watermelon (unusual combination that they really got to work) among our starters. I really enjoyed the spaghetti neri for my main - great seafood, very vibrant taste. My wife loved her gnocchi. Good salads and desserts too. Friendly service throughout.

Had the sea bass on bed of spinach and mango salsa atop, and rigatoni. Bottle of Pertimali wine. Perfect dinner in Carmel. Great service. Would definitely come here again. Small family owned feel and great food

One of the best meals we’ve had in the last three weeks since starting this trip. The apricot salad was superb. The grilled octopus with a first time for us, grilled watermelon base, was excellent. The pastas are house made and so well done. If the boar sauce is on the menu when you go don’t miss it. Topped off with a rich and creamy créme brûlée. Wonderful service and very friendly staff. If the weather is nice reserve a table on the back patio.

Dining at Aubergine in Carmel is like stepping into a quietly luxurious world where every course is composed like a sonnet. With its two Michelin stars, the restaurant delivers on expectation - and then gracefully exceeds it. The meal unfolded like a well-structured symphony, but two dishes stole the show: a kinmedai prepared with a subtle hand that honored the fish’s natural richness with incredible texture, and a scallop course that was so delicate and well balanced it felt like a dream. Both exemplified the kitchen’s ability to balance restraint with imagination, and they were elevated by perfect seasoning and thoughtful accompaniments. Service was warm, intuitive, and never overbearing- precisely what you want at a place of this caliber. The pacing of the meal was relaxed but never languid, and the setting, understated and serene, reflected the food’s own quiet elegance. If there was a miss, it came from the cocktail program. While technically well-executed, the drinks all leaned into a similar taste profile that lacked range or surprise. It didn’t detract from the experience, but it was a noticeable gap in contrast to the creativity of the food. Still, Aubergine easily earns its 9.6/10. For anyone seeking an evening of precision, artistry, and grace by the sea, this is one of California’s most rewarding dining destinations.

Far and away one of the best dining experiences my wife and I have ever had. I've been to French Laundry, Gary Danko, Manresa and others but I have to say, this is the little engine that could (they turn 10 tables a night!!!) Everything was fabulous from the food to the service. We had the sommelier choose a budget friendly wine based on some flavor profiles we gave him and he picked a real winner. The food was absolutely delicious and we loved how the sous chefs came out to describe and finish the dishes with a story or an emulsion. It was fun asking them questions about the many amazing ingredients. Will definitely go back!

Truly wonderful experience! We cannot express enough, how incredible the service, presentation and delicious our dining experience was. If you are fortunate enough to be able to dine here, make it a point to do so. The professionalism, and intimate setting is divine.

Im one of the few lucky people who can confess to booking Aubergine when it was still a one ⭐️. To our surprise, they earned ⭐️⭐️ a few days before our reservation! We booked a reservation for their indoor dining service 1 week after Monterrey car week. What remained are the usual tourists (myself included) in a beautiful and safe downtown for a pleasant walk if you arrive early. The service and food is perfect. In fact, you will get to meet the chef personally as he comes out to serve. He is humble, soft spoken, and grateful for their newest Michelin recognition when asked, “it’s been a long journey”. The food…phenomenal…as to be expected. However, what made this meal memorable is the older Chinese couple in their ~70-80yr (not confirmed) enjoying a date/meal sitting across. Of all the restaurants I’ve visited, I’ve never seen this. It is proof that life is beautiful and a testament to Aubergine’s heritage and reputation to attract people of all ages. My personal favorite was the fish with edible scales. Simply one of the best cooked fish course I’ve had. A close 2nd and arguably first was the scallop. In addition, included in course is a generous caviar serving . Finally, there is NO culinary” foam on any course! What a welcoming relief (I’ll leave it up to your imagination why I find that unpleasant). Highly highly recommended. Also, we did not have the wine pairing and it was still perfect.

This is a 2-Star Michelin restaurant in Carmel. This is properly rated at 2 stars, the food and service are generally excellent and meet the high expectations associated with having 2 Michelin stars. For us it was a fixed priced menu of $285 per person plus service and tax which made it $765 for a party of two, not including drinks. The meal included a tasting menu of eight courses, broken down into an appetizer tray, three seafood dishes, two meat dishes, and two desserts. Our appetizers included a tray of finger food (4*), oyster (5*), Thai inspired fish with rice (4*), scallops (5*), duck (5*), rib eye with sourdough (3*), gelato, and gourmet mixed ice cream (a la Coldstone Creamery). They also top it off with chocolates at the end. One warning to visitors is that when the dishes are served it's not easily discernable what's edible and what isn't in the low light, and the servers don't spell it out. For example I almost ate a spoonful of sand (that the oyster was sitting on) thinking it was a grain dish. All in all, the dishes were very creative and beautifully presented. The taste was very good for most dishes, and the service was great. If I had to complain about something, one is the dishes (the rib eye) was super salty, I don't think the chefs tasted it before sending it out. And for the money I would have expected more sophisticated desserts than gelato and ice cream. But aside from those, everything was great and I support the 2-star rating. It reminded me very much of Commis in Oakland, another 2-star restaurant that is very similar in experience and perhaps slightly better from my experience.

This was my first Michelin star meal since 2021 (morihiro in la). Before that I've been to several starred spots in the greater bay area, in NYC, San Sebastian, Barcelona, London and Paris, either with my partner of the era or my family. Last night was a Mother's day weekend pick that she got from a friend. I knew nothing going in except it has a Michelin star and I had to pre-pay over 500 for the meal, which was a seven course tasting menu where they do not tell you anything in advance. That's a key point, because while my mom and I loved it, my current partner would have made us walk about because she can't stand prix fixe/tasting menus where she can't pick her meal. To be fair they are careful to ask about what you and do not eat and prepare accordingly, but if I was there with my partner and not my mom she wouldn't have eaten half the courses. Service was, as expected, really good. That's really the sine qua non of the Michelin experience. I thought the staff was a little green, particularly in the way they interacted with my 80 year old Mother, but I get it. The dishes were yummy, my mom loved it all which is what matters in the end. I'm not going to ding them for it but the beginning of the meal felt rushed, and it remains unclear how one is supposed to select a wine when you literally aren't told what you are eating. That makes zero sense. We got the wine pairings two courses in and they charged us the full amount which wad probably a mistake but I didn't want to complain over 40 bucks when the meal cost 700. I've attached my photos of the food and the menu, which they only give you at the end.

We came here in the first month after it was awarded its second Michelin star in August 2024. We loved all the seafood dishes- they had super refreshing tastes with unique presentation. However, the meat courses, specifically the duck and steak, were not the best- both the texture and the flavor of the sauces could be improved (especially after dining at San Ho Wan the day before I came here, the comparison was stark). It was a memorable experience overall. We definitely enjoyed the 7 course dinner (but we still thought that Commis in Oakland was the best Michelin 2 star restaurant).

Very busy which speaks to the quality of the food and service! Tino made our dining experience pleasant and enjoyable. He had good knowledge of the wines and menu and offered great suggestions when asked. A wonderful experience!

🍽️ Food: The food was a mixed bag. The calamari was a significant disappointment, as the dish contained more fried items than actual calamari. The California sandwich was decent, and the poke bowl was okay, but neither was particularly memorable. It also came out cold. 🐢 Service Issues: The service was a major issue. It was very slow, which was surprising for a holiday weekend, suggesting they were understaffed. This made the waiting time for our food and drinks much longer than it should have been. 🤔 Overall Impression: The slow service and disappointing food, particularly the calamari, made for a less-than-ideal dining experience. While some of the food was decent, it wasn't enough to justify a return visit. The restaurant's inability to handle the holiday weekend crowd effectively, coupled with the food quality, means I won't be going back.

Made a Friday night reservation at Pangaea and wow, the place was packed and full of energy. Bright, upbeat crowd, Friday fun. We started with a few splits of Chandon. To eat we had the clam chowder, and a spam sushi roll (forget the exact name but wife had to have it!). For mains, we went with the duck and the tikka masala sea bass. Both were tasty. The fish was buttery and perfectly cooked, and flavorful. The duck was tender and just the right amount of crispy. The clam chowder surprised me. Not overly thick, tons of clams, and great flavor. Dessert was a crème brûlée 2 ways. One was regular and one espresso! Simple but so good. Our waiter deserves a shoutout ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Super friendly, high energy, rocking caps as earrings (iconic), and knew the menu inside and out. Overall, such a fun, vibrant dinner spot right in the heart of Carmel. Great food, great service, great energy.

My recent visit to Pangaea Grill on Ocean Avenue in Carmel was an absolute delight. The ambiance is beautiful, with tasteful music that sets the perfect mood for a relaxing meal. I started with the crab cakes appetizer, which was packed with flavor and paired beautifully with their signature sauce. For my main course, I chose the sand dab—lightly breaded and pan-fried to perfection, accompanied by fresh, seasonal vegetables that showcased the kitchen’s attention to quality and detail. A special shoutout to our server, Johnnie, whose pleasant, professional manner truly elevated our evening. Johnnie’s attentive service and warm personality made the experience more enjoyable from start to finish. The she makes you feel valued and welcome, creating a genuinely inviting atmosphere. Pangaea Grill is a gem in Carmel, perfectly blending great food, warm hospitality, and wonderful ambiance. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in town.

Overall pretty good. It’s an Asian fusion type restaurant with plenty of options for all. For Carmel by the sea, prices fairly reasonable. We got the kimchi fried rice and a mushroom pasta dish. Both were pretty good. The restaurant is small but the way they have set it up makes it feel big. The staff is super friendly and service speed was good especially for how busy it was. We left full and happy and would definitely go back.

Dining at Pangaea Grill was an absolute delight! The portions were generous, and every dish was beautifully presented with fresh ingredients. The grilled meat was perfectly seasoned, juicy, and full of flavor, complemented nicely by the kimchi and rice. The cheesy corn was crispy on the outside and tender inside, with just the right hint of spice—truly impressive. The steak was cooked to perfection, tender and succulent, while the bibimbap with egg brought together a wonderful mix of textures and flavors. Service was attentive and friendly, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. The cozy atmosphere added to the charm—highly recommended!

Alex and team made our day! First the restaurant had a super busy day, despite that each and every member of the staff was not only working tirelessly but were also very courteous. Then came in some great recommendations followed by a cute birthday surprise for one of our family member! FYI: They can customise almost everything 😍 Keep up the great work folks! Will hopefully visit again ♥️

I came here with family on a vacation, and I could not be more jealous of the locals. The food here is incredible, the food lovingly prepared and beautifully plated (i couldnt help myself and took a couple bites before i remembered to take a photo. and then did the same with dessert.). I had the butternut squash pasta and the dark and white chocolate mousse with a cappuccino. im typically a light eater, but i couldnt help but finish everything. everything is house made, flavors are stand on their own and textures were phenomenal. absolutely 10/10, i hope they stay in business for a very long time.

I absolutely regret dining here. The restaurant was clearly understaffed, leading to slow and inattentive service, but what made it worse was the outright rudeness of the staff. If I hadn’t been too hungry and short on options, I would have left immediately. The environment is very average—nothing special—and the crowd mainly consists of elderly patrons. This is a regular, no-frills spot, not a fine dining experience by any means. If you’re looking for a smooth and enjoyable meal, this place will likely leave you frustrated. Definitely not worth the visit.

I recently had dinner at Taste for the first time. It was incredible. The lovely owner made us feel so comfortable and valued. The food was delicious (I had the Tortellini), the service was great, and the restaurant was beautiful. The salad was so fresh, the bread was yummy, etc. It is a family run business and I love to support that. My only "complaint" is the limited parking, which is not the fault of the restaurant. I only mention it so customers can be aware! Delightful experience.

A wonderful family owned restaurant off the beaten track, where everything was perfect from start to finish: the atmosphere with a nice family touch by the personal decorations and pictures, the menu choices, the quality of the Prosecco and red wine we had and all the dishes. The artichoke lentil soup was just perfect, we enjoyed three vegetarian pasta dishes that were all quite different and very tasty, and the chocolate mousse finish was excellent. Will become our first choice when visiting the Monterey Bay again.

We recently dined at Taste Cafe & Bistro as a group of nine, on the recommendation of a friend who has been coming here for decades. It’s clear why this family-run restaurant has such loyal patrons—the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service truly makes you feel at home. I especially enjoyed their selection of district 7 point noir and the cozy, inviting setting. My friends all loved the food, and overall the dishes were well prepared and nicely presented. Personally, I wasn’t as fond of the lamb chops and the evening’s special sea bass, as the texture didn’t quite suit my taste. That said, the experience as a whole was delightful, and I can see why this place has been cherished for so many years.

We were so Charmed by tastes elegant and congenial atmosphere and healthy exquisitely prepared food that we returned for a second night during our short stay in Pacific Grove. The service was friendly and professional and the owner lavished personal attention on us. The diverse menu included refreshingly healthy offerings at modest prices. Taste would be our first choice for fine dining during any future visit to Pacific Grove

If I could give this phenomenal restaurant more stars, I would! The food is extraordinary — not just once— but every time, every dish. The food is fresh, seasonal, meticulously presented, and by far the best tasting on the Monterey Peninsula. It’s a family-owned business and each member of the family is welcoming and extremely skilled. You feel like you’re a family member yourself, while at the same time, you’re eating in a Michelin quality establishment. You miss the cuisine of Monterey, if you miss a meal at this incredible restaurant.

Tucked into a corner of Carmel Plaza is Cafe Luna, a cafe that serves an eclectic menu paired with traditional coffee offerings. Since this is in downtown Carmel, parking is a difficult thing to come by so be prepared to lap a few times before you can find something that sticks. When you arrive at Cafe Luna you’re greeted by its many outdoor seats and large menu sign. From ramen to sandwiches and pastries, this place has a very diverse menu, for better or for worse. We arrived with a large party and the ability to find open seating for a group that size was a large plus. However, ordering took a very long time. We understand that we were a large party but even by those standards the process of doing so felt clunky and not efficient. We ordered the grilled chicken sandwich special they were offering, the pastrami panini, a hot chocolate, and a regular latte. Before we touch on the food itself, we have to note that the prices on things here are, quite frankly, ridiculous. Obviously this is Carmel so things are going to be more expensive but for the quality of food that you receive, and also on the principal of the food you’re paying for, around $20 for a panini is criminal. Getting our food also took a while. Admittedly, we were part of a large party so it probably wasn’t easy getting all that food out but just out of transparency, we did wait quite a bit. Forgetting the price and wait and moving onto the food, it was very uninspiring and bland. The grilled chicken was marinated, which was interesting because when I asked if it had anything done to it they said it was seasoned but this was far closer to chipotle chicken than any grilled chicken sandwich I’ve ever seen. It was also supposed to come with cheese and while it technically did, the amount they put on it was skeptical. Normally an average sandwich is okay, but at these prices it’s a major letdown. As for the pastrami panini, more of the same. The quality of the pastrami was okay and the sandwich didn’t taste all that special. The bread was bland and light which didn’t add any quality to the sandwich. We turned to the drinks to hopefully add some balance to things, which it luckily did. The latte was decent, the foam and espresso being good enough. The hot chocolate was good, not amazing, but good enough where we didn’t feel like it took away from things. Ultimately, this was a very big letdown of a meal. We can tell this place tries and that’s better than a lot of other places but the food was just not up to par for what you’re shelling out for it.

I love the location, downstairs in the mall. Both inside and outdoor seating. Easy to get to, right near the main strip. Order at the counter, get a budget and wait for tire food to come out. And wait. And wait. Took quite a long time for the food to arrive and it didn’t seem like it was busy. Some dishes were pretty good, like the ramen. I didn’t expect that. Others were so so, like the breakfast sandwich which came out cold. I’d it work would be much better if it was warmer. I will give them credit for having a huge, wide variety menu. Standard breakfast dishes, plus Asian dishes (ramen, rice plate, potstickers), plus Italian paninis, plus sandwiches (Philly cheesesteak, grilled cheese chicken), Mac n cheese, and Greek salads.

We found this little gem after reading the good reviews and value for the money. The food was delicious! There was outside seating in the courtyard, which we enjoyed.

Spent the weekend out here in Carmel-by-the-Sea and decided to go eat lunch at this café. I was highly satisfied with their service, the lattes are very tasty. The Ramen soups are very good and the atmosphere is lovely. The hosts are very kind and they come and talk to you and ask how you were doing. We spent about an hour in this little restaurant. I will be coming back.

Such amazing food and the service was so good! The owners were so nice and truly cared about us! They gave us this house-made hot sauce that genuinely changed my life (not even being dramatic) we got the ramen which was so comforting and good and the shrimp pasta that was delectable ! My fav was the ramen

Lunas Café was definitely one of my favorite stops during my time here in a Carmel. Ordered the Chicken Ramen, ask for the chili sauce, it compliments the ramen so well. Loved the service and very nice hosts. Also ordered the tropical smoothie and it was delicious as well! Will definitely be coming back my next visit. 🤍

Loved our breakfast at Cafe Luna in Carmel-by-the-Sea! Really appreciate the Asian fusion menu, giving variety to a typically standard breakfast menu. We enjoyed our sweet Mocha and cookie & cream frappucinos. Our food was yummy, we got the wonton ramen, Philly & cheese sandwich, and vegan potstickers. Friendly and quick staff. Recommend!

The place looked nice inside - there was not too much space inside to consume the coffee but there were tables outside and also a large seating area mainly for eating food. The peanut butter cookie was fine but nothing exceptional at all. The coffee was bad unfortunately - even the iced latte tasted very bitter and cappuccino neither looked nor tasted well. I don’t recommend this place for coffee but they have ice cream, maybe that is better

😮‍💨🍪🥐🔥 I mean C’Mon!!!!!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼 so good!!!! I don’t even know what I got…it was some berry pastry that was lit! I wish I remembered the staff members name that helped me, but she described it as amazing…and I was like…”sure, fine, I’ll try it” 😳😳😳 it was so damn good! Then my wife got their gluten free carrot muffin…10/10. A lot of bakeries have terrible g-free items…well R+R nailed this one. Moist and tasty 🤙🏼 I was bummed that they didn’t have the chip cookie , but I went with the standard chocolate chip cookie and it was legit, 10/10. Do yourself a favor and head to this spot. If I lived close by I’d be about 15lbs heavier and it would be worth it. 🫡🙏🏼🫵🏼🔥

Great little bakery. They had some unique pastries and breakfast items. We wound up getting the Sausage Breakfast Burrito and the Avocado Tartine with hot tea and a Double Espresso. The ladies behind the counter were great; warm and friendly. If you’re looking for a quick bite to go, I highly recommend this place. Wound up coming back for breakfast again. Grabbed the Salmon Tartine and a Gruyère,leek and onion Danish this time. Both were fantastic!

Gr8 food and coffee, especially for those looking for GF baking. Vanilla latte was excellent, americano was mid at best (sour). Longish wait during car week, about 15min on a Saturday afternoon, no biggie if its good. And believe me, it was good. Actually was the best almond croissant I have ever had, largely because the healthy amount of filling. Be warned, very pricey. GF blueberry muffin ($7.5), GF brownie ($8), almond croissant ($6.5). All 3 were delicious but, 2 coffees and 3 pastries came out to +$35 USD+tip, crazy Carmel prices lol.

Stopped by for breakfast and it was delightful. Coffee is coffee, pretty good but not amazing 7/10. The pastry case looked really good. Croissant was 10/10. Crispy on the outside but not dry and not too hollow. The brioche buns looked super soft and pillowy too! Breakfast pizzas was so super good! Egg yolk was perfectly just set but still golden yellow. Lots of seating inside and outside for a chill morning. Would definitely come back.

this is the best bakery in carmel by far! I love the variety of different pastries and the quality of ingredients💕 I also appreciate the gf muffin option:) The coffee is okay BUT do NOT get the matcha.

I had pretty high expectations for the pizza here but I was quite underwhelmed. The Roam pizza I ordered was covered, in the driest, bitter, flavorless broccoli that I found myself trying to avoid every bite. It was also strangely cold when it got to me, even though it came out quite quickly. The sauce had potential but it was just spread way too thin. I can understand being conservative to give the crust room to rise, but this was such a stingy layer of sauce it was dry and flaking by the time I ate it. I definitely enjoyed the crust though, it had that perfect chewy bite and mildly charred flavor I really like in a pizza crust like this. Honestly I think my biggest mistake was ordering the Roam pizza instead of, say, the Tarte D'alsace. Having seen it on someone else's table, now *there's* a pizza that sounds (and looks) good. But to have the namesake pizza be this disappointing is kind of sad. The croissant was quite nice. It had an intensely rich flavor and a decent flakiness to the outside. Maybe a tad too greasy for my liking but hey, that's where the taste comes from. Unfortunately I had to go back and ask for it because the person I ordered it from forgot to bring it out. She was kind and apologetic though, so no biggie.

Sat outside, and thoroughly enjoyed the brunch! They serve Illy coffee here. One of the few large brands (in coffee) I’ll actually seek out. Had a cappuccino and enjoyed every drop. Nicely done! For food I had their eggs Benedict and while I thought it needed a touch more salt, I was able to fix that with the simple table salt. The atmosphere was laid back, yet they were still fairly busy so plenty of energy going around. I love this combination since it is great people watching yet no pressure to rush through the dining experience. Very European feel to the overall environment.

The place is very cozy. The food and coffee were delicious. We came in at 8:30am on Saturday morning and there was plenty of open tables. By 9am all tables were filled and it was very busy. I ordered ratatouille egg Benedict and it was great. Latter was very good. I really wanted to get the French toast but obviously it was too much for me, so I ask if I can get half an order of French toasts and the waitress was very nice and said that they can arrange it. Definitely strongly recommended!!!

Good: the coffee was great, the food was fine. Not good: Service. Two serving staff for four tables - no cutlery on our table (had to get it ourselves) and attitude when we asked for water. Food took 30+ minutes for two breakfast dishes, both of which came with undercooked potatoes. What was supposed to be a quick breakfast pit-stop ended up taking an hour and a half for an okay breakfast.

This is in the middle of a residential neighborhood and does get busy, especially on a nice Sunday morning. Street parking only, so you may need to circle a few times. We were here around 10:30 am and needed to wait about 25 minutes. Friendly service. The food was very good, I got an omelette and it came with some toast and potatoes. Large portions. The toast seemed like it was from bread that is made in house and also came with jam that was made in house too!

Small but nice place, well located. Breakfast was very good. Good croissant and eggs benedict! Avocado toast was good too. Sweet crepe was a little bit disappointing. Ordered Nutella crepe, and it was filled with banana, it is not mentioned on the menu.. We were only two and were seated pretty fast. It seemed a little more complicated for bigger parties.

I like to eat at different breakfast places. I enjoyed my breakfast alot. Had the eggs Benedict with Ratatouille and was amazing! I love eggs Benedict and they got something special there. Liked the look of the restaurant. Interior had a cool ambiance. Will be back.

Charming breakfast place. Classic French style crepe restaurant. Enjoyed the crepes and the omelets. They also have a ratatouille omelet which was good but you have to like runny fillings. When I was there it was very busy and the waiter was overworked so it did take a long time to get served. But he gave us free croissants to pass the time which was nice.

We purchased best Italian coffee! but we were not allowed to use the restroom Even if you are not a customer, i do not think allowing people use the restroom destroys your restaurant

This is an amazing spot for lunch or dinner ,we had a very good time during our late lunch, after walking around town we decided to go and have lunch at bistro Beaujolais ,we been there for dinner before, great experience!! So we decide to try lunch this time and again it was great , We sit out side the patio is beautiful and it was sunny ,my wife order the steak and fries she loved it ,my Daughter had pepperoni pizza and I ordered the crab cakes and the rice bowl with prawns was delicious !! The service was fast and attentive to our needs. Thank you very much

Wow! Winner! Great outdoor seating with firepits and heaters. Food and cocktails were equally amazing. I was surprised at the prices...not expensive at all. So glad we found this place in the Carmel Plaza! They told us of live music on the weekends too! Can't wait to come back.

We love this place! They literally have something for everyone. My daughter loves the pepperoni pizza. The crust is handmade for both the adults and children's size. My husband orders the Steak Frites every time. He likes that it is both flavorful and tender. I alternate between the French onion soup with garlic bread, the calamari and the Marakess pizza. A place to take the family in Carmel without breaking the bank, prices are very reasonable.

Only had dessert here - the tiramasu was solid but not spectacular. Good service. We hit it on a night where hey had fabulous live music on the outdoor patio. Service was excellent and they even handed out blankets for guests!

I had a favorite of mine Mamma Mia with shrimp. Scrumptious as usual! My waitress, Karina was friendly; the food was brought out promptly and the Manager, Jennifer was attentive. I shall return again & again 👍

I was at bistro Beaujolais today, and I really enjoyed my experience. The food was wonderful, The service was great and the atmosphere was beautiful! I loved my steak fajitas, they are the best I have ever had in my life!

I had a pretzel with cheese that was very good. A butter croissant that was amazing. The staff was very professional. It was clean, and the vibes were immaculate. 10/10

I’ve been to Portola Hotel numerous times and I can tell you something that Carmel Bakery is an amazing addition to their portfolio 💼 I really enjoy their coffee and salads …. Their Artichoke Hummus is soooooooooooo delicious you MUST try it !!!!! I totally love this place!!!!! My only stop for coffee next time I’m in Monterey, California!!! I totally recommend this place!!!! WOW !!!! 5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The literal best cafe experience in all of Monterey! Tina is AMAZING! So kind and really helps to create the magical atmosphere. The pretzel and the sauces are incredible — the best we have had! Love how local everything is too :) secret gem

9am.... no croissants? No butter for Pretzel, no substitute offered. Dissapointing specially for being situated in decent hotel.

What an unnecessary situation. Happy Thanksgiving. I understand the frustration of having to work today and multitasking at the same time. But there is no need to escalate a simple misunderstanding. The two starts were for the good pastries. I was ordering and the male cashier started doing other things at the same time, he served the items in a bag that I did not order and said that I did. The female attendant backs him on that. But I was not alone, it was my mother, my nephew, and I. We started looking at each other in disbelief. Not enough, while serving us the drinks the male attendant slammed the cups on the counter to the point of spilling the drink out.

Best soft pretzel ever! Great coffee as well!

Much better options around in the morning. Seems out of place.