At the end of a long day taking in the sights of Carmel, nothing hits the spot quite like a relaxing dinner. As expected from an area as popular as Carmel, there are a lot of dinner options and a lot of choices to make. Why spend ages figuring out where to eat when tired and hungry, when you could take a look at this shortlist of restaurants guaranteed to hit the spot?
Feature Photo: Courtesy of Grasing’s
Carmel Valley
NW Corner of Mission and 6th Avenue, Carmel-By-The-Sea
831.624.6562
Grasing’s was already capital-G great. When Chef Cal Stamenov came here from Bernardus, he turned a great restaurant into a superlative one. He jokes that his job is to sell the big bottles from the wine cellar, which enjoys arguably the best wine list in the region, but he’s being self-deprecating. More than a generation of the area’s most celebrated chefs trained under him, and he continues to deploy the sourcing and savvy to create wow-worthy chophouse fare with flair. Great bar menu too.
Carmel by the Sea
5th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea
831.216.3811
One of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s biggest destinations of the last two generations — and biggest successes — Casanova does locally sourced French with aplomb, so bring on the potato croquettes, ribeye tartare, duck confit and braised beef cannelloni. The house bread program proves outstanding, the wine cellar is award-winning and the gorgeous setting matches the rustic food.
The most anticipated restaurant in a decade doesn’t disappoint. Executive Chef Jonny Black borrows from stints at Per Se, Quince and Bar Crenn to create a deeply seasonal seafood spot that “can only exist in Carmel.” Tastes like charred abalone and handmade coonstripe shrimp ravioli are mesmerizing, the cozy backdrop is stunning, and the joy of passion is palpable. Like his wife/front of house savant Monique says, “We created the restaurant we want to eat at.” Trust the “Let Us Cook for You” for a most special splurge.
For a taste of Oaxaca on the Central Coast, there’s no surer bet than Cultura Comida y Bebida. Superb food, great service and an outstanding setting — including a nice outdoor seating area away from the street — make this a fail-safe. A great date spot, you’ll find an assortment of family-style dishes on the menu as well as a full bar specializing in unique cocktails and traditional mezcal. Order the street tacos or the chicken tinga burrito and wash it down with a rotating mezcal creations born of regular staff retreats to the southern edge of Mexico. For dessert, try the oat milk flan.
Ocean Avenue between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel-By-The-Sea
831.677.6750
Carmel comes packed with quality Italian spots, including Aubergine sister restaurant Cantinetta Luca. Il Tegamino, named for the giant traditional pan hanging on the wall, qualifies as Local Getaways’ favorite. That’s for a range of things that include the adorable (and tiny) dining room, romantic patio, rustic Italian comfort food — Carbonara! Lasagna di Carnevale! Meatball trios! Bucatini! — great wines and masterful hospitality from hands-on owner-operators.
La Balena — “whale” in Italian — shows that fried chicken can be elegant. Just take a look at their pollo fritto. It’s half of a Fogline Farm chicken that’s crusted with arborio (an Italian short-grain rice) and served with a small side salad. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, it doesn’t get much better. Other standouts at this unassuming and exceedingly hospitable spot include the bruschetta topped with Seka Hills olive oil, and a robust wine list.
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
