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Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

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OpenTable
Updated 05 January 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best service in Monterey / Carmel? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Le Soufflé restaurant
5.0
5 (453)
$50 and over
French
Carmel
About the restaurant
**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN- (CLOSED 2/17-2/21)**
We are located in CARMEL, CALIFORNIA, USA. Reservations are only available through OpenTable up to 3 weeks in advance. Intimate indoor dining room can accommodate parties up to 4 guests- Menu changes seasonally- see website for current menu.

Le Soufflé is a fine dining restaurant serving a traditional French soufflé lunch menu. Everything is exclusively prepared by our Executive Chef/Co-Owner creating a very unique and finely crafted dining experience. The wine list offers a selection of wines from exquisite boutique producers in France and are all available by the glass or bottle. Our guests can look forward to an elegant escape when they step into our intimate and luxurious dining room. We are located on Dolores Street, just two blocks off Ocean Avenue in the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Top review
M .VIP
Dined 6 days ago
Soufflés aren’t only for dessert!!!!! Savory lunch done as a soufflé is magical. The borscht soup was incredible as was the salad and the stars of the show were the Garlic Soufflé and Mushroom Soufflé both striking to the eye and tummy. With only 16 seats you feel special with owner Lisa at your side as your host for lunch. This is Carmel hidden lunch gem.
A photo of La Mia Cucina restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1017)
$31 to $50
Italian
Pacific Grove
About the restaurant
Stroll along 17th St., between Lighthouse and Laurel and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its fresh ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are “originals, not reproductions.” That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his ravioli dishes, are a renowned local favorite, and for good reason. They are hand made, with all the care that only a lifetime of creative food combining can bring. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for it's fresh fish and meat specials. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula and daughter Michaela, and the service is personal and inviting.
Top review
LorraineVIP
Dined on 30 Dec 2024
We had a wonderful time. The food was delicious and the service was excellent!
A photo of Kona Steak and Seafood restaurant
4.8
4.8 (110)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Monterey
About the restaurant
KONA Steak & Seafood was voted the "Best New Restaurant" winner on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula for 2023. Located in the popular Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, just minutes from Carmel, Pacific Grove, & all Peninsula cities.
A fabulous menu! Enjoy fresh seafood, lobster, Hawaiian loco moco, fresh ahi tuna, a great bacon cheeseburger, bone-in rib eye, miso-glazed seabass, filet mignon, macadamia nut crusted halibut, entree salads, cioppino, seafood pasta, Maui onion soup, coconut curry soup, and a large host of enticing appetizers. Enjoy KONA's generous portions, good value, & free abundant parking! The house baked desserts are worth a trip on their own..... incredible!! The gorgeous "ZenDen Bar" features full bar & "Tiki Bar" style concoctions curated with house made ingredients, and nightly Happy Hour from 3:00-9:00pm. Local wine list, craft draft beers, kid's menu, dog-friendly lanai/patio dining, continuous lunch & dinner service 7 days a week from 11:00am.

Top review
elizabethVIP
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
What a little gem this restaurant is every staff member was so nice and the ambiance was great not loud even though it was busy the food was exceptional had the wok fried rice with shrimp husband had the teriyaki steak and good also the drinks delicious and the lava cake omg so good will definitely be back
A photo of Cella restaurant
4.8
4.8 (221)
$50 and over
Californian
Monterey
About the restaurant
Discover CELLA Restaurant + Bar at Cooper Molera Adobe in Downtown Monterey. Step into a sleek, historic venue with a heated pergola and stunning local woodwork. General Manager Bernabe DeLuna leads an exceptional wine program with a remarkable staff. Savor seasonal cocktails and mocktails crafted by Barkeep Joshua Perry. Chef Ben Spungin & Chef Cal Stamenov create an ever-changing menu inspired by the bountiful central coast. Join us and experience the neighborhood's culinary gem!
Top review
Robert
Dined on 25 Dec 2024
Absolutely stellar meal. Magnificent preparation and lovely service. We will definitely return.
A photo of Spotted Duck restaurant
4.8
4.8 (157)
$31 to $50
Bistro
Pacific Grove
About the restaurant
Join us at our welcoming establishment and indulge in the captivating flavors and unmatched ambiance that can only be found under the guidance of Chef Jerry Regester.

Small Restaurant, with BIG flavors!
From our beloved Duck liver pate, seasonal salads, to seared Duck Breast, or Caramelized Sea Scallops, Chef Jerry personally creates your dinner.

Come into a restaurant that cares for you from the front staff to the kitchen. We look forward to meeting you!


Top review
eric
Dined 3 days ago
A labor of love from the Chef and Partner makes for a lovely dining experience. Truly great value, well crafted food preparation with complex flavors. Menu writing and execution are flawless.
A photo of L'Escargot - Carmel restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1255)
$30 and under
French
Carmel
About the restaurant
Nestled in a residential neighborhood on Mission Street, three blocks north of Ocean Avenue lies a slice of “Old Carmel”. Originally founded in 1958 by Yvan Nopert and his family, Chef – Owner Kericos Loutas carries on the traditions of superb Country French Cuisine and personalized friendly service. A local favorite for casual fine dining in a romantic atmosphere, L’Escargot offers visitors an alternative to the “tourist experience”. The menu changes frequently, as do the specials. A three-course prix fixed Bistro Menu is offered nightly.
Top review
lewisVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent food and service. Warm, caring, and professional staff. Very comfortable dining rooms. It always has interesting specials, and when compared to other fine dining spots in Carmel, it offers very good value. It is our number one choice for special occasions, but it's too good to just leave for special occasions.
A photo of 36 Degrees North at San Juan Oaks Golf Club restaurant
4.8
4.8 (63)
$31 to $50
Californian
Hollister
About the restaurant
The signature restaurant at the newly reimagined San Juan Oaks Golf Club. 36º North brings an upscale ambiance and memorable dining experience through seasonally inspired California cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. With a dramatic olive tree featured as an iconic centerpiece, the scene is set for gourmet dinners and special occasions.
Top review
matt
Dined 4 days ago
This is our 6th time there and it never disappoints, love everything about this place.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1643)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Monterey
About the restaurant
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
Top review
Eric
Dined 2 days ago
It's consistently a wonderful dining experience here. Great food and excellent service. The seafood pasta was delicious, and the fish & chips were prepared perfectly. This is far and away the best restaurant on the Wharf.
A photo of Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant restaurant
4.7
4.7 (432)
$30 and under
French
Carmel
About the restaurant
Reservations accepted for dinner only.

Fifty eight years ago, Elaine and Pierre Boissiere established their eponymous restaurant at its current location, years before Carmel Plaza shopping center was built around it. They sought to offer the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea a relaxing and comforting venue modeled after a European chateau where tables are thoughtfully spaced and fresh flowers, fireplace, candles and soothing musical notes are integral part of the dining experience. The ambience sets the tone for French country food served with a great deal of care for detail and pastries baked daily on premises. It is a testament to their far sightedness that Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant continues to fulfill their vision to this day.

Top review
NicoleVIP
Dined 5 days ago
We started with french onion soup, excellent and the harvest salad very refreshing, really enjoyed the Roque for dressing which was a touch lighter than usual. We each (3 people) ordered the evenings specials. My veal Osso Buco was exceptional! Ordering desserts to go is a must, also exceptional. Service was on point with the right amount of table touches, and everyone was gracious, lovely ambience. I felt like I was in a cozy French village LOVED IT
A photo of Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3287)
$31 to $50
Californian
Carmel
About the restaurant
Anton and Michel is now open INDOORS and OUTDOORS at the COURT of the FOUNTAINS.
LUNCH: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM / DINNER: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Reservations are highly recommended.
If you are having any difficulty making reservations online, please call the restaurant directly at 831-624-2406 or send us an email.
Since 1980, Anton and Michel has consistently maintained an award-winning reputation for true excellence in the art of fine dining. A complete interior remodel was recently completed features handset stonework throughout the restaurant. The floor to ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the Court of the Fountains. Zagat Survey calls it: Carmel’s long-standing paean to graciousness in dining out. Along with updated and contemporary changes to the menus, ultimate table side service flambé desserts remain. As quoted in the Wine Spectator, Anton and Michel is “probably the best dining experience in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea”.

Top review
Madeleine
Dined 4 days ago
Loved our lunch here. Everything was very fresh and delicious. Staff was lovely and accommodating. We’ll be back very soon.
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