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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Carmel

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grasing's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3096)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 29 times today
DINING UPDATE: Please call restaurant if desired reservation is not available online.Grasing's is open for indoor dining and limited outdoor dining (weather permitting). Please note if stairs are an issue for any guest. Please continue to visit our website a https://grasings.com for menu updates, holiday offerings and special events. Grasing’s, located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, lies along the Pacific Coast in Central California in Monterey County. Celebrity chef partners, Kurt Grasing and Narsai David, truly created a gem. From friendly and professional service, an award winning wine list and seasonally inspired cocktails to the fresh and sustainable local ingredients.Please contact the restaurant to request dog friendly patio seating.
A photo of Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1998)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 36 times today
An artful, romantic setting with an international wine list and amazing cocktails. Try some of our specialties: the "Mamma Mia" features mouth-watering meatballs with pasta and southern Mediterranean-spiced sauce, Veal Osso Bucco, Lamb Shank, steaks, and a plethora of seafood including halibut, salmon and sand dabs! For our gluten-free guests, we can also provide gluten free pasta and bread. *Patio availability depending on weather. We do have plenty of heat lamps but do not have covered tables outdoors. Please understand this when booking.* For parties of 6 or more and special events we require a credit card to hold your table with a 24 hour cancellation policy, $40 per person will be applied to your credit card for late cancellations and no shows. We will hold your table for 10 minutes.*We have a $30 corkage fee for a standard size bottle (750 ml.) 2 bottle maximum per table.
A photo of Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3311)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 31 times today
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”.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2300)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 33 times today
Il Fornaio in Carmel is a go-to spot for special occasions. Its authentic Italian cuisine and exceptional service are highly praised by customers. Reviewers celebrate their anniversaries and birthdays here, and the restaurant even surprised a guest with a special dessert on their anniversary. With a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and a lovely ambiance, Il Fornaio is a perfect choice for a memorable dining experience.
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1705)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 61 times today
Our cuisine features beautiful specialties from France, Italy and Spain. The dishes are rich in color and flavor.PortaBella is picturesque: awarded First Prize for Beautiful Flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club.The ambience is stylish and romantic, the setting historic
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(257)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 43 times today
Demetra Cafe is a special occasion spot with its vibrant, Greek coastal city decor, lively atmosphere, and high-quality, healthy Mediterranean food. As one reviewer puts it, 'Fabulous birthday dinner. The food was excellent and service was wonderful.' Another mentions celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary there, enjoying live music and dancing. The restaurant is always packed, with patrons lauding its 'great food, wine, service, ambiance.'
A photo of The Hog's Breath Inn - Carmel restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1044)
Price: Moderate
• American • Carmel
Welcome to the famous Hog's Breath Inn, Carmel.Formerly owned by Clint Eastwood, and sold to a good family friend, Kaiser Morcus,a seasoned restaurateur, hotelier, grocer, butcher and entrepreneur.​PATIO DINING, LUNCH & DINNER, OPEN 11 AMOur belief is that you are what you eat.
A photo of Catch restaurant
4.4
Awesome(532)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 15 times today
Welcome to Catch!.............................................
A photo of Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(438)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 14 times today
Patisserie Boissiere is a special place for celebrations, known for its exceptional dishes and warm ambiance. Reviews consistently praise the restaurant's elegant setting, excellent service, and the relaxed and comforting atmosphere. One reviewer even mentioned the owner's personal touch, adding to the exceptional experience. The restaurant is perfect for intimate meals, happy gatherings, and special occasions, and its reputation for serving the best French food in California is unmatched.
A photo of L'Escargot - Carmel restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1266)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 3 times today
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.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Elizabeth
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everything was wonderful - food, wine, ambiance, and especially service. One tiny quibble was that they did not dumb the table between dinner and dessert, but maybe they were slightly understaffed that night. Our server was otherwise perfectly attentive and knowledgeable!
    More info
    Grasing'sPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    4.7
  • LornaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great Valentine meal at Anton et Michel. They had planned well for a busy night with plenty of staff, and did not over book. We received a friendly greeting and were promptly taken to our table. There are various dining spaces, all are modern and inviting. Marco provided friendly and prompt service. Since my spouse doesn’t drink, I appreciated that they had a nice selection of half bottles, including several sparkling wines. My husband had the filet mignon, which he found an excellent quality and cooked a perfect medium rare. He would have liked a bit more sauce, so he will ask for extra next time we visit. I had the seafood fricassé, which included scallops, shrimp and smoked salmon ravioli in a decadent cream sauce. We ordered cherries jubilee table side for dessert. The presentation was lovely with an abundance of cherries. The perfect ending to a delightful meal. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Anton & Michel RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    4.7
  • Mary
    California Central Coast •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Couldn’t have been better! Food was excellent- service excellent. Brought friends who had never been there and they were talking about who else they wanted to experience this with because it was so amazing! Thank you for a wonderful time!
    More info
    Carmel's Bistro GiovanniPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    4.7
  • KathyVIP
    California Central Coast •66 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We celebrated Valentines Day with a wonderful dinner and superb service. Our server - Aeden was so attentive and professional, it just made the evening more perfect for us. We have never been disappointed in anything we’ve ordered- this is our neighborhood go to and we just love the ambience and menu, also a great cocktail and wine selection.
    More info
    Il Fornaio - CarmelPrice: Moderate• Italian• Carmel
    4.6
  • janetVIP
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Dinner at Portabella was perfect; from the cozy atmosphere, a warm greeting when we arrived, wonderful service from Veronica, and undoubtedly some of the best food in Carmel, our experience was fantastic. As a part-time resident of our beautiful city, I am so happy to have this gem of a restaurant be better than ever!!
    More info
    PortaBella RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Carmel
    4.5

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Carmel

Discover the charm of dining in Monterey / Carmel for your special occasions! Nestled along California’s scenic Central Coast, this area boasts a variety of restaurants that are perfect for celebrating significant milestones. Known for their exceptional service, these dining spots offer a mix of atmospheric charm and culinary excellence, ensuring that every celebration is memorable. From quaint eateries offering intimate settings to larger venues with stunning views, each restaurant provides a unique experience tailored to make your special events extraordinary. The dining scene in Monterey / Carmel is vibrant and diverse, catering to a range of tastes and preferences with a focus on delivering top-notch cuisine and a welcoming ambiance. Whether you're commemorating an anniversary, a birthday, or any other special moment, the restaurants here are equipped to provide an unforgettable experience. Elevate your special occasions with the perfect blend of flavor, elegance, and coastal beauty in Monterey / Carmel.

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