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Best Authentic Restaurants in Carmel

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28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Il Tegamino restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1099)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 9 times today
Just steps off Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel, California, Il Tegamino is Carmel's favorite hidden gem. Wander past Carmel's iconic candy shop to find us tucked behind boutiques in a courtyard off the beaten path. We are a tiny restaurant charmingly hidden in Carmel-by-the-Sea's first courtyard. Dine al fresco in our outdoor space within The Court of the Golden Bough courtyard complete with standing heaters and an awning or feel transported to an authentic Italian bistro in our bustling small dining room. We welcome you to come grab a glass of vino in our new wine room. As a local small business, you will often find owner Giuseppe at your table side to welcome you and serve his menu of Italian comfort food inspired by his upbringing in Southern Italy.
A photo of Enzo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(450)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 8 times today
If a Western Mediterranean version of life exists, you will find it nestled between Ocean ave and Seventh st on San Carlos Street in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The European style village nestled above a picturesque white sandy beach is the perfect backdrop to "ENZO". At Enzo, you will be beckoned by the rustically charming patios surrounded by draping bougainvillea on a sundrenched day or the cozy and simplistic interior warmed by the fireplace when the cool fog blankets the coast.Calabria is a southern region in Italy where the owner, Enzo, comes from. Calabria is a place where life is still slow. It's the beauty, the passion, the family, the love...this is what you will find at Enzo...simplicity, love, comfort, family!
A photo of Nicolas Cocina de Herencia restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(266)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Carmel
Booked 14 times today
Reservations are not needed but are recommended, Walk ins are Welcome.The newest creation from the owners of the beloved Villa Azteca in Downtown Salinas (Salinas City Center), the eatery honoring the Alvarez family patriarch will open Summer 2023 in Carmel Plaza. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will have indoor dining, bar seating and a small outdoor space, serving specialty Michoacán dishes as well as other Mexican favorites, incorporating three generations of family recipes.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2257)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 27 times today
Il Fornaio - Carmel is a gem of authentic Italian cuisine in downtown Carmel. As one reviewer noted, it serves 'Real authentic Italian cuisine.' The menu boasts wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, house-made pastas, and pizzas baked in an oak wood-fired oven. The restaurant's name, 'Il Fornaio,' which means 'The Baker' in Italian, speaks to its commitment to traditional Italian cooking.
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(221)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 32 times today
Dametra Cafe is a gem of a restaurant that truly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. It's all about the authenticity here, with reviewers praising the 'fresh & authentic' food. The atmosphere is often described as familial and fun, and the owner is commended for being 'welcoming'. Plus, the live music and dance parties add an extra layer of authenticity. The food is 'delicious' and 'fresh', with dishes like hummus, lamb shish kebab and baklava being fan favorites.
A photo of Toro restaurant
4.5
Awesome(685)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Carmel
Booked 22 times today
Toro offers creative Japanese cuisine, and we believe in sourcing high quality ingredients. Our beverage program has a lovely sake and wine collection, as well as some creative sake cocktail creations. Join us soon!
A photo of Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1938)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 15 times today
Do you love Italian food? A world famous restaurant executive chef says it all by saying, “the best meals in California are at Carmel Bistro Giovanni!” 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 we require a credit card to hold your table with a 24 hour cancellation policy, $25 per person will be applied to your credit card for late cancellations and no shows. *We have a $30 corkage fee for a standard size bottle (750 ml.) 2 bottle maximum per table.
A photo of Pangaea Grill restaurant
4.4
Awesome(162)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 23 times today
Welcome to Pangaea on Ocean Ave, where culinary excellence meets coastal charm! We take immense pride in announcing that we have been honored with the prestigious title of "Best Restaurant of 2022 and 2023 in Carmel-by-the-Sea."This remarkable achievement reflects our relentless commitment to providing an extraordinary dining experience that delights the senses and captures the essence of this beautiful coastal town. From our exquisite menu crafted with the finest local ingredients to our impeccable service, we strive to create memorable moments for every guest. Join us and indulge in an award-winning culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.
A photo of Edwin's Kaona Carmel restaurant
4.4
Awesome(176)
Price: Moderate
• Asian • Carmel
Booked 3 times today
Edwin's Carmel is a South East Asian Fusion Restaurant located in the heart of Carmel by the Sea, CA.
A photo of Yafa restaurant
4.0
Excellent(518)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 1 time today
Yafa Restaurant is a casual corner cafe serving delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes in a warm and homey environment.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Davidvip
    California Central Coast •62 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    This is not your ordinary Mexican restaurant… instead it is fine dining personally crafted per your order and served by an attentive and informed staff. The cocktails are also devine!
    More info
    Nicolas Cocina de HerenciaPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Carmel
    4.7
  • Claudia
    Mexico City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    After coming here for a few times, this charming Italian restaurant has become a must for us while in Carmel. The food is beyond exceptional. My fav is the Ragu, Jessepe mother’s recipe, which seem to be part of the menu for the last 10 years. You may experience here something infrequent at other places, the friendliness, and charisma the owner makes you feel at home .
    More info
    Il TegaminoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    4.6
  • andrea
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everyone is great there. Manager, servers and service are always great.
    More info
    Il Fornaio - CarmelPrice: Moderate• Italian• Carmel
    4.4
  • Don
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great service. Reasonable price. Best salmon and rice we've ever had second time we've gotten it tasted as good if not better than the first would happily return thanks so very much to all of you for making our dinner. Such a great experience. We really appreciate it. :-) Don, Julie, Nina and Dina :)
    More info
    Dametra CafePrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Carmel
    4.8
  • Jeanelle
    Denver / Colorado •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 23 Oct 2024
    We always have a wonderful experience when eating here! Great ambiance and the service is always top notch! We return every time we travel to Carmel!
    More info
    Enzo Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    4.6

Discover best authentic restaurants in Carmel

Discover the essence of authentic dining in California's Central Coast, particularly in the charming locales of Carmel and Monterey. This region is renowned for its vibrant dining scene, offering a unique blend of culinary experiences that highlight local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Whether you're seeking the rich flavors of freshly caught seafood, the refined tastes of French cuisine, or the heartwarming comfort of Italian dishes, the area's restaurants promise an authentic and memorable gastronomic journey. Each establishment in Carmel and Monterey is celebrated for its commitment to authenticity, delivering dishes that are not only delicious but also true to their cultural origins. The ambiance of these dining spots varies from cozy and intimate to elegantly sophisticated, catering to a range of preferences and occasions. Patrons consistently praise the knowledgeable staff and welcoming service, enhancing the overall dining experience. Local reviewers often highlight the freshness of the ingredients used, attributing this to the close relationships restaurants maintain with regional farmers and suppliers. Whether it's seafood pulled directly from the nearby Pacific waters or locally sourced produce that stars in every dish, the focus on quality and sustainability stands out. In summary, if you're exploring Carmel or Monterey and have a penchant for authentic dining experiences, the diverse and rich culinary landscape of this region is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you with lasting memories of exquisite taste and exceptional service.

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