I'm bringing my Midwestern mom to the Bay Area during which we have a two day trip to Carmel and Monterey. What restaurants do you recommend? We're looking for moderately priced, quaint, and hopefully with views. Any cuisine is great. No Marinus-at-Bernardus-level restaurants... Thanks!

How about the Califonia Market at the Highlands Inn - perfect views and reasonable food IMO...A little south of Carmel at the beginning of the Big Sur coastline

If she'd like to spend some time in what is maybe the outstanding and most photographed example of Carmel English storybook cute, try the Tuck Box for breakfast or lunch. For French romantic bohemian cute, La Boheme in Carmel for dinner.

If it's a warm evening, and she might enjoy dining outside under the thick, fragrant Carmel forest, you might try the Forge in the Forest or the Hog's Breath Inn (even though I think Clint Eastwood no longer owns and hangs out at the latter.) The Hog's Breath is good for lunch too, as I'm sure Forge would be if it serves lunch, which I don't remember.

None of these are gourmet dining, but they are all moderately priced spots with loads of atmosphere, which won't be like anything that Mom has near her home.

Thanks so much for your replies! Yes, I found Forge in the Forest and wondered if it was too cheesy, but it looks quaint, with a simple menu. The Tuck Box sounds fabulous too, and I'll look into the California Market. Many thanks!

We just had lunch at Forge in the Forest on Tuesday. The outdoor patio is very nice. I had the sand dab sandwich that was very good. I prefer Casanova over Forge, tho.

We've had many memorable meals at the California Makret, the views are gorgeous. I like the fish tacos there. I also love Schooner's at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. The Old Bath House or the White House in PG are both great dinner options in that area.

You don't want Marinus, but I would highly recommend Wickets the casual bistro at the Bernardus Lodge. We had a wonderful lunch there out on the outdoor patio. This is an amazing property and the prawn-mango-avocado salad with the citrus dressing was the hit of the trip. The lemon creme brulee and the profieroles were also very yummy desserts.

The Terrace Grill at the La Playa Hotel is very quaint with beautiful views of the gardens and grounds. We had a really nice breakfast there and they set out a nice Happy Hour buffet. Have a great time! ***kim***