My husband and I will be passing through Carmel on our way to our stay at the Ventana Inn. I was looking for lunch suggestions in the area. We like all types of cuisines and would prefer something a little nicer (i.e., no bar food or sushi joints) where we could enjoy a glass of wine with our meal. Cost wouldn't be an issue. Thanks for your help!

La Bicyclette at Delores & 7th. Nice for lunch, decent selection of wine at reasonable prices. Other places I'd recommend are only open for dinner.

I recommend Casanova on 5th Avenue betweeen Mission and San Carlos. It is one of my favorites in Carmel. Great food and charming atmosphere. Here is a link: http://www.casanovarestaurant.com/

I second Casanova -- we were just there for lunch again last weekend and it was terrific. (Outside tables are great for lunch). Little Napoli is a bit more kitschy, but has very good Italian food. And sitting outside at the Lodge at Pebble Beach is pretty great.

Have fun at Ventana -- it's a fave.

Agree that Casanova is wonderful with a great reputation, although its chef for 25 years, Didier Dutertre, retired and opened up his own wonderful place in Monterey, the Bistro Moulin. The family that owns and runs Casanova also happens to own and run La Bicyclette.

Either place makes a great meal, although I haven't been back to Casanova since Didier left.

Friends of mine rave about Bistro Moulin!

I second the recs for La Bicyclette and Casanova. Basil is also open for lunch http://basilcarmel.com/

Many thanks!

sf7307 - your friends have good taste! I've been going since it first opened, turned a few friends on to it, and needless to say, couldn't get a reservation when we were up there 2 weeks ago. Booked solid!

California Market is an awesome lunch spot in Carmel. California Market is located at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands along Highway One and offers great food and amazing ocean views.

http://www.seemonterey.com/members/?...6&y=10&=Submit

bookmarking

In the last month we have had lunch at La Bicyclette twice, Peppers in Pacific Grove, Rocky Point twice, Village Corner 'cos we had the dog, and Little Napoli. All were good, but Rocky Point is my favorite. When the weather is great as it has been for the past month, sitting outside at Rocky Point and having a great burger is the best lunch I can think of.

These all sound fantastic. I'll bring the whole list with me and make a decision on the fly when we get there.

judy, some may consider it kitschy but I really loved eating at the Tuck Box -
http://www.tuckbox.com/

I found the Comstock cottages enchanting and enjoyed my tour with Gale -
http://www.carmelwalks.com/

I'm not much of a shopper but Gale suggested this shop - and I LOVED it. Bought some gifts for family and myself
http://www.jandeluz.com/boutique/

I loved watching sunsets at Carmel Beach - and watching the pups have fun on the dog section of the beach. I found a wonderful little deli/market and bought some treats to take to the beach for a picnic. It turned out to be too cold on the beach (in March) so I had a picnic in the room instead.

I LOVED Carmel. Enjoy your visit!

Thank you Starrs. Could that Tuck Box be more adorable??

I agree with SAB. Rocky Point is the best if you have good weather. We had lunch there a couple of weeks ago and it was a definite highlight because you cannot beat that view. If the weather is nice, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a meal at this fabulous location.

Also bookmarking

"Could that Tuck Box be more adorable??"

I don't think so, and the food was good too

As an update, one of my favorite meals came from the Corkscrew Cafe in Carmel Valley. The food was absolutely fantastic. Here's the website: http://www.corkscrewcafe.com/

Not a big fan of the Tuck Box myself, it's too twee for me.