Restaurant recommendations, Carmel, California?
 

I know that ther are nuggets of information that can be mined out of this forum - - but a search on "Carmel restaurants" doesn't really yield any (recent at least) thread that is specific with recommendations for restaurants in Carmel.

I have looked at http://www.carmel-california.com and at http://www.carmelbythesea.com/dining.htm - - but there is always merit to input from folks who have been there, especially recently.

Thanks in advance,

Rex
(mostly from the Europe forum)

Rex, Worth the drive, just to the south of Carmel is Rocky Point. I particularly like eating outside (if the weather permits... lunch or late afternoon is great) on the cliffs with fantastic views.

You are going to Point Lobos, right?

Point Lobos, yes (almost all of this itinerary is re-tracing steps for me and my wife, but almost all new to our kids, and son-in-law to-be)

- - but I have looked at the website of Rocky Point. The menu looks "un-adventurous", trying to put it politely. Aren't there any great seaview restaurants IN
Carmel?

Not sure what you're looking for in "adventurous dining". I think that Rocky Point's crab sandwiches and seafood salad are pretty extraordinary. They have the very best cole slaw (coming from someone who's NOT a cole slaw fan). And the views are the best in the area.

If you want something more extravagant and really creative menu items, you might try the restaurant at Highlands Inn. It's very pricey though. Again great views.

As you probably recall, most of the restaurants IN Carmel are on or are offshoots of Ocean Ave., which runs perpendicular to the ocean, ergo places in Carmel proper are short on views. You might check out the Mission Ranch Inn. I've heard their menu is very good, and it looks out at the cliffs and hillsides of Point Lobos, across the small bay. It's owned by Clint. A poster here "Bob" who lives in the area has said good things about it.

For me, good seafood and a great view are a top choice anyday.

Thanks for the added info, G

Wow. What a spectrum of opinions on tripadvisor.com (almost all just fr the lodging perspective). And a Yahoo search takes you to the oldest reviews first - - they were scathing! And yet five more rcent reviews are almost equally glowing! Go figure.

One of the best restaurants in Carmel in my opinion is Casanova. It's sort of French Italian, mostly Italian. The atmosphere is really nice. It's a little pricey but worth it. I think it's on San Carlos and 8th maybe, can't remember but in that area.

I would recommend Casanova also. No sea view, but good food.

Their website is http://www.casanovarestaurant.com/

Also, for breakfast or lunch, we enjoy The Cottage Cafe. (Wonderful artichoke soup!) It's on Lincoln, between Ocean and 7th. http://restauranteur.com/cottage/index.htm

In Carmel, my wife and I enjoy La Boheme, a small restaurant serving one pre-fixe meal per day. Very nicely done dinners, reasonably priced, you can check out their web site laboheme.com and view their monthly menu to see if anything appeals to you.

We also like Katy's for great breakfasts and for something simple, A Little Pizza Heaven for salads, pizza and pasta. As others have mentioned Cassanova is very popular as well.

There are lots of neat little restaurants in Carmel, you may find places that appeal to you as you wander around, most have menus on display. Good luck in your search.

Thanks. Good to see some affirmation for Casanova and La Boheme, since they jumped out at me as some of the best of the best.

Topping... unabashedly, again...

Grasings, Roy's at Spanish Bay, La Boheme, Pacific Edge at the Highland Inn come to mind.

Another recommendation for Casanova. We try to eat there on every sojourn to Carmel. For spectacular views in a very casual setting, drive down Big Sur to Napenthe. Menu includes sandwiches and burgers, but the view is unforgettable.

Oops, it's Nepenthe. Will use the preview feature next time!

Haven't been there recently, but I'd recommend the Pebble Beach Lodge restaurant. This will take you into the 17 Mile Drive.

Can't remember the name. I looked at www.pebblebeach.com and found "Stillwater". That's probably the one. It's got a fabulous view. It looks out across the golf course towards the ocean. Million dollar view, but my recollection of the prices were not too bad. Expensive, tho, don't want to mislead you.

Otherwise, try the Highland Inn - again forget the name of the restaurant. Award winning, but a bit out of town.

Happy dining!

Another vote for Casanova. I just went there on March 15th and it was wonderful. It is expensive though. We stayed right in downtown Carmel and it was only a two block walk. We also ate lunch at Cielos at Ventana Inn and it was beautiful inside and out, one of the most relaxing lunches I have ever had and delicious. If you are not going to be staying in Big Sur, it would not really work in the evening.

I really appreciate all these additional replies. Thank you. It appears that the customary sources of info are quite in line with your personal experiences.

Rex,
Another nod to Pacific Edge at
the Highlands Inn. It's been a few
years since we stayed at this resort
and ate in their restaurant, but my
husband still talks about their wonderful creme brulee.

If you are truly looking for a restaurant with a "sea view"...drive south to Big Sur and eat at the Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn. It's worth the drive and it's an experience you won't ever forget. Check out their website postranchinn.com We enjoyed lunch so much on the terrace that we returned for dinner. It is pricey, but worth every penny. With floor to ceiling windows, you feel suspended over the water.

In Carmel, go to Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch. It's delicious food and stay for the sing-along piano bar...fun...and "you know who" has been know to show up and play! We, too, ate at Casanova's...WONDERFUL food.

I am so happy to have found this site.
My husband and I are returning to Carmel for our anninversary. We were there on our honeymoon 30 years ago!
I had already booked an evening at Casanova, so was thrilled to read what was said about this restaurant. Rex, I will be anxious to hear about your trip. I don't know when you are going, but I will check to see if you have any recommendations before we go.
Have a great time.

Our trip started two days ago. Carmel Sunday. Don't know what mood we will be in. I do hope to post a relatively detailed trip report, focused chiefly on lodging and restaurants; so far it will include Farmer's Daughter Motel. Doughboy's and Ciudad (all in Los Angeles) - - plus maybe thoughts on changes to the Grove/Farmer's Market since I last spent anytime here (15? 25 years?)

Will let you know about Carmel, though we won't be back home until May 23.