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Diners' Choice: Best Value restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

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OpenTable
Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best value restaurants in Monterey / Carmel? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Pizza Heaven restaurant
5.0
5 (26)
$30 and under
Pizza Bar
Carmel
About the restaurant
Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Carmel-by-the Sea, Pizza Heaven entices both locals and tourists with its welcoming atmosphere and delightful menu.

Our delightful restaurant features a dog-friendly heated patio, where four-legged friends are invited to join their owners in indulging in a variety of culinary delights. From specialty pizzas brimming with distinctive flavors to timeless favorites that never disappoint, Pizza Heaven caters to all tastes.

In addition to pizza, the menu offers an enticing selection of options including pastas, salads, and Mediterranean pies, ensuring there's something for everyone. To elevate the dining experience, carefully chosen local and regional wines are available, adding a touch of sophistication to every meal.

Whether you're in search of a laid-back lunch spot or an intimate dinner setting, Pizza Heaven guarantees a taste of culinary delight amidst the coastal allure of Carmel, California.

Top review
Gabriela
Dined on Nov 26, 2024
It was a great experience. Amazing food and desert.
A photo of La Mia Cucina restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1013)
$31 to $50
Italian
Pacific Grove
About the restaurant
Stroll along 17th St., between Lighthouse and Laurel and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its fresh ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are “originals, not reproductions.” That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his ravioli dishes, are a renowned local favorite, and for good reason. They are hand made, with all the care that only a lifetime of creative food combining can bring. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for it's fresh fish and meat specials. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula and daughter Michaela, and the service is personal and inviting.
Top review
Delma
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
Another wonderful dinner at Mia Cucina. We both loved the fresh focaccia and the super flavorful olive oil we dipped into! My pasta primavera with chicken was loaded with fresh veggies and the creamy sauce was not too heavy yet coated the linguini perfectly. My companion’s chicken dish was perfectly cooked and seasoned and he especially enjoyed the orzo. The blood orange sorbet topped off the meal!
A photo of Le Soufflé restaurant
5.0
5 (451)
$50 and over
French
Carmel
About the restaurant
**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN- (CLOSED 12/23-12/27)**
We are located in CARMEL, CALIFORNIA, USA. Reservations are only available through OpenTable up to 3 weeks in advance. Intimate indoor dining room can accommodate parties up to 4 guests- Menu changes seasonally- see website for current menu.

Le Soufflé is a fine dining restaurant serving a traditional French soufflé lunch menu. Everything is exclusively prepared by our Executive Chef/Co-Owner creating a very unique and finely crafted dining experience. The wine list offers a selection of wines from exquisite boutique producers in France and are all available by the glass or bottle. Our guests can look forward to an elegant escape when they step into our intimate and luxurious dining room. We are located on Dolores Street, just two blocks off Ocean Avenue in the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Top review
Jan
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
What a find. It was a wonderful pretty little place for lunch. The Food was absolutely delicious. My husband had the garlic soufflé and I had the mushroom soufflé. The soup, salad and dessert soufflés were also delicious! The best food both of us have eaten! The lovely woman who waited on us and the chef are partners and do everything. There are four tables. It is a very unique experience. We will definitely go back when we’re in Carmel again.
A photo of Village Corner California Bistro restaurant
4.8
4.8 (130)
$30 and under
Bistro
Carmel
About the restaurant
Village Corner California Bistro is a dining institution in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, that locals and travelers have been frequenting for 70 years. Experience our new menu as we work to carry on the tradition guests and Locals have enjoyed for decades.

Illy Cafe Full Espresso menu
Full Wine List featuring Local & California Wine
Enjoy Bloody Mary, Bellini, Mimosa
Certified Green Restaurant
Local Fish Specials
Prime Steaks
Wild Foraged Mushrooms
Vegetarian Dishes
Vegan Dishes - Daily Vegan Specials
Impossible Burger
Al-fresco Dining
Outdoor Patio
Dog Friendly
Kids Menus
Gluten Free Menu, Gluten Free Corn Pasta, Gluten Free Hamburger Buns, Gluten Free Breads, Gluten Free Bagels & English Muffins, Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas.
Brunch
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Wine Dinners
Full Beer Selection
We accept We Chat Pay





Top review
KathyVIP
Dined 6 days ago
We love this place! Enjoyed a delicious brunch. We had a table for five on the patio with our dogs. The service was perfect, the nicest servers and very attentive. Fisal, the owner stopped and spoke to the guests at every table.
A photo of Kona Steak and Seafood restaurant
4.8
4.8 (102)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Monterey
About the restaurant
KONA Steak & Seafood was voted the "Best New Restaurant" winner on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula for 2023. Located in the popular Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, just minutes from Carmel, Pacific Grove, & all Peninsula cities.
A fabulous menu! Enjoy fresh seafood, lobster, Hawaiian loco moco, fresh ahi tuna, a great bacon cheeseburger, bone-in rib eye, miso-glazed seabass, filet mignon, macadamia nut crusted halibut, entree salads, cioppino, seafood pasta, Maui onion soup, coconut curry soup, and a large host of enticing appetizers. Enjoy KONA's generous portions, good value, & free abundant parking! The house baked desserts are worth a trip on their own..... incredible!! The gorgeous "ZenDen Bar" features full bar & "Tiki Bar" style concoctions curated with house made ingredients, and nightly Happy Hour from 3:00-9:00pm. Local wine list, craft draft beers, kid's menu, dog-friendly lanai/patio dining, continuous lunch & dinner service 7 days a week from 11:00am.

Top review
John
Dined today
Best Loco Moco ever. Started with the tempura artichoke hearts which were cooked to perfection with a very light tempura coating and served with an excellent sauce. Enjoyed a couple of Elvis Presley cocktails that were incredible. Definitely would recommend this place. The service is always a balance of friendly and professional and the kitchen is always “on point”. Thank you Billy Quon, another awesome evening at one of your restaurants.
A photo of Passionfish restaurant
4.8
4.8 (7226)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Pacific Grove
About the restaurant
Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.
Top review
RuthVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Highly recommend! Quiet atmosphere, excellent food and great wine choices. The biscuits are worth every calorie, the best! Our entree (the evening special, black cod) was delicious. Bread pudding topped everything off. A perfect evening!
A photo of Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1316)
$30 and under
Italian
Pacific Grove
About the restaurant
We are currently open for dine-in and outdoor heated sidewalk/patio.
We are always available for curbside pickup.
Welcome to Mezzaluna Pasteria and Mozzarella Bar. Chef Soerke and Amy invite you in to enjoy daily house made Pasta, Mozzarella and Gelato.
We offer a full bar with specialty cocktails.
Chef’s Specialties include
Buccatini Al’Amatriciana
Linguini alla Vongole
Chicken Sausage Lasagne
Spaghetti Carbonara
Grilled Octopus
Lamb Meatballs
House-made Charcuterie
Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Dolce Sauce & Black Truffle Oil
Little Gem Caesar Salad with Parmigiano Reggiano
Raviloi di Manzo
Pate di Anatra

Top review
AlexaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
This was our 3rd dinner at Mezzaluna and everything is as consistently good as the first time - food, service, ambiance. One family member is gluten free and had a great dining experience! Gluten free bread upon request, several gluten free appetizer and dinner options, and a server who helped her navigate the menu choices very knowledgeably and considerately.
A photo of Rosine's Restaurant restaurant
4.6
4.6 (573)
$30 and under
American
Monterey
About the restaurant
Rosine's Restaurant turns traditional American comfort food into an art form. This local family-owned and operated casual dining restaurant has been open for 43+ years. The Culcasi family, owners of Rosine's, have received a bit of national fame as it has appeared on Guy Fieri's show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives". Rosine's offers indoor and outdoor (pet friendly) dining serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, beer wine and signature craft cocktails. Breakfast offers include Eggs Benedicts, Omelets and a variety of other breakfast specialities. As for lunch and dinner, there is a mix of American and Italian dishes. Some of the most popular dishes on the menu include their Beef Minestrone soup, Chicken Parmesan and Lasagna. Scrumptious sandwiches, fresh salads and burgers are also elevated. They are known world wide for their award-winning house made desserts. A consistent winner with the locals for Best Comfort Food, Best Family Restaurant, Best Desserts + more.
Top review
CarolynVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Decorated beautifully for Christmas. Service was attentive and polite. Food portions were generous and delicious. Ordered veggie burger (loved the mushrooms and avocado on it), lamb shanks (2 shanks with mashed potatoes and veggies - yum), lasagna (perfection) with minestrone soup - yum), and blacked chicken (dry). Black Forest cake (delicious, not too sweet just right).
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
4.7
4.7 (229)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
Carmel
About the restaurant
Dametra Cafe is a casual Mediterranean restaurant. Here, diners can expect high-quality healthy food delivered quickly in a relaxed atmosphere. The decor and styling of the dining room is distinctly Greek, specifically like one of the many coastal cities that the country is known for. Between that and the hearty portions and prompt service, Dametra Cafe sits nicely between an upscale restaurant and quick-service places.Dametra's Cafe features primarily Greek cuisine, with some Italian and Spanish thrown in for good measure. Appetizers include hummus with pita bread, fried calamari, grilled jumbo prawns and steamed mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce. The meals are split between sandwiches, pasta and entrée offerings and features dishes such as shrimp and crab ravioli, a salmon burger with red onion and tomatoes, lamb shish kebab and a Greek style lamb shank with rice pilaf and fresh vegetables.
Top review
RussellVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Expect live entertainment, and audience participation. A fun evening.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1621)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Monterey
About the restaurant
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
Top review
Mary
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent service. Nice atmosphere. Food was good.
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