Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast

Best Romantic Restaurants in Carmel

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
1. PortaBella Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1665)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 29 times today
Our cuisine features beautiful specialties from France, Italy and Spain. The dishes are rich in color and flavor.PortaBella is picturesque: awarded First Prize for Beautiful Flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club.The ambience is stylish and romantic, the setting historic
A photo of Il Tegamino restaurant
2. Il Tegamino
4.6
Exceptional(1098)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 11 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 Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant
3. Carmel's Bistro Giovanni
4.6
Exceptional(1936)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 21 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 Grasing's restaurant
4. Grasing's
4.6
Exceptional(3050)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 24 times today
DINING UPDATE: Please call restaurant if desired reservation is not available online.Grasing's is open for indoor dining and limited outdoor dining (weather permitting). Please note if stairs are an issue for any guest. Please continue to visit our website a https://grasings.com for menu updates, holiday offerings and special events. Grasing’s, located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, lies along the Pacific Coast in Central California in Monterey County. Celebrity chef partners, Kurt Grasing and Narsai David, truly created a gem. From friendly and professional service, an award winning wine list and seasonally inspired cocktails to the fresh and sustainable local ingredients.Please contact the restaurant to request dog friendly patio seating.
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
5. Dametra Cafe
4.8
Exceptional(220)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 29 times today
Dometra Cafe is a romantic spot with its distinctly Greek decor, reminiscent of a coastal city in Greece. Reviewers consistently praise the 'festive' atmosphere, 'live music', and 'warm vibe'. The 'engaging environment', 'friendly staff', and 'great service' create an intimate and charming setting. Plus, the 'fabulous food' and 'high-quality healthy options' add to the romantic experience.
A photo of L'Escargot - Carmel restaurant
6. L'Escargot - Carmel
4.8
Exceptional(1238)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 2 times today
Nestled in a residential neighborhood on Mission Street, three blocks north of Ocean Avenue lies a slice of “Old Carmel”. Originally founded in 1958 by Yvan Nopert and his family, Chef – Owner Kericos Loutas carries on the traditions of superb Country French Cuisine and personalized friendly service. A local favorite for casual fine dining in a romantic atmosphere, L’Escargot offers visitors an alternative to the “tourist experience”. The menu changes frequently, as do the specials. A three-course prix fixed Bistro Menu is offered nightly.
A photo of Mission Bistro restaurant
7. Mission Bistro
4.6
Exceptional(481)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 10 times today
Located on Mission Street between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, in Carmel California. Mission Bistro Restaurant is owned by Shaheen Alnuaimi. Our history-rich location is warm, charming, and above all cozy. We offer brunch, lunch, dinner, local, and import wines. Chef Matt Zimny sources from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches with the goal of serving what is fresh and currently available. At Mission Bistro we do Seafood and Steaks right. Cheers!
A photo of Treehouse Cafe restaurant
8. Treehouse Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(265)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Carmel
Booked 12 times today
Treehouse Cafe offers global fare in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
A photo of Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
9. Anton & Michel Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3236)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 22 times today
Anton and Michel is now open INDOORS and OUTDOORS at the COURT of the FOUNTAINS.LUNCH: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM / DINNER: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Reservations are highly recommended.If you are having any difficulty making reservations online, please call the restaurant directly at 831-624-2406 or send us an email.Since 1980, Anton and Michel has consistently maintained an award-winning reputation for true excellence in the art of fine dining. A complete interior remodel was recently completed features handset stonework throughout the restaurant. The floor to ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the Court of the Fountains. Zagat Survey calls it: Carmel’s long-standing paean to graciousness in dining out. Along with updated and contemporary changes to the menus, ultimate table side service flambé desserts remain. As quoted in the Wine Spectator, Anton and Michel is “probably the best dining experience in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea”.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
10. Il Fornaio - Carmel
4.4
Awesome(2255)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 28 times today
Il Fornaio - Carmel is a romantic spot with reviews praising the 'nice atmosphere', 'beautiful venue', and 'quiet, delightful dinner on a cold, blustery evening'. Many guests have celebrated special occasions here, like a 'Valentine’s dinner' and 'anniversary dessert'. The Italian cuisine and 'excellent service' add to the romantic ambiance.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Natasha
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The best meal I’ve ever had. Highly recommend! We had the seafood carbonara and ragu.
    More info
    Il TegaminoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    •
    4.6
  • Markvip
    Los Angeles •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Only thing I would change is have a regular bill so customers can tip more. The machine only shows 25% max on main screen so you’re shorting yourselves tips imo. Your server was excellent
    More info
    Grasing'sPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    •
    4.6
  • grtfoodvip
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    THE BEST MEAL WE HAVE EVER HAD!! My husband had lobster ravioli that was terrific & I had a seafood dish that had with 7 different seafoods .. crab, mussels. Clams,white fish, shrimp, prawns. All in a yummy ragu sauce with linguine! BOTH OUTSTANDINGLY DELICIOUS! Also shared a great Caesar salad with slices of homemade sourdough with olive oil & balsamic for dipping '!' This is our new go to When we visit Carmel!' The hand painted murals on the walls & background Italian music added to the mood! We had a great server who topped off our amazing experience ‼️👍🌈
    More info
    Carmel's Bistro GiovanniPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    •
    4.6
  • Don
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 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
  • Judyvip
    Texas Panhandle •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Porta Bella was a fabulous dining experience! Cozy atmosphere, attentive staff provided excellent service, and amazing food. Highly recommend this restaurant in the heart of beautiful Carmel!
    More info
    PortaBella RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Carmel
    •
    4.5

Discover best romantic restaurants in Carmel

Discover the enchanting romance of dining in California's Central Coast, where Carmel and Monterey offer a captivating array of restaurants perfect for a romantic outing. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable evening, these establishments boast atmospheres that are both intimate and inviting. Revel in settings that range from old European charm with soft French music in the background to cozy spots with warm fireplaces and freshly baked pastries. The culinary offerings are equally impressive, featuring perfectly orchestrated Italian classics and exquisite French cuisine that promise to delight your taste buds. Each restaurant is highly rated for both its exceptional service and the quality of its food, ensuring a dining experience that enhances the romantic mood. The dining scene here is renowned for its picturesque locations and quality establishments, making it an ideal destination for those who cherish both ambiance and gastronomy in their romantic endeavors.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo