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

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Carmel

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

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Enzo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(450)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 5 times today
If a Western Mediterranean version of life exists, you will find it nestled between Ocean ave and Seventh st on San Carlos Street in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The European style village nestled above a picturesque white sandy beach is the perfect backdrop to "ENZO". At Enzo, you will be beckoned by the rustically charming patios surrounded by draping bougainvillea on a sundrenched day or the cozy and simplistic interior warmed by the fireplace when the cool fog blankets the coast.Calabria is a southern region in Italy where the owner, Enzo, comes from. Calabria is a place where life is still slow. It's the beauty, the passion, the family, the love...this is what you will find at Enzo...simplicity, love, comfort, family!
A photo of Le Soufflé restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(446)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 1 time today
**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN**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.
A photo of Pacific's Edge restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3370)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Carmel
Booked 22 times today
Nestled on the craggy bluffs of Carmel Highlands and offering spectacular views of the California coastline, Pacific’s Edge lives up to a well-earned reputation as a destination restaurant. Using ingredients inspired by the local bounty from land and sea, a creative culinary team curates seasonal menus complemented by a storied wine list. Where California casual meets refined dining in a one-of-a-kind location, Pacific’s Edge will surely delight all the senses.
A photo of Basil Seasonal Dining restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(907)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 1 time today
Creative and modern Californian/Mediterranean dining located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Our seasonal menu is inspired by the freshest sustainable seafood the Monterey Bay has to offer and the finest organic produce from our local farmers. Compliment your experience with fun and contemporary cocktails as well as an excellent selection of California"s most sophisticated wines. Our menu includes a generous selection of vegetarian dishes as well as gluten free options. We offer outdoor seating that is dog friendly.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1599)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 17 times today
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.
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4938)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 33 times today
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.
A photo of Coastal Kitchen Monterey restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(308)
Price: Very Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Monterey
Booked 7 times today
NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH!!The Coastal Kitchen Monterey is an idyllic setting to enjoy inspirational fine dining. The culinary efforts are on display in the show kitchen and the service team is poised to offer impassioned explanations. Chef Michael Rotondo’s multi-coursed tasting menu focuses on sustainability and celebrates the bounty of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. A wine pairing of thoughtfully curated wines selected by the Sommelier team is available to complement each captivating course. Additionally, we are also offering our Champagne Brunch on Sundays for 10am to 2pm.Dinner Menus: Multiple Course Tasting Menu starts at $145 per person (Tuesday to Saturday Evenings)3 Course Prix Fixe Menu $85 ( Tuesday to Thursday evenings)Champagne Brunch Prix Fixe Menu: $75 per person (Sundays from 10am to 2pm)Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation TimeLate Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.
A photo of Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Pacific Grove restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1299)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Pacific Grove
Booked 15 times today
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 includeBuccatini Al’AmatricianaLinguini alla VongoleChicken Sausage LasagneSpaghetti CarbonaraGrilled Octopus Lamb Meatballs House-made CharcuterieGnocchi with Gorgonzola Dolce Sauce & Black Truffle OilLittle Gem Caesar Salad with Parmigiano Reggiano Raviloi di Manzo Pate di Anatra
A photo of Shearwater Tavern restaurant
4.3
Awesome(96)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Carmel
Booked 3 times today
Located in the idyllic seaside community of Carmel, Shearwater Tavern features breakfast and dinner within the Carmel Mission Inn. Our dinner menu has a selection of smaller plates to share along with some larger individual plates. We have partnered with a local dairy, coffee roaster, honey purveyor and bakery. Our Chef Fabian Di Paolo's menu is New American with Influences from his Argentinian, Italian, Floribbean roots. Our cocktail program features beautiful classic and specialty cocktails along with craft beer and California wines. You must try his House made Parker House rolls.
A photo of Rosine's Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(562)
Price: Moderate
• American • Monterey
Booked 23 times today
Rosine's Restaurant, a family-owned local gem, has been turning traditional American comfort food into an art form for over 43 years. Known for their award-winning house-made desserts, it's a favorite among locals for its 'Best Comfort Food', 'Best Family Restaurant' and 'Best Desserts'. With a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch options, they cater to every palate. One reviewer noted, 'The menu is quite impressive in length. The service was prompt. The food was well presented and the portions were generous.' Another said, 'Reservation a MUST! This restaurant is on the main road through downtown Monterey so it has a lot of food-traffic... so you'll feel awesome when you are seated immediately with your reservation.' So, whether you're in the mood for Eggs Benedicts, Chicken Parmesan, or a juicy Beef Minestrone soup, Rosine's Restaurant is worth the drive!

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Carmel

Discover the best dining experiences on the California Central Coast with our curated list of restaurants in Carmel, Monterey, and Carmel-by-the-Sea that are truly "worth the drive." These selected eateries stand out not just for their exceptional cuisine but also for their unique settings that capture the quintessential charm of the area. From cozy, family-run bistros to upscale establishments offering gourmet dishes, each restaurant provides a memorable gastronomic journey reflective of their local culture and culinary excellence. The dining scene in this region is renowned for its blend of sophisticated and casual dining atmospheres, catering to both refined palates and those seeking a relaxed meal with stunning views. Whether you're craving sumptuous French cuisine, authentic Italian dishes, or innovative local flavors, these restaurants promise an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Each location has been chosen for its commitment to quality, exceptional service, and a truly inviting atmosphere, ensuring that every visit is worth the drive. Enjoy the journey through scenic landscapes to reach destinations where every meal is prepared with passion and served with care. This guide is your gateway to exploring culinary delights that are not just meals, but memorable events that you'll want to revisit time and again.

  • 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