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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Carmel

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grasing's restaurant
1. Grasing's
4.6
Exceptional(3048)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 16 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
2. Dametra Cafe
4.8
Exceptional(219)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 27 times today
Dametra Cafe is a hot spot in Carmel due to its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Greek cuisine. Customers rave about the high-quality food, friendly service, and engaging environment. The restaurant is consistently packed with its live music and energetic ambiance. One reviewer even mentioned that the restaurant 'erupts into a middle eastern dance party', making it an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
3. PortaBella Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1665)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 26 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 Schooners Monterey restaurant
4. Schooners Monterey
4.5
Awesome(3016)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 17 times today
Schooners, suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay, is a stunning restaurant featuring sustainable seafood and approachable, contemporary American cuisine. The ideal location for celebrating the Central Coast and the spectacular coastal region, the Schooners team commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood is reflected in the creative menu which features a variety of seafood options, both raw and cooked, as well as appetizers, soups, salads and main courses. A creative cocktail menu is served alongside an impressive wine list highlighting Monterey County vintners.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
5. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.7
Exceptional(1599)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 18 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
6. Sardine Factory
4.8
Exceptional(4938)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 31 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 Fish Hopper restaurant
7. Fish Hopper
4.4
Awesome(3729)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 39 times today
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean combined with world-class dining on historic Cannery Row, just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The newly renovated Fish Hopper, housed in an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular views of the stunning Monterey Bay from every table, including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, certified Angus beef, pastas, and live shellfish. Our seafood is either locally caught or shipped in fresh daily, and our produce is locally grown in the Salinas Valley. Some favorites include fresh Monterey Bay abalone, macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” bone-in rib eye, and fresh Dungeness crab. Start your meal with our award-winning clam chowder, and indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations or a selection from our extensive wine collection. While enjoying your delicious meal, you can watch sea otters at play and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale.
A photo of Rio Grill restaurant
8. Rio Grill
4.6
Exceptional(2462)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 16 times today
Rio Grill, located in the Crossroads in Carmel, has been the place to meet friends, enjoy tasty, flavorful food and relax with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine for over 38 Years.Chef Luis Osorio creative American dishes are some of the most flavorful, colorful and vibrant on the Monterey Peninsula and celebrate flavor in every mouthwatering bite!In addition to the main dining room, Rio Grill has a comfortable lounge and full bar serving refreshing libations including the restaurant’s famous "Rio Rita.” The bar is lined with colorful caricatures of local faces and celebrities. Rio Grill's award-winning wine list by Wine Director, Gabe de la Vega, features more than 250 labels featuring a ton of local wineries and an extensive selection available by the glass.
A photo of Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant
9. Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
4.5
Awesome(4282)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 18 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.
A photo of The Whaling Station Steakhouse restaurant
10. The Whaling Station Steakhouse
4.6
Exceptional(2405)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Monterey
Booked 25 times today
The internationally acclaimed Whaling Station Steakhouse, perched just above Steinbeck’s Cannery Row has been Monterey County’s #1 Steak House for over 50 years, The Whaling Station takes the term “Steakhouse” seriously...Select your USDA Prime cut of the USA’s finest beef from a silver tray or enjoy our slow-roasted USDA Prime, Prime Rib. An award-winning wine list and full spirits bar compliment your dining experience. Serving Dinner and cocktails from 4:30pm daily. The Bar at The Whaling Station Steakhouse has its own menu and its own local following, with drink specials and lively conversation served nightly. Parking in our private lot. A private, 50-seat banquet room is also available.

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Discover best hot spot restaurants in Carmel

Discover the culinary delights of California's Central Coast with our guide to the hottest dining spots in Carmel, Monterey/Carmel. Renowned for their exceptional service, these restaurants offer a variety of atmospheres from cozy and intimate to vibrant and bustling, catering to all dining preferences. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, authentic Italian, or exquisite French cuisine, you'll find establishments here that boast top-tier menus, expertly crafted by chefs who prioritize quality and authenticity. Each restaurant not only promises delicious meals but also a memorable dining experience, thanks to their commitment to excellence in both food and service. The dining scene in this locale is characterized by its blend of high-quality ingredients, culinary expertise, and inviting atmospheres, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Embrace the charm of Carmel and Monterey/Carmel, where each meal is prepared with passion and served with a smile. Whether you're a local or a tourist, these hot spots are guaranteed to provide an exceptional dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.

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