Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic 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!

Le Soufflé

5.0

5 (453)

$50 and over

French

Carmel

About the restaurant

**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN- (CLOSED 2/17-2/21)**
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

M .VIP

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

Soufflés aren’t only for dessert!!!!! Savory lunch done as a soufflé is magical. The borscht soup was incredible as was the salad and the stars of the show were the Garlic Soufflé and Mushroom Soufflé both striking to the eye and tummy. With only 16 seats you feel special with owner Lisa at your side as your host for lunch. This is Carmel hidden lunch gem.

L'Escargot - Carmel

4.8

4.8 (1255)

$30 and under

French

Carmel

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

lewisVIP

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

Excellent food and service. Warm, caring, and professional staff. Very comfortable dining rooms. It always has interesting specials, and when compared to other fine dining spots in Carmel, it offers very good value. It is our number one choice for special occasions, but it's too good to just leave for special occasions.

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Popular dish

Steak Frites

Popular dish

French Onion Gratinee

Anton & Michel Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (3293)

$31 to $50

Californian

Carmel

About the restaurant

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”.

Top review

CathyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was perfect, including a surprise birthday dessert. The service, food, wine, and ambience were amazing. Highly recommend!

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Popular dish

Classic French Onion Soup

Popular dish

Cherries Jubilee (for two)

Popular dish

GF Black Angus Filet Mignon

Sardine Factory

4.7

4.7 (4983)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Kathy

Dined 1 day ago

The food was amazing and the service was spot on! Had a few drinks at the bar before dinner and the bartender was amazing.

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Popular dish

Sardine Factory's "Sorbet on Ice Swan"

Popular dish

USDA Prime Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Abalone Bisque

Coastal Kitchen Monterey

4.7

4.7 (315)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Monterey

About the restaurant

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 Time
Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per guest cancelation.

Top review

Andy

Dined 4 days ago

A fabulous meal. We did the three course fixed price. Every dish was superb. Even the freshly made rolls and butter were heavenly. Incredible service in a white tablecloth setting. And a low noise level so we could talk to each other!!! If we lived closer we would be regulars.

Stokes Adobe Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (784)

$31 to $50

Californian

Monterey

About the restaurant

Stokes Adobe is a new restaurant located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes. The menu offers chef driven seasonally inspired California cuisine. The bar and cozy outdoor fire pits offer classic cocktails, wines by the glass and local beers.

Top review

STEVENVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We hadn’t been to Stokes for about six months and it did not disappoint. The food and service were excellent. We had a lovely evening.

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Popular dish

Crispy Potatoes

36 Degrees North at San Juan Oaks Golf Club

4.7

4.7 (67)

$31 to $50

Californian

Hollister

About the restaurant

The signature restaurant at the newly reimagined San Juan Oaks Golf Club. 36º North brings an upscale ambiance and memorable dining experience through seasonally inspired California cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. With a dramatic olive tree featured as an iconic centerpiece, the scene is set for gourmet dinners and special occasions.

Top review

Joel

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food, excellent experience,Excellent service will definitely go back. Highly recommend!

Casanova Restaurant Carmel

4.6

4.6 (2386)

$50 and over

Italian

Carmel

About the restaurant

Our current hours are as follows.
Monday - Thursday, Dinner 4:30pm to 9:00pm
Friday- Saturday, Dinner 4:30pm to 9:30pm

Policies: We do require a credit card for reservations. We reserve the right to charge guests who do not show up for their reservations or cancel within a 24 hour notice.
The charge for NO SHOW is $25 per guest. We will hold your table for 15min max, and will automatically allot 2hrs for your dining pleasure.
Parties of 5 or more will need to make special accommodations with the hostess.

Thank you for your continuous support!

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

It has been many years since I've dined at Casanova. I was happy to learn that the years have only enhanced the charm, atmosphere and cuisine. Both our server and the sommelier were excellent. Both were engaging, kind, and offered excellent descriptions & recommendations. The seafood linguine was superb, as was the Sancerre wine that I paired with it. Our food came out in a timely manor and was piping hot when served. I honestly wish I lived in Carmel (for many reasons) but if I did I would dine at Casanova weekly.

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4.5

4.5 (3406)

$50 and over

American

Carmel

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

GeorgeVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Chris was our server. He’s perfect…no one better ever!

Enzo Ristorante Italiano

4.5

4.5 (453)

$31 to $50

Italian

Carmel

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

janetVIP

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

The service was excellent, the food was amazing and the restaurant is quiet and cozy. One of the best in Carmel!!

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