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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Carmel

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grasing's restaurant
1. Grasing's
4.6
Exceptional(3065)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 12 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 Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant
2. Carmel's Bistro Giovanni
4.7
Exceptional(1950)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 27 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 Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
3. Anton & Michel Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3263)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 19 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
4. Il Fornaio - Carmel
4.5
Awesome(2265)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 29 times today
Il Fornaio in Carmel is a go-to spot for special occasions. Its authentic Italian cuisine and exceptional service are highly praised by customers. Reviewers celebrate their anniversaries and birthdays here, and the restaurant even surprised a guest with a special dessert on their anniversary. With a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and a lovely ambiance, Il Fornaio is a perfect choice for a memorable dining experience.
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
5. PortaBella Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1676)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 59 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 Dametra Cafe restaurant
6. Dametra Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(229)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 26 times today
Demetra Cafe is a special occasion spot with its vibrant, Greek coastal city decor, lively atmosphere, and high-quality, healthy Mediterranean food. As one reviewer puts it, 'Fabulous birthday dinner. The food was excellent and service was wonderful.' Another mentions celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary there, enjoying live music and dancing. The restaurant is always packed, with patrons lauding its 'great food, wine, service, ambiance.'
A photo of Catch restaurant
7. Catch
4.4
Awesome(515)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 4 times today
Welcome to Catch!.............................................
A photo of Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant restaurant
8. Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(428)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 6 times today
Patisserie Boissiere is a special place for celebrations, known for its exceptional dishes and warm ambiance. Reviews consistently praise the restaurant's elegant setting, excellent service, and the relaxed and comforting atmosphere. One reviewer even mentioned the owner's personal touch, adding to the exceptional experience. The restaurant is perfect for intimate meals, happy gatherings, and special occasions, and its reputation for serving the best French food in California is unmatched.
A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant
9. Casanova Restaurant Carmel
4.6
Exceptional(2366)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 19 times today
Casanova Restaurant Carmel is a special place for celebrations, as seen in the glowing reviews. It's described as a 'romantic and charming spot' with 'excellent food and service'. Many patrons celebrate their special occasions here, including birthdays, anniversaries, and even 46th wedding anniversaries. The staff is also praised for their helpfulness in making special arrangements for these events. The atmosphere is described as 'Old World' and the food as 'perfectly orchestrated and seasoned'. The restaurant's extensive wine list is also a hit.
A photo of Fish Hopper restaurant
10. Fish Hopper
4.5
Awesome(3749)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 48 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nicole
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our dinner was very nice and the service was great. It’s a quaint little spot with a nice outdoor patio. We started with the cheese plate - which was lovely and a mushroom soup. Our main dishes were the sanddabs, seafood pasta, salmon and the bolognese pasta. Everything was delicious except for the kids pizza my nephew ordered. It wasn’t good and the waiter noticed my nephew didn’t eat any of it so he took it off of our bill (we didn’t ask). Overall nice meal and great service.
    More info
    PortaBella RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Carmel
    •
    4.5
  • RobinVIP
    New York City •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food and service was spectacular! Wonderful fish/beef and good portion sizes. It is very expensive but that's Carmel! They ran out of sticky toffee pudding so despite that bummer it was a terrific dining experience.
    More info
    Grasing'sPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    •
    4.6
  • Vibhore
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    As always, amazing food especially how many options there are that are gluten free, dairy free, and soy free. They are awesome with allergies and taking extensive care of people with allergies. Always our goto spot for any occasion in Carmel.
    More info
    Carmel's Bistro GiovanniPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    •
    4.7
  • DanelleVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •72 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Ilfo is always a good bet Food is reliably good Service as well Love the Carmel site the best
    More info
    Il Fornaio - CarmelPrice: Moderate• Italian• Carmel
    •
    4.5
  • Betty
    California Central Coast •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    A gorgeous day in Carmel made even more special by delightful lunch, sitting around a beautiful pool. The service the food was exceptional. Very, very relaxing.
    More info
    Anton & Michel RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    •
    4.7

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Carmel

Discover the charm of dining in Monterey / Carmel for your special occasions! Nestled along California’s scenic Central Coast, this area boasts a variety of restaurants that are perfect for celebrating significant milestones. Known for their exceptional service, these dining spots offer a mix of atmospheric charm and culinary excellence, ensuring that every celebration is memorable. From quaint eateries offering intimate settings to larger venues with stunning views, each restaurant provides a unique experience tailored to make your special events extraordinary. The dining scene in Monterey / Carmel is vibrant and diverse, catering to a range of tastes and preferences with a focus on delivering top-notch cuisine and a welcoming ambiance. Whether you're commemorating an anniversary, a birthday, or any other special moment, the restaurants here are equipped to provide an unforgettable experience. Elevate your special occasions with the perfect blend of flavor, elegance, and coastal beauty in Monterey / Carmel.

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