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Best Fun Restaurants in Carmel Valley

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Albatross Ridge Tasting Cottage - Carmel Valley restaurant
1. Albatross Ridge Tasting Cottage - Carmel Valley
4.7
Exceptional(51)
Price: Moderate
• Winery • Carmel Valley
Our beautiful Carmel Valley location features an updated bar and indoor tasting room and an expansive garden patio for a wonderful tasting experience. This tasting room features wines from our estate as well as charcuterie and chocolates to pair. Located on Carmel Valley Road, our Tasting Cottage is conveniently located next to a handful of neighboring tasting rooms and other retail stores in Carmel Valley Village. Albatross Ridge Winery specializes in premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown on our Estate in Carmel Valley not too far from the Cottage. Our vineyard has been recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of the most Dramatic Vineyards in California.
A photo of Baja Cantina - Carmel restaurant
2. Baja Cantina - Carmel
4.6
Exceptional(605)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Carmel Valley
Booked 13 times today
Baja Cantina is a fun and energetic place that is known for its exceptional automotive memorabilia collection and excellent food. We have a large outdoor patio that is perfect to sit and relax on a sunny afternoon with one of our award winning margaritas. We have special events all year round, including our famous classic car gatherings, holiday parties, tequila tastings, and sporting events. ****We only accept online reservations during off-peak times. If you can’t find a time you want online, please give us a call.***
A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant
3. Casanova Restaurant Carmel
4.6
Exceptional(2383)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 46 times today
Our current hours are as follows.Monday - Thursday, Dinner 4:30pm to 9:00pmFriday- Saturday, Dinner 4:30pm to 9:30pmPolicies: 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!
A photo of Sur at The Barnyard restaurant
4. Sur at The Barnyard
4.4
Awesome(514)
Price: Expensive
• American • Carmel Valley
Booked 15 times today
Voted "Best Restaurant in Carmel Valley 2023"!Located in the picturesque Barnyard Shopping Village just off of HWY 1 between Rio Rd and Carmel Valley Rd. Sur at the Barnyard is where foodies, beer lovers and families escape the stresses of their day-to-day lives to enjoy a great meal!If you don't see a reservation available give us a call anytime and we will be happy to assist!Need a reservation for 7 or more? Give us a call at 831-250-7188 or email us any requests at reservations@suratthebarnyard.com
A photo of Basil Seasonal Dining restaurant
5. Basil Seasonal Dining
4.5
Awesome(919)
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 Tarpy's Roadhouse restaurant
6. Tarpy's Roadhouse
4.6
Exceptional(3590)
Price: Moderate
• American • Monterey
Booked 31 times today
Relax in this 1917 Roadhouse and enjoy creative, Five Star American Country Cuisine. The wood-burning grill provides wonderful flavors for the freshest seafood and prime steaks. Set on five landscaped acres, the patios and extensive gardens provide a refreshing backdrop for hearty sandwiches, vegetarian entrees and tempting salads. Reservations are recommended.We are limited to outdoor seating. Please wear warm clothes for dinner. Not all tables have heat. All tables of 4 we allow 1 hour 30 minutes. Parties of 6 or more 2 hours. If you need more time please let us know. We require credit cards for parties over 6. All guests must wear a mask while entering the restaurant. You may take it off once seated. If your late for your reservation, please call we allow 15 minute grace period. Tarpy's also offers affordable off-site catering drop offs
A photo of Covey Grill restaurant
7. Covey Grill
4.2
Awesome(320)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 2 times today
Taste the fresh ingredients harvested from local organic farms that are hand selected by Executive Chef Goran Basarov and exquisitely prepared by his culinary team into the savory dishes available on our new menus. Covey Grill features a casual elegance with its indoor and outdoor dining located alongside the natural backdrop of Quail's sparkling pond and lush gardens. Our Carmel, CA restaurant is proudly guided in the principles of sustainability by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch and focuses on local farm to table options.We offer a variety of menus throughout the week between our two restaurants, Covey Grill and Edgar's Restaurant. Wednesday Dinners Chef Goran exquisitely curates our Love Thy Neighbor menu each week, a unique three-course pre-fixe dinner for $59++. 5PM-9PM every Wednesday.
A photo of Shearwater Tavern restaurant
8. Shearwater Tavern
4.2
Awesome(103)
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 Sea Root - Hyatt Regency Monterey restaurant
9. Sea Root - Hyatt Regency Monterey
4.2
Awesome(24)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Monterey
Where the aromatic flavors and spices of the Mediterranean mingle with Pacific Coast ingredients—welcome to Sea Root, our upscale restaurant. Let us plate and pour you something delicious, including pan seared pacific halibut, seared scallop sofrito, and feta fig toast—all paired with Monterey County wines.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Andrea
    California Central Coast •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    It is evident that the folks at Basil love cooking and excel at it. I've never had a less than amazing meal there.
    More info
    Basil Seasonal DiningPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    •
    4.5
  • Jennifer
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    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.
    More info
    Casanova Restaurant CarmelPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    •
    4.6
  • Suzanne
    St. Louis •48 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We had the most wonderful experience at Sur at the Barnyard! The food and service could not be better! We were impressed with the host/hostess, server and management! We will be back often!
    More info
    Sur at The BarnyardPrice: Expensive• American• Carmel Valley
    •
    4.4
  • Carole
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 1, 2025
    Kicking off the New Year enjoying a spicy lunch, the BEST margaritas sitting in the corner booth next to the fireplace. As regulars we were met with one of our favorite servers that remembered we love their salsa bring us extra along with warm seasoned tortilla chips as we waited for our chicken/beef fajitas that arrived on a sizzling platter with lots of onions, peppers, tomatoes and a slightly charred jalapeño..yummo. Cheers to 2025!!
    More info
    Baja Cantina - CarmelPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Carmel Valley
    •
    4.6
  • LorinL
    San Francisco Bay Area •38 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Aug 19, 2023
    We enjoyed a leisurely wine tasting experience including seven different wines and delicious bread with olive oil. Great service as well!
    More info
    Albatross Ridge Tasting Cottage - Carmel ValleyPrice: Moderate• Winery• Carmel Valley
    •
    4.7

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