PLACES TO EAT IN CARMEL

Marinus at Bernardus Lodge, in Carmel Valley is very upscale and quiet. L'Auberge Carmel also quiet, and upscale. Bouchee, and Cantinetta Luca (owned by same owners as L'Auberge) are very good, but not as quiet.
Piatti has some interesting Italian wines. All are great places.

 

Ditto these.

 

It sounds as though you might enjoy Sierra Mar. It is in Big Sur, about 30-40 minutes drive South from Carmel, but well worth it. You should call for a reservation soon if you think you want to try it. Extensive wine list. Highly recommended.

I also recommended this same restaurant to another F-chatter in this thread.

 

Avoid the Hogsbreath, owned by Clint Eastwood, horrible food, worse service. Thumbs up on the Sierra Mar, very nice and a pleasant drive down the coast.

 

Passionfish in Pacific Grove is also excellent:

http://www.passionfish.net/

 

I do not know where you are staying, but you should consider the possibility of having a nice quiet romantic dinner, and then having to brave the evening traffic back to Carmel and then search for a parking place.

I am staying at the Pine Inn, and although they have a dedicated private lot, it gets full. It is no fun trying to find a parking place in Carmel on Friday night, with a bac of 0.079999, in a car you can't see out of, with big old Nostalgic Carmel curbs everywhere.

So, on Friday we are walking to "the Grill on Ocean Ave", but it probably does not meet your criteria of quiet. The wine list is good (which is standard for Carmel), the food very good, and the creme brulee is the best I have ever had in the world.

Jay

 

Rocky Point restauarnt, 10 miles South of Carmel on the water
http://www.rocky-point.com/
Great drive, huge parking lot fantastice view, excellent menu and wines.

 

My wife reminded me of her favorite place, the Sardine Factory, up the hill a couple of blocks from the aquarium in Monterey. Outstanding and quiet and elegant. But, it is in Monterey, so requires a drive back to Carmel.

 

Its bar is famous for the scene in "Play Misty for Me" where Jessica Walter picks up Clint and begins their unfortunate affair. It's a real tourist trap in terms of prices, but I had a very good abalone steak there once. One of my favorite Monterey restaurants is right next door on Wave Street...The Whaling Station. Great fish, even better steaks, full bar and a broad wine list.

 

Carmel has been an annual trip for us, for 20 years. There are hundreds of places to eat ! But here are a few, The mission Ranch (clint's place) great everyday food,fun bar and a great view.Inside or outside. Try Casanova's super Itailian food and a wine list that will take some time to read !!!! charming!!, Anton and Micheles, nice bar and fancy, great rack of lamb also Great wine list!!. If you like Man's best friend ,try the Cypress Inn bar at 5pm, lots of dogs inside and out, lots of fun!! Good Luck and Enjoy! FDH

 

I always hit Fandango in Pacific Grove for Historics. Make sure you make a reservation.

http://www.fandangorestaurant.com/

 

It`s been quite a long time since I have been there, but I`d strongly recommand it! You have to go there!

Absolutely stunning location!!!

 

Post Ranch is very nice, but personally I think the dinning at Ventanna across the highway is better. But the best is just a mile or so further. Its called The Dijun Inn, and is spectacular for fabulous food and strange atmosphere. We call it the home of the Vampires. Eat there some time and you will understand why.
As for Passionfish in Pacific Grove, two strikes, and I won't go back.

 

This one? I'll have to give it a try:

"Deetjen's Big Sur Inn 48865 Hwy. 1, Big Sur; 831/667-2378; dinner for two $60. After the twisty drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, stop at Deetjen's for a glass of wine. Order the poached pear-and-blue cheese salad with candied walnuts, then the crisp roast free-range chicken with portobello mashed potatoes. On a brisk night, the crackling fireplace and doting service will warm the chill right out of you."

Passionfish didn't do much for me either. And the lunchtime highlight at Post Ranch IMHO was the view rather than the food.

 

Thats the place. Sorry about my spelling. I make a stop there every year and it is always fabulous.

 

Bouchee and French Poodle are both fabulous and without criticism. Both are our regular places "in town". Both are consistently better than Marinus @ Bernardus, for significantly less $. Cafe Rustica is our favorite and regular place in the Valley- worth the trip "from town"

 

I just got back from an overnight in Monterey/Carmel.

Hot new trendy spot in Carmel is Luca on Dolores at 7th. Sister to L'Aberge and Bouchee. www.cantinettaluca.com

Montrio Bistro on Calle Principal in Monterey (across from the Marriott) was great as always. www.montrio.com

A hearty breakfast can be found at Katy's Place on Mission at 6th in Carmel. http://www.katysplacecarmel.com/

 

Sushi Heaven is actually pretty hilarious.

Piatti is fabulous Italian food, Sergio Pininfarina's haunt.

Must try this Bouchee!!! What kinda of food is it?

 

I (we) have been staying in Carmel for the car week 10+ years. My favorite in Carmel is da Giovanni, on Lincoln between 5th and 6th.

http://www.dagiovannis.com/

Haven't been to their bistro yet.

 

A good Italian eatery is Zillos. I believe it's on the corner of Delores & 8th (the old Bully Three restaurant) Good food and fairly inexpensive with pastas, gourmet pizzas and a good wine selection.

 

If you enjoy fine dining and seafood, I'd check out Domenico's on the Wharf | Monterey restaurants

It's truly one of the best restaurants in the area because of their fresh Italian food and service. Besides seafood they've got really good steaks too. The wine list is quite extensive too. The nice part is that they've got ocean views so make sure to get a window table. If this doesn't work check out Yelp for other great Monterey restaurants. Hope this helps. cheers

 

Love this place too! Wow, I just realized how old this thread is, lol!