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Modern California Cuisine in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Explore Modern California Cuisine with SeeCarmel’s curated guide to the vibrant, ingredient-driven dining of Carmel-by-the-Sea and its remarkable neighboring locales. Discover the Golden State's essence—its fresh produce, coastal bounty, and innovative spirit—artfully translated onto every plate.

California Cuisine in the Carmel area shines through its commitment to:

  • Seasonality: Evolving menus reflecting peak harvest flavors.
  • Local Sourcing: Valuing partnerships with regional farms, fisheries, and artisans.
  • Innovation: Creative techniques that celebrate natural ingredient quality.
  • Sustainability: Conscious sourcing with respect for the environment.

Discover this vibrant culinary philosophy in Carmel-by-the-Sea's farm-to-table restaurants, Carmel Valley's sun-drenched vineyards, Pebble Beach's elegant resorts, and Big Sur's iconic coastal establishments. Expect bright flavors, artistic presentation, and refined dining deeply connected to the land and sea.

Let SeeCarmel guide your discovery of memorable California Cuisine, a true testament to the region's extraordinary natural bounty and culinary artistry.

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Edgar’s at Quail Lodge

Edgar’s at Quail Lodge

8000 Valley Greens Dr
Carmel, CA 93923

Savor all of the flavors of the fresh ingredients harvested from local organic farms and coastal waters, and enjoy the casual atmosphere of both indoor and outdoor dining at our Carmel Valley restaurant.…

Sierra Mar

Sierra Mar

47900 State Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a spectacular view of the California coast, the award winning Sierra Mar Restaurant serves world-class cuisine in an awe-inspiring setting. This Big Sur restaurant…

Pacific’s Edge Restaurant

Pacific’s Edge Restaurant

120 Highland Dr
Carmel, CA 93923

Set on the edge of the earth overlooking the unforgettable ocean vistas, Pacific’s Edge Restaurant at Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers award-winning cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere with glass walls…

Grasing’s

Grasing’s

6th & Misson Ave
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Chef Kurt Grasing has developed a menu that reflects stylish simplicity by using ultra fresh ingredients gleaned from California’s Carmel Coast and Central Valley. Dishes are displayed in modest fashion…

Rio Grill

Rio Grill

101 Crossroads Blvd.
Carmel, CA 93923

Since 1983, Rio Grill has been the place to meet friends, enjoy cocktails, food and wine and experience great dining on the Monterey Peninsula. Our high energy restaurant is located at the mouth of…

Anton & Michel

Anton & Michel

Mission Street between Ocean & 7th.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Anton & Michel isn't just another restaurant in Carmel; it's a Carmel institution, steeped in four decades of history and culinary excellence. Founded in 1980,…

Flaherty's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar

Flaherty's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar

6th Avenue between Dolores & San Carlos
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

We Know Seafood... We know good seafood, we know how to buy it and we know how to prepare it. Unlike most restaurants (even the best of them) where fish is often a secondary item on the menu……

Carmel Belle

Carmel Belle

Doud Craft Studios, Ocean & Carlos
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Carmel Belle proudly sources its ingredients from farmers and purveyors that practice sustainability, and provide honest, high-quality products that taste really good. Our meats are hormone-free, grass-fed/free-range…

Nora's Carmel

Nora's Carmel

San Carlos Street between Ocean and 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Nestled in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Nora’s offers a warm, inviting escape with elevated comfort cuisine and a signature Carmel touch. Situated on San Carlos Street between Ocean…

Aubergine

Aubergine

Monte Verde at Seventh
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

The award winning restaurant Aubergine is located at L'Auberge Carmel, Relais & Châteaux in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Executive Chef Justin Cogley, a Relais & Châteaux…

Rise + Roam Bakery and Pizzeria

Rise + Roam Bakery and Pizzeria

Mission St & 7th Ave
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923

Rise + Roam is an award-winning, artisanal bakery and pizzeria committed to organic flours and quality ingredients. We craft breads, pastries, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and our own small batch coffee…

Cafe Rustica

Cafe Rustica

10 Del Fino Pl
Carmel Valley, CA 93924

Across Highway One, down Carmel Valley Road, past the nurseries and wineries, is a rustic house with a charming patio, where reservations are highly recommended. The open kitchen revolves around a stone…

Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch

Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch

1 Old Ranch Rd
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923

Introducing Valley Kitchen, a fun, vibrant restaurant that embodies the unique values and spirit of the Carmel Valley Ranch experience. Valley Kitchen draws inspiration from the resort's most distinguishing…

Lucia Restaurant & Bar

Lucia Restaurant & Bar

415 W. Carmel Valley Road
Carmel Valley, CA 93924

California country cuisine has a sophisticated new centerpiece, and it’s infused with the beauty and artistry of Carmel Valley. Rivaling the most sought-after tables in Napa Valley, Lucia takes the Bernardus…

Big Sur River Inn Restaurant

Big Sur River Inn Restaurant

46840 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920

Renew your spirit at the full service restaurant and bar at Big Sur River Inn. Enjoy a fabulous breakfast, lunch or dinner in the historic dining room or outside on the deck, the lawn or along the bank…