Best Cozy Restaurants in Carmel Valley

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianFrenchFusion / EclecticComfort FoodBreakfast

Regions

Monterey / Carmel

Neighborhoods

CarmelCarmel Valley

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Basil Seasonal Dining restaurant

1. Basil Seasonal Dining

4.4

Awesome(925)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carmel

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 Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant

2. Casanova Restaurant Carmel

4.6

Exceptional(2428)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Carmel

Booked 43 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 $35 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!

3. Covey Grill

4.4

Awesome(336)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Carmel

Booked 4 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 Sur at The Barnyard restaurant

4. Sur at The Barnyard

4.3

Awesome(536)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Carmel Valley

Booked 20 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

5. Rio Grill

4.6

Exceptional(2494)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Carmel

Booked 13 times today

Rio Grill, located in the Crossroads in Carmel, has been the place to meet friends, enjoy tasty, flavorful food and relax with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine for over 38 Years.Chef Luis Osorio creative American dishes are some of the most flavorful, colorful and vibrant on the Monterey Peninsula and celebrate flavor in every mouthwatering bite!In addition to the main dining room, Rio Grill has a comfortable lounge and full bar serving refreshing libations including the restaurant’s famous "Rio Rita.” The bar is lined with colorful caricatures of local faces and celebrities. Rio Grill's award-winning wine list by Wine Director, Gabe de la Vega, features more than 250 labels featuring a ton of local wineries and an extensive selection available by the glass.

A photo of Baja Cantina - Carmel restaurant

6. Baja Cantina - Carmel

4.5

Awesome(608)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican / Southwestern • Carmel Valley

Booked 11 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.***

7. Shearwater Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(115)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Carmel

Booked 4 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.

8. BreadSong

new

4.3

Awesome(30)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Carmel

Booked 2 times today

By day, BreadSong is a self ordering bakery and deli (no reservations). BUT at night, we transform into a full-service bistro and bar with a unique comfort-food menu for all ages that also includes sophisticated Wagyu beef options from Japan and Northern California.Reservations are for dinner service only. When you arrive for dinner, please enter at the side door, to the left of the BreadSong signs.We look forward to welcoming you!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JudyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Rio never fails to deliver an excellent dining experience. It’s a locals favorite.
More info
Rio GrillPrice: Moderate• Californian• Carmel
•
4.6
JU
JULIEO
Dallas - Fort Worth •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The Brussels sprouts with apples was outstanding as was the Dover Sole. Michael, our waiter, was very friendly and helpful.
More info
Casanova Restaurant CarmelPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Carmel
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great food, server Zac was awesome!! Will highly recommend
More info
Sur at The BarnyardPrice: Expensive• American• Carmel Valley
•
4.3
E
EricVIP
California Central Coast •11 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
This was my 50th Wednesday dinner. Each and every one has been wonderful,delicious,artistically plated and romantic. So I would say very different and varied every Wednesday and consistently great.
More info
Covey GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
•
4.4
P
Patrick
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 16, 2025
Food was excellent. Wait to be seated 30 mins after reservation and then when seated needed to get attention of waitstaff for food and drink.
More info
Basil Seasonal DiningPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
•
4.4

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