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Best Romantic Restaurants in Carmel

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34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1676)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 47 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 Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1949)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 31 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 Grasing's restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3065)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 15 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 Il Tegamino restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1106)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 12 times today
Just steps off Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel, California, Il Tegamino is Carmel's favorite hidden gem. Wander past Carmel's iconic candy shop to find us tucked behind boutiques in a courtyard off the beaten path. We are a tiny restaurant charmingly hidden in Carmel-by-the-Sea's first courtyard. Dine al fresco in our outdoor space within The Court of the Golden Bough courtyard complete with standing heaters and an awning or feel transported to an authentic Italian bistro in our bustling small dining room. We welcome you to come grab a glass of vino in our new wine room. As a local small business, you will often find owner Giuseppe at your table side to welcome you and serve his menu of Italian comfort food inspired by his upbringing in Southern Italy.
A photo of Nicolas Cocina de Herencia restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(280)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Carmel
Booked 11 times today
Reservations are not needed but are recommended, Walk ins are Welcome.The newest creation from the owners of the beloved Villa Azteca in Downtown Salinas (Salinas City Center), the eatery honoring the Alvarez family patriarch will open Summer 2023 in Carmel Plaza. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will have indoor dining, bar seating and a small outdoor space, serving specialty Michoacán dishes as well as other Mexican favorites, incorporating three generations of family recipes.
A photo of L'Escargot - Carmel restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1251)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in a residential neighborhood on Mission Street, three blocks north of Ocean Avenue lies a slice of “Old Carmel”. Originally founded in 1958 by Yvan Nopert and his family, Chef – Owner Kericos Loutas carries on the traditions of superb Country French Cuisine and personalized friendly service. A local favorite for casual fine dining in a romantic atmosphere, L’Escargot offers visitors an alternative to the “tourist experience”. The menu changes frequently, as do the specials. A three-course prix fixed Bistro Menu is offered nightly.
A photo of Dametra Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(229)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 32 times today
Dometra Cafe is a romantic spot with its distinctly Greek decor, reminiscent of a coastal city in Greece. Reviewers consistently praise the 'festive' atmosphere, 'live music', and 'warm vibe'. The 'engaging environment', 'friendly staff', and 'great service' create an intimate and charming setting. Plus, the 'fabulous food' and 'high-quality healthy options' add to the romantic experience.
A photo of Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3263)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 22 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 Mission Bistro restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(491)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 15 times today
Located on Mission Street between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, in Carmel California. Mission Bistro Restaurant is owned by Shaheen Alnuaimi. Our history-rich location is warm, charming, and above all cozy. We offer brunch, lunch, dinner, local, and import wines. Chef Matt Zimny sources from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches with the goal of serving what is fresh and currently available. At Mission Bistro we do Seafood and Steaks right. Cheers!
A photo of Treehouse Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(266)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Carmel
Booked 20 times today
Treehouse Cafe offers global fare in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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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 1 day 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 1 day 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 1 day 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
  • LornaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •45 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great birthday dinner! The Paraiso martini was wonderfully flavorful with a kick of subtle heat on the salted rim. I had the halibut mole. The mole had amazing depth of flavor and a gentle heat. The fish was a bit overcooked and dry, but with so much delicious mole it hardly mattered. All of the sides were thoughtfully prepared and paired nicely with the entrée. My husband had the chicken enchiladas and he said they were the best that he has ever had. Since it was my birthday, they gave me a free scoop of ice cream and we also ordered a slice of the tres leches cake to share. Both were very good. Our server (Guillermo?) was attentive and friendly. We will definitively be back.
    More info
    Nicolas Cocina de HerenciaPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Carmel
    4.7
  • MeganVIP
    California Central Coast •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 12, 2024
    This restaurant is our go-to for consistently excellent, imaginative, traditional Italian cuisine. Grazi Mille!
    More info
    Il TegaminoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    4.5

Discover best romantic restaurants in Carmel

Discover the enchanting romance of dining in California's Central Coast, where Carmel and Monterey offer a captivating array of restaurants perfect for a romantic outing. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable evening, these establishments boast atmospheres that are both intimate and inviting. Revel in settings that range from old European charm with soft French music in the background to cozy spots with warm fireplaces and freshly baked pastries. The culinary offerings are equally impressive, featuring perfectly orchestrated Italian classics and exquisite French cuisine that promise to delight your taste buds. Each restaurant is highly rated for both its exceptional service and the quality of its food, ensuring a dining experience that enhances the romantic mood. The dining scene here is renowned for its picturesque locations and quality establishments, making it an ideal destination for those who cherish both ambiance and gastronomy in their romantic endeavors.

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