Top Rated Restaurants en Cafés in Carmel

This Seaside coffee house has a laid-back vibe and some of the best gourmet coffee in town. Roasting their own beans, Acme Coffee has bold flavor profiles without the additives of syrups and creams. A great place to spend a few hours watching the world go by, this hip coffee joint is a coffee enthusiasts dream come true.

This gem of a restaurant in Pacific Grove serves up fresh Italian cuisine and seafood specialties. Known for their famous ravioli's made daily, the lobster and mascarpone are by far the local favorite. Nightly specials of seafood and meat add variety to the menu, while the pasta dishes are usually light and full of flavor. The crisp white decor is enriched from the giant European advertising posters that line the walls, which of course, are original productions! The wine list features a bevy of Italian labels with a few local labels as well. If you're up for it, the dessert is made in-house with mouthwatering offerings like berry cobbler and tiramisu.

Claimed to be one of the best breakfast spots in the city, Lafayette Bakery & Cafe never fails to make your experience an enjoyable one. This old-fashioned, family-run cafe is the perfect setting for your daily dose of coffee and a hearty snack. Taking a leaf out of a French cookbook, this cafe offers a scintillating variety of hand-made bread, cakes, pastries and croissants, along with a selection of espressos and cappuccinos. Whether you walk in for their signature breakfast, dessert or just a cup of coffee, you are certain to leave satisfied.

This small oyster bar serves award-winning clam chowder and oysters, as well as burgers, sandwiches and salads. For an appetizer or unusual shooter, try the Stoli oyster shooter: a shot of Stoli with a floating oyster. A house specialty is the chowder bread bowl. Although this place is small, it does offer a cozy seating arrangement at the long bar or at one of the elevated tables and chairs. The bar serves beer, wine and cocktails.

Savor a taste of European style flair at the Taste Cafe & Bistro. This warm and attractive eatery is perfect for an intimate meal. Live jazz performances from Thursday to Saturday just add to the already charming atmosphere. This award-winning restaurant satisfies the gourmand in you with offerings like grilled eggplant Napoleon, herb roasted chicken, freshly prepared sausages and more. Watch Bill Karaki, the owner and chef, in action as he prepares your dishes. A selection from the extensive bar and wine list helps you round up your meal. Don't forget to try the delicious desserts especially the hot favorite—the brioche bread pudding. Yum!

This restaurant was voted the best by Adventures in Dining Magazine's readers' poll and it offers a delicious variety of Central California coastal cuisine using fresh, local produce. Locals haunt the place. The selection of wines is designed to perfectly complement the dishes. You can eat inside, surrounded by polished wood surfaces, or on the patio. It is a great bet for a reception or an intimate dinner. The service is warm and friendly.