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Best of Carmel-by-the-Sea

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THE PEOPLE’S LOCAL FAVORITES

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Best TacosBest BurritoBest BurgerBest SeafoodBest PizzaBest BirriaBest BreakfastBest Asian RestaurantBest Bakery / PanaderíaBest Dessert / Ice CreamBest Food TruckBest Coffee ShopBest BarBest Brewery / TaproomBest Happy HourBest Live Music SpotBest PlumberBest ElectricianBest LandscaperBest HVAC / AC RepairBest RooferBest HandymanBest House CleaningBest Pest ControlBest General ContractorBest RealtorBest Auto Repair ShopBest Car Wash / DetailBest VeterinarianBest Pet GroomerBest DentistBest Gym / Fitness StudioBest BarberBest Hair SalonBest Nail SalonBest Massage / SpaBest Local ShopBest FloristBest Tattoo ShopBest Family ActivityBest Park or TrailBest Hidden Gem
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    A starting point for exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea

    Explore a shortlist from our researched local directory. Each group explains how its places were selected. These suggestions are separate from the community votes above and do not represent a citywide award.

    Each profile links to its sources. Ratings, where available, can change. Use the heart on a photo to save a place for later.

    See your saved places →

    Local restaurants to get to know

    Independent kitchens, neighborhood cafes and places for your next meal.

    Selected from sourced Google ratings of at least 4.3 with 20 or more reviews, ordered by rating then review count.

    Restaurant

    Le Soufflé

    Restaurant · Southeast corner of 5th Ave and

    Le Soufflé is a French restaurant on Southeast corner of 5th Avenue, with vegan options.

    4.8(82)Google reviews
    Restaurant

    Foray

    Restaurant · NEC San Carlos Street &

    Foray is a fine dining restaurant located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The restaurant serves local seafood, dry-aged steaks, and seasonal foraged ingredients, along with craft cocktails and a selection of wines.…

    4.6(251)Google reviews
    Restaurant

    Dametra Cafe

    Restaurant · Carmel-by-the-Sea

    Dametra Cafe brings the true feel of the Mediterranean food experience to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, on Ocean Avenue, where people come together to eat, drink, and converse while enjoying music and sometimes…

    4.5(4,043)Google reviews
    Restaurant

    Chez Noir

    Restaurant · 5th Ave between Dolores and

    Chez Noir in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, describes itself as an elevated, community-driven restaurant rooted in coastal California cuisine, the passion project of husband-and-wife team Chef Jonny Black and Monique…

    4.5(307)Google reviews

    Independent shops worth exploring

    Browse locally rooted shops and find something beyond the usual chains.

    An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.

    Local shop

    Ami Carmel

    Local shop · Carmel-by-the-Sea

    Ami Carmel is a women's clothing boutique on Carmel-by-the-Sea.

    Local shop

    Atkins Fine Clothiers

    Local shop · 1 Mission St Suite 115

    Atkins Fine Clothiers is a clothing store on Mission Street.

    Local shop

    Augustina's Designer Boutique

    Local shop · San Carlos &

    Augustina's Designer Boutique is located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and offers luxury fashions. The boutique provides high-end fashion merged with personalized shopping to individuals looking for their finest…

    Local shop

    Beachwood Home

    Local shop · Mission St Suite 211

    Beachwood Home is a home décor store on Mission Street.

    Home and clothing boutique

    Belle Cose

    Home and clothing boutique · Ocean Avenue near Lincoln Street

    Home goods, gifts, accessories and apparel from a Carmel boutique.

    Gift shop

    Big Little Boxes

    Gift shop · San Carlos Street between Ocean and 7th Avenue

    Big Little Boxes is a shop located in Carmel Square, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The store offers unique artisan-inspired gifts and gift box presentations for various occasions, including social, wedding, corporate,…

    Make a day of it

    Museums, galleries and cultural stops from our city directory.

    An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.

    Museum and cultural place

    Carmel Mission

    Museum and cultural place · 3080 Rio Road

    The Carmel Mission in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, serves as an active parish community and historic site. Faith, history, art, and culture converge here, creating an extraordinary experience. Exploring the stunning…

    Want a different neighborhood or cuisine? Search all 119 places in our directory →. These selections are not paid placements.

    Local events, things to do, and independent businesses worth knowing. Free to subscribe.

    Carmel-by-the-Sea AI

    Your Carmel-by-the-Sea local guide
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