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Best Lunch Restaurants in Carmel

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66 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
1. PortaBella Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1742)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 34 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 Grasing's restaurant
2. Grasing's
4.7
Exceptional(3137)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 22 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 Anton & Michel Restaurant restaurant
3. Anton & Michel Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3345)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Carmel
Booked 16 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 Chez Noir restaurant
4. Chez Noir
new
5.0
Exceptional(7)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 13 times today
Chez Noir is Jonny and Monique’s love letter to Monterey County, celebrating the region’s finest ingredients. We offer a thoughtfully crafted four-course menu in our dining room and on our patio, while our intimate six-seat bar features a selection of à la carte offerings. Honored with a Michelin star and twice nominated for James Beard Awards, we take pride in creating an exceptional dining experience that is both welcoming and relaxed. Our wine program highlights independent producers, offering an all-California wine pairing while also featuring selections from our favorite European houses to complement our menu.We do not have a phone; for more information or to answer your questions please email us at info@cheznoircarmel.com
A photo of Le Soufflé restaurant
5. Le Soufflé
4.9
Exceptional(469)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 3 times today
**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN- (CLOSED 2/17-2/21)**We are located in CARMEL, CALIFORNIA, USA. Reservations are only available through OpenTable up to 3 weeks in advance. Intimate indoor dining room can accommodate parties up to 4 guests- Menu changes seasonally- see website for current menu.Le Soufflé is a fine dining restaurant serving a traditional French soufflé lunch menu. Everything is exclusively prepared by our Executive Chef/Co-Owner creating a very unique and finely crafted dining experience. The wine list offers a selection of wines from exquisite boutique producers in France and are all available by the glass or bottle. Our guests can look forward to an elegant escape when they step into our intimate and luxurious dining room. We are located on Dolores Street, just two blocks off Ocean Avenue in the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
A photo of Pangaea on Ocean Ave restaurant
6. Pangaea on Ocean Ave
4.4
Awesome(225)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carmel
Booked 19 times today
Pangaea on Ocean Ave is a Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant's menu features a variety of Asian fusion dishes, as well as classic comfort foods. Pangaea on Ocean Ave is known for its bold flavors, ample portions, and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is located on Ocean Avenue in Downtown Carmel, California. Pangaea on Ocean Ave is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week! We also offer a special early 3-Course Sunset Dinner and Happy Hour during the week! Pangaea on Ocean Ave is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.**Please keep in mind that on busy days, our smaller restaurant may experience some delays with reservations. We truly value our guests and can't wait to show you some love!
A photo of Catch restaurant
7. Catch
4.4
Awesome(553)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Carmel
Booked 6 times today
Welcome to Catch!.............................................
A photo of Il Tegamino restaurant
8. Il Tegamino
4.6
Exceptional(1151)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 7 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 Dametra Cafe restaurant
9. Dametra Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(288)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Carmel
Booked 26 times today
Dametra Cafe is a casual Mediterranean restaurant. Here, diners can expect high-quality healthy food delivered quickly in a relaxed atmosphere. The decor and styling of the dining room is distinctly Greek, specifically like one of the many coastal cities that the country is known for. Between that and the hearty portions and prompt service, Dametra Cafe sits nicely between an upscale restaurant and quick-service places.Dametra's Cafe features primarily Greek cuisine, with some Italian and Spanish thrown in for good measure. Appetizers include hummus with pita bread, fried calamari, grilled jumbo prawns and steamed mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce. The meals are split between sandwiches, pasta and entrée offerings and features dishes such as shrimp and crab ravioli, a salmon burger with red onion and tomatoes, lamb shish kebab and a Greek style lamb shank with rice pilaf and fresh vegetables.
A photo of Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant restaurant
10. Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(455)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 7 times today
Walk-ins' are taken starting at 11:30 am. Reservations accepted for dinner only, and walk-ins' accepted when possible.Fifty eight years ago, Elaine and Pierre Boissiere established their eponymous restaurant at its current location, years before Carmel Plaza shopping center was built around it. They sought to offer the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea a relaxing and comforting venue modeled after a European chateau where tables are thoughtfully spaced and fresh flowers, fireplace, candles and soothing musical notes are integral part of the dining experience. The ambience sets the tone for French country food served with a great deal of care for detail and pastries baked daily on premises. It is a testament to their far sightedness that Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant continues to fulfill their vision to this day.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Daniela
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    It is a beautiful location. We were greeted with a smile as we entered and seated right away as we had a reservation. Food was amazing! Highly recommend this restaurant.
    More info
    PortaBella RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Carmel
    •
    4.6
  • Susan
    Portland / Oregon •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    One of the best dining experiences in the US! We will go there every time we are in Carmel. They deserve Michelin stars.
    More info
    Chez NoirPrice: Very Expensive• French• Carmel
    •
    5
  • SterlingVIP
    Southwest Florida •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    All of the employees are very friendly and very helpful. Love the Crepe Suzette's
    More info
    Anton & Michel RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    •
    4.7
  • CVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •73 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and the entire staff helped to make it special for us. Everyone wished us a "Happy Anniversary" from our arrival at the hostess, to the sommelier, the waiter, the bus boy and the general manager. Our food was great - always a class experience at Grasing's.
    More info
    Grasing'sPrice: Expensive• Californian• Carmel
    •
    4.7
  • BryanVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •88 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 17, 2025
    I found this place online. It was amazing the food and service never missed a step. You have to plan and make a reservation. This is a small specialty restaurant experience. It was worth all the planning and wait. This is a definite bucket list item. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
    More info
    Le SouffléPrice: Very Expensive• French• Carmel
    •
    4.9

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