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Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in Monterey / Carmel? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of La Mia Cucina restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1044)

$31 to $50

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Stroll along 17th St., between Lighthouse and Laurel and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its fresh ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are “originals, not reproductions.” That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his ravioli dishes, are a renowned local favorite, and for good reason. They are hand made, with all the care that only a lifetime of creative food combining can bring. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for it's fresh fish and meat specials. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula and daughter Michaela, and the service is personal and inviting.

Top review

C

Clayton

Dined on Apr 18, 2025

Beautiful rooms simple and fun. Staff was very attentive. Food was excellent.

A photo of Stokes Adobe Restaurant restaurant

Stokes Adobe Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (852)

$31 to $50

Californian

Monterey

About the restaurant

Stokes Adobe is a new restaurant located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes. The menu offers chef driven seasonally inspired California cuisine. The bar and cozy outdoor fire pits offer classic cocktails, wines by the glass and local beers.

Top review

S

Sergio

Dined 4 days ago

Had a great date night with my wife. The food was really good—especially the pasta with merguez sausage, which was absolutely delicious. We were hoping to try the pizza, but unfortunately, it’s not available during dinner service and our reservation was at 5:45, which was a bit of a letdown. The wine was excellent, a Rhône-style GSM blend offered by the glass as well. Fairly priced and great quality. Highly recommend this place. Thanks for a lovely evening—we’ll definitely be back!

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A photo of Broccoli Cheddar Salad of a restaurant

Broccoli Cheddar Salad

A photo of Crispy Potatoes of a restaurant

Crispy Potatoes

A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant

Sardine Factory

4.7

4.7 (5070)

$50 and over

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.

Top review

S

SterlingVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Love listening to David Conley the pianist. He is fabulous! Every song he plays is know and recognizable. Does the best rendition of Secret Agent Man you have ever heard. Great atmosphere and of course the food is terrific.

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A photo of Sardine Factory's "Sorbet on Ice Swan" of a restaurant

Sardine Factory's "Sorbet on Ice Swan"

A photo of USDA Prime Filet Mignon of a restaurant

USDA Prime Filet Mignon

A photo of Abalone Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant restaurant

Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (455)

$30 and under

French

Carmel

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

K

Kay

Dined 5 days ago

The whole evening was wonderful. Super friendly service, food was delicious and the ambience lovely. We were especially appreciative of the lower noise level than many restaurants.

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A photo of Classic Beef Bourguignon of a restaurant

Classic Beef Bourguignon

A photo of French Onion Soup Gratinee of a restaurant

French Onion Soup Gratinee

A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant

Casanova Restaurant Carmel

4.6

4.6 (2447)

$50 and over

Italian

Carmel

About the restaurant

Our current hours are as follows.
Monday - Thursday, Dinner 4:30pm to 9:00pm
Friday- Saturday, Dinner 4:30pm to 9:30pm

Policies: 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!

Top review

B

BrettonVIP

Dined 4 days ago

An absolute must if traveling to Carmel. The entire experience is exceptional.

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A photo of Gnocchi Casanova of a restaurant

Gnocchi Casanova

A photo of Linguini of a restaurant

A photo of 36 Degrees North at San Juan Oaks Golf Club restaurant

36 Degrees North at San Juan Oaks Golf Club

4.6

4.6 (97)

$31 to $50

Californian

Hollister

About the restaurant

The signature restaurant at the newly reimagined San Juan Oaks Golf Club. 36º North brings an upscale ambiance and memorable dining experience through seasonally inspired California cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. With a dramatic olive tree featured as an iconic centerpiece, the scene is set for gourmet dinners and special occasions.

Top review

F

Forest

Dined 1 day ago

It was my wife's birthday and we had a wonderful dinner. The staff was friendly and helpful and attentive. The food came quickly and we both enjoyed our entrees.

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A photo of Nicolas Cocina de Herencia restaurant

Nicolas Cocina de Herencia

4.5

4.5 (344)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Carmel

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

S

SorenVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Awesome food and excellent service! Highly recommend.

A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Monterey restaurant

Chart House Restaurant - Monterey

4.4

4.4 (7002)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.

Top review

A

Albert

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent venue. Great views along with good food and service

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A photo of Sea Bass of a restaurant

A photo of Catch restaurant

4.4

4.4 (553)

$30 and under

Seafood

Carmel

About the restaurant

Welcome to Catch!.
............................................

Top review

T

Tom209

Dined 2 days ago

One of our very favorite places in Carmel! we love the fresh fish dishes (all are great!) The Frutti do Mare is my favorite!!! A must go to when you visit Carmel!

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A photo of Crusted Monterey Bay Calamari Steak of a restaurant

Crusted Monterey Bay Calamari Steak

A photo of Ultimate Truffled Lobster Risotto of a restaurant

Ultimate Truffled Lobster Risotto

A photo of Enzo Ristorante Italiano restaurant

Enzo Ristorante Italiano

4.2

4.2 (461)

$31 to $50

Italian

Carmel

About the restaurant

If a Western Mediterranean version of life exists, you will find it nestled between Ocean ave and Seventh st on San Carlos Street in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The European style village nestled above a picturesque white sandy beach is the perfect backdrop to "ENZO". At Enzo, you will be beckoned by the rustically charming patios surrounded by draping bougainvillea on a sundrenched day or the cozy and simplistic interior warmed by the fireplace when the cool fog blankets the coast.

Calabria is a southern region in Italy where the owner, Enzo, comes from. Calabria is a place where life is still slow.

It's the beauty, the passion, the family, the love...

this is what you will find at Enzo...simplicity, love, comfort, family!

Top review

D

DaleVIP

Dined on Apr 11, 2025

Our food was great. Would have liked some fresh sourdough bread with our meal.

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