Best Casual Restaurants in Carmel Valley

My regular favorite- Prawns with penne pasta- continues to shine, but we also tried a carbonara pasta special that was amazing. Yummy food and warm, friendly staff that checked on us often.

Tarpy’s is a Monterey classic. I have been enjoying their warm hospitality for over twenty-five years. They continue to deliver a superior level of service and cuisine.

The food was delicious and the restaurant was very clean. The staff was friendly and my husband loved the race car memorabilia.

We hadn’t visited the Carmel Mission Inn for several years and knew that it had been refreshed since our last visit. We decided to have dinner at Shearwater Tavern, tucked inside the Carmel Mission Inn and had an absolutely wonderful experiencey. Our outstanding dining experience began with a delicious Caesar Salad paired with their wonderful signature Parker House Rolls—warm, house-baked, and served with local honey butter and a bit of sea salt. These starters set the tone perfectly for the main event: a flawlessly grilled bavette (flank steak), a favorite of ours, topped with a rich green peppercorn sauce and accompanied by crispy shoestring frites. Our steak arrived cooked precisely to our medium-rare preference and request, showcasing the kitchen's attention to detail.

We enjoyed a leisurely wine tasting experience including seven different wines and delicious bread with olive oil. Great service as well!