With tiled floors, straw chairs and polished wood, this family-owned restaurant offers traditional Italian food at a great price. Pasta entrees hover around $11 and $12 while the pizzas go for around $10. A spectacular choice is the 16-ounce Bistecca Alla Fiorentina for $16.95. A fine selection of wines can also be found, ranging in price from $20 to around $80. Every dish is made from fresh ingredients, and the service is unbeatable. The place even sells gift boxes with homemade dressings and olive oils.

Savor the taste of delicacies from Italy at a casual restaurant Cantinetta Luca, located on the Dolores Street in Carmel. The place serves fresh pizzas that are baked traditionally on burning woods and other delicacies like pastas and meats which are prepared from fresh authentic ingredients. The restaurant set up is more of an Italian structure made of bricks, vaulted ceilings and contemporary designs made out of wood. The open kitchen, which is visible from the restaurant and bar, gives you a view of the chefs at work. Besides, the exquisite wine list provides a perfect combination along with the Italian cuisine. The place also doubles up as an event space, and plays host to small social gatherings and other celebrations. Call or visit their website for more information.

Known as " "Carmel's Little Italy by locals, the 'Little Napoli' restaurant will surely remind you of Italy by serving you with the best traditional Italian cuisine. The place has a very comfortable atmosphere and will surely give you a feeling of being home, with its hardwood flooring, a fireplace and Italian music being played in the background. Come here and relish over some pastas and seafood specialties, with fresh pizzas and garlic breads. And not to forget the restaurant also offers a huge list of Italian wines and French Champagne. So get here for a perfect dinner date.

Come to Bouchée Restaurant & Wine Bar for the perfect dining experience. The extensive menu features dishes made of fresh ingredients and choicest of spices. Chef Jesse Kloskey makes sure that each dish is a class in itself. This elegant eatery also offers wines by the glass. Choose and pick from the expansive menu which features an impressive wine list.

 Established in 1911, The Carmel Bakery is a local institution in this quaint beach-side community. The bakery is known for their delicious and decadent sweets and breads like scones, shortbreads, canolis, biscotti and chocolate covered pretzels to name a few. The counter serves up impeccable French roasted coffee and espresso drinks and is a big hit among nearby businesses.  

Located in a quaint courtyard on Lincoln Ave, this restaurant creates a warm atmosphere with just the right lighting and comfort food to sooth the soul. Owner and Chef, Christopher Caul's menu has a definite Californian influence with a large selection of fresh produce and seafood. Try a Roasted Asparagus Salad to start, or the mouthwatering Tequila-Cured Salmon as your main course. For those who are looking for a different flavor, the Cornmeal-Crusted Chile Rellenos will transport you farther south with its mild spices and blanket of cheese. Choose from a varied dessert menu, which includes a White Peach-and-Blueberry Cobbler. In this homey establishment that prides itself for its friendly service and warm feel, you will remember why you came to Carmel.

L'escargot opened its doors in 1958, and today chef-owner Kericos Loutas carries on the hearty, Country French cuisine. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, you will enjoy a warm and homey atmosphere. You can choose from a bistro or three-course set menu, allowing you to order a variety of dishes and eat as little or as much as you like. Start with a Caramelized Onion and Sonoma Goat Cheese Tart, followed by a Fresh Pear salad, but be sure to save room for the Fresh Petrale Sole. An extensive wine list is provided, featuring many Monterey and California Coastal wines.

Claiming to have the largest breakfast menu on the West Coast, this traditional country kitchen is popular with everyone in Carmel, and it has been around for almost 20 years. On the menu you will find several types of waffles and other gourmet breakfast edibles, served all day long. There are even 10 different Eggs Benedict dishes. Many repeat customers constantly flock to this legendary place, and the service is downright spectacular.

Prices are low and the menu is lengthy at this laid-back California-style pizzeria. Start with a stuffed artichoke, and move on to a hand-tossed pizza or classic Italian entree. Vegetarians will be pleased at the selection of salads and veggie items, while dieters may want to take the opportunity to dine on a low-fat pizza or one of the spuntino (light meals). Save room for dessert. There is something to tempt every palate. A decent selection of draft beer and wine by the glass is available.

Gaze down onto the rocky coastline while dining on Grilled Portobello Mushroom Salad or Basil Cured Salmon at this breezy, upscale-casual eatery at Highlands Inn. The cuisine is typical of contemporary Californian comfort food. The menu features thin-crust pizzas with inventive toppings, specialty sandwiches and salads, and fresh seafood. The wooden porch is a scenic spot for lunch during warm months, and the cozy indoor dining area is perfect for rainy nights. The service is friendly and helpful.