Local Dining Favorites In Carmel and Monterey, California

California’s Central Coast is a visually stunning region. It’s full of breathtaking natural scenery, intriguing historic and cultural attractions and amazing dining. Countless world-class dining establishments are located throughout Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove. These restaurants are wildly popular among tourists and locals alike. Numerous restaurants in Monterey County are particularly popular among local residents and are a must try like our small list below.  

La Balena Cucina Toscana 

La Balena Cucina Toscana is a cozy Carmel eatery that specializes in artisanal foods from Italy. It’s perfect for Tuscan cuisine enthusiasts who also appreciate fresh and local ingredients. La Balena’s lunch and dinner menus include dishes such as pork and beef meatballs, marinated steak, grilled octopus, whole roasted fish and bruschetta. If you want to enjoy authentic Italian delights in a low-key environment that isn’t packed with loud tourists, this restaurant may be a superb choice for you.  

Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle 

Carmel and Monterey are both home to dozens and dozens of restaurants that serve foods from all around the planet. When you’re in the mood for comforting All-American eats, though, nothing can beat Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle. This Monterey restaurant is particularly popular with people who crave filling breakfast foods. Breakfast options include crab cake and eggs, three-egg omelettes and cheddar cheese, cinnamon French toast and griddle cakes. Lunch options, on the other hand, include grilled tuna melts, fish and chips, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, veggie burgers and calamari.

Melville Tavern 

When you’re looking for restaurants in Monterey CA that are suitable for gastropub enthusiasts, Melville Tavern on Washington Street makes for a fine choice. It has a quaint and inviting ambiance that can put your mind at ease. It features attractive and nostalgic design influences as well. Melville Tavern specializes in innovative and imaginative All-American specialties. Some notable items on the menu are lamb burgers, green chile cheeseburgers, polenta and pork, curry egg tacos and pork shank. Diners who are looking for fresh and fun menus in Monterey won’t be able to resist the draw of Melville Tavern. Its popularity with Monterey residents is no mystery to anyone.

The Little Swiss Cafe 

The Little Swiss Cafe is an adorable Carmel restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. If you’re looking to take it easy and enjoy a pleasant and laid-back breakfast meal, this should be your go-to hangout. Diners at The Little Swiss Cafe can nosh on hash browns, pancakes, Spanish omelettes, steak and eggs, Belgian waffles and so much more. Locals can’t stop praising the cafe’s extremely thin pancake approach.

Explore All Your Dining Choices

Monterey and Carmel are cities that have great culinary options available to residents and visitors alike. It doesn’t matter if you’re craving American food, mouthwatering Italian or anything else. You should have no problem at all finding terrific local dining opportunities.