Favorite Restaurants & Wineries

Hi, Nancy,

I'm not a big foodie, either, but Carmel has some of the best restaurants I've ever been to in my life.

For starters, you must try Katy's Place. The breakfast here might be the best breakfast I've ever had in my life--true country eggs the color of a yellow Crayola and incredible pancakes. They have strange hours, though, so plan carefully.The one kind of food I am a total snob about is French food and Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant & Patisserie is crazy good. A little on the square side in terms of vibe, but wow, what a meal. 

Forge in the Forest - the number of times I have thought about my meal here is unnatural. I had the Ahi Tuna salad here and I kid you not, I think about it a minimum of once a week. Now I want it. 

This suggestion isn't terribly upscale but I would also check out Flaherty's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar. Fabulous seafood and not a bad martini. 

We live in Carmel and LOVE it!  We also love wine.  For wine tasting rooms: De Tierra Vineyards has the nicest ambiance.  The tasting room is large, with seating at the bar and additional comfortable chairs scattered throughout the room.  Scheid Vineyards is the most active.  Only one table to sit (bar stool style), but if you like action and a big variety of wines, this is the spot.  We love Manzoni.  Tiny tasting room tucked back in a courtyard, across from Basil Restaurant.  But Mark Manzoni makes some excellent Pinot Noir wines. Silvestri Vineyards also has a nice tasting room - and the owner, Alan Sylvestri, is a famous composer - who has written the music for Forrest Gump, Back to the Future, and many more.  You can see a display of his work in the tasting room.

For food - we love Carmel By the SeaFlying fish - their Sea Bass is fantastic, as is their Yin Yang Salmon.  They also have a decent selection of wines.  Anton & Michel Restaurant is also fun - if you want 'small bites' go sit in their lounge in front of the fireplace and order their lampchops.  Yum.  If you want some fun for dinner, then go to Dametra Cafe- good Mediterranean food (and other great food), and their chef and owner come out during the meal and sing and play fun music.  Don't go there for an intimate dinner!  If you like outdoors, then Treehouse Cafe is fun - on San Carlos across from Scheid Vineyards  Tasting Room.  It's upstairs and you can eat outside - heat lamps make it very comfy.  Hope you have a wonderful time!

PS - Almost forgot.  If you like beer and awesome fish and chips, then go to Brophy's Tavern