Stela's Guidebook
Food scene
Great food! Make sure to have a reservation because it gets busy.
59 locals recommend
La Bicyclette Restaurant
7th AvenueGreat food! Make sure to have a reservation because it gets busy.
Great food and scene. Love their cocktails. It is only open for dinners and needs reservations.
23 locals recommend
Seventh & Dolores
Dolores StreetGreat food and scene. Love their cocktails. It is only open for dinners and needs reservations.
Very cozy and romantic spot with delicious food. Make sure to make a reservation because it is a popular spot.
46 locals recommend
Casanova
5th AvenueVery cozy and romantic spot with delicious food. Make sure to make a reservation because it is a popular spot.
It’s the Pacific’s Edge Restaurant at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. It is a romantic spot especially at sunset with spectacular views of the ocean. Saturday night you can also go to the lounge for a more casual drinks or dinner and enjoy live music and dancing.
19 locals recommend
California Market at Pacific's Edge
120 Highlands DrIt’s the Pacific’s Edge Restaurant at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. It is a romantic spot especially at sunset with spectacular views of the ocean. Saturday night you can also go to the lounge for a more casual drinks or dinner and enjoy live music and dancing.
Just a quick 15 min drive from Carmel by the Sea, it’s a great place to hit the spa or have drinks, lunch or dinner on their back patio. Sit back by the fire pits with a drink at sunset. It has a great restaurant, Lucia that you can reserve on OpenTable but you’ll have to call and request for the back patio.
28 locals recommend
The Spa at Bernardus Lodge
415 W Carmel Valley RdJust a quick 15 min drive from Carmel by the Sea, it’s a great place to hit the spa or have drinks, lunch or dinner on their back patio. Sit back by the fire pits with a drink at sunset. It has a great restaurant, Lucia that you can reserve on OpenTable but you’ll have to call and request for the back patio.
It’s cute and the food is good (not as great, as the others listed here) but much easier to get in for lunch or dinner. It’s always our fallback restaurant.
14 locals recommend
Portabella
Ocean AvenueIt’s cute and the food is good (not as great, as the others listed here) but much easier to get in for lunch or dinner. It’s always our fallback restaurant.
Sightseeing
It’s one of the few wineries that serves real food. You will need to reserve online and it books in advance. Rise + Roam is affiliated with them so the food is delicious. It’s great for families or large groups.
32 locals recommend
Folktale Winery & Vineyards
8940 Carmel Valley RdIt’s one of the few wineries that serves real food. You will need to reserve online and it books in advance. Rise + Roam is affiliated with them so the food is delicious. It’s great for families or large groups.
17 mile drive is of course a must but make sure to stop and breathe the fresh air at Spanish Bay.
7 locals recommend
Spanish Bay
17 17 Mile Drive17 mile drive is of course a must but make sure to stop and breathe the fresh air at Spanish Bay.
Great little gem for hanging out and catching some sun in this well protected little beach.
127 locals recommend
Lovers Point
631 Ocean View BlvdGreat little gem for hanging out and catching some sun in this well protected little beach.
Hiking
Andrew Molera State Park
45500 CA-1Mission Trail Park
Coffee & Bakery
Grab your morning coffee and breakfast here. Their bakery is great for pastries. If you want a quick lunch also a great spot.
7 locals recommend
Rise + Roam
7th AvenueGrab your morning coffee and breakfast here. Their bakery is great for pastries. If you want a quick lunch also a great spot.