Top 15 Affordable Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Yura Jeong I come to Cafe Luna in Carmel all the time because the people here are really kind and the food is always great. The açaí bowl is one of my favorites. It has so many ingredients and it tastes fresh every time. I also tried the kimchi ramen, the chicken Caesar salad, and the chicken with rice. Everything I ate here so far was really good. The owner is super nice too. He gave us a ten percent student discount, and he even gave us ice cream for service, which was such a sweet surprise. The whole place feels nice and clean, and the food always makes me want to come back. I really recommend this cafe if you want something good to eat in Carmel.

J. G. This is a great local place, and I highly recommend it. The staff is excellent, very professional and attentive, and one of the best atmospheres you could ask for in a dining room. The spicy crab spaghetti is an absolute must try, also, so please, do yourself a favor and come here when youre in Carmel.

James Bowden Came because we saw a review about the scone being really moist, and it was true — ginger apricot, maybe the best scone I’ve ever had. Poached eggs done just right, and the sausage was tasty too. Good service and good fireplace ambience.

Jacque James I have yet to get a meal here that wasnt FANTASTIC. My go to is the French Onion Soup and it is always satisfying. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, and the staff have great personalities and very helpful. Boissiere is my first stop every time I come to Carmel.

Melinda Simmons Everything we ordered was delicious. Our servers were great. I wish the waiter for a table near ours had not discussed politics loudly for so long, but I dont blame the restaurant for that.

Makena Berchem Been coming here since I was a kid. Best waffles in town. They are light, fluffy & crispy. Service is always great, but expect a wait for a table! Come early and put your name in.

J. E. We had coffee and breakfast at Cafe Carmel last week and decided to order a birthday cake for later in the week. It was chocolate with a raspberry filling between the layers. It was very moist, delicious, and the decorating finish on the outside gave it 5 stars +++++. I would recommend, awesome!!!

Jose Cortez Food was exquisite & served in a visually stunning arrangement. Oysters were top-notch! Service was impeccable and very attentive to all our needs. Looking forward to more visits in the future.

Bill Dallas We celebrated a birthday and enjoyed the experience. We did Clay Pots and some other food. It’s the staff that gets the shoutout. We had a 2 year old with us and they interacted with him. They seem like family and a team and were very attentive you our needs.

Meghan Anders We stumbled upon this rather hidden away restaurant by hazard, having exhausted other options. We were game for anything by that stage, so fortunately we settled in for what turned out to be a memorable meal. Although it was a cool night, we did the traditional Carmel thing and ate outside, under the gas heater, with blankets provided. The food was all excellent, and we were extremely well looked after by the friendly and knowledgeable waiter. It is perplexing that the place was almost empty and I hope that turns around for the new owner because they are doing a splendid job. I ate the lamb cutlets with polenta and a delicious sauce, sticky and rich. At the table we also had the salmon (pictured below), the Berkshire pork schnitzel and a gorgeous bottle of local wine. Highly recommended.

Mj Stearns - Your Local Santa Cruz Realtor If youre wandering through the charming shopping areas of Carmel, you may stumble upon some delightful breakfast spots that are just waiting to be discovered. While exploring the quaint streets, I decided to ask a few locals for their recommendations. Although some suggestions were decent, they didnt quite meet my cravings. Then, one friendly lady directed me to an adorable little Christmas cottage nestled across the street. Intrigued, I decided to check it out. The cottage is cozy and quaint, featuring just about six tables inside and a few more outside, creating an intimate dining experience. Just a heads up—its cash only, so be prepared when you visit! The atmosphere was perfectly festive and warm, embodying a delightful Christmas vibe that made my breakfast even more enjoyable. I treated myself to a plate of mouthwatering waffles paired with crispy bacon, and let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious! If youre in the mood for a cozy breakfast experience full of charm, don’t miss out on this hidden gem in Carmel. You never know what delightful culinary surprises await you!

Vanda Borba My husband ordered the vegetarian Smoked Mushroom & Artichoke Pizza—delicious flavor, but he thought it was a bit too spicy, which overpowered the other tastes. Still, a solid 4/5. I went for the Crispy Cauliflower, one of the few vegan options on the menu. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! I loved every bite—pure perfection in cauliflower form. It’d be great if the menu had more creative vegan dishes like this one. Honestly, I’d come back just for the cauliflower! The ambiance is gorgeous, by the way—such a lovely place. You can really tell vegan options aren’t a priority here. When I arrived, I asked the host about vegan choices, and she seemed confused—like she could barely remember any. It was so off-putting I almost walked out. For a place with such great ambiance, it’s disappointing how little thought goes into catering to plant-based.

Chethan B Exceptional experience! We were welcomed with champagne, caviar, and warm bread. The crab cake, prawn spaghetti, and Caramel Sunset were beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. A perfect blend of taste and elegance. Staff were very good and helpful—great service all around. Highly recommended!

James N. For hotel breakfast places, this is one of the best Ive been too. Preparation is like a standalone restaurant than hotel dining. Portions are med/large, and coffee is dark brewed. View of the small pond adds to the dining experience. Highly recommend eating here, prices are fairly reasonable.

Alexander Winfield Pretty decent bakery. We did not get pizza because we came in the morning, but our breakfast options were pretty good and the pastries we got were pretty good. The inside has plenty of seating for parties of all sizes. I got the breakfast burrito and honestly it was just okay but I enjoyed it none the less. The staff was a little cold but other than that it was good.