68 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2023-2024 Tree House Cafe International A family-friendly atmosphere lives here, thanks to the tree-shaded raised deck out front. The menu follows a stunning diversity, but one that works for the tastes of each member of the family. San Carlos between 7th and 8th, Carmel. (831) 626-1111, treehousecafecarmel.com Vesuvio Italian A highly social locals’ favorite for pizza, pasta and the usual, plus an Italian-leaning wine list. Another major draw: the rooftop bar and lounge, complete with comfy seating and fire pits. Secret: They serve a good burger. Shh! 6th and Junipero, Carmel. (831) 625-1766, chefpepe.com/restaurants/vesuvio Village Corner Bistro Breakfast, Lunch Things do change at this longstanding kitchen, but not too much. They still know a good old short stack from a full stack. And they can serve up a reuben that tastes of Brooklyn next to Monterey sand dabs. 6th and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 624-3588, villagecornercarmel. com Yafa Mediterranean As warm and welcoming as it is popular, Yafa serves Greek favorites, as well as flavors from around the Mediterranean. Junipero and 5th, Carmel. (831) 624-9232, yafarestaurant.com Delis, Markets and Shops 5th Avenue Deli If you’ve seen it at a deli, they offer it here, from soups to hot meals to grab-and-go sandwiches, Just don’t pass up their desserts. Take a moment, it’s a long list. 5th between San Carlos and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 625-2688, 5thavedeli.com Carmel Honey Company Local honey that has pollinated a range of flowering things. So there are honeys of different hues and flavors, in jars larger or small. Other honey and honeycomb related products in stock as well. Mission between Ocean and 7th, Carmel, (831) 687-8511, carmelhoneycompany.com Cornucopia Community Market An organic health food store with fresh, local produce that is perched between a camping trip to Big Sur or a cruise through Carmel Valley. Grab-and-go food options, too. 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel. (831) 625-1454 The Cheese Shop To step into this narrow space is to travel the world in cheese, wine and other goods. The finest cheeses, the little known artisan treasures—it’s all here. You think sampling will help you make up your mind? No, that just adds to your want list. It’s a must experience. Ocean and Junipero (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 625-2272, thecheeseshopinc.com Bakeries, Ice Cream and other Treats Cafe Carmel Part coffee shop, part ice cream parlor and a favorite for breakfast or sandwiches, Cafe Carmel is a local go-to. There are muffins, croissants, cookies, cakes and more. You can even find strudel. Ocean between Mission and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 624-3870 Cafe dal Mare Sweet treats and coffee are timeless. And this cozy room suites the pairing nicely. There are breads, but cannolis and Italian cookies are hard to pass up. Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 250-5307 Cottage of Sweets They call them sweets here, not candy. It’s a British-style shop, after all. However, there are global flavors and more licorice than you can imagine. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 624-5170, cottageofsweets.com Dutch Door Donuts Southerners swoon when the neon light glows at Krispy Kreme. That’s Dutch Door Donuts, but all the time. And far better. They fry doughnuts to order, so you have to wait a bit. But you are rewarded with crispy, airy delight. Ocean and Mission (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 250-7901, dutchdoordonuts.com Lafayette Bakery Artisan breads and traditional French pastries (hello, warm croissant!) are among the offerings at this family-owned cafe. The pastry chef trained all over Europe and applies all of that sweet and yeasty knowledge. Grab a cup of coffee and spend an excellent morning. 3659 The Barnyard #E22, Carmel. (831) 915-6286, lafayette-bakery.com MYO Pure Frozen Yogurt Weekly readers have repeatedly crowned MYO Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt in the county. Flavors range widely and wildly—go savory or sweet, at three popular locations around the area. 157 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 574-3228, myofrozenyogurt.com Sweet Reba’s People are justifiably disappointed when they see that last slice of a favorite cake or the last cookie disappear. But there are other favorites to find at this popular spot for baked treats. 206 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 6014818, sweetrebas.com Coffee, Tea, Juices Cafe Luna It’s a coffee shop, so you can find specialty drinks and teas. But the cafe also serves ramen and other treats to make it a meal. Ocean and Mission (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 624-0138 Carmel Coffee House and Roasting Company Coffee roasted on premises and in small batches is enough. But they also stock loose teas. And there is an outdoor seating area. Ocean between San Carlos and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 626-2095 Coffee Bank Yes, there is a vault. But unlike most banks, this is a handsomely appointed place with comfortable chairs and plenty of coffee, as well as snacks, wine and beer. Not in the mood for caffeine? No problem. Try the golden latte. 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel. (831) 250-7047, coffeebankcafe.com Carmel Valley In the Village: Baum & Blume Eclectic Its several decades of existence is a testament to the kitchen. What makes this place so distinct is that they provide take home meals, Coastal Kitchen
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