FOOD C.U. Sushi Japanese The popular spot offers items you look for, such as sashimi, bento boxes and specialty rolls. The place also serves bowls that venture further, as well as a few twists. 173 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 582-8942 Cafe Luna Eclectic Cafe Luna owes its popularity to an eclectic menu. It’s part coffee house, part bakery (don’t miss traditional Mediterranean cookies), but it also specializes in ramen and Mediterranean street fare. Ocean and Mission (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 250-7815 Cantinetta Luca Italian Cantinetta Luca offers rustic Italian dishes prepared with fine dining style. And why not? It draws an appreciative crowd. The kitchen also serves impressive and authentic pizzas. Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 625-6500, cantinettaluca.com Carmel Belle American Belle’s motto is “Slow down, say no to fast food!” Chalkboards are crammed with listings built around sourced meats, artisanal cheeses and regional produce, arranged in creative dishes as if to prove counter service can be artisanal, too. San Carlos between Ocean and 7th (in Doud Craft Studios), Carmel. (831) 624-1600, carmelbelle.com Carmel’s Hidden Gem Restaurant Varied Everyone is looking for a hidden gem, right? The restaurant features fresh, local flavors and a menu that treads easily between fine dining and familiar comfort. Mission between 4th and 5th, Carmel. (831) 250-7811, carmelshiddengem.com Casanova European A much-loved cottage that is French and Italian, right down to its Dover sole meuniere and mushroom ravioli. But at lunch one can find a cheeseburger—on brioche, with pomme frites. 5th between Mission and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 216-3811, casanovacarmel. com Catch Seafood A seafood haven. Salmon, halibut, shellfish and more. You can order it grilled, fried, tossed with pasta baked on a pizza and…wait, what? That’s right. And Catch relies as much as possible on sustainably caught fish. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 624-5659, catchcarmel.com Chez Noir International Opened in 2022 by kitchen standout Jonny Black, the restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2023 and was a finalist for a James Beard award in 2024. The menu strives to be hyperlocal. The chef likes to take advantage of local seafood and farm produce. But he also likes to forage, free dive and spearfish. Who knows what might end up on the plate. You just know it will be exquisite. 5th between Dolores and San Carlos, Carmel. cheznoircarmel.com Chopstix Vietnamese See listing under Monterey. 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel. (831) 625-2622, chopstixboba.com Crossroads Barbecue Barbecue It’s a classic BBQ joint set in Carmel’s Crossroads shopping center—casual, with counter service and some surprises (think burnt ends). It’s a sibling of Salinas City BBQ. 80 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 O f f a p peertsi za ewr si ,deenrtarne ge se, oafntdr addeistsi oe nr tasl . IWn dhieatnh ceur iyssoinue’r,einincluthdeing ff mood for a spicy vindaloo or a creamy korma, Ambrosia has something for everyone. DOWNTOWN MONTEREY 565 Abrego Street (831) 641-0610 Lunch Buffet 11:30am-2:45pm, Dinner 4-9pm ambrosiaib.com LOS GATOS 133 N. Santa Cruz Ave.(408) 827-4339 Lunch 11:30am-2:45pm, Dinner 4pm SCOTTS VALLEY 6006 La Madrona Drive #D (831) 713 -5594 Lunch 11:45am-2:45pm, Dinner 4:30pm APTOS 207 Sea Ridge Road (831) 685-0610 Lunch 11:30am-2:45pm, Dinner 4:30pm ’08-’24 TNHOATNH OI NU GR LBEESSST Monterey County Best Indian Restaurant 17 years DINE IN / TAKEOUT / DELIVERY 720 BROADWAY AVE. SEASIDE 831-899-1762 SEASIDE’S FINEST THIN CRUST PIZZA SOURDOUGH PIZZA OPEN DAILY • • DRAFT BEER • • Oven_1-6v_ED24_ec.indd 1 4/18/24 12:20 PM
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