82 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 FOOD Il Tegamino Italian Recipes here are inspired by Italian home cooking. A beautiful Euro-style patio charms as well as the menu. Patio of the Golden Bough, Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 238-9608, iltegamino. com JeJu Kitchen Korean, Burgers The menu will have your head turning. There is bulgogi and jajangmyeon noodles treated with respect for Korean tradition. But you will also find miso cacio e pepe and a list of creative burgers. It’s all good. Ocean and Mission (Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 574-8693, jejukitchencarmel.com Katy’s Place Diner Katy’s is the quintessential cozy Carmel breakfast spot where you can bring your family. Mission between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 624-0199, katysplacecarmel.com L’Escargot French The menu is inspired by country French, suiting the restaurant’s courtyard. Think terrines and steak frites, rabbit, chicken and veal— unfussy fare, yet with a worldly flair. Mission near 4th, Carmel. (831) 620-1942, escargotcarmel.com La Bicyclette European La Bicyclette is a little bit French. But it can favor Italian, with pasta pizza from a woodfired oven. Weekend breakfast service is for those in the know. Dolores and 7th, Carmel. (831) 622-9899, labicycletterestaurant.com Le Soufflé French Here they treat souffle and other French classics with proper etiquette. Diners choose either a two- or three-course menu with several options each round. The menu changes seasonally, but you can be certain of one item. 5th and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 250–5314, lesoufflecarmel.com Links Club Pub Fun, casual dishes, including street tacos, a classic Chicago dog and more because when you are frustrated at having hacked your way to a double bogey, you want something comforting. The spot includes six Trackman golf simulators. Ocean and Mission (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 250-7816, linksclubgolf. com Little Napoli Italian Soothing songs of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin relax the evening, while paintings and photographs of Italy spark conversations. The setting is Old World charm with a quaint courtyard for outdoor dining. Dolores and 7th, Carmel. (831) 626-6335, chefpepe.com Little Swiss Cafe Diner One of the best phrases in the English language is “breakfast served all day.” Too bad Little Swiss Cafe is only open through lunch, but that still gives you time for a stack of pancakes. 6th and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 624-5007 Lugano Swiss Bistro Swiss You make a commitment when you settle inside the wood paneled walls of Lugano Swiss Bistro because, well, it’s Swiss. That means hearty foods and big pots of fondue— not just the cheese version, either. 3670 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 626-3779, swissbistro.com Mission Bistro Steakhouse Steak and seafood classics, with caviar service. It’s an elegant place, but the menu is hardly staid or snobby. They serve a fine fish and chips or cioppino, as well. Mission between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 5748344, carmelmissionbistro.com Mediterranean Restaurant Mediterranean Care to guess what you’ll find on the menu? You’d think hints of Greece, Morocco, Italy, Lebanon, and so on. And you’d be right. But there are burgers and other American selections. Lincoln and Ocean, Carmel. (831) 6245659 Nicolás Cocina de Herencia Mexican A concept from Villa Azteca chef Susanna Alvarez, who set the standard for upscale Mexican in the county. The kitchen prepares pretty and exquisite Michoacán classics and three generations of family recipes. Ocean and Junipero (Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 574-8002 Pacific’s Edge American The timeless spot relaxes visitors with soulstirring ocean views, a huge wine list and award-winning cuisine. Even the simple dishes rely on French technique and the finest ingredients. 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel Highlands. (831) 622-5445, pacificsedge.com Pangaea Grill Varied Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (all boozy—they even have honking breakfast Mariscos Puerto Nuevo
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