86 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 FOOD 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. There are muffins, croissants, cookies, cakes and more. Ocean between Mission and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 624-3870 Cottage of Sweets They call them sweets here, not candy. It’s a British-style shop, after all. More licorice than you can imagine. Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde, Carmel. (831) 624-5170, cottageofsweets.com Dutch Door Donuts 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 Lula’s Chocolates Traditional chocolates made with care—and great ingredients. Ocean and Mission (in Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 624-5852; 644 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 626-3327, lulaschocolates.com Lafayette Bakery Artisan breads and traditional French pastries (hello, warm croissant!) are among the offerings. 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 Rise+Roam Rise+Roam bakes breads and pastries you can take with you. But it also has a restaurant side. So you can have your bread and eat it, too. Mission and 7th, Carmel. (831) 574-2900, riseandroamcarmel.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. 206 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 601-4818, sweetrebas.com CARMEL VALLEY In the Village: Cafe Rustica European The charming Cafe Rustica brings the flavors of Italy, Alsace and California together in one irresistible package. The setting is casual and so is the food. 10 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley. (831) 659-4444, caferusticavillage. com Corkscrew Cafe American It’s all about the ambiance—almost—at this pleasant garden spot with plenty of natural stone. With burgers, pizza, fish tacos and the like. 55 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 659-8888, corkscrewcafe.com Kathy’s Little Kitchen Diner Bacon and cheese on a burger is just about as adventurous as things get at Kathy’s Little Kitchen, and that’s just fine. Sometimes you want comfort. 13 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 659-4601 Mika Sushi Japanese Sushi and other Japanese dishes, but also with a Korean flair. The menu is extensive, especially when it comes to rolls. 9 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley. (831) 652-3069, mikasushi.menu11.com Roux European The Euro-comfort food capital runs the gamut on California-Mediterranean style cuisine, but features many Spanish- and French-leaning dishes. 6 Pilot Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 6595020, rouxcarmel.com Running Iron Restaurant and Saloon American Steaks and country-style fare are served up in the casual atmosphere of a neighborhood bar and restaurant. In this case, the neighborhood is Carmel Valley Village. 24 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 659-4633, runningironrestaurantandsaloon.com Trailside Cafe American With the help of a sunny front deck, long craft-beer bar and pebbled beer garden, the emphasis here is on accessible fare like sandwiches, mac and cheese and tri-tip. 3 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley. (831) 298-7453, trailsidecafecv.com Delis, Markets and Shops Carmel Valley Creamery A cheesemaker stocking both fresh and aged cheeses. But the shelves also offer local breads, olive oils and other goods. And get this: Carmel Creamery is also a coffee shop with a rustic patio. 1 Esquiline Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 200-9532, carmelvalleycreameryco.com Lady & Larder Cheese plates and charcuterie plates made to order for your special occasions—even if that occasion is kicking back watching the game. 9 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley. (831) 6899800, ladyandlarder.com The Quail and Olive There are plenty of California olive oils to choose from, as well as other oils and fine balsamic vinegars. 14 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley. (831) 659-4288, quailandolive.com Abalonetti Bar & Grill
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