*La Bicyclette – Dolores at 7th ave
(831) 622-9899
$$$ Lunch & Dinner
This mediterranean vibe restaurant is a sure bet for fresh, high quality lunch. Tall arched windows, colorful tile, a pizza bar and espresso bar set the first impression. Shelves everywhere are packed with local wines and perfect portions offer quality and satisfaction. Try the local strawberry and chevre with honeyed walnuts wild arugula salad, or the pan seared fresh catch with a local chardonnay.
Basil – San Carlos at 7th Ave
(831) 626-8226
$$$ Lunch & Dinner
Casual ambiance set the scene for the tasty, largely organic contemporary menu. Black squid ink linguini, new york steak strip salad, house made rabbit sausages, seared ahi and a solid selection of fine local wines make Basil an excellent choice for a fun and satisfying lunch or dinner.
*Forge in the Forest – Junipero and 5th
(831) 624-2233
$$$ Lunch & Dinner
This pleasing restaurant and bar has a verdant, lounge-like brick patio with heaters and a firepit. Inside, the first level is a copper bar with antique blacksmith style fireplace and a sports screen. Downstairs is a white table cloth formal dining room. The bar menu includes delicious mussels, pasta and burgers. The happy hour menu is a steal, with sliders, seared ahi with wasabi sauce and duck empanadas to name a few. They have live music on Wednesday and Thursday in the high season and Friday and Saturday in the low season.
*Mission Ranch – 26270 Dolores St
(831) 625-9040
$$$ Lunch & Dinner
This charming establishment near the mission is owned by Clint Eastwood. A long piano bar leads to the classy farmhouse style dining rooms. The brick patio fronts a coastal sheep pasture and features a fire pit and heaters. Tall eucalyptus trees separate the hotel and restaurant from the tennis club. One way to enjoy Mission Ranch on the cheap is to get a table in the piano lounge where you can order off their well priced, good quality bar menu.
Cassanova – 5th Ave and Mission,
(831) 625-0501
$$$$ Dinner
Southern Italian cuisine in a quaint yet upscale environment. The house is often busy, but the service is top notch and the food is among the best around. Reservations are recommended.
Flaherty’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar – 6th Ave and Dolores
(831) 625-1500
$$ Lunch & Dinner
Flaherty’s has been a local favorite for good selection of fresh oysters, fresh seafood and their famous lobster bisque for 40 years. The casual oyster bar and more formal dining room both offer delicious food and great service.
The Running Iron Restaurant and Saloon-Carmel Valley Village
(831) 659-4633
$$ Lunch & Dinner
Rustic isn’t strong enough a word for this time honored, country restaurant and watering hole. The hearty fare is thoroughly impressive and served in large portions. The experienced servers are welcoming and on top of it.
Allegro Gourmet Pizza– 3770 The Barnyard
(831) 626-5454
$$ Lunch & Dinner
A huge selection of pizzas , inventive artichoke appetizers , and a much better wine list than your average pizza joint. Gluten free and vegan options available on request.
nick's guide 