Carmel Valley Restaurants
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The Valley Kitchen
$$$$•Contemporary American•4.6(761)Our signature restaurant is at the heart of the Carmel Valley Ranch experience, and it’s better than ever—with a new look and feel, new dishes bursting with flavor (and local ingredients), and a new pool bar!
The fully reimagined Valley Kitchen includes refreshed interiors with upgraded tables and chairs, expanded seating on the patio, casual poolside “pods,” an intimate private dining room, and much more. Join us and discover why this spot is treasured by so many who visit The Ranch!Lucia Restaurant & Bar - Bernardus Lodge & Spa
$$$$•Californian•4.5(1,008)Lucia features California-regional cuisine with local organic, seasonal produce as well as regional seafood and artisan farmed meats. Taking full advantage of the resort’s pastoral location, the new design artfully combines modern comforts with the natural elegance of Carmel Valley wine country. In addition to the signature fireplace, custom chairs, linens and drapery have added texture and depth while bringing elements of the outdoors inside. A cozy outdoor terrace with firepit and heaters also complements the main dining room.
The Forbes four-star restaurant has been named Zagat’s “Top Restaurant in the Bay Area” and received Wine Spectator magazine’s “Best of Award of Excellence” since 2001 for its wine cellar. The cellar houses 1,850 different wines and a total of more than 5,000 premium bottles.
Outdoor dining in California Central Coast
See what locals rave about in Carmel Valley
- GglenDallas - Fort Worth •4 reviews5.0Dined todayAnother great dinner at Casanova. We returned after our first trip two years ago and had the same outstanding meals. Cannaloni and Dover sole. Both absolutely incredible. Service was great and decor enhances the experience. Must stop if you are visiting Carmel.More infoCasanova Restaurant Carmel$$$$• Italian• Carmel•4.6
- KKathleenNashville •5 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoThe eclectic, charming ambiance made for a delightful dining experience, and the food was delicious. A wonderful little gem in Carmel that we would happily visit again!More infoLa Bicyclette$$$$• French• Carmel•4.8
- DDeniseGoldPhoenix / Arizona •1 review5.0Dined on Oct 23, 2026We went to The Valley Kitchen a handful of times during our stay and the waitstaff was fantastic. Especially Jose and Logan.More infoThe Valley Kitchen$$$$• Contemporary American• Carmel Valley•4.6
- PPatrickGoldSan Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews5.0Dined on Oct 22, 2026Excellent service and great food. Highly recommend!More infoLucia Restaurant & Bar - Bernardus Lodge & Spa$$$$• Californian• Carmel Valley•4.5
- CCaroleGoldCalifornia Central Coast •3 reviews5.0Dined on Oct 1, 2026The CVR wine dinners are really lovely affairs, especially when weather allows for dinner on the outside terrace.More infoCarmel Valley Ranch Events$$$$• American• Carmel Valley•4.9
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Discover Carmel Valley
The beach community of Carmel Valley is host to a wide variety of restaurants. Monterey runs the gambit from ultra-fine dining seafood spots and steak houses to a fun tiki bar with a Hawaiian-themed menu. Carmel Valley is just a quick drive from Monterey and features restaurants serving food options ranging from Italian cuisine to French pastries. Most restaurants feature a selection of wines from different local vineyards that diners should find as a nice complement to their meal. Carmel Valley also has a great selection of American restaurants and steak houses to choose from with iconic dishes ranging from ribeyes and pork chops to seared Diver scallops and abalone.
Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Carmel Valley is Carmel Valley Ranch Events (opens in a new tab)
The restaurants with the best service in Carmel Valley are Carmel Valley Ranch Events (opens in a new tab), Baja Cantina - Carmel (opens in a new tab) and Sur at The Barnyard (opens in a new tab)
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Carmel Valley are Carmel Valley Ranch Events (opens in a new tab), Lucia Restaurant & Bar - Bernardus Lodge & Spa (opens in a new tab) and Baja Cantina - Carmel (opens in a new tab)
Explore OpenTable
- Toro Regional Park
- Georis
- Gabilan Lodge No. 372-Independent Order of Odd Fellows
- Tularcitos Guard Station
- Bernardus Lodge & Spa
- Garland Ranch Regional Park
- Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course
- Bernardus Winery
- The Blue Sky Lodge
- Centennial Park
- Carmel Valley Lodge
- Heller Estate
- Country Garden Inns
- Carmel Valley Shopping Center
- Talbotts Vineyards
- Chateau Julien
- Mid Valley Shopping Center
- Central Park
- Hastings Natural History State Reservation
- Carmel Valley Ranch
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