One day and night in Carmel

[nutmeggie]

Hello out there,
I'm going to be traveling at the end of August to California with my husband and parents. The four of us are spending one night in Pacific Grove and spending the next day in the Carmel area. Would love suggestions on where to eat...we particularly love seafood and french food. We don't want to break the bank on any meal so we're not so interested in the $$$$ restaurants. Would grately appreciate any tips from folks who know Carmel:)

[curiousgeo]

In Carmel I really like Cantinetta Luca for fresh, delicious Italian, the Mission Ranch Inn for good, basic American fare and Katy's Place for breakfast. I also like Monterey's Fish House and First Awakenings for breakfast in Pacific Grove. None are overly expensive.

Just wondering why you are splitting your time, moving between PG and Carmel for a day as they are just a few minutes drive apart.

[curiousgeo]

I guess your post title explains that, didn't read it carefully enough.

[Gail]

Seafood: Sandbar and Grill (think fish shack/diner) located on the municipal pier, Monterey
Massero and Santos (a bit more upscale) Coast Guard pier, close to Cannery.
French: Fifi's, highly suggested for reasonable and tasty food. Pacific Grove

Just good American food with a pastorial view of sheep grazing and peek of ocean, Mission Ranch is hard to beat, as Curious mentioned. Lovely deck too. A lively piano bar later if that interests you.
Been to all these places, if you have specific questions, post back.

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Mission Ranch Restaurant
26270 Dolores St, Carmel, CA 93923

[toncasmo]

had a great meal at le bicyclette last nigt in carmel. reminded us of a french bistro

[Gail]

Think we'll try to get there next trip (Oct). Have you tried the Corkscrew Bistro in Carmel Valley? The same owner owns that and also Casanova. Corkscrew is a great place to stop for lunch after wine tasting.

[Ed Dibble]

The best restaurant in Pacific Grove is Passionfish. It serves sustainable seafood (and a few other things) in interesting preparations at reasonable prices. The wine list is very extensive and the wines are priced at retail. No view, not much atmosphere, and kindof noisy at times, it has been, nonetheless, my go-to restaurant in the area each time I visit. Open for dinners only and I recommend reservations. You can search this board to get a range of opinions and experiences there, but certainly worth a visit imho.

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Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

[ola]

Dametra Cafe. Good food, reasonable prices. I loved my lamb and my husband loved his sampler plate. When the tables are full and the owner and wait staff pull out their musical instruments, it's magical. Might not be the best food in Carmel but definitely our favorite experience.

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Dametra Cafe
Ocean Ave, Carmel, CA 93923

[glbtrtr]

We really liked the casual but stylish tapas place: Mundaka inside one of Carmel's charming courtyards. Sangria was particularly refreshing and the papas bravas the best. Chowhounder recommended this and it was a good choice: http://www.mundakacarmel.com/

[syrahgirl]

Casanova and Demetra Cafe are both very good in Carmel. In Pacific Grove, check out Fandango. We recently had an outstanding meal at Montrio Bistro in downtown Monterey. :)

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Montrio Bistro
414 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940

[OenoV]

Definitely Passionfish in Pacific Grove for seafood, Max's Grill in Carmel for California Cuisine, they currently have a prix-fixe which includes a choice starter, entree and dessert or a glass of wine, all for $25 Sunday through Thursday! For French Cuisine I suggest L'escargot in carmel (Mission at 4th Avenue) but check their current prices before making a reservation, it's been a while since I was there.

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Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Max's Grill
209 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

L'escargot
Mission 4th Ave, Carmel, CA 93923

[Gail]

Isn't Max's Grill in Pacific Grove?

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Max's Grill
209 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950