45 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Carmel By The Sea

“Go here and eat the lamb. It's that simple. Excellent space with cool ambiance. Exceptional service. Friendly and fast but not rushed. I had the lamb shank and one of my buddies had the lamb Kebab. Both were perfection in different ways. The Shank is so tender from the long braise and still has its deep rich flavor. I got it with the potatoes au gratin that were great with the demi glace. The Kebab was more steaky and more appropriate for a less adventurous palate. Cooked to order and tender but more toothsome than the shank. Will return when i'm down from the city next.“

“Aubergine is the best fine dining experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The food, presentation, ambience, and service are all of the highest caliber and well-deserving of the recognition earned by this restaurant. Aubergine was more than accommodating of my personal request for plant-based options in lieu of their traditional prix fixe menu, and they exceeded my expectations. I would have to travel to New York to another world-renowned restaurant to receive the same level of consideration and experience a similar level of culinary excellence. My wife was able to enjoy the traditional prix fixe menu options while I was thrilled by the creativity of the kitchen. She informed me later that this was the first time Aubergine had catered to a complete plant-based course for dinner. Absolutely magnifique. We were also introduced to a terrific Sauternes by the sommelier, a novelty we hadn't explored before, but now embrace. Thank you to Chef Cogley and the entire staff for making our visit so memorable. We will return. John and Rhona“

“Wonderful little restaurant in the heart of Carmel-by-the-sea. The food is as much Italian as it is French with dishes like artichoke and asparagus risotto and mushroom pizza sitting alongside some French provincial classics. Service is friendly and prompt but I would book in advance or turn up very early (pre 5.30pm) for walk-ins.Vegetarian options: Lots of great vegetarian options available.“

“One of the BEST meals ever! The California (crab) Tower was delicious with the sweet salsa and traditional soy sauce with wasabi. Our main courses were each delicious in their own right (almond crusted sea bass and seafood pasta) - pleasantly and surprisingly generous portions. Our host (Rich) and server (Tony) treated us like family. We will definitely be back!“

“This was our first time and we were very happy and pleased. I had the goat cheese ravioli and my husband had the clam and pasta. Everything was delicious. The restaurant is nicely decorated and quiet atmosphere. Wait staff was friendly and attentive. We will definitely go back again.“

“Spent time researching dinner spots in Carmel and came up with this little hidden spot. Didn’t know it was more a Greek style restaurant.I think I was hoping for more. Service was top notch and atmosphere was a bit loud due to low ceilings but it had a nice comfortable vibe.The lamb stroganoff was just so so had a Greek spin on it. Clam chowder was over the top good!Would I try again…. Probably not due to so many more restaurants to explore….“

“Kind of a hidden gem. I have lived here five years and never walked back into this patio area. We went during winter so I predict the patio experience will be even better. Food was great. Still having a hard time with such expensive tacos- so used to street tacos being affordable- we will come back.“

“Five stars for the fish and chips alone. Light and crisp, fresh halibut, and possibly the best fish and chips I've had! Highly recommend for those who love fish and chips. Also the grilled cheese was decadent with a rich thick tomato soup. Hamburger flavorful. Excellent bruschetta salad! Good cocktails. Very good service.“

“Pangea is one of my favorite restaurants because the menu has something for everyone. The food is delicious, prepared with high quality ingredients, and is well-priced for our area. The service is attentive and professional, great bar! The only issue I had was that my father is hard of hearing and the ambient noise is moderately loud, had a hard time hearing him recount how he has been dining in that location for 50 years, under restaurant names like the Butcher Shop and the Jolly Roger. I wanted to better hear those stories. Not sure there is a fix. Otherwise, the vibe there is fun and vibrant. Love the cherry blossom art!“

“Warm and attentive staff. Food was excellent and served warm and in a timely manner. Tried the Italian Margarita for the first time ,,, terrific cocktail. Carmel nights are often cool, and in order to serve those dining in the outside patio, the restaurant door was left open. A blanket was provided to keep us warm from the draft during dinner.“

“I had dinner here for the first time last May. I love schnitzel; and the schnitzel tasted incredible at this place! The Swiss Matterhorn dessert was heavenly! I hope to bring my dad here soon. I will definitely try the cheese fondue next time.“

“The service is good and plus they've never gotten our order wrong (we've been here several times) You can enjoy a quiet intimate dinner here or for a more casual atmosphere their larger bar (Bar Napoli) 10 steps away. Both spaces share the same kitchen and both have window seating if you want a view of the qaint street scenery. There's also some outdoor seating which is really nice when the weather permits. Everything we've tried is good and we usually go for pizza and an appetizer. They have many beer & wine choices but their cocktails are VERY good. Get the truffle gnocchi, so good!“

“We had a wonderful dinner at Anton & Michel. The restaurant is of the white tablecloth variety. They have a beautiful interior and a nice patio space which is dog friendly. The service from Argenis was top notch even to the point of noting my diet restrictions noted in the reservation. Thank you Argenis for your great service and attention. My husband and I shared the beef tenderloin tartar appetizer. Very fresh meat with great flavor served on three pieces of baguette. We also shared the red and golden beet salad with feta cheese, which Argenis had split on two plates for us. Nice touch.My husband had the Kobe beef short rib with horseradish potatoes and vegetables for dinner and enjoyed it. I had the duck breast with white bean cassoulet. I asked for it to be done, medium rare and, unfortunately, I think it was overcooked as it was hard to chew, even to the point t of leaving some pieces I discreetly spit out on the plate. Having said that, the dish was flavorful with some heat from the red pepper flakes. Portions of the entrees were generous and presented beautifully. Nice dinner in a lovely atmosphere.“

“Nestled in the heart Carmel-By-The-Bay in a residential area (meaning parking can be challenging), "L'Escargot" transports diners on a culinary voyage of French cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an ambiance that evokes the romance and sophistication of the French capital, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.The moment we were seated, we were greeted warmly by the staff, who exuded the elegance and hospitality synonymous with French culture. The restaurant's intimate setting, adorned with subtle decorations, created an atmosphere that was both inviting and refined.For the apps, one standout was the escargot, served in a garlic and herb butter sauce. The snails were tender and succulent, with each bite offering a burst of flavor that lingered on the palate. The Duck Leg and Foie Gras was equally impressive, although we would've preferred more bread than just two small corner pieces. The French Onion soup is a must try. The caramelized onions, lovingly sautéed to perfection, impart a depth of flavor that is both sweet and savory, setting the stage for a culinary journey like no other.For the main course, our favorite (in order) was their Beef Wellington, Duck two way, Seared Scallop Risotto and the shredded rabbit pasta. I've had Gordon Ramsay version of Beef Wellington, but what's different about this one is the golden pastry shell that enrobes it, providing a crisp, flaky exterior that gives way to tender perfection with each bite that's not too salty. The Seared Scallop Risotto was a bit of a miss with the Risotto as it was missing the crunch, but the Scallop was seared to perfection that melts in your mouth.No French meal would be complete without a decadent dessert. Our favorite was the Lemon Tart, follow by the warm Apple Crisp with a scoop of ice cream, and a home made cheesecake.The service was, with attentive waitstaff ensuring that our sparkling water glasses were never empty and our needs were always met with a smile.“

“A warm and welcoming restaurant a short walk from the main drag in Carmel. The menu changes each time we visit and tends to be more innovative with seasonal fish, cross cultural influences and less used cuts and types of meat. It’s a contrast from other local restaurants as while other restaurants work to emulate various European cuisines this restaurant is just itself. The exposed brick and cozy interior create an intimate experience and compliments the meal. Personally we make a point of coming to this restaurant every time we are in Carmel because during a holiday weekend in the pandemic they sat us and stayed late when no one else in town would serve us. Will be back.“

“Always outstanding and a go to lunch spot when visiting. Great selection of oysters and the horseradish will clear the sinuses (the waitress warned us which was nice but we loved). Just finished the fish and chips with skinny fries. Super flavorful and fresh and the batter wasn’t too heavy.“

“We're dying outside because we had two dogs. They were so accommodating and even have great meal choices for dogs . We got the grilled chicken that is unseasoned and a side of rice for each of our dogs and there's so much they could've shared. The meatballs were fantastic. Can't recommend them enough.“

“Disappointing americanized italian food for this price point, consistently not well prepared or seasoned although ingredients were good. Service was good and laid back, and rooftop was nice. We had soup, pizza, pasta, salads, sides, and desserts and they were underwhelming. Pizza dough was good and fluffy but lacked salt.“

“An amazing place to dine at. The food was great, classic diner menu, and the atmosphere was so fun. I loved the decor, made it such a unique experience.The servers are so proactive and incredibly good at their job. Shout out to the host in particular, he's a very charismatic and entertaining person.Great experience, highly recommend!“

“Ok we went back. I am adding a star. This is because although it wasn't perfect, it def hit the spot. It was also good warmed up the next day. This is what we got this time. Sesame beef- this is all beef no onions or other fillers. It is breaded and a little tough, but was very good warmed up the next day Tommy special chow mein- too salty, but overall not bad Potstickers- not my favorite filling. Not bad. Walnut shrimp- amazing. Served with orange slices. Sweet and sour pork- mushy but a good flavor We went later in the day this time and the place was empty. Also, we were treated by a kind gentleman.“

“As long time members (6+ years) my wife and I still consider a visit to the tasting room to be a treat. The people there are like family and greet us and our "special needs" dog Scully like they feel the same. We feel like Dawn (and husband Jack) make the best Pinot Noirs in Monterey County. They are reason enough to be members but what prompted us to join those many years ago was the fact that Dawn and the winery support a charity organization every year with a portion of all sales going to support that year's charity. Doing some good while sipping fabulous wine (the Rachel is my favorite)....what a great combination!“

“10/10!!! We LOVED this place. So delicious, fresh, and friendly. Please go! Breakfast burrito was yummy, LOVED the avocado tartine, chocolate croissant was the perfect crispy and soft. Loved it so much, we came back for lunch and it was just as good.“

“Pizza & wine, must I say more. Great place to relax and enjoy live music. Definitely a hidden gem in Caramel. Folktale the child white wine is a must, it is refreshing and with a light crisp taste. Small parking lot. Reservations highly recommended. The staff is welcoming and attentive. Amazing experience overall.“

“Great little Vietnamese restaurant serving up fresh and tasty meals. The flavours are not like those traditionally found in Vietnam, however by North American standards it's pretty good Think - more fake hot or sweet sauces and overpowering sauces, understandably preferenced in this part of the world.FOOD: Overall good - the pho was absolutely delish as were a few of the stir fry's. The chicken stir fry was gluten free which was a nice treat. They have a number of vegan and vegetarian options too.STAFF: Friendly, helpful with dietary requirement recommendations and efficient.ACCESSIBILITY: All on the same level, wheelchair, pram and walker friendly, with toilets located at street level around the corner.OVERALL: Would recommend and we've been back a few times.“

“Spectacular views and nice decor/design. Lunch menu was limited and mostly lunch and brunch fare (salads, sandwiches, eggs Benedict). Food was good but not remarkable. Dinner may be better. Service was very good: pleasant and balanced. We've been many times over the past 30+ years. We still consider/recommend it as a worthwhile destination and trip but feel it hasn't returned from the pandemic (or acquisition by Hyatt) to its past, very high and Northern California iconic standard.“

“After storms and power outages in town I'm so glad this opened up before we left! High on my list to visit in Carmel as it's my favorite beverage! Champagne ! We were the only people In here as it just opened So we had great service and samples ! Great little set up inside , very contemporary and cool decor and I loved all the glasses they had available and for sale. The champagne itself was really good . I had a great glass full of very effervescent bubbles . Perfect afternoon drink. They have an actual vineyard out in the hills somewhere nearby. Love when they put a tasting room in a town though. They do Rosè bubbly too and have a few different vintages. Some wines too. It's a great place to visit on the wine mile in Carmel, especially as it specializes in the good stuff ! Another check in the Carmel list !“

“I had such a lovely dinner at the Mission Ranch Restaurant on my holiday. The staff were so friendly and seated me at a small table for one facing out on the ranch with beautiful views.I had the 1/2 dozen oysters and the jumbo sea scallops. The scallops were cooked perfectly!Also I must say thank you to the wait staff for letting me enjoy my meal for one and not rushing me through dinner. The experience was lovely and the servers were so attentive.Highly recommend“

“My fiance and I had an amazing experience here. The bartender Levi was so kind and inviting. He found out we were newly engaged and took extra care of us. Made us feel at home instantly.While we were dining he had 3-5 visitors that came to the restaurant just to see him. Obviously we aren't the only people he treated so well, It seem like everyone he talked to held him in very high regards.I'll definitely be back to visit my new friend Levi. If you're considering stopping here for a meal I think it's a great idea.“

“In a word...Amazing!We wandered into Toro Sushi after spending the day in Carmel today. The place was packed and didn't think we even had a chance of getting a seat without a reservation. The hostess welcomed us and seated us immediately. Although the Manager Nicole was busy taking care of other customers, she still took the time to greet us and introduce herself, and assured us that someone would be right with us. James at the bar was awesome and recommended some excellent food options. Food and service was unparalleled and, without a doubt, has catapulted Toro Sushi to the top of our dining list when visiting Carmel. If we could make any suggestion it would be to not change a thing!“

“First of all let me say that my food was delicious. The sausage was very good especially with the syrup. And the banana pancakes were very sweet with very fresh bananas. My bacon was rich and not too fatty. The syrup I got with my Katy cakes was hot and the pancakes were soft and buttery. The food took about 20 mins to arrive and the waiter was nice in providing us with his suggestions and his favorite menu item. Now the environment was unreal. The walls were lined with rodeo style paintings, posters, trinkets and more! We were only provided with one paper napkin each which I wasn't a fan of. The table was also sticky when we were sat and we ended up cleaning it ourselves. Overall, I wouldn't eat here again but it's a great experience to try.“

“Best dog friendly restaurant in Carmel! Food was excellent! We started with the Caesar salad which we shared. Entrees included the short ribs and Asian meatloaf. Our 2 dogs had chicken from dog menu. Our server, Michael, gave us excellent service. Highly recommended!“

“After learning Le Bicylette had a 1.5 hour wait on a Sunday, we peeked down the little alley way and allowed ourselves to be enticed to select an outdoor table for a delicious pizza lunch. Started with the Cesar salad (extra anchovies!) followed by the Pepe Board. The four of us then split two pizzas, the San Vito and the Diavola. Took home the last 3 slices for lunch the next day. Charming patio! Definitely worth a return.“

“This was the last Carmel winery we stopped by on our first day trip to the area. So glad we came in as this was by far our favorite of the 3.We are mainly red wine drinkers so we tried the Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Bordeaux Blend. All 3 were very good. We were very pleasantly surpised by the Pinot and Zinfandel as these 2 wines don't usually hit our palates. Manzoni's were very smooth and drinkable, with lots of sweet fruit and silky tannins. We found it hard to choose between the Bordeaux Blend and the Zinfandel but ended up going home with a bottle of the Zin.The woman that took care of us was very friendly and even gave us a sight-seeing tip of driving down Ocean Avenue and making a left to look at the spectacular views of the ocean and all the insane ocean-front homes in the area. Very cool.“

“This is the very best sushi restaurant in the area! The food is amazing, the server was so attentive and the ambiance was clean and calming. I came on here to rave about the food but truly had a wonderful experience and plan on coming back soon!“

“The place is always bustling with activity, but the bartenders and servers always stay on track with great customer service, drink recommendations, and good attitudes! Recently, one of their bartenders Sharen won a local cocktail challenge too! They are always coming up with new and innovative cocktails!“

“Happy Hour from 5 to 6 pm Monday thru Friday is a bargain, the sushi, appetizers, wine and saki are a hit. Most items on the menu are between $5 and $15 dollars for edamame, cucumber salad, gyoza, and sushi or hand rolls. Beautifully presented and excellent service, everything fresh and yummy, in a very expensive restaurant town, this family owned Japanese Restaurant is a local secret.“

“A Culinary Journey to Remember at AkaoniFrom the moment I stepped into Akaoni in the enchanting town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, I knew I was about to embark on an unforgettable dining adventure. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a world where every bite tells a story, and every dish is a masterpiece.The ambiance struck a perfect balance between elegance and comfort, with subtle lighting that made the exquisite Japanese artistry around the room come alive. The staff welcomed us with genuine warmth, making us feel like honored guests in a grand culinary celebration.Then came the sushi - oh, the sushi! Each piece was a work of art, crafted with precision and passion. The fish, fresh from the dreams of Neptune himself, melted on the tongue, leaving behind a symphony of flavors that danced across the palate in perfect harmony. The sushi chef, a true maestro, wielded his knife with the grace of a samurai, presenting us with creations that were too beautiful to eat, yet too delicious to resist.But the magic didn’t stop at sushi. Every dish we ordered was a revelation, from the succulent sashimi that whispered secrets of the deep to the innovative rolls that brought together flavors and textures in ways I never imagined possible. It was clear that Akaoni isn’t just serving food; they’re crafting experiences.The highlight of the evening was an exclusive dish, whispered about among culinary circles but rarely seen. It was a fusion of flavors so unique, so extraordinary, that words fail to capture its essence. Let's just say it was an epicurean dream that lingered long after the last bite.As we bid farewell to Akaoni, walking out into the starlit night of Carmel-by-the-Sea, it was with the knowledge that we had just experienced something truly special. This wasn’t just a meal; it was a voyage to the heights of culinary excellence. Akaoni is not a restaurant you simply visit; it’s a destination you experience with all your senses.If you find yourself in Carmel-by-the-Sea, do yourself a favor: visit Akaoni. But be warned, your culinary standards might never be the same again.“

“My wife and I were recently in the area, and stopped by to check this place out. It was close to closing time, but they still served us. There was only one person working there, and overall it was a short but sweet experience. We went home with the Rosé which was pretty yummy! If we are ever in the area, I would totally swing by again.“

“We had lunch and were seated outside next to a fire pit that made it lovely on a coolish March afternoon. The menu has a great range of options and the service was attentive. Food was just right. We will return.Kid-friendliness: There were high chairs available and kids seem welcome.“

“Are you kidding me!?!? This pizza was by far some of the best pizza me and my husband have had. We had togo place a second order it was so good. We were very impressed by this place. The Caesar salad and Sicilian salad I think it’s called? Was sooooo good!!!!! Huge slices of pizza. Just wow. My husband is a huge food critic lol so I know it was that good if he kept talking about how good it was. I highly recommend giving them a try. We ordered pepperoni pizza. A Hawaiian slice. And their Margherita slice. Soooo good. And the slices were HOT!!!! The pizza crust was amazing. So worth going to. Customer service was great. We absolutely loved it here. No complaints at all! Not one!!Try it!!!Kid-friendliness: Yep. Kids approve!!!!“

“Whenever I'm working in Big sur I stop on Rio rd for some gas. Even if I'm running late, I make time to stop for some bagels to give the crew. There's a big parking lot so you won't have an issue getting in and out of this place especially with the fast service. There's usually a line of blue collar workers, students and soccer moms alike. I've tried a few pastries and savory dishes as well. The chicken bake is always a safe bet if you don't want to eat too much. When they warm it up for you, it's always pretty hot in the first few bites but kinda cold in the middle still. I don't care too much to neg but it's something to he aware of. I also got the pig in a blanket, I forgot the name they use for it but it was good. A different type of sausage that I'm not super familiar with, not the best but I don't mind. The pastry that it's wrapped in is second to none. Throw some mustard on that bad boy and you're ready to take on the world. The bagels are really good too. I haven't tried one that I didn't agree with. Ambiance is simple and laid back for those that really just order and take off. Not sure if it's classified as a donut shop but that's pretty much the setting inside.“

“I visit Allegro Pizzeria every time I visit my parents who live in the Monterey area, and I keep forgetting to write a review, but today is the day! I can't eat gluten, and they have the BEST gluten free pizza I've ever had. I usually order to-go and enjoy it at a nearby beach. Even with to-go orders, the staff is always amazing and friendly. One day soon I will dine in. :) Highly highly recommend this place!“

“Always great. I only get the burgers. They do burgers & fries very well. Completely satisfied every time. Shakes are great too. I prefer booth seating to the small metal chairs. Service is good, especially once they know your usual order. Haha.“

“This place was so great! It has a great neighborhood feel and everyone was so incredibly kind! Rodney, our waiter, was very attentive. My cocktail was so good and the clam chowder really hit the spot! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a place to catch up with friends or family!“

“What this hole-in-the wall kind-of place lacks in atmosphere it makes up for in its food. I’m surprised at some of the very negative reviews. I had brisket, tri tips, mac n cheese and beans. Meat was tender, juicy and served hot. Sides were good. Other reviewers might have a point in terms of lack of smoked flavour on the meats but I would sacrifice that over the tender and juiciness.“