DINING AL FRESCO IN CARMEL

Dining al fresco in Carmel has its own particular charm. The temperate climate and Carmel’s one-of-a-kind mix of architecture make for an abundance of  picturesque courtyards and hidden nooks where restaurants enchant diners.

This is a special treat for Bill and I, since there are at most 15 days a year that we are comfortable eating outside in Kansas City. Admittedly, we are picky about the temperature. But our hot, humid summers send us scurrying to air conditioning. In our cold winters we beg, “please seat us in a warm spot”. 

I probably do not mention enough what a large part the climate plays when we decide to buy a second home here.

Carmel is blessed with 269 sunny days a year on average with highs between 58-70 and lows between 44 and 53 degrees. My personal favorite temperatures. A sweater, outdoor heat lamp or shady umbrella make al fresco dining a pleasure most of the year.

If sipping your morning coffee outside sounds good to you, try Katy’s Place for breakfast.

Carmel by the Sea, CA, Katy’s Place Carmel. They open at 7AM everyday.

Bring your appetite for fantastic Eggs Benedict

or Belgian Waffles

or omelets. Bill likes the Corned Beef Hash ‘n Eggs. Sit outside on the deck or inside.

Another favorite of ours is The Terrace Grill at the newly remodeled La Playa Hotel

right down the street from us. The combination of good food, garden views,

a glimpse of the ocean and  the music of the nearby surf  is unbeatable. They offer a buffet or made-to order specialties.

They also serve a delicious, well priced “early bird” dinner.

And of course, there is  the Jazz Brunch at the Mission Ranch  Mission Ranch in Carmel California.

We save this for special occasions because it is pricey, but worth it. The brunch is from 10AM- 1:30PM Sundays only. We sit on the patio overlooking the meadow and Carmel Bay.

We watch grazing sheep and beautiful people ,listen to the sound of jazz drifting out the door and sip Champagne and coffee before going inside to tour the hot station, cold station, carving station AND the dessert table.  The food is beautifully presented as well as delicious. 

The Ranch also serves a great dinner  – make reservations.

Another very popular spot in Carmel is the Village Corner Village Corner Mediterranean Bistro, Carmel-by-the-Sea with its central location at Dolores and Sixth.

I find we see more locals here. One corner is “reserved” for a group of guys who daily attempt to solve the world’s problems over breakfast and newspapers. 

Lush plantings surround the patio,

fresh flowers are on the tables

and there is open fire pit in the center. They also serve a great lunch.

When I am near Carmel Plaza, I  sit at a table

outside Carmel Coffee & Cocoa Bar

and enjoy a drink and Panini or Quiche to fortify myself for shopping.

Or stroll over to  Bistro Beaujolais Carmel Restaurants | Bistro Beaujolais, Carmel California | Carmel’s Firok Shield Family of Restaurants .

They offer alfresco dining in a  garden setting around a fire pit on a heated patio.

Or we stop for dinner on Friday or Saturday to listen to live music on the patio.

And the places to lunch!! My favorite for a leisurely lunch is Casanova’s (CASANOVA Restaurant :: Carmel’s Most Romantic Restaurant) .

Sit on the front patio 

or ask to be seated in the “indoor” patio. Built around a huge tree, this space is partly covered by awnings and glass roof.

Small birds peck at the crumbs by your feet.

A favorite spot for dog lovers is the Forge In The Forest  (The Forge In The Forest Restaurant) .

Ivy covered walls enclose the brick patio with its open fireplace and heaters.

And your dog can order from his very own menu.

Or drop by Hog’s Breath Inn( Hog’s Breath Inn Restaurant & Bar, located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, Hogs Breath Inn, Clint Eastwood Property ) once owned by Clint Eastwood.

Step down the stairs to a patio made magical by a huge mural. Cozy yourself in front of one of the many fireplaces for a burger and fries.

Another good burger joint is Jack London’s. ( Jack Londons Restaurant & Pub – Carmel-by-the-Sea, California | )

Eat inside or out under umbrella- shaded tables.

For lunch or dinner, it’s hard to beat Porta Bella’s picturesque sidewalk seating in the Court of the Golden Bough.

Diners enjoy privacy created by plantings awarded first prize for beautiful flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club.

So kick off your shoes and relax.

PortaBella Restaurant on Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea

I am somewhat ashamed to say we have not yet tried  Basil http://www.basilcarmel.com/index.html

despite rave reviews from our friends. The courtyard dining is alway busy. Dogs receive a complimentary bowl of water.

The hottest new night spot for a drink under the stars is the Starlight 65 Rooftop Lounge. It sits atop Vesuvio Italian Restaurant on the SE corner of Junipero and 6th .

Several years ago, we attended a tequilla tasting  up here with a friend. It is a magical spot. Now it is described as having a “hip,cool vibe”.  Although Bill and I are both of the above, we have yet to visit so I will have to rely on Nicole D.’s Yelp review. Nicole writes:

“This stylish rooftop lounge atop Vesuvios is the total package. I love the comfortable lounge-chic furnishings and decor and beautiful overhead strung lights; very celestial. Ringed by low-slung wicker benches and warm fire-pits, this hangout spot affords guests a fun, relaxing and comfortable venue to linger over drinks and fine food. High brow cocktails and great food await at this rooftop lounge in picturesque Carmel by the Sea.”

Nicole also gets credit for the photos. Thanks Nicole.

And yet the best place to dine Al Fresco is Carmel Beach at the foot of Ocean Ave.

I hear there is a heck of a “ floor show”.