Vesuvio runs the Pepe family's wood-fired Neapolitan kitchen at 6th and Junipero in Carmel, with the rooftop Star Bar pouring above the dining room.
Signature: Neapolitan pizza
Order: Wood-burning-oven pizza or the truffled gnocchi.
Tip: The rooftop Star Bar takes no reservations; it closes at 22:00 on weeknights and runs to 23:00 on Friday and Saturday.
Yafa runs a family-owned Mediterranean dinner house at Junipero and 5th in Carmel, open nightly from 17:00 with hosts who still work every table.
Order: Ask the host for the night's mezze and grill pairing.
Tip: The room fills with return visitors and celebrations; reserve ahead, and note dinner is the only service of the day.
Bruno's Market & Deli grocers the village from 6th and Junipero in Carmel, its oakwood barbecue and deli turning out tri-tip and rib sandwiches.
Tip: The tri-tip sandwich and the oakwood barbecue counter make this the beach-picnic supply stop; it opens at 07:00 daily.
Bruno's Market & Deli grocers the village from 6th and Junipero in Carmel, its oakwood barbecue and deli turning out tri-tip and rib sandwiches.
Try: Oakwood barbecue tri-tip sandwich
Tip: The tri-tip sandwich and the oakwood barbecue counter make this the beach-picnic supply stop; it opens at 07:00 daily.
The Restaurant at Mission Ranch serves a walk-in Sunday buffet brunch at Clint Eastwood's ranch below the Carmel Mission, meadow and bay beyond.
Order: The Sunday buffet, eaten on the deck above the sheep meadow.
Tip: No reservations except holiday brunches; put your name down, take a drink to the deck and watch the sheep until the table calls.
The Star Bar rides the roof of Vesuvio at 6th and Junipero, a rooftop rarity in Carmel, first come and first served above the village pines.
Tip: No reservations ever; arrive before sunset for a rail seat, and note weeknights the rooftop closes at 22:00 sharp.