Eat well in Carmel-by-the-Sea without overpaying: the locals'-budget edition.
Eat well in Carmel-by-the-Sea for under €15 a plate: the places locals on a budget actually use.
5th Avenue Deli has built Carmel beach picnics since 1991, boxing sandwiches from Harris Ranch tri-tip to falafel a short walk from the sand.
Try: Harris Ranch tri-tip sandwich or a picnic box
Tip: Order a named picnic box; the 5th Avenue Deli Picnic starts at $17.50 and the Deluxe at $25.99 covers two on Carmel Beach.
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.
Carmel Bakery keeps the village's cheapest classic lunch on Ocean Avenue: a giant pretzel or breakfast burrito from the 1899 storefront counter.
Try: Giant soft pretzel or a breakfast burrito
Tip: It claims the title of California's oldest bakery still in its original location; the pretzel travels to the beach better than the gelato.
Rise + Roam Bakery and Pizzeria is Carmel's budget-friendly sit-down, serving pizzas, soups and salads in Carmel Plaza without dinner pricing.
Try: Pizza with a salad, or a pastry and coffee
Tip: The bakery side sells down by early afternoon; come before 10:00 for the full case, or at noon if pizza is the point.
Nora's gives Carmel a sit-down dinner under $20 a head, the Nimri family pricing shareables from $7 and handhelds at $15-18 on San Carlos Street.
Try: Handhelds $15-18, shareables from $7
Tip: Shareables run $7-22 and handhelds $15-18, which makes this one of the village's rare relaxed-budget dinner reservations.