8 cheap eats places in Carmel-by-the-Sea, editor-picked. the best low-budget spots in Carmel-by-the-Sea: the places editors actually return to. All Carmel-by-the-Sea food.
Carmel Bakery ★ 4.3
Ocean Avenue · Ocean Ave between Dolores and Lincoln, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Carmel Bakery has baked on Ocean Avenue since 1899, run by the Pepe family since 1988 and selling giant pretzels, cannoli and in-house gelato.
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.
Bruno's Market & Deli ★ 4.3
Junipero Street · Corner of Junipero & 6th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
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.
5th Avenue Deli ★ 4.2
San Carlos Street · 5th Ave between San Carlos & Dolores, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
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.
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.
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. ★ 4.1
Ocean Avenue · Ocean Ave between Lincoln & Monte Verde, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. opens its Ocean Avenue counter in Carmel at 06:30, pouring the local roastery's beans hours before the village wakes.
Tip: This is the earliest cup in the village by some margin; seating is a few indoor tables and a strip of sidewalk, so take it to the beach.
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. ★ 4.1
Ocean Avenue · Ocean Ave between Lincoln & Monte Verde, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. is the area's own roasting company, selling its beans and espresso from an Ocean Avenue cafe in Carmel village.
Tip: The company runs three area cafes; the Ocean Avenue counter is the only one inside the village and opens earliest at 06:30.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers Market ★ 4.0
Mission Street · 6th Ave between Junipero & Mission St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
The Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers Market fills 6th Avenue between Junipero and Mission each Thursday, selling organic produce, pizza, bread and hummus.
Tip: On the third Thursday from March to October the market rolls into a Devendorf Park party with live music, food and drinks from 16:00.
Cottage of Sweets ★ 4.0
Ocean Avenue · Ocean Ave between Monte Verde & Lincoln, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Cottage of Sweets has candied Ocean Avenue in Carmel since 1959, hand-making fudge in an ivy-covered cottage stocked with imported licorice.
Tip: The house fudge and chocolates are made by the shop's own confectioners, and the licorice shelf is imported from around the world.
Carmel Bakery ★ 3.9
Ocean Avenue · Ocean Ave between Dolores and Lincoln, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Carmel Bakery keeps the village's cheapest classic lunch on Ocean Avenue: a giant pretzel or breakfast burrito from the 1899 storefront counter.
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.