If you didn’t catch the post two weeks ago about the magic that is Big Sur and Carmel take a second to check it out here. Caught up? Ok, now let’s talk food. I feel like it should go without saying that I like to plan my travel around eating. This trip was no different. I lined up dinner both nights based on an embarrassing amount of time spent on Yelp, travel sites, reading random foodie articles and talking to friends. The diligence paid off because we ate like kings and my foodie heart left content and excited to go back and try more. Here is a glimpse of some places I would recommend.

La Bicyclette
Dolores Street at 7th
Carmel by the Sea
831.622.9899

We had a lovely casual dinner here and were shocked at how affordable it was. For less than $100 we shared an appetizer, two main courses and a bottle of wine…we ain’t in San Francisco anymore! I’ve heard rave reviews about their brunch too, definitely trying it next time.

Wood fired mushroom pizza and truffle risotto

The owner makes his own wine and the kind waitress was nice enough to let me try a few before settling on this bottle of merlot

Big Sur Bakery – THE BEST MEAL OF THE TRIP!
47540 CA-1
Big Sur, CA 93920
831.667.0520

Big Sur Bakery is reason enough to go explore Big Sur. The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming, the servers are incredibly friendly and the breakfast pizza will blow your mind. I’d also like to give a special shout out for the extra crispy bacon, that just made me happy.

Any restaurant that starts you with complimentary coffee cake really just gets it

This breakfast pizza was the best thing we ate the entire weekend

Poached egg and creamy grits

Not a bad view while getting our grub on

To me this is a sign that the heavens approved of that breakfast pizza choice

Nepenthe
48510 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA
831.667.2345

Worth stopping for the view alone. We didn’t stay long because we weren’t up for a cocktail (although I wish we had been) and the wait was really long. Next time, I’m making a reservation and indulging in one of their famous burgers!

It doesn’t get more beautiful

Casanova
5th Avenue between Mission and San Carlos
Carmel by the Sea
831.625.0501

Casanova was the restaurant for our special dinner out and it did not disappoint. Homemade pastas, unique local wines (pinot noir really shines in this part of the world) and a beignet dessert that made the hubs a happy camper. I was a bit hesitant when I learned the ownership is the same as Bicyclette, but the experience and food was truly unique.

A local wine with a small production…if I ever see it again I’m buying a case

Insane homemade pastas, the lamb ragu was the standout

Hubby’s fave, beignets with a dark chocolate ganache and orange preserves

My favorite thing was the wine list…so many options!

Carmel Belle
San Carlos Street
Carmel by the Sea, CA 93923

Carmel Belle is a charming little cafe with tons of healthy options for a casual breakfast or brunch. I was especially enamored because of the gluten free options available…even the Eggs Benedict came on gluten free bread as a standard order! Great easy going vibes and a place you don’t feel guilty eating a peanut butter cookie with breakfast. Just saying.

Not the prettiest but I promise it was delicious! Just look at all that spinach piled on my benny!