A visitor's guide written by locals. Insider tips on the best restaurants, hotels, and things to do in Carmel, California.
We don’t have anything against Carmel’s charming European villa reputation, but today, we’re taking you on an asian-exploration and digging up Carmel-by-the-Sea’s most fun and fascinating far eastern cultural influences and activities. The guide is packed with photos and useful insider information on the five best eastern-eateries, Asiatic outdoor attractions, authentic arts and antiques, and where to find the area’s coolest home and garden treasures. It turns out that asian influences, like puppies, Northface jackets and pink ice flowers, are just about everywhere once you start noticing them. Are you ready to turn Carmel’s typically provincial associations on their heads?
Chinese Lantern Flowers, Near Carmel Plaza
Look around with fresh eyes, and take in the area’s naturally asiatic features, which include Japanese lantern flowers, bougainvilleas, and bamboo. Give your journey a lucky-start with a visit Devendorf Park’s koi pond. The colorful breed, created during the Chinese Jin Dynasty, are technically just fancy domesticated carp, but when you consider the area’s circling hungry-sea-bird population, their “lucky” reputation is perfectly justified.
The Devendorf Park Koi Pond
Carl Cherry Center for the Arts
4th & Guadalupe
(831) 375-7826
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Website
Nestled into a residential area three blocks above downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, The Carl Cherry Center’s Zen Center and Sculpture Garden encourage quiet reflection, and provide a sun-dappled respite from the hustle and bustle of your day. Wanna really zen out? Sign up for one of the center’s workshops.
The Carl Cherry and Monterey Bay Zen Center, Perched a Few Blocks Above Carmel-by-the-Sea, at Guadalupe & 4th
The Center's Peacefully Zen Sculpture Garden
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Carmel Plaza
Mission & 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
(831) 625-1962
Reviews
Carmel Plaza’s rustically intimate Flying Fish Grill is a local favorite, and a terrific value. The reasonably priced and generously portioned meals are created with love by the head chef, and owner, Kenny Fukumoto, and the knowledgeable and attentive servers guarantee an exceptionally memorable experience. The Flying Fish is popular year-round, so remember to call ahead for a reservation.
The Flying Fish Grill
Mission, between Ocean & 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-8518
Reviews
The delicious smells wafting from Tommy’s Wok hit you from half a block away, making its alleyway location on San Carlos a little easier to find. Many diners opt for take-out, but if you want to unwind, aren’t bothered by the small-ish dining room, and manage to score a window seat, you’ll enjoy an outstanding fountain courtyard view.
Tommy's Wok, Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea
The View from Tommy's Wok
Dolores & 8th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 625-2067
Reviews
Ask any in-the-know local to name Carmel’s best sushi restaurant, and they’ll direct you to Sushi Heaven. The lively, friendly owners, fresh Korean food, and reasonable lunch and appetizer options are only a few rockin’ reasons to visit. Check out these rave visitor reviews for even more.
Sushi Heaven, on Dolores
Sushi Heaven's Affordable Apps and Lunch Specials
Local and Critical Sushi-Heaven-Love
On 8th, between Mission & San Carlos
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 625-4470
Reviews
We had trouble finding this extra-hidden gem, and according to their Yelp Reviews, we’re not the only ones. Carmel outlaws neon signs, but they should really make an exception for Hanagasa, which is nearly invisible from the street. Once you’re in, though, the authentic japanese food is top notch.
We've Got Hanagasa in Our Crosshairs: Study and Search!
Hidden Hanagasa
Hanagasa's Japanese-Style Sushi -- Worth the Search, Photo Courtesy of Yelp.com
3658 The Barnyard
Carmel, CA 93923
(831) 624-2643
Reviews
Locals rave about Robata’s sushi and drink specials, late hours, and Asian infused atmosphere, but we want to know if this hot spot is the real deal, as in –authentically Japanese. My willing and eager formerly Japan-dwelling friend puts Robata’s to the test and amiably grills our bartender, Toshi, in Japanese. We’re all charmed and delighted when Toshi, who moved to California from Sapporro, Japan eight years ago, totally schools her. He also shares Robata’s best dishes, like their deep-fried avocado, the generously portioned Kaissenn Maki, and The Crunchy Carmel — an outstanding salmon, cream cheese, and crunchy tempura shrimp sushi platter, created by Robata’s experienced, and also Japanese, sous chef.
Needless to say, Robata Grill and Sake Bar passed with flying colors.
Robata Grill and Sake Bar, in the Carmel Barnyard Shopping Center
Robata's Toasty Patio
Specials!
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Mission, between 5th & 6th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 620-1122
Website
Traditional silk art, which requires meticulous training and patience, is increasingly rare, and we’re so thankful to LuLu’s Silk Art Gallery for spreading its beautiful history. The gallery’s pieces are woven with hand-split threads, using 40 different kinds of stitches, a process that the sweet representative enthusiastically shares with visitors, and photos just don’t do the craft justice; check them out in person!
Silk Art at LuLu's Carmel Gallery, Photo Courtesy of www.lulusilkartgallery.com
Dolores, between Ocean & 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-3643
Website
The adjacently situated Conway of Asia and the China Art Center form Carmel’s very own itty-bitty Asia on Dolores. Antique fans will especially appreciate the broad range of authentic and history-steeped pieces. The China Art Center prohibits photos of paintings, but guests are allowed to snap photos of other artifacts. Just be sure to ask first, as a courtesy.
Conway of Asia, on Dolores
Conway's Persian Rugs
Beautifully Detailed Antique Room Divider
Hand-Carved Shaving Brushes
Dolores, between Ocean & 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-5868
Website
China Art Center, on Dolores
China Art Center Interior
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Lincoln, between Ocean & 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-1160
Review
Website
Aslan’s Gallery Representative mused, “I’ve been working here thirty five years. It takes locals twenty years to find us, and it takes tourists two days.” To that I say, thank you, Mr. Internet! It’ll only take you about two minutes. Walk along Lincoln, from Ocean to 7th, dart between and past the interior galleries, and you’ll be treated to a lush outdoor garden shop, packed with oriental knickknacks, inspirational messages, and brightly ornamental yard decor. The carved wooden wind-chimes are a nice change from their classically clanging metal counterparts, and the birds back home may not know the difference, but you’ll love watching them flit to and fro from their new, technicolor houses. The interior galleries are stocked with functional home art, like organically shaped marble sinks and cinnamon pots.
An Intricate Wooden Wall Hanging in Aslan's Gallery
Dolores, between 5th & 6th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-4955
Website
The Secret Garden and Pilgrim’s Way Bookstores’ attention to Eastern spiritual practices, and vast selection of philosophical how-to books, make this a must-stop for Karmic believers looking to expand their horizons.
Bring Home a Bonsai(!) from the Secret Garden
Dolores, between 5th & 6th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-4955
Website
The Pilgrim's Way Bookstore, on Dolores
Mission & 7th
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 626-1640
Website
Dig Dig Dig! The Mole Hole’s globe-spanning whimsical goods are your Carmel treasure hunt’s ideal finale.
The Mole Hole of Carmel
Looking into The Mole Hole
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Have you explored outside of the box? Tell us about your unexpected Carmel finds and favorites in the comments.
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[...] Four Ways tο Experience thе Orient іn Carmel-bу-thе-Sea, California [...]
[...] Four Ways tο Experience thе Orient іn Carmel-bу-thе-Sea, California [...]
[...] Four Ways tο Experience thе Orient іn Carmel-bу-thе-Sea, California [...]
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