Restaurants in Carmel

Successful cooking is largely a matter of knowing when to stick with tradition and when to innovate. At Taste of Sensu, tomato salsa adds a kiss of acidity to unorthodox lobster-tail taco. Crisp toast supports pulverized shrimp and ruby-red spicy tuna jam, time-tested sushi ingredients configured in an adventurous fashion. Chefs lace sushi rolls with attention-grabbing ingredients and textures; the Cabo Roll, for instance, combines shrimp tempura and tuna with seared beef, pickled jalapeño, and chipotle mayonnaise, and the spicy tuna roll gets its crunch from hearts of romaine lettuce. Toasting glasses in the dining room brim with sparkling sake, wines fermented on the West coast, and fruity cocktails like the air tanks of an amateur scuba diver.

The ornate Asian tapestries that line the walls and tables of Thai Kitchen Restaurant reflect the authenticity and precision with which the eatery’s chefs craft signature curries and noodle dishes. The family recipes were tested and perfected over multiple generations, notable as much for their colorful presentation as they are for their piquant spices—though some entrees arrive on hot plates, others rest on beds of noodles and vegetables in the same clay pots used for baking. Though the house specials tend to evoke an air of the exotic, they share a menu with the dishes familiar to the first-time Thai-food eater, including the pad thai and pad kee mao dishes that have made Thai cuisine famous around the world. The soft glow of hanging lamps illuminates steam rising from the fragrant noodles and lends drama to chopstick duels over coveted spring rolls.

Guests step into another world when they sit down at Riviera Maya Bar & Grill. The dining room shrouds guests in reincarnated ancient decor, as the food acts as a time-travel device that can be swallowed, like a photo of the '88 family reunion. In this winsome space, the staff serves tender strips of steak sizzling on a heaping fajita plate, loaded with grilled onions, tomatoes, and peppers. A variety of seafood adds a maritime flavor, such as camarones a la diabla, or shrimp possessed by the demon of spiciness. The kitchen team's dedication to authentic recipes is evident in modern creations such as Armando’s pizza, a mexican pizza that swaps in flour tortillas as the crust and supports toppings of beans, steak, and tomatoes.

Boredom is a foreign concept at Stacked Pickle. From its lengthy and eclectic menu to the games broadcasted on 92-inch projectors, the dynamic eatery provides something for every taste. Diners can bite into one of nine half-pound burgers, wrap their hands around spicy-chicken tacos, or build a castle with their golden-fried fish and chips, all while admiring professional athletes run, jump, and score on one of many 50-inch plasma TVs. On some nights, live bands storm the eatery’s intimate stage, providing a soundtrack to bargoers as they take swigs from a bottle of Blue Moon or gracefully sip a glass of wine. In the warmer seasons, Stacked Pickle opens its doors to nature and encourages patrons to enjoy their meals and drinks on the spacious outdoor patio.

Our world has given rise to countless pairings, both inspired (buttered peanuts and jam) and unfortunate (construction sites and Optional Helmet Day). Today’s Groupon offers one of the better pairings: $25 worth of eclectic bistro fare and drinks for $10 at Pearl Bistro. Pearl serves classic dishes from around the world in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Its upscale cuisine is concocted with locally grown produce and healthier oils; all the ingredients are fresh and flavorful.

Proprietors Kent and Liz Esra set three main goals when they opened Cobblestone Grill. First, they wanted to create a gourmet menu that would adapt to evolving tastes and trends. Second, they emphasized customer service, aiming to provide attentive care to every table. Finally, they aspired to provide a warm atmosphere. Achieving all three objectives, the Esras offer a menu with three steaks and six preparation methods, cheerful table service, and live entertainment.

Whether crusting a 6-ounce filet mignon with blue cheese or submerging fettuccine in tequila-cream sauce, chefs take care to plate dishes with finesse. Servers bring these meals to patrons at the dining room, bar, or brick patio, navigating around jazz and blues musicians. On Monday nights, weather permitting, dogs are welcome to lounge on the patio, lap complimentary water, and bemoan the collapse of the housing market with their companions.