The Best Italian Food Around !
1 / 10

Vesuvio Restaurant

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A romantic Italian eatery in Carmel-by-the-Sea, famed for its authentic cuisine, passionate owners, and a charming rooftop terrace with stunning views...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The Best Italian Food Around !

Vesuvio Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A romantic Italian eatery in Carmel-by-the-Sea, famed for its authentic cuisine, passionate owners, and a charming rooftop terrace with stunning views.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Everything was SO delicious! I am still dreaming about those saffron arancini balls."

TIP

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during busy periods or for special occasions.

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss out on their acclaimed truffle gnocchi and tiramisu for an unforgettable meal.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 4PM

Cuisine

Italian

Price

$$$

Phone

(831) 625-1766

Address

6th Ave &, Junipero St, Carmel, CA 93923, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Italian Ambiance

Authentic Italian Ambiance

Transport yourself to Italy with a warm, inviting atmosphere and passionate service from the owners.

14 Best Restaurants In Carmel By The SeaGoogle Review
Rooftop Bar with Views

Rooftop Bar with Views

Enjoy stunning views and happy hour specials from the charming rooftop terrace, perfect for pre-dinner drinks.

Google Review+1
Truffle Gnocchi

Truffle Gnocchi

Indulge in rich, delicious truffle gnocchi that reviewers rave about, a must-try signature dish.

Google Review
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

first time in Monterey, so i tried some popular food places! these are my opinions as a regular schmegular person #monterey #foodtiktok #foodtok #foodtour #foodreview
@sweetcielito
83 likes • 14.8K views

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during busy periods or for special occasions.

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss out on their acclaimed truffle gnocchi and tiramisu for an unforgettable meal.

And the service>>> I can guarantee this lil diner will be your new fav go-to spot! Already want to go back just for that sandwich 🧎‍♀️ #fyp #montereycalifornia #montereybreakfast #firstawakenings #montereybayaquarium #fypシ #traveltok
@cassandrawhln
3.8K likes • 54.4K views

Happy Hour Delights

Visit between 4-6 PM for happy hour deals on drinks and enjoy the lovely rooftop ambiance.

Ask for Recommendations

Staff are knowledgeable about wine pairings; don't hesitate to ask for their expert suggestions.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during busy periods or for special occasions.

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss out on their acclaimed truffle gnocchi and tiramisu for an unforgettable meal.

Happy Hour Delights

Visit between 4-6 PM for happy hour deals on drinks and enjoy the lovely rooftop ambiance.

Ask for Recommendations

Staff are knowledgeable about wine pairings; don't hesitate to ask for their expert suggestions.

Request Special Servers

Ask for Edi or Leslie for exceptional service; they are frequently praised for their attentiveness.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Vesuvio Restaurant is widely praised for its authentic Italian cuisine, with standout dishes like truffle gnocchi and tiramisu receiving frequent accolades. Diners also highlight the impeccable and friendly service, often mentioning specific staff members who enhance the experience. While the ambiance and rooftop views are consistently lauded, some find portion sizes to be on the smaller side.

"One of, if not the best restaurant in carmel. Everything was so delicious, i was so full but couldn't stop eating. I also saw my pizza being made fresh which was great, and the staff was also super nice in friendly. I will return!"

Donquixote Doflamingo

"Best happy hour in Carmel-by-the-sea! It is 4:00-6:00 and the rooftop is lovely. Service is great as well — our server Edi was terrific.

The artichoke balls were phenomenal — plentifully stuffed with artichoke. The truffled gnocchi was fantastic as well — very rich and delicious. We also got the fangool pizza which was great and the seafood risotto — which was my least favorite but my partner really enjoyed it.

Highly recommend Vesuvio!"

Ivetta Abramyan

"A restaurant so nice we had it twice during our long weekend stay. Everything was SO delicious! I am still dreaming about those saffron arancini balls. drools I can‘t wait to come back here the next time we are in Carmel."

Audrey Gorton

What People Like

Exceptional Italian dishes
Warm and attentive service
Charming rooftop views

What People Dislike

Portion sizes can be small

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are highly recommended to secure your table, especially during peak hours or on weekends.

Many guests rave about the truffle gnocchi, tiramisu, and saffron arancini balls. The pizzas are also a popular choice.

Google Review

Yes, they offer a happy hour from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, which is a great time to enjoy the rooftop ambiance.

Google Review

The service is frequently praised, with specific mentions of attentive staff like Edi, Leslie, and Karen.

Google Review+3

While business casual is appropriate, the atmosphere is generally relaxed. Guests have reported feeling overdressed in business attire.

Google Review

Yes, the restaurant features a charming garden patio and a rooftop terrace with beautiful views.

Google Review+1

Yes, Vesuvio Restaurant is a cashless establishment.

Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

Fodor’s Travel

Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Chef and restaurateur Rich Pèpe heats up the night with this lively trattoria downstairs and swinging rooftop terrace, the Star Bar. Pèpe's elegant take on traditional Italian cuisine yields dishes such as risotto made with local seafood, spicy Calabrian sausage, and lobster reduction sauce, crab ravioli, and velvety limoncello mousse cake.

Visit Source →
Salt & Wind Travel

14 Best Restaurants In Carmel By The Sea

Vesuvio Restaurant would win it all were it measured by its owner’s passion for the food. This Italian restaurant is an institution in downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea not only for the food and warm service but also because this family-owned spot is run by some of the most affable Italian Americans we’ve come across. Chef Pepe regularly travels to Southern Italy for research and has even created his own line of products (like legit Limoncello) imported and sold at the restaurant.

Visit Source →
Chef Denise

10 Best Things To Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea for Foodies

Visit Source →