
Vesuvio Restaurant
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
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Vesuvio Restaurant

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

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Phone
(831) 625-1766
Address
6th Ave &, Junipero St, Carmel, CA 93923, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Truffle Gnocchi
Indulge in rich, delicious truffle gnocchi that reviewers rave about, a must-try signature dish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, they offer a happy hour from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, which is a great time to enjoy the rooftop ambiance.
The service is frequently praised, with specific mentions of attentive staff like Edi, Leslie, and Karen.
While business casual is appropriate, the atmosphere is generally relaxed. Guests have reported feeling overdressed in business attire.
Yes, the restaurant features a charming garden patio and a rooftop terrace with beautiful views.
Yes, Vesuvio Restaurant is a cashless establishment.
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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.
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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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit