Carmel-by-the-Sea Restaurants - Anton & Michel

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Anton & Michel
Californian, European
California Cuisine with a Classic Touch
Location: Mission Street between Ocean & 7th.   View Map
Dining Options: Indoor Dining, Outdoor Dining, Take Out
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Reservations: Reservations Recommended
Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
(831) 624-2406 website

Contemporary California Cuisine Meets Old World Service at Anton & Michel

A Carmel institution, Tony Salameh's Anton & Michel celebrated its 40th year in business in 2019. A lot has changed since then. "My cousin Michel and I were both classically trained in Switzerland, and when we opened our restaurant we naturally gravitated to a French style of cuisine," Tony says. "Over the years, our menu has become lighter and more contemporary, but we still retain that classic service we've established a strong reputation for." That means Anton & Michel's famous rack of lamb for two—on the menu since day one—is still carved tableside, and the Caesar salad and selection of flambé desserts are also prepared there.

As the menu became less formal, so did its atmosphere. A recent renovation at the restaurant has created a more open, casual feel. "People don't feel the need to dress up to dine here," Tony adds. "It's fine dining in a comfortable atmosphere." In addition to regular meal service, the restaurant is a popular venue for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and corporate dinners.

Chef de Cuisine Mark Simpson has been with Anton & Michel for 20 years. His brother, General Manager Burt, even longer at 30 years and the average server has stayed for 15 years. That kind of loyalty is rare in the hospitality industry and is key to the faithful following that Anton & Michel has earned over the decades. "I call my restaurant my first born," Tony says proudly. "I'm very proud of what I've accomplished and am excited to go to work every morning."

Lunch 11:30am-3:00pm (no lunch on Wednesday); Dinner daily 5:00pm-9:30pm.