Best Kept Carmel

Culinary & Wine

Taste the Unexpected in Carmel-by-the-Sea

You might think you have an idea of what dining in Carmel-by-the-Sea is like. Maybe it's fresh seafood or delicate wines and delicious California-grown fare. Carmel is that, and more. It also serves up completely unexpected flavors and experiences.

Come to Carmel open to being surprised. You may find the best Korean short ribs of your life, or learn that toasted grasshoppers are delicious with the bright acidity of lime. You may fall in love with Oaxacan cuisine on the coast.

Image of plated Grasshoppers in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Nosh on Grasshoppers and Flying Ants

This is definitely something you did not expect. Step into Cultura bebida y comida and you will be greeted with "Chapulines" on the menu among other Oaxacan delicacies. These roasted grasshoppers are crisp and savory. If you happen in during a time when Chef Michelle Estigoy has prized flying ants at her disposal (their seasonality make them a particularly in-the-moment menu item), you may even be able to order the "Chicatanas." Of course Cultura is also well known for a wide array of exceptional Oaxacan fare — from Mole Negro to more expected courses like tacos and enchiladas.

"There's something called 'chicatanas' which are flying ants. They're extremely seasonal... And the aroma is what got me. The first time I smelled chocolate. So, whenever it's that time, I'll make a little salsa out of it, and sometimes we'll just serve it that way, or we'll do an insect taco."

– Michelle Estigoy, Chef, Cultura restaurant

Enter the World of Mezcal

This smoky, complex liquor is one of the most enchanting expressions of pre-colonial Mexico. But you might say it fits perfectly in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Imagine sampling the intense smoke-filled flavor of a hand-crafted Mezcal as the fog rolls over the Carmel coast. It has found its place in this coastal hamlet, and, fortunately enough, Cultura specializes in a carefully curated Mezcal list sourced from local producers across rural Mexico. Many of these Mezcals are hand-selected from producers the owners of Cultura know well. Sample Mezcal neat, or try one of the Mezcal cocktails the bar is known for.

"Mezcal has been produced for over 500 years. It's an ancient spirit, which has gone through ups and downs of being put under certain prohibitions, under colonialism, and then looked down upon even within its own culture from region to region. Living in California, and working, with so many friends in the industry who are from Oaxaca, it's been really special to see it be celebrated in our community."

– Sarah Kabat-Marcy, Co-Owner, Cultura restaurant

Feast from the East

Maybe you've had some oysters, feasted on California fare, and tasted the traditional flavors of Carmel. And now you have an appetite for Korean short ribs, Japanese-style seafood or Singapore-style chili prawns? Carmel has you covered. From Pangaea Grill's Korean flavors to Tree House Café's Thai dishes and Edwin's Carmel Asian-Island fusion, there is a whole other side of Carmel's culinary world worth exploring. Explore the rich diversity of Carmel-by-the-Sea and California through taste. The stunning flavors that come forward when East meets West are on full display in these, and other, Asian and Asian-fusion restaurants. Of course, you can't go wrong with any of the three sushi restaurants either!

Straight from the Source

The Carmel Farmers Market is the foundation of Carmel-by-the-Sea dining. Here you see the small farmers, small producers, bakers and fruit growers that are critical to chefs' kitchens across Carmel-by-the-Sea. Meet and mingle with growers and artisan cheesemakers as you make your way through the open-air market. Taste the freshest ingredients around, and explore the small producers who may not have their own storefront. This is the frontline of great food in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The farmers market is held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sixth Ave. between Junipero and Mission streets, right next to Devendorf Park.