Carmel-by-the-Sea Restaurants - IL Tegamino
Relaxed, Family Style Italian Comfort Food at Il Tegamino
Il Tegamino is tucked away behind the popular Cottage of Sweets in the Court of the Golden Bough (Carmel's oldest courtyard). "You can't see us from the street," says proprietor and chef Giuseppe Panzuto, "It's an adventure finding us, but it's worth it."
The name "Il Tegamino" refers to a double-handled Italian cooking pan used and collected by Giuseppe's Napolitano mother Rita. "We chose the name to honor her," he says. He has further honored her by offering rustic, southern Italian dishes inspired by his homeland such as the savory Paccheri al Ragú Napolitano, large tube pasta with slow cooked short rib and pork rib meat tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese.What attracts visitors and locals to Il Tegamino is the intimate and friendly ambience. "Because we're so small, our guests make lasting friendships at our restaurant," Giuseppe says. And visitors are pleasantly surprised with the opportunity to get to know Carmelites in such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. "They get a true sense of our wonderful little town." Giuseppe really enjoys interacting with people and that warm human connection is at the heart of his love of hospitality, a love that finds its expression in his restaurant.
Giuseppe stresses that since Il Tegamino is so small, reservations are highly recommended. This is also a delightful spot for small family-style gatherings such as rehearsal dinners.
Dinner: 5:00pm-9:00pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Limited indoor dining offered by reservation only.
Aperitivo Wine Bar: Wines by the glass and Italian Snacks on weekends. Friday- Sunday 12PM-4PM
WHAT DOES IL TEGAMINO MEAN?
We get that question a lot, but we love sharing the definition. Directly translated, Il Tegamino means "The Pan". To Giuseppe Panzuto, it means so much more. Il Tegamino is a tribute to his Mamma Rita. Rita collected tegaminos in her kitchen where Giuseppe grew up in Napoli, Italy. She inspired his success into the culinary industry. Owned by Giuseppe and his wife Colleen, Il Tegamino is a family run restaurant specializing in Italian Comfort Food focused on the flavors of family recipes. Housed in the first historical courtyard of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Il Tegamino transports you to Italy with a quaint community atmosphere inside and with outdoor dining at the restaurant's beautiful romantic courtyard complete adorned with lemon trees.