"This was a nice restaurant for us weary travelers, as we commenced to enjoy downtown Carmel. I had a chicken salad on a nice french roll with mushroom soup and an artisanal earl grey tea. The server was very kind and gracious, and the meal was reasonably priced."

"We visited Café Caramel in the morning on a nice, calm day. The place itself feels very cozy, and they offer a wide variety of pastries that look great. The overall environment is pleasant, and I appreciated that they provide free water. Prices are average for the area. However, the music inside was a bit too loud for my taste—having it slightly lower would make the atmosphere even better. My main issue was the coffee. There are no prices listed for the different coffee options, and everything seems to cost the same, which is a bit confusing. More importantly, the coffee itself wasn’t very good. It definitely needs improvement, especially compared to other cafés nearby. Overall, it’s a comfortable spot with good pastry options, but the coffee quality really brings the experience down."

"☕ Welcoming Atmosphere and Great Hospitality Café Carmel is a fantastic little corner of Carmel-by-the-Sea that perfectly captures the town's charming and laid-back vibe. One of the most significant positives of my visit was the service. The staff were incredibly friendly and nice, which is such a breath of fresh air in a busy tourist area. They were energetic and polite, making sure everyone felt welcome the moment they walked in. It’s the kind of place where the service alone makes you want to return, as it feels more like a local neighborhood hub than a standard tourist-facing cafe. 🍵 High-Quality Coffee and Drink Selection I stopped in primarily for a caffeine fix, and I wasn't disappointed. The coffee was good—it was smooth, served at a great temperature, and clearly made with quality beans. Consistency: Whether you're getting a simple drip or an espresso-based drink, they seem to have a great handle on their brewing process. Speed: Even though the cafe can get a bit busy given its prime location on Ocean Avenue, the team was very efficient, so I didn't have to wait long at all to get my order. Variety: They have a wide menu that includes plenty of tea and specialty drink options if you aren't a coffee drinker. 🥐 The Temptation of the Pastry and Gelato Case While I didn't personally get a pastry or gelato on this particular visit, it was a struggle to resist! The display cases are absolutely beautiful and are filled with a variety of artisanal baked goods and vibrant gelato flavors. Visual Appeal: Everything in the case looked fresh, flaky, and high-end. Freshness: You can tell that their baked items are made with care, and the variety of gelato colors was really inviting. Future Visit: I’ve already made a mental note to come back specifically for a sweet treat next time I’m walking through the village, as the croissants and tarts looked like they would pair perfectly with their coffee. 🏢 A Perfect Location for People Watching The cafe is situated in a prime spot that makes it ideal for a quick break while you're exploring the local shops or heading down toward the beach. Bright Interior: The space is well-lit, clean, and has a very inviting, modern feel. Outdoor Energy: Being right on the corner, it offers a great vantage point for the bustling energy of Carmel. Accessibility: It’s easy to find and serves as a reliable landmark for meeting up with friends. 👍 Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a friendly, efficient, and tasty place to grab a drink in Carmel, this is definitely a top choice. I’m looking forward to finally giving in to that gelato temptation next time!"

"The only thing positive about this place was the pleasant stsff. The almond "croissant" was actually a doughy, chewy Danish-style pastry. I ate half of it because I was hungry, and wish I had not. The flavor of the marzipan was off, too. Maybe from a can or a jar? The cappuccino was just "okay" and not served with any panache, just a lot of foam on top. The "atmosphere" was non-existent, and they had the front door open on a cold, foggy morning. In short, a big, expensive disappointment Seems to be a tourist trap. I'd be surprised if many locals actually eat here."

"We had coffee and breakfast at Cafe Carmel last week and decided to order a birthday cake for later in the week. It was chocolate with a raspberry filling between the layers. It was very moist, delicious, and the decorating finish on the outside gave it 5 stars +++++. I would recommend, awesome!!!"