Anton & Michel

Fresh, Creative California Cuisine in a Romantic Setting in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Review by Gretchen Schomer Wendel

“Soaking in the ambiance in this truly beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurant was the highlight of my day.”

Anton & Michel in Carmel-By-The-Sea

Anton and Michel has been serving fresh, creative California cuisine for over three decades. Established in 1980 and completely remodeled in 2013, it’s a stunning dining destination in Carmel-by-the-Sea — one of the famously quaint town’s most popular places to eat.

This beautifully elegant restaurant features stone walls, plush seating and a glass-ringed courtyard. Our table was right next to the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a flower-and-plant-filled atrium that has, at its heart, a perfectly rectangular pool and fountain. This was one of the most soothing views I’ve ever experienced. The dining room seemed to be bathed in orchids, and the gentle sound of fountains at the back of the restaurant created a magical feeling.

We came here for lunch, and began with delicious coconut crusted crab cakes. These were plated on a pineapple arugula salad with wild berry vinaigrette. The coconut was lightly fried, which brought out a sweetness in the crust, and the local crab was so fresh. We loved how the teaming of crab cakes with arugula made for a delightful mixture of sweet and spicy.

Then we splurged and sampled three sandwiches! All of these are served with a mixed green salad, classic French fries or sweet potato fries. Each sandwich was so special, I have to say all of them are tied for #1.

One combination, fresh seared ahi tuna layered with avocado, micro greens, sweet chili and wasabi cream, was a perfect combination that tasted both healthy and utterly satisfying.

Another choice, grilled lamb sliders, paired marinated lamb burgers in a sweet barbecue sauce, with a toasted brioche bun, tomato onion jam and feta cheese. The lamb was expertly moist and juicy; the feta offered just the right amount of salt but did not overpower the lamb. I could eat this every day.

Our third sandwich was a twist on the classic club, but with shrimp instead of turkey. Anton & Michel’s version paired juicy shrimp with bacon, spinach and a homemade green onion dressing. I would highly recommend this unusual, delicious meal.

Since we splurged on three sandwiches, we sampled all three sides. Whether you are in the mood for regular fries, sweet potato fries or green salad, each one worked so well with our sandwich choices, you can’t go wrong trying any of them.

Soaking in the ambiance in this truly beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurant was the highlight of my day. It’s one of the most elegant and romantic restaurants I’ve ever visited. Between the reflective pool, the fountains and the abundance of orchids, we were left with an impression of down-to-earth luxury that we’ll never forget. And the food was out of this world. If you can only dine in one place in Carmel, make it Anton & Michel.

Location: Mission Street & 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921   map
Phone: 831.624.2406 
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