There is something truly magical about Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is a place where time slows, the air feels softer, and you are gently transported into a whimsical fairytale. Consider this your J. Banks Guide to Carmel, CA—our favorite stays, sips, sights, curated to help you experience the town the way we do: thoughtfully, beautifully, and with an effortless sense of style.
Quick Guide Snapshot
Where We Stayed: Le Petit Pali
Coffee Stop: Earthbound Farm Stand
Quick Bite: El Bistro by the Sea
Dinner Favorites: Bistro Giovanni + Il Fornaio
Breakfast Pick: The Tuck Box
Can’t Miss: Carmel Beach + Scenic Road Drive
Hidden Gem Moment: Carmel Farmers Market
A Sweet Start: The Carmel Farmers Market
We hit the ground running as soon as we arrived in Carmel and were lucky to stumble upon the farmers market. We picked up so many special finds not only for ourselves but also for our photoshoot. From flowers and fresh produce to artisan cheeses, everything came from local vendors, which made each detail feel thoughtful and uniquely grounded in the local area.
Quick Bite + Coffee Before the Shoot
Our first stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea was El Bistro by the Sea, and it did not disappoint. We ordered the quesa birria tacos, and they were absolutely phenomenal. The coffee was also excellent, even serving authentic south american coffee drinks. This was the perfect spot to grab a quick bite before heading out to tour the home we were photographing.
Dinner Spot #1: Bistro Giovanni
On our first night in Carmel, we walked a short distance to Bistro Giovanni for Italian. We shared the gluten-free garlic bread—delicious even for someone who isn’t gluten-free—along with the carpaccio and cauliflower gnocchi. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and absolutely incredible.
Dinner Spot #2: Jeju Kitchen
Jeju Kitchen is located in Carmel Plaza, a chic outdoor shopping destination in Carmel-by-the-Sea. We ordered the Korean short ribs, which were incredibly flavorful, along with the Korean glass noodles that were gluten-free and equally delicious. It was a great, quick spot to grab a bite after a longer photoshoot day.
Dinner Spot #3: Il Fornaio
On our final night, we ended up waiting over an hour for a table at Il Fornaio—but it was well worth it. We started with the Burrata con Prosciutto, which was perfectly creamy and paired so well with the salty prosciutto. For our main courses, we ordered the Rigatoni Alla Vodka and the Insalata di Rucola. The rigatoni was rich, comforting, and full of flavor, and the arugula salad was the perfect fresh, peppery balance to round everything out. It was such a cozy way to end our trip and a perfect final meal before heading home.
Where We Stayed: Le Petit Pali
We stayed at Le Petit Pali on 8th Avenue, a charming boutique hotel that instantly made us feel at home. With chic rooms and a nightly cookie delivery, every detail felt so cozy and welcoming. Its location was ideal; walkable to our favorite restaurants, yet tucked away enough to feel peaceful and removed from the bustle of town.
Breakfast Spots We Loved
Three out of the four days we were in Carmel, we enjoyed breakfast at Le Petit Pali. The hotel offered simple, satisfying bites like boiled eggs, freshly baked bread, and yogurt, which made for an easy on-the-go option before photoshoot days. On our final morning, we had a hard time choosing which charming spot to try, but we landed at The Tuck Box. This cash-only restaurant feels as though it is straight out of a fairytale. The breakfast is simple, but you absolutely stay for the storybook vibes.
Carmel Valley Stops + Photoshoot Favorites
Our photoshoot location was in Carmel Valley, which, luckily for us, was dotted with charming roadside markets. We stopped for coffee at the Earthbound Farm Stand, and it quickly became our favorite coffee stop of the trip. The coffee and food were lovely, but the staff truly made the experience special. They even let us borrow plants for our photoshoot and return them afterward.
Scenic Moments
Since we were in Carmel for work, we did not have much time to do all of the typical tourist activities, but one of our favorite moments was driving along Carmel Beach. On Scenic Road, we took in views of the ocean, surfers, and fellow visitors soaking up the stunning scenery. We also loved admiring the homes along the way, each one unique and full of character. There was no doubt so many memorable moments during our trip where we were in awe of our surroundings.
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