The Casanova Ristorante dining room
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Casanova

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A romantic French-Italian restaurant in a historic cottage, offering an intimate dining experience with a touch of art history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

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Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The Casanova Ristorante dining room

Casanova

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A romantic French-Italian restaurant in a historic cottage, offering an intimate dining experience with a touch of art history.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience European-style celebration and romance in an intimate French-country setting."

TIP

Book Ahead

Make reservations in advance, especially for peak times or special occasions.

Must-Try Pasta

Highly recommended: gnocchi and various pasta dishes like seafood linguine.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

French, Italian

Price

$$$

Phone

(831) 574-8376

Address

5th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Romantic European Ambiance

Romantic European Ambiance

Experience intimate, French-countryside romance with wood furnishings and antique decor.

Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-SeaCarmel-by-the-Sea’s Best Restaurants, From Michelin Spots to Local Gems
Van Gogh's Table

Van Gogh's Table

Dine at Van Gogh's Table, a unique private dining experience in a room once frequented by the artist.

Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-SeaModern Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea: Quaint Seaside Stays, Locally Grown Eats + All the WineCarmel-by-the-Sea’s Best Restaurants, From Michelin Spots to Local Gems
Authentic French & Italian Cuisine

Authentic French & Italian Cuisine

Savor genuine dishes from southern France and northern Italy, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-SeaThe Best Restaurants in Carmel-By-The-Sea
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

BEST French restaurant in Carmel by the Sea! #bigsur #california #roadtrip #french #foodie #fyp #carmelfoodie #casanova #seafood #escargot #sofresh #pebblebeach #monterey #biglittlelies
@meganshadduck
21 likes • 1.5K views

Book Ahead

Make reservations in advance, especially for peak times or special occasions.

Must-Try Pasta

Highly recommended: gnocchi and various pasta dishes like seafood linguine.

Ma passion préférée Crochet #Crocheter #Passionnée #stands #marchés #passcrochetsamia
@passcrochet.samia
33 likes • 1.1K views
Contentos de tenerlos de vuelta en Casanova ¡Muchas gracias!
@casanova.mx
30 likes • 1.2K views

Patio Dining

Consider the charming outdoor covered patio for a delightful dining experience.

Beware of Bread Cost

Bread service costs $12, so skip if you're easily filled up.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Make reservations in advance, especially for peak times or special occasions.

Must-Try Pasta

Highly recommended: gnocchi and various pasta dishes like seafood linguine.

Patio Dining

Consider the charming outdoor covered patio for a delightful dining experience.

Beware of Bread Cost

Bread service costs $12, so skip if you're easily filled up.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Casanova offers a romantic European ambiance and authentic French-Italian dishes, with pasta being a standout for many. However, some diners have experienced inconsistency in food quality and found the service to be unfriendly or lacking attentiveness, leading to disappointment given the upscale prices. There are also mixed reviews on specific dishes, with some finding them dry or overcooked.

"It was our first time here. Loved it.

I loved the atmosphere and the service. Our waiter was accommodating: Allow the 4 of us to have 2 separate bills. Some waiters at other restaurants will frown upon our request, but Casanova did it ungrundringly. We sat in the outdoor covered patio. Very charming.

The martinis and starter bread were very good, but I was disappointed in the escargot (shell on.) They did not have the pesto, garlicky-oil that I was longing for. I long to dip my bread into the escargot sauces. It was dry and tasteless.

Main Entrees:
My friend's meat cannaloni dish with truffles, did not have any hint of truffle. But it was still tasty. The short rib dish was beautiful but good for someone with a small appetite. But our table's favorite was the seafood linguine. It was big, hearty pasta dish. Though my wife and I shared this, I could've ate it all.

Desserts:
We had the Basque ("burnt") cheesecake and lime tart. Good, but small portions. No, the cheesecake was not burnt. "Basque cheesecake, also known as burnt Basque cheesecake or San Sebastian cheesecake, is a Spanish dessert that originated in the Basque region."

I will come back."

Henry Ting

"The staff were very friendly and very attentive ! I would highly recommend this place for an anniversary dinner. It pricy ! But food was delicious . If you are into art. There is a room you can dine in where the famous Picasso use to dine . We had some escargots, stone salad , fish and Wayho steak and finished off with a rich chocolate mouse !"

Bjorn Beijens

"Lovely restaurant and patio is super dog friendly! At least 3 tables, including mine, had a dog but we were all spread out enough that all pups were so behaved. The gnocchi is a must get and the duck and linguini was delicious! Mocktails are available and are so refreshing on a hot day!"

Lucy

What People Like

Romantic atmosphere
Delicious pasta dishes (especially gnocchi)
Intimate dining spaces

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality
Unfriendly or inattentive service
High prices for the experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Van Gogh's Table is a private dining room where the artist is said to have dined during his time in France, offering a unique historical experience.

Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-SeaCarmel-by-the-Sea’s Best Restaurants, From Michelin Spots to Local Gems

Yes, it's recommended for anniversaries and celebrations due to its romantic ambiance, though some reviews note inconsistent service.

Google Review

Many reviewers rave about the pasta dishes, particularly the gnocchi and seafood linguine. The braised beef cannelloni is also a popular choice.

TikTokGoogle Review+1

Yes, the restaurant features a charming outdoor covered patio that is dog-friendly.

Google Review+1

Yes, bread service comes at an additional cost of $12.

While not explicitly stated, given the upscale pricing and romantic ambiance, smart casual attire is generally recommended.

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Fodor’s Travel

Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea

This restaurant inspires European-style celebration and romance in an intimate French-country setting. Feast on authentic dishes from southern France and northern Italy—think beef tartare and escargot. Private dining is offered at Van Gogh's Table, a relic from France's Auberge Ravoux, the artist's final residence.

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Restaurant Recommendations Carmel by the Sea & Monterey

A few of our favorites are: Bouchee, Casanova, Little Napoli, Mission Ranch (the Sun. Jazz Brunch is really nice) and the Pacific's Edge @ the Highland's Inn. There is also a casual restaurant at the HI called California Market. You can sit outside and take in the gorgeous views of the coastline.

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Katy's for breakfast, Casanova for dinner, the Carmel Cheese shop for picnic lunch goodies and Casanova for dinner. (Yes, only two meals per day necessary...lol)

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Anton & Michel Restaurant Exceptional ( 2593) $$$$ • Californian • … THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Pebble Beach Market WebJun 5, 2019 · -Casanova (Carmel): Probably the most popular restaurant on the Peninsula for locals and visitors alike because of its romantic feel, sophisticated food and deep wine list. -Cultura (Carmel): Not... Web$ · Mediterranean Cuisine Monterey, USA $$$$ · Seafood Reserve a table Seaside, USA $$ · Italian-American Carmel Valley, USA $$$ · Californian Unfortunately there is no selected restaurants in the area you've searched for.

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6 Casanova: This charming restaurant, which seems to unfold like the Winchester Mystery House, was founded in 1977 and has continued to grow over the years. It’s remained on the top of many must-visit lists, particularly for people who love wine — the cellar now has more than 35,000 bottles. In the past few years, the French-Italian menu has been modernized under chef David Baron, but the airy spinach gnocchi in a bubbling Parmesan sauce is a mainstay and remains a best-seller.

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Sadly, Casanova's jaunty dining rooms and vine-strung patio are no longer open for midday meals, but you can still enjoy their Italian and French specialities—including spinach gnocchi gratin, escargots, braised beef cannelloni, and whole roasted Dover sole—at dinner. For an extra special occasion, request Van Gogh's table—the chef's table is said to have once been the domain of the artist's meals at the Auberge Ravoux near Paris. The wine list is stellar.

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Casanova is a French and Italian eatery located in a historic 1920s cottage. The refurbished backroom houses a table that was frequently used by Van Gogh during his time at the Auberge Ravoux in France, paying tribute to the community’s artist colony history. The atmosphere embodies Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Euro village aesthetic, boasting a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere with wood furnishings, antique decor and vaulted ceilings inspired by a Belgian farmhouse.

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Casanova Restaurant Carmel Awesome ( 1684) $$$$ • Italian • Carmel Booked 19 times today We are currently open Tuesday - Saturday for dinner from 4:30pm-9:00pm. Please check our website for an updated menu.Policies: We do require a credit card for reservations. STILLWATER BAR & GRILL, Pebble Beach Where to eat: the 10 best restaurants in Pebble Beach - Wanderlog Web5 Best Waterfront Restaurants In Pebble Beach OpenTable Well, this is embarrassing.

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Nestled in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea's historic downtown, Casanova exudes old-world charm and elegance. Housed in a historic building from 1937, this iconic eatery features intimate dining spaces adorned with flickering candlelight and rustic decor. Renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine and extensive wine selection, Casanova Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy.

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This charming, rustic restaurant in Carmel styles itself on French and Italian dishes with a distinctly European feel in the decor too. Famous for having been frequented by Van Gogh, the outdoor patio is really the unique feature when you dine here. Their ever-changing seasonal menu adds to the charm here as the restaurant works with organic farms and local fisheries to bring in the best seasonal produce and dishes!

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Casanova Carmel has cultivated a winning menu of French and Italian dishes which are served up in a charming, buttermilk yellow cottage. It is owned and operated by the Georis family, the same family that has channeled their Belgian culinary roots into La Bicyclette. Where La Bicyclette offers a menu that is wholeheartedly French, Casanova offers a hearty infusion of Italian dishes.

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Set in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Casanova is a charming little family owned and operated restaurant that engages with the best of the local community to create not only delicious meals for guests to enjoy, but for the children of the community as well. For over 20 years, this family has poured efforts into mentoring kids and teaching them about healthy foods and organic gardening.

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Casanova is a family-owned restaurant in Carmel that works with organic farms and local fisheries. There is a freshness to all of the dishes at Casanova thanks to the use of quality ingredients, and there are plenty of healthy options to choose from. Casanova features a lot of Italian fare, though they have other European dishes like escargot and potato croquettes.

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Casanova calls themselves “most romantic” restaurant in Carmel, and I’d say I agree. This French farmhouse style restaurant is full of intimate little nooks and crannies, both indoors and outdoors on one of a few porches and patios. This includes the van Gogh room where you can dine at the actual table Vincent van Gogh ate at in the final months of his life.

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In addition to our entrees, on both trips, I think we ordered every appetizer on the menu because they all just looked and sounded SO good!. The wine menu was literally a 250 page tome - a wine bible if you will - with some of the most famous and renowned names in the world. There is a sommelier on site to help you pair the wines with your dinner.

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Casanova: Note, there are two restaurant owners/ management companies in Carmel that own several restaurants each. Casa Nova is a sister to La Bicyclette, and Corkscrew — hence the similar websites and marketing materials — but their chefs are different and the good things carry through each of them.

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Interestingly enough, this restaurant is also owned by the family who owns La Bicyclette. They just know their food!. Casanova is one of the oldest restaurants in Carmel and is known to have some of the best French and Italian food in the area.

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We provide our guests the best quality ingredients available to us by embracing and supporting our local small organic farms and fisheries. Country French & Italian cuisine, heated gardens, full bar,…. More Details View Map Add to Trip

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Probably my favorite meal the whole trip other than La Bicyclette. It’s the cutest little Italian/French restaurant with incredible food, amazing wine list (although I didn’t partake this time), and a very quaint/romantic atmosphere.

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A much-loved cottage that is French and Italian, right down to its Dover sole meuniere and mushroom ravioli. But at lunch one can find a cheeseburger – on brioche, with pomme frites. 5th between Mission and San Carlos, Carmel.

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In Carmel the favorite restaurants seem to be Casanova, Cantina de Luca, and a few others. My choice would be La Balena, fairly new in town good Italian food, moderately priced, a wee bit loud.

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One of the longest-running restaurants in Carmel by the Sea, this French and Italian restaurant is known as an intimate and romantic setting, with an outdoor patio once frequented by Van Gogh.

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A dreamy fusion of Italian and French cuisine, Casanova Carmel is one of the longest-running Carmel restaurants. It boasts a well-earned reputation as the go-to romantic dining destination.

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They also have the Casanova restaurant for French and Italian food, which is a touch more formal and comes highly recommended by new friends I met in Paso Robles at Zin Fest.

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-Casanova (Carmel): Probably the most popular restaurant on the Peninsula for locals and visitors alike because of its romantic feel, sophisticated food and deep wine list.

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The first night, we enjoyed a nine-course tasting menu ($175; $110 more for wine pairings) by Chef Cox, formerly of La Bicyclette and Casanova restaurants in Carmel.

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