Casanova

This historic 1920s cottage—once owned by Charlie Chaplin’s personal chef—is marked by a bike parked out front with lavender flowing from the basket. Before opening in 1987, the family remodeled the building after their Belgian farmhouse and even dug down to replicate their wine cellar, which today houses a notable collection. Its setting, just a block off quaint Carmel’s main drag, makes dining here seem all the more relaxing and charming. A private room invites 2-8 people to enjoy the chef’s prix-fixe on Vincent Van Gogh’s very own dining table.

The rustic French and Italian cooking features deliciously simple dishes, ranging from the likes of hearty cannelloni to a peak-season grilled peach topped with pickled onion, toasted almonds and torn basil.