Carmel Culinary Week 2025: Where the Art of the Plate Meets the Magic of the Coast

Each spring, as the sun lingers longer over the Pacific and the salty breeze carries hints of rosemary and ocean air through the pines, Carmel-by-the-Sea begins to prepare for one of its most delicious traditions: Carmel Culinary Week.

Slated this year from May 31 through June 8, Carmel Culinary Week isn’t just a food event — it’s a week-long, immersive celebration of the flavors, artistry, and soul of one of California’s most enchanting coastal towns.

What is Carmel Culinary Week?

Now in its fifth year, Culinary Week has grown into a signature event that rivals the likes of Pebble Beach Food & Wine, but with a twist: this one’s all about the locals. Carmel Culinary Week shines a spotlight on the chefs, winemakers, bakers, bartenders, and farmers who make this storybook town taste as good as it looks.

Under the 2025 theme, “Art of the Plate,” the week offers a curated blend of prix fixe menus, exclusive wine pairings, street celebrations, hands-on experiences, and pop-up events that reflect Carmel's artistic, European-inspired charm. These aren’t your typical wine-and-dine affairs — each Culinary Week event is designed to feel memorable, immersive, and very Carmel.

Party in the Plaza (May 31)

Held in Carmel Plaza, this is the festive kickoff. Picture live music echoing through the redwood-lined courtyard while you sample bites from places like Alvarado Street Brewery, Il Fornaio and Cultura Comida y Bebida, all paired with regional wines from Folktale, Bernardus, and Wrath Wines.

La Dolce Vita on Dolores (June 3)

This one’s magic. Dolores Street closes down for a long-table Italian feast under twinkling lights. Restaurants like Café Dal Mare, Little Napoli, Casanova and Cantinetta Luca serve multi-course meals family-style, with Italian reds flowing freely and live accordion music in the background.

Soirée by the Sea (June 4)

Hosted at the iconic La Playa Hotel, this is the ultimate seafood experience. Expect raw bars, grilled local catch and Carmel’s top chefs presenting dishes inspired by the coast, all paired with coastal wines. Highlights often include appearances from chefs at Seventh & Dolores, Stationæry, and Village Corner.

Culinary Showdown at Devendorf Park (June 5)

If you like Top Chef-style drama, this is your jam. Chefs go head-to-head with mystery ingredients pulled from the Carmel Farmers Market, judged by food critics and locals alike. There's plenty of audience participation, and you’ll walk away inspired (and likely hungry!).

Boho Bites & Beats (June 6)

Street food meets live music meets surprise pop-ups. Think Carmel Bakery pretzels, Toro Sushi bites and sweet treats from Lush Harvest, all while local bands play and the crowd spills into the streets dancing with wine glasses in hand.

Carmel Culinary Week vs. Other Food Festivals

Culinary Week is more intimate and authentic than many larger-scale events. Unlike the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, which often brings in celebrity chefs and media, Culinary Week keeps its focus local, highlighting the restaurants that you can actually enjoy year-round. Compared to Big Sur Food & Wine, this event is more walkable, more community-driven, and frankly, more accessible — both in price and in spirit. It’s like the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Cooking for Solutions, but with less formality and more open-air charm.

In short: Carmel Culinary Week feels like you’ve been invited into a series of intimate dinner parties, hosted by the best chefs in town.

Why This Matters (and how it ties into Real Estate)

Here’s the thing — events like Culinary Week don’t just showcase food. They showcase lifestyle. When people fall in love with Carmel, it’s not just the beaches or the cottages — it’s the rhythm of life here. Walking to dinner down stone-paved alleys. Knowing your winemaker by name. Grabbing a croissant from Rise + Roam and watching the fog roll back from Ocean Avenue. Events like this are a perfect window into what it’s like to live here — not just visit.

And if you’ve been considering making a move to the Monterey Peninsula, there’s no better time to explore. During Culinary Week, you can see the homes, meet the people, eat the food and feel the lifestyle — all in one unforgettable week.

Tips to Make the Most of the Week

• Book early – events sell out quickly, and Carmel’s charming inns and vacation rentals fill up fast.
• Walk, don’t drive – part of the fun is strolling through town with a wine glass in hand and bumping into neighbors.
• Dress the part – Carmel casual is effortlessly chic. Think linen, layers, and wine-friendly shoes.
• Follow your palate – pop-up events aren’t always announced in advance, so keep your eyes (and nose!) open.

Final Thoughts

Carmel Culinary Week isn’t just about the food — it’s about flavoring your life. Whether you’re here for a day, a week, or ready to make Carmel your permanent home, this is one of those rare experiences that brings together the best of coastal living: great food, great people, and a lifestyle that’s as rich as the dishes being served. So raise your glass, grab your fork and savor it all. See you at the table!