Italian restaurant · Carmel-by-the-Sea · Since 1994 Dinner in the courtyard, in the heart of Carmel.
Birthdays, anniversaries, the big family dinner, the last night of your trip. We would love to have you.
Dinner nightly, 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome. Several tables and all of Bar Napoli are held for you.
“It was a wonderful night. Thank you for a great birthday night with amazing food.”
1994
In Carmel since
4.6
Stars, 2,700+ reviews
4 to 6
Happy Hour, Sun to Fri
1928
The building
Inside or out
Hours, reservations and address
Hours
- Dinner
- Every night, 4:00 to 9:00 pm
- Lunch
- Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
- Happy Hour
- 4:00 to 6:00 pm in Bar Napoli, Sunday through Friday. No Happy Hour on Saturday.
Reserve, or walk in
Reservations are recommended, not required, and only through Tock. Several tables and all of Bar Napoli are held for walk-ins.
Reserve on TockPlanning a party? See Private Dining.
Address
696 Dolores St, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Corner of Dolores and 7th, in the El Paseo Building. Look for the five Italian flags.
Dinner at home: order pickup or order delivery.
Online orders 4 to 9 pm, closed Saturdays. Paused for the dinner rush Friday 5 to 8:30 pm and Sunday 5:30 to 7:45 pm, and on very busy nights.
- Walk-ins welcome
- Dining room and courtyard
- Dogs welcome in the courtyard
- Resort casual
- Cards only
- Two private dining rooms
What Our Guests Say
4.6
out of 5
From more than 2,700 guests who reviewed us after their visit. The reviews are collected through Tock.
“Little Napoli is lively as a festa, packing more Italian charm into its cozy quarters than most big city restaurants.”
Swipe for more
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“Little Napoli never disappoints! Wife loves their food so much she wanted to go there for our wedding anniversary. The food, atmosphere and hospitality make you feel like you’re in Italy!”
Terry S., guest review, September 2026 -
“Great food and service. Little Napoli is a gem. By far the best Italian restaurant in Carmel. We will keep coming back for the great dining experience”
Mike S., guest review, July 2026 -
“Had a wonderful dinner at Little Napoli last night. The service was exceptional from start to finish, and every dish was absolutely delicious. It’s one of those places that makes you feel taken care of the moment you sit down. We’d definitely return the next time we’re in Carmel.”
Joe L., guest review, September 2026 -
“I’ve been coming to Little Napoli for 20 years and the food never disappoints! So so good! And the staff is just amazing, friendly, helpful, and attentive. If you’re thinking of dining in Carmel-by-the-Sea, this is a must.”
John E., guest review, July 2026 -
“Every time I visit Carmel, a meal at Little Napoli is a must. The food is consistently delicious, and the service and atmosphere are great as well.”
Pam A., guest review, July 2026 -
“Lovely meal and great ambience! Our favorite restaurant in Carmel!”
Caroline R., guest review, September 2026
Better dine early to avoid a mob scene.
Reserve on TockPress and awards
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Best Italian Restaurant
Golden Pine Cones, Carmel Pine Cone readers
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Best Restaurant in Carmel
Monterey Herald Readers’ Choice
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Best Restaurant in Carmel
Monterey County Weekly Best Of
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Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Our Cioppino and our Cannelloni Tricolore were featured on the show.
Made in House
We make the ravioli here. The fillings change with the season.
The lasagna is the family recipe Pèpe’s father brought back from World War II. The meatballs are Grandma Celia’s recipe.
“Always one of our favorite meals in Carmel. I have had many great entrees including the crab ravioli and my wife loves the Jackie O pasta. Staff is friendly and professional. The garlic bread is out of this world. Busy atmosphere but pretty casual as well.”
Arancini
Crispy saffron risotto, marinara sauce.
Pesto ‘Genovese’
Creamy basil pesto, asparagus, potatoes, tagliatelle.
Cannelloni Tricolore
Three sauces: marinara, alfredo, basil pesto. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Cioppino
The tomato-seafood stew of the Italian fishermen of Monterey Bay. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Sauté ‘Damiani’
Clams, mussels, lemon, caper, saffron cream, crostini.
Risotto ‘Calabrese’
Prawns, bay scallops, ’nduja, Pèpe Bumba risotto, lobster reduction.
Hobo Stew
Beef short rib, potato, carrot, celery, gnocchi, black pepper broth.
Insalata Di Stefano
Crispy goat cheese, roasted beets, mixed greens, fig-balsamic vinaigrette.
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Ragù Bolognese ‘Obama’
Beef, pork, sausage, wild boar, tomato, pappardelle. Named after President Obama, who ordered it here.
See La Dolce Vita
The Building
The El Paseo Building is a masterpiece of the Mission Revival style.
It was built in 1928. White stucco, arches, wrought iron, and Spanish tile steps up from Dolores Street. Every door on the building is unique.
Our dining room is on one side of the courtyard and Bar Napoli is on the other. The courtyard is open air and pet friendly. Guests tell us it feels like you’re in Europe.
The Greeting, by Jo Mora
Jo Mora is Carmel’s most famous artist. His 1928 sculpture The Greeting stands in our courtyard. Art lovers come from all over to see it.
“We sat outside with our dog and it was lovely.”
Private Dining
Two private dining rooms, for the birthday, the anniversary, or the whole family at one table.
Up to ten guests: The Library. One long table for your party: La Dolce Vita. A full event: Bar Napoli.
No extra charge
The Library
A private dining room for up to ten guests, with a fireplace and a view of The Greeting. Good for a birthday, an anniversary, or a family dinner.
There is no extra charge for the room.
Book it yourself on Tock.
Newly redesigned
La Dolce Vita
Our second private dining room, up the tile stairs, with one long table for your party.
Inquire on our events page.
“We came. We ate. We left stuffed and thinking about our return to taste some more of the fantastic menu! The food was absolutely delicious! Thanks again for making my wife’s bday dinner a memorable experience!”
Bar Napoli
Bar Napoli is across the courtyard. It is where the locals meet for Happy Hour, a drink, or dinner at the bar.
A full bar, a wine bar and a wine shop.
At the bar
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The family’s bottles
Pèpe wines, estate grown and bottled on Atlas Peak in Napa. Spirits from Doc Pèpe’s Lab. Pèpecello, our limoncello.
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The wine shop
Taste, then take a bottle home. Our own wines, plus bottles from partners and close friends: Antinori, Silvestri, Galante.
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The game
Four large flat-screen TVs, with the national games on. MLB, NFL and more.
Want a table for dinner? Reserve on Tock.
“Absolutely best Italian food on the Monterey peninsula. Great service, wine and cocktails. Will definitely go back again and again!”
Bar Napoli is also available for private events. Inquire about Bar Napoli events.
Find Us at Dolores and 7th
696 Dolores St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921. In the El Paseo Building, in the heart of downtown Carmel. Look for the five Italian flags and the blue and yellow awnings.
Two-hour street parking is right outside. All-day parking is a few blocks away at the Sunset Center. Enforcement ends at 5:00 pm.
Questions about Little Napoli
Where is Little Napoli?
696 Dolores St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, at the corner of Dolores and 7th, in the El Paseo Building. Look for the five Italian flags and the blue and yellow awnings.
Where do I park?
Two-hour street parking is right outside the restaurant. All-day parking is a few blocks away at the Sunset Center.
Parking enforcement ends at 5:00 pm. After that you may also park in the 30-minute green spots and the yellow loading spots on the corners.
What are Little Napoli’s hours?
Dinner is served every night from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Lunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Do I need a reservation at Little Napoli?
Reservations are recommended but not required. Book on Tock. We hold several tables, and all of Bar Napoli, for walk-ins. We cannot take reservations by voicemail or email.
Is Little Napoli dog friendly?
Yes. Our outdoor courtyard is pet friendly.
Does Little Napoli have private dining?
Yes, two rooms. The Library seats up to ten, has a fireplace, and there is no extra charge for the room. Reserve the Library on Tock. La Dolce Vita is our second private room, up the tile stairs, with one long table. Inquire on our events page. Bar Napoli is also available for private events.
When is Happy Hour at Bar Napoli?
4:00 to 6:00 pm, Sunday through Friday, in Bar Napoli. There is no Happy Hour on Saturday. Every seat in Bar Napoli is held for walk-ins.
Is there a dress code at Little Napoli?
Resort casual. Jackets are not required. We ask that you not wear hats in the restaurant.
Does Little Napoli have gluten-free options?
Yes. Gluten-free penne is available for the pastas, and any pizza can be made on our house-made gluten-free crust for $2 more.
Does Little Napoli do takeout or delivery?
Yes. Order pickup online, or order delivery. Online orders 4 to 9 pm, closed Saturdays. Paused for the dinner rush Friday 5 to 8:30 pm and Sunday 5:30 to 7:45 pm, and on very busy nights.
Does Little Napoli take cash?
No. Cards only. We do not take cash.
Does Little Napoli sell gift cards?
Come have dinner with our family.
Reserve a table on Tock, or ask about a private room. Walk-ins are welcome.