Questions and Answers:
Chef Pèpe is Rich Pèpe, the Italian-American chef and restaurateur behind Vesuvio, Little Napoli and Carmel Bakery. His grandparents came through Ellis Island from Avellino, Benevento and Abruzzo. He grew up in Hoboken and Cliffside Park, New Jersey, working in a family bakery, and came to the Monterey Peninsula in 1974. Today his sons, Christian and Gian Antonio Pèpe, run the company.
The Pèpe Family of Restaurants and Bakeries operates four locations on the Monterey Peninsula: Vesuvio Restaurant (Italian-American with rooftop Starlight Lounge) in Carmel-by-the-Sea; Little Napoli (Italian-American with outdoor courtyard) in Carmel-by-the-Sea; Carmel Bakery (established 1899, California’s oldest bakery in its original location) on Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea; and Carmel Bakery at Portola Hotel, inside the Portola Hotel and Spa in downtown Monterey.
Yes. Carmel Bakery has baked on Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea since 1899. It is the oldest bakery in California still in its original location. Rich and Sandra Pèpe bought Carmel Bakery in 1986.
Yes. The Starlight Lounge at Vesuvio is the only rooftop bar in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The rooftop features fire pits, heaters, cushioned seating, and a full wine and craft cocktail program. Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 6 PM Sunday through Friday (no happy hour Saturday) at the downstairs bar and on the rooftop, with walk-in welcome and kids welcome.
Bar Napoli is Little Napoli’s bar, across the courtyard: a full bar, wine bar and wine shop. Every seat is held for walk-ins, so no reservations are needed. Happy hour runs 4 PM to 6 PM Sunday through Friday (no happy hour Saturday).
Yes. Little Napoli’s outdoor courtyard, in the historic El Paseo Building (Mission Revival, built in 1928), is pet-friendly. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash in the courtyard seating area.
Yes. Both Vesuvio and Little Napoli accept reservations. The Starlight Lounge at Vesuvio (rooftop) and Bar Napoli at Little Napoli are walk-in only with no reservations required, and serve the full menu.
Carmel Bakery on Ocean Avenue opens at 7 AM every day. Closing time changes with the season; current hours are on the Carmel Bakery page. Carmel Bakery at Portola Hotel in downtown Monterey is open 7:30 AM to 3 PM daily.
Yes. All four Pèpe Family locations are cash free: Vesuvio, Little Napoli, Carmel Bakery on Ocean Avenue, and Carmel Bakery at Portola Hotel. We accept credit and debit cards.
Carmel Bakery at Portola Hotel is at 220 Alvarado Street, Suite 220, inside the Portola Hotel and Spa in downtown Monterey. It is a 5 minute walk to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, 10 to 15 minutes to Cannery Row, and 15 to 20 minutes to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Carmel Bakery is on Ocean Avenue between Dolores Street and Lincoln Street, in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Street parking is available on Ocean Avenue and the side streets (Dolores, Lincoln, San Carlos). Two-hour parking limits apply during the day. Free public parking is available at the Sunset Center lot on San Carlos and 9th.
Yes. Vesuvio’s happy hour runs from 4 PM to 6 PM Sunday through Friday (no happy hour Saturday), at both the downstairs bar and the rooftop Starlight Lounge. The happy hour menu features wines by the glass, craft cocktails, and bar bites.
Vesuvio serves Italian-American cuisine in the Pèpe family tradition. The menu includes wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, handmade pasta, signature dishes like truffled gnocchi and saffron arancini, mains including lamb osso buco and seafood risotto, plus a McSuvio Burger and a full bar program.
Yes. The El Paseo courtyard, the candlelit dining room and two private rooms, The Library and La Dolce Vita, make Little Napoli a frequent choice for anniversaries and celebration dinners. Little Napoli is a Golden Pine Cone winner for Best Italian Restaurant and was named Best Restaurant in Carmel in the Monterey Herald Readers’ Choice Awards.
Yes. One Pèpe Family gift card works at all four locations: Vesuvio, Little Napoli, Carmel Bakery, and Carmel Bakery at Portola Hotel. Cards never expire. Buy online at chefpepe.com/giftcards or at any of the four locations.
Resort casual attire is requested at Vesuvio and Little Napoli. We ask that guests refrain from wearing shorts, hoodies, flip flops, or hats in the dining room. The Starlight Lounge at Vesuvio, Bar Napoli, and the Little Napoli outdoor courtyard are more relaxed.
Yes. Vesuvio and Little Napoli are both family-friendly. A limited number of high chairs are available at each restaurant on a first come, first served basis. Children are welcome at the Starlight Lounge at Vesuvio and at Bar Napoli.
Yes. Vesuvio and Little Napoli accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions, with many gluten-free and vegan options on both menus. Please let your server know about any allergies or dietary needs when you are seated, and our team will guide you through the options.
Yes. The Pèpe family hosts private events across Vesuvio, Little Napoli, and Carmel Bakery, with a variety of event spaces accommodating parties up to 100 guests. For inquiries, please visit chefpepe.com/events.
Yes. The Little Napoli outdoor courtyard and the Starlight Lounge at Vesuvio both have heaters throughout the outdoor seating areas. We do not provide blankets, so guests are encouraged to dress for the evening.
No. Carmel Bakery does not ship pastries, cannoli, or other baked goods at this time. Our products are available for in-person purchase at Carmel Bakery on Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Bakery at Portola Hotel in downtown Monterey.