Questions and Answers:
Chef Pèpe (Rich Pèpe) is the Italian-American chef and restaurateur who owns Pèpe International, parent company of Vesuvio Restaurant, Little Napoli, Carmel Bakery, and Carmel Bakery at Portola Hotel. The Pèpe family came from Napoli, Italy to Hoboken, New Jersey, and settled in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1974.
The Pèpe Family of Restaurants and Bakeries operates four locations on the Monterey Peninsula: Vesuvio Restaurant (Italian-American with rooftop Star Bar) 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.
Carmel Bakery was established in 1899 on Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea and has operated continuously in the same location for over 125 years. To our knowledge, it is California’s oldest bakery still operating in its original location. There have been only five owners in the bakery’s history. The Pèpe family acquired Carmel Bakery in 1988.
Yes. Star Bar 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 the casual corner bar room inside Little Napoli in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Walk-in welcome, no reservations required, the full Little Napoli menu is available, four big-screen TVs, and kids are welcome. It serves the same Italian-American kitchen plus a focused craft cocktail and wine program. Happy hour runs 4 PM to 6 PM Sunday through Friday (no happy hour Saturday).
Yes. Little Napoli’s outdoor courtyard, located in the historic 1923 El Paseo Building (Spanish Mission architecture), is pet-friendly. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash in the courtyard seating area.
Yes. Both Vesuvio and Little Napoli accept reservations. The Star Bar 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 in Carmel-by-the-Sea is open 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday, 7 AM to 8 PM Sunday, and seasonally on Friday and Saturday: 7 AM to 10 PM from May 1 through Labor Day, then 7 AM to 7 PM the day after Labor Day through April 30. Carmel Bakery at Portola Hotel in downtown Monterey is open 7:30 AM to 3 PM daily.
Yes. All four Pèpe International locations are cashless: Vesuvio, Little Napoli, Carmel Bakery on Ocean Avenue, and Carmel Bakery at Portola Hotel. We accept credit and debit cards. We do not accept cash.
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 Star Bar. 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. Little Napoli is consistently recognized as one of the most romantic Italian restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The historic El Paseo courtyard (1923 Spanish Mission architecture), candlelit indoor dining room, and the Pèpe family’s hospitality make it a frequent choice for anniversaries, special occasions, and celebration dinners. Little Napoli was named Best Italian Restaurant in Carmel in the 2025 Golden Pine Cones (Carmel Pine Cone Readers’ Awards) and Best Restaurant in Carmel in the 2025 Monterey Herald Readers’ Choice Awards.
Yes. Pèpe International gift cards are valid at all four locations: Vesuvio, Little Napoli, Carmel Bakery, and Carmel Bakery at Portola Hotel. Gift cards can be purchased 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 Star Bar 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 Star Bar 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 Star Bar 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.