Carmel Belle

Every so often, I find myself falling into the monotonous routine of oatmeal for breakfast and a turkey sandwich for lunch. As healthy as that is, it can be quite boring. And that's where Carmel Belle comes into the equation. With a large selection of organic, artisanal breakfast, lunch and recently added dinner options, I am able to break that monotony and still eat high quality, healthy food.

Carmel Belle

Doud Craft Studios (San Carlos between Ocean & 7th)

831.624.1600

 

Hours:

Breakfast: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Lunch: Sunday - Thursday 11:00 am until 4:00 pm, Friday & Saturday until 5:00 pm

Dinner: Wednesday - Sunday 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm

 

Breakfast at Carmel Belle is a poached egg lover's dream. They serve local, organic eggs from Glaum Ranche, with toast and a variety of accoutrements. My personal favorite is the mushroom melt with two poached eggs, and an ever so light touch of white truffle oil. Truffles, asparagus and mushrooms play a major role on the breakfast menu, but take a backseat when it comes to the open faced avocado toast. My tip to you, and you will most definitely thank me later, is to order the open faced avocado toast but add an order of prosciutto. You get the creamy, buttery flavor of the avocado, with the salty, smoky flavor of the prosciutto all with the crispy texture of the toast, and it is delicious. They do also offer steel-cut oatmeal with a variety of toppings for those looking for a healthier option.

 

I would be remiss if I didn't also mention they have a full espresso bar, with lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated treats. And a fresh, organic juice bar for smoothies and juices!

 

Lunch is where they truly shine, and the time of day I am most likely to come in and devour one of their delicious offerings. They have some lovely salad options, but I have such an affinity for their sandwiches that I unfortunately tend to forego their leafy delicacies. When I'm trying to be "good," and not a total glutton, I will order the Ham, Fontina and Pear sandwich. Salty and sweet, but with the tang of honey mustard. When I am super hungry, I order the slow cooked Berkshire Pork Sandwich, which has melted cheese on a buttered ciabatta toast, a red onion-currant chutney and is topped with a mound of slow-cooked pork. I don't know that there are any words that can do it justice - so you're just going to have to try it for yourself. They have free-range rotisserie chicken sandwiches, as well as options for vegetarians and vegans. And don't forget a cup of one of their delicious homemade soups - I have yet to try one I didn't absolutely love.

Dinner is kind of a new thing for them - but not to be overlooked! Among their selections include classic home-style options such as Meatloaf and Roasted Chicken, as well as modern fare like Crispy Pork Belly and Roasted Local Cod. If you are a cheese lover, I highly recommend the Quinoa Mac & Cheese, an updated version of the classic macaroni & cheese, with quinoa pasta and a sauce made from goat cheese and gouda. On Fridays, they have a special Farmers Market Night, where their chef creates a meal inspired by seasonal farmer's market selections.

If you are looking for good food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere, Carmel Belle is definitely the choice for you. Order at the counter and then take a seat in the middle of the light and airy Doud Craft Studios and your food will be served in just the right amount of time to take in all the lovely shops surrounding you.