The 3 Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea: My Favorite Spots for Coffee in 2026

I’m the type of person who genuinely needs a good cup of coffee in the morning before I can even function, let alone head out and explore somewhere new.

Whenever I travel, I have this little ritual of hunting down the best coffee shops in town, and of course, I had to do the same thing in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

I’ll be honest, finding good coffee here wasn’t quite as easy as I’d hoped, but I still managed to find a few places I really liked.

So, to save you guys from wandering around Carmel looking for a decent morning coffee, I’ve put together a short list of my 3 favorite cafes and coffee shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Because let’s be real, nobody should have to start their vacation without a good cup of coffee!

What Are the Best Coffee Shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea? I’ve Got the Answers

Okay, first things first, and I hope I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes here, but Carmel-by-the-Sea has a bit of a coffee problem. And I mean that in the nicest way possible, but I was genuinely surprised by how difficult it was to find good specialty coffee here.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of cafes, bakeries and regular coffee shops around town. You’re definitely not going to struggle to find a coffee. But I’m someone who likes a proper barista-made coffee, whether that’s a flat white, cortado, latte or cappuccino, so I tend to look for cafes that really focus on specialty coffee.

And in Carmel-by-the-Sea, I honestly only found one coffee shop that really hit the spot for me: Mad Dogs & Englishmen Coffee Bar.

We came here on our very first morning in Carmel, and I ordered a latte while we also tried one of their matchas. Both were fantastic, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

If you’re like me and care a little more about the coffee itself than just finding somewhere cute to have breakfast, Mad Dogs & Englishmen Coffee Bar is my number one recommendation in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

1. Mad Dogs & Englishmen Coffee Bar

Opening Hours: 7am-5pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

My favorite coffee shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea by a mile was Mad Dogs & Englishmen Coffee Bar. This was the only place I found in Carmel that really delivered the kind of good coffee I was looking for, whether that was a latte or a cappuccino.

I think that’s also why it was pretty busy when we visited. We had to wait in line for at least 10 minutes to get our coffees and matcha, but I was more than happy to wait a little longer for a good cup of coffee.

The coffee shop itself is cozy and a great place to sit down with a little pastry if you have the time. We actually got our drinks to go and used them as an excuse to keep exploring the cute little streets and courtyards around Carmel.

And honestly, I’d highly recommend doing the same. Grab a coffee here and then just wander around town with it in your hand. That’s pretty much my ideal way to start a morning on vacation!

2. Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting

Opening Hours: 6:30am-5:30pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

Coming in second is Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting, which was literally right next to our hotel, Normandy Inn. So, of course we ended up coming here on our next morning in Carmel to see what it was like.

We ordered an iced latte and a regular black drip coffee, and both were great. But the real highlight for me was actually the pastries.

We tried a ham and cheese croissant and a cinnamon roll, and both were suuper delicious. I mean, a good pastry alongside your morning coffee is always a winning combination, right?

I wouldn’t necessarily come here expecting the same level of specialty coffee as Mad Dogs & Englishmen, but if you’re looking for a solid coffee, a delicious pastry and an easy place to start your day, Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting is a great option.

3. Cafe dal Mare

Opening Hours: 9am-8pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★
Menu & Location

And lastly, we have Cafe dal Mare, which was probably my biggest surprise out of the three.

No, I didn’t get any fancy latte art here, but who really needs that if the coffee tastes good anyway. I ordered a latte, and it was genuinely delicious. I’d happily get another one!

But the actual highlight for me wasn’t even the coffee. It was the cannoli they sell here. From what I could tell, the cafe has a very Italian vibe, and they also had things like pistachio cake in the display that looked ridiculously good. I didn’t get to try the cake, but I definitely considered it!

For me, Cafe dal Mare is the perfect spot for an afternoon coffee and a little sweet treat. If you’ve already spent the morning exploring Carmel and fancy a break, I’d definitely stop by here.

FAQs About Where to Get Coffee in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! I thought Carmel-by-the-Sea was the perfect little weekend getaway. The town itself is super cute, with its little cottages, hidden courtyards and alleyways, and there’s plenty to do nearby too, from wine tasting in Carmel Valley to hiking in Big Sur.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

My favorite restaurant in Carmel was Nora’s Carmel, a cute little Italian restaurant where we had some fantastic pasta and wine. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the mood for Italian food!

What Is the Best Coffee Shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Without a doubt, Mad Dogs & Englishmen Coffee Bar was my favorite coffee shop in Carmel. I’ve been here a couple of times, and both the coffee and matcha were fantastic. If you’re looking for a proper barista-made coffee, this is where I’d go first.

What Is There to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel itself is a very small town, but the little downtown area is a lot of fun to explore on foot. You can also visit Carmel Beach, drive the famous 17-Mile Drive, or head down to Big Sur for some incredible coastal scenery and hiking.

Final Thoughts on the Best Cafes in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea definitely doesn’t have the best coffee scene I’ve come across in California, but considering how small the town is, I still found a few places worth checking out.

For the kind of coffee I like, Mad Dogs & Englishmen Coffee Bar was without a doubt my favorite. But if you’re more in the mood for an afternoon coffee and a sweet treat, Cafe dal Mare is also a great option, especially if you fancy one of their cannoli.

I hope this little guide to the best cafes and coffee shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea gave you a good idea of where to grab a decent coffee while you’re here!

Check Out my Other Carmel-by-the-Sea Guides

Where to Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea: My Favorite Hotels & Areas

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

How Many Days in Carmel-by-the-Sea Do You Need: My Day Guide

2 Days in Carmel-by-the-Sea: How I Spent 48 Hours Here

Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea: My Favorite Activities in Carmel

Coffee Shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea: My Top Cafes in Carmel