Corkscrew Cafe

55 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924, United States
+1 831-659-8888
$$$ Californian restaurant
(441 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you find yourself in the picturesque Carmel Valley, be sure to make a stop at Corkscrew Cafe, an enchanting Californian restaurant that feels as if it has sprung from the heart of the Tuscan countryside, magically transported to this lush, sun-soaked locale. Located at 55 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924, this charming eatery invites you into a delightful garden oasis that offers an unforgettable dining experience.

The atmosphere is both whimsical and cozy, punctuated by vibrant, multicolored cushions adorning their outdoor seating area. Whether you choose to dine al fresco under the sun and swaying wisteria or inside amid rustic decor, Corkscrew Cafe exudes a warmth and charm that sets the perfect backdrop for a meal.

At Corkscrew Cafe, the menu is a celebration of layered flavors and unique creations. Begin your culinary adventure with a standout appetizer that perfectly balances flavors—a charcuterie board, perhaps, complemented by their exquisite goat cheese platter, which has drawn accolades from patrons eager to sing its praises. When it comes to the star of the show, their pizzas are nothing short of remarkable. The Elote Pizza tantalizes the taste buds with its slightly spicy, sweet corn topping and crispy edges, while the Meyer Lemon Pizza stands out as a must-try, delivering a burst of zesty brightness that dances on your palate. Other notable options include the comforting Sausage and earthy Mushroom pizzas, each crafted with fresh, quality ingredients that enhance every bite.

But Corkscrew Cafe doesn’t stop at pizza. Their Salad Pizza offers a refreshing twist perfect for those seeking something lighter, while the selection of hearty burgers and delicious fish tacos ensures there’s something for everyone. The warm ambiance combined with tasty selections makes it a great choice for couples and families alike, as noted by delighted diners of all ages.

To conclude your meal, don’t miss out on the desserts. Indulge your sweet tooth with a Fresh Baked Cookie or a decadent Tiramisu, or cool off with their Seasonal Sorbet & Gelato. This array of sweets is the cherry on top of a truly memorable dining experience.

With reviews from satisfied visitors like Steve Broyles and Jackie Morrish, who rave about the delicious flavors and the accommodating service, it’s clear that Corkscrew Cafe has found a special place in the hearts of many. Whether stopping in for a leisurely lunch or a delightful dinner, you’re bound to feel welcomed and cherished at this beloved local gem.

So, the next time you’re in Carmel Valley, allow yourself to be swept away by the delights of Corkscrew Cafe—a perfect marriage of delightful cuisine, inviting atmosphere, and genuine hospitality awaits!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

441 Reviews
Steve Broyles

24 Sep 2025

Delicious and quaint. It's a little garden oasis. Our server did a good job. The portions are fairly small, especially for the prices, but the flavors were excellent. Oddly, they were out of sauvignon blanc. I say oddly because there are three wineries within 2 blocks. Something doesn't add up. But that's not a big deal. Two people had a total of 2 appetizers (including a charcuterie board) and a salad, 4 drinks. The bill was about 160 with tip.

Jackie Morrish

20 Sep 2025

Elote pizza is out of this world!!! Slightly spicy, tantalizingly sweet corn. Crispy edges. Speechless. Tasty fish tacos. Lovely wine pours. My drinking mate and I walked in for lunch with no reservation. We were seated right away. We had a time crunch, and the waiter was very accommodating. Quirky outdoor seating area with multi-colored cushions adorning the seats. Indoors looked more rustic with brick and wood motifs. Great food. Great service. About $40/pp. We’ll be back!

Annette Henderson

18 Sep 2025

The Corkscrew is one of the places you have to go to when you visit Carmel. The pizzas are pretty unique, especially the Meyer Lemon one which is my personal favorite. Plus, their salads are incredible. I have tried almost everything on the menu, and their pear arugula salad with the meyer lemon pizza are my favorites. The goat cheese platter is also extremely delicious, along with all of their pizzas, and their burrata and grapefruit/beet salad. Highly recommend, and the vibe is very nice and outdoorsy as well. Plus, it is a good place for dogs!

Anthony Langlois

11 Sep 2025

Great spot for a drink and a bite. Stopped in with the family and enjoyed a sunny afternoon while eating calamari, soup, and a burger. All were delicious. 'The food was extra extra good!' According to the youngest in the party. Very good service and kind staff. It's definitely worth the visit and the time spent.

Heather W

04 Jul 2025

This place got plucked from the Tuscan countryside and dropped into Carmel Valley. Absolutely adorable inside and out. Enjoyed a lovely brunch with coworkers yesterday, the service was great and they accommodated our large group very graciously. Tried every single specialty pizza on the menu and they were all quite tasty, the one pictured is the Meyer Lemon. Don't miss this whimsical wisteria wonderland, it's truly lovely and one of a kind.

Benishay Danny

27 Jun 2025

Great place for lunch, either as a couple or grouop-of-6. Kids can easily find their favorite pasta or pizza. Warmly recommend the mushroom ouzza or the oiteli one (hope I got it right). Don't forget to try their corkscrew salad. The locally made white wine was good enough for us.

Briana Keeling

22 Jun 2025

Overall a good experience, worth the time. Good atmosphere. Great burgers, ravioli and salad.

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