Da Giovanni in Carmel By The Sea sits right on the cliffs with views straight out to the Pacific—the kind of spot where you can watch the sun sink into the ocean while eating. The restaurant serves traditional Italian food, focusing on fresh seafood and house-made pasta. Everything feels authentically Mediterranean without being fussy about it.

Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, which is where you’ll want to be anyway for those views. The seating area has enough space that your dog won’t feel cramped while you’re working through your meal. It’s genuinely relaxed about it—no performative dog-friendliness, just a restaurant that understands people want to bring their dogs to nice places. The ocean breeze keeps things pleasant even on warmer afternoons, and there’s usually a good mix of locals and visitors, so your dog won’t be the only one around.

The menu leans heavily on seafood preparations, though they do traditional pasta dishes well too. You get the sense they care about ingredient quality rather than trying to impress with technique alone. It’s the kind of food that tastes better with a view, which works out since the view is exceptional.

Carmel itself is extremely dog-friendly—you’ll see them in and around shops, galleries, and on the beaches depending on the season and time of day. After dinner, the town is small and walkable enough for a quick stroll with your dog through the residential streets or down toward the beach. The overall vibe is low-key and established rather than trendy, which means it’s comfortable bringing a dog along without anyone making a fuss.

Since Da Giovanni is popular and gets busy, especially during peak season and sunset hours, reserving ahead makes sense if you’re planning a specific time. Bring water for your dog, and note that many Carmel beach areas have seasonal dog restrictions, so check before you head down to the sand.