Cafe Rustica
10 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley
659-4444, www.caferusticavillage.com
Carmel Valley has become a hot spot in the wine industry the last decade with new wine tasting rooms and restaurants popping up left and right. But even with more competition Cafe Rustica reigns supreme with a winning combo of great patio, robust salads (including the BLT with butter lettuce, maple smoked bacon, tomatoes, red onions, house garlic croutons and Dijon vinaigrette), amazing thin crust wood fired pizzas (Jose’s Pizza Verde with tomatillo sauce, chicken, corn and more), classic rib-sticking stuff (Hungarian goulash!) and superior service all with a natural casual elegance.