About Us
Growing up on the South Coast of England in a quaint village similar to Carmel-by-the-Sea, Sarah Cook developed a passion for cooking, baking and celebrations.
Her dream? To open a cozy, warm and welcoming tea or coffee shop where friends and neighbors could gather — a respite from the real world. Sarah imagined a place where she could personally greet guests and serve fresh, from-scratch food made from the heart. Read more
As Seen in San Francisco Magazine Check out Café Carmel in San Francisco Magazine.
Meet Sarah
In July of 2019, Sarah seized the opportunity of a lifetime, moving her family to Carmel to live out her dream by taking over Café Carmel.
Established in 1952
Located in the heart of the village on Ocean Avenue, Café Carmel keeps alive a tradition that dates back to 1952, when the Wishart family opened their iconic bakery in a now-historic 1920s building.
It remained Wishart’s Bakery into the 1980s, changing ownership three times since then but continuing as a bakery/café.
While maintaining the rich tradition and honoring customer favorites, Sarah has updated the menu based on her own family favorites. Baked goods, such as croissants, Danish pastries and muffins, are prepared daily. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and late afternoon offerings are cooked to order, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Café Carmel prides itself on countering its sweet treats with a lineup of healthful food, including vegan and vegetarian dishes, along with gluten-free and non-dairy options.
Beyond the ordinary coffee shop
Café Carmel is more than a coffee shop. Much more. A family-owned and operated business, we offer a warm and welcoming place to gather.
Long-established in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Café Carmel serves baked goods, pastries, cookies, desserts and ice cream, and now also breakfast, lunch and brunch for outdoor dining and takeout.
In addition to our sweet treats, we prepare classic breakfast items such as eggs Benedict, sweet or savory French toast, housemade granola, quiche and breakfast burritos. For lunch, choose a delicious salad (such as Caesar or roasted beet), homemade soups, and crisp panini, as well as tuna salad, roast beef, smoked salmon, chicken salad and BLT sandwiches. Round off your meal with a delicious chocolate éclair, tiramisu or classic Napoleon pastry. For an added sweet treat, we serve Marianne’s ice-cream made in nearby Santa Cruz.
Join us at one of our four outdoor tables, seating up to 12 people, or order many of our menu items for takeout or delivery through DoorDash. Or while you are strolling around town grab an Illy coffee and pastry to-go.
Café Carmel is on the north side of Ocean Avenue between Mission and San Carlos Streets. Call (831) 624-3870 or visit www.cafecarmel.com to place an order for takeout.