Welcome to Yafa
Nestled in the charming Carmel-By-The-Sea, Yafa brings a taste of Lebanese, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine to life. With its intimate and romantic ambiance, the restaurant caters to all, offering a diverse menu packed with hearty vegan and vegetarian options. Each dish is a celebration of flavor, crafted with tradition and passion. Yafa prioritizes accessibility, boasting an ADA-compliant entrance and outdoor seating for lovely al fresco dining. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal with family or a special evening with a loved one, Yafa promises a delightful culinary experience that feels inviting and warm. Experience the essence of the Mediterranean at Yafa, where every meal tells a story.
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Junipero St And 5th Ave Nw Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923 United States Hotline: (831) 624-9232
Welcome to Yafa, where the tantalizing tastes of Lebanese, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisines blend harmoniously in an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Nestled at the intersection of Junipero St and 5th Ave in stunning Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, Yafa offers a unique dining experience that is both casual and sophisticated, making it a perfect spot for everything from a romantic dinner to a lively family gathering.
As you step inside, the ambiance is striking yet comfortable, characterized by moderate noise levels and a decor that exudes warmth. Whether you choose to dine indoors or enjoy the charm of the heated outdoor seating, Yafa caters to your every need. You’ll appreciate the accessibility, with features like ADA-compliant entrances and ample parking close to the venue.
Yafa's menu is a treasure trove for food lovers. The culinary offerings include a multitude of vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring all dietary preferences are happily accommodated. Each dish bursts with flavor, whether it is the fragrant falafel, savory grape leaves, or the expertly grilled meats. The ingredients are fresh, vibrant, and lovingly prepared, reminiscent of the Mediterranean roots from which they spring.
- Reservations: Yafa takes reservations, making it easy to secure your table.
- Delivery and Takeout: Enjoy Yafa's delightful dishes from the comfort of your home.
- Catering: Perfect for events, Yafa offers catering to elevate any gathering.
- Family Friendly: The restaurant is great for kids, ensuring a family-friendly vibe.
- Special Services: Customers can enjoy military discounts and various payment options, including cryptocurrency!
- Happy Hour Specials: Visit during happy hour for exceptional deals on drinks and appetizers.
What truly sets Yafa apart is its commitment to creating a welcoming space for everyone. With dog-friendly policies, free Wi-Fi, and accommodations for families and groups, this restaurant is designed for socializing and connection. Enjoy a refreshing beer or a fine glass of wine from the curated selection as you revel in the delightful experience Yafa provides.
With its alluring delights and genuine hospitality, Yafa is not just a restaurant; it is a journey through the flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether visiting for a romantic dinner or gathering with friends, you're bound to fall in love with every bite. Remember, good food brings people together, and at Yafa, they celebrate that bond beautifully.
Reserve your table today by calling (831) 624-9232, and prepare for a culinary experience that you won’t soon forget!
Wonderful food! We will definitely come back again when we're in town. This place is a must try! I hope next time we come, it's busier than ever. Thank you to Dia, for being so wonderful and explaining every dish to us so patiently!
I loved Yafa, it's a small restaurant. Nice and imitate for date night. The food specials are amazing! Seems like there is one main server/manager that runs the show for FOH. 10/10 would come again
This place was wonderful and accommodating to our group of 9 with 3 little kids! The hummus was a perfect starter! I personally loved my chicken kebabs, and my husband loved his salmon! Reasonable price for the area (this is Carmel after all). Reservation was easy to make and adjust via Yelp app. The rest of our group tried a variation of the mishmish chicken, pear salad, and meatballs. All were phenomenal. Will be coming back here again, if in the area. We came on a Saturday at 5:30 and the restaurant is starting to fill up! So recommend a reservation . Lovely atmosphere and service was great!! The pictures speak for themselves!! Wow!
The service at Yafa was exceptional. I went with my wife on a slower night and I believe I was served by the owner of the restaurant. He was attentive and knew the menu very well. I have not eaten much of this food type before so the menu recommendations were helpful. We had the prosciutto appetizer as well as Lamb Shank and Lamb Kebabs. The food was very good. I'm not a big fan of lamb but the lamb was tender and fell off the bone. the tzatziki sauce was amazing and I could have drank it. I would go back here again. The only call out is don't order still water its $9, just drink tap water. I thought this was a solid bang for your buck experience.
The service at Yafa was exceptional. I went with my wife on a slower night and I believe I was served by the owner of the restaurant. He was attentive and knew the menu very well. I have not eaten much of this food type before so the menu recommendations were helpful. We had the prosciutto appetizer as well as Lamb Shank and Lamb Kebabs. The food was very good. I'm not a big fan of lamb but the lamb was tender and fell off the bone. the tzatziki sauce was amazing and I could have drank it. I would go back here again. The only call out is don't order still water its $9, just drink tap water. I thought this was a solid bang for your buck experience.
I went to Carmel by the Sea to celebrate Valentine's Day with my husband yesterday and we picked Yafa for our dinner celebration. First time there, the restaurant is very cute and the service was awesome. The food was also great. I ordered Mama's Kafta Meatball, it comes with Safron rice, vegetables and of course Kafta meatballs. The mix of flavors were a must, I like and have tried lamb but it was my first time trying Kafta and I liked it. My husband ordered their Gorgonzola Filet mignon, I didn't take any pics of it but he said that the meat was very soft and it tasted delicious. I really liked this place and I recommend it for any occasion.
The food was out of this world - very different and unexpected. The music playing was very relaxing and the ambient noise was good enough to have a conversation. Felt like a European restaurant with tables very close to each other. They seem short staffed - servers felt like they were overwhelmed. I want to come back to try more dishes!
Highly recommend this place if you're in Carmel. The restaurant is really small so plan ahead of you're going with a large group. Service was great, and the staff was very helpful and friendly. I recommend the greek salad and lamb specialty kebabs. Note the lamb was a bit on the drier side but overall packed with flavor.