This restaurant, located in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, is the kind of place that immediately feels like a warm hug the moment you walk in — or in this case, pull up a chair outside with your four-legged travel companion in tow. Nora’s Carmel has built a genuine reputation as one of those rare spots where great food, genuine hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere all come together in one cozy package.

This dog friendly restaurant makes it easy for pet parents to enjoy a proper sit-down meal without leaving their pup tied up around the corner. The outdoor seating area is fully dog-friendly, and the staff has even been known to bring water bowls out for visiting dogs without being asked — a small but thoughtful touch that visitors absolutely love. Free street parking nearby makes getting here with your furry co-pilot pretty painless too.

The food is where things really shine. Visitors rave about the comfort-forward menu, which leans into hearty, satisfying dishes done exceptionally well. The chicken pot pie in particular has become something of a legend among people who visit this dog friendly restaurant — it’s a dinner menu staple that has reportedly sent more than a few guests back for a second visit just to get their hands on it. The menu also features solid vegetarian options, small plates, desserts worth saving room for, and a full bar with beer, wine, and hard liquor to round out the experience.

What really sets this dog friendly restaurant apart, though, is the ownership and staff. The owner has a genuine habit of making the rounds to every single table, chatting with guests and making sure everyone feels taken care of. That kind of personal attention is increasingly rare in the restaurant world, and people who visit this dog friendly restaurant consistently mention it as one of the highlights of their experience.

Whether you’re stopping in for a casual lunch, planning a romantic dinner, or just wandering through Carmel with your dog and looking for somewhere truly special to land, this is a spot worth putting at the very top of your list.