Char Steakhouse: A New Destination for Dinner in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel has never exactly been short on great places to eat, but every once in a while, a new restaurant comes along that fills a space we didn’t realize was missing. That’s how we felt after sitting down at Char Steakhouse, one of the newest additions to Carmel’s dining scene and the latest concept from local restaurateur Bashar Sneeh and the Dametra Group.

Located on Dolores Street between Ocean and 7th, in the former Cantinetta Luca space, Char brings something a little different to the village: a proper steakhouse experience centered around Prime cuts, generous sides and the kind of dinner meant to be enjoyed slowly around the table.

If the name Bashar Sneeh sounds familiar, it should. He is behind several familiar names in Carmel, including Dametra Cafe and Catch, and has become one of the restaurateurs with a particularly recognizable presence in the village. Char marks a new direction for the group as its first steakhouse, while still carrying the warm, hospitality-focused approach that has helped make its other restaurants local favorites.

The setting feels right at home in Carmel. The Dolores Street space has been transformed into an intimate, polished dining room with plenty of rustic character, exposed brick and warm wood. It feels upscale without becoming stuffy—the kind of place that works just as well for a special occasion as it does for settling in after a day exploring the village, walking Carmel Beach or playing a round at Pebble Beach.

But, of course, the real test is what comes out of the kitchen.

On our visit, we went all in. The tomahawk steak was the centerpiece of the evening and delivered exactly what we hoped for: beautifully cooked, flavorful and substantial enough to make it a true shareable experience. The spare ribs were another standout, tender and packed with flavor with just the right amount of char around the edges.

Then came the sides. The au gratin potatoes were rich and comforting in the best possible steakhouse tradition, while the lobster mac & cheese was every bit as indulgent as it sounds. We also ordered the sausage platter and chimichurri, both of which added even more variety to an already generous spread. Everything we tried was delicious.

What we appreciated most was that Char doesn’t seem interested in reinventing the steakhouse just for the sake of being different. Carmel already has no shortage of exceptional restaurants offering seafood, Mediterranean fare, California cuisine and more ambitious tasting-menu experiences. Char offers something more straightforward, and sometimes that is exactly what you want: a great steak, a table full of sides, a bottle of wine and an evening that doesn't need to be rushed.

There is also something exciting about seeing Sneeh continue to invest in the village. With Char joining his other Carmel restaurants and another project, Bashbar, planned for the former Sade’s space, his footprint on Carmel’s dining and nightlife scene continues to grow.

For locals, Char is a welcome new option for a night out. For visitors, it is another reason to make dinner part of the Carmel experience rather than simply an afterthought to a day at the beach or exploring Ocean Avenue.

And for anyone who loves a good steak, we can say from experience: come hungry.