Yafa

This crowd-pleasing Mediterranean cafe has a flexible menu with mains ranging from $25 to $40, so it’s not too hard on the wallet (at least for pricy Carmel). Yafa is open for lunch on weekends and dinner all week, and we think it’s perfect for lunch among the bright yellow-and-blue interior that makes you feel like you’re on a Greek island. There are lighter dishes like tabouli, dolma, and watermelon-feta salad, as well as more substantial mains like kebabs, racks of lamb, and a hearty vegan cauliflower steak.