10 Delfino Place, Carmel Valley

659-4444, www.caferusticacarmel.com

A cozy and charming atmosphere, delicious wood-fired pizzas, creative salads and California-infused European comfort food make Rustica Carmel Valley’s little gem. A great wine list, locally sourced produce and sustainably raised meat with generous portions and attentive wait staff only elevate that rare fare. Saturday dinner offerings include the famous oven-roasted maple duck – be sure to call in advance, as this dish sells out – but the dog-friendly patio or the, well, rustic country cottage setting welcome folks for lunch and dinner every day but Monday. Hard to go wrong here.