Yafa menu overview

Nestled in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Yafa offers a vibrant culinary journey through Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. This cozy spot features a menu designed to delight foodies and adventurous palates alike, highlighting fresh ingredients and authentic spices in every dish. Ideal for those seeking a casual yet distinctive dining experience, the menu is thoughtfully divided into starters, mains, desserts, and drinks, ensuring a well-rounded feast for every guest.

starters

Begin your meal with a selection of beautifully crafted starters that set the tone for a rich Mediterranean feast. The Mezza Platter is a colorful assortment of Kalamata olives, two kinds of creamy hummus, tangy feta cheese, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, grilled artichokes, and warm pita bread — perfect for sharing and sampling diverse flavors.

For seafood lovers, the Grilled Octopus offers a tender and smoky experience, enhanced with olive oil, fresh lemon, garlic, and a unique touch of ouzo liqueur, paired with crunchy bread bits. The Watermelon Feta Salad refreshes the palate with sweet watermelon, creamy feta, fragrant basil, toasted pine nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil, balancing sweet and savory perfectly.

Vegetarian guests will appreciate the hearty Lentil Soup, a comforting blend of lentils, fresh vegetables, and carefully selected spices, warming and satisfying without heaviness.

mains

Yafa’s main courses showcase the authentic spices and rich traditions of Middle Eastern cuisine, offering both meat and vegetarian options that shine with vibrant taste and quality ingredients.

Lamb Kebab seasoned with traditional spices, served alongside fragrant rice pilaf, fresh tabouli salad, and a cooling tzatziki yogurt dip that complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Chicken Kebab marinated in a blend of spices, accompanied by rice pilaf, tabouli salad, and a refreshing tzatziki dip to balance the savory profile.
Aleppo Kafta Kebab combines ground beef and lamb with fragrant spices, served with the classic trio of rice pilaf, tabouli salad, and tzatziki yogurt dip for a hearty and satisfying bite.
Mish Mish Chicken features tender chicken glazed in a delicate apricot sauce, combined with aromatic spices and accompanied by rice pilaf, tabouli salad, and tzatziki dip for a sweet and savory harmony.
Seafood Pasta presents a luscious blend of fresh seafood and pasta tossed in a velvety tomato cream sauce, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant green olives for a tangy finish.
Butternut Squash Ravioli delights with its delicate pasta parcels filled with sweet butternut squash, dressed in a rich browned butter sage sauce that enhances the subtle, earthy flavors.
Teta's Eggplant is a vegetarian main featuring roasted eggplant, potatoes, bell peppers, tomato, garlic, and basil, served with fragrant rice and pita bread, all drizzled with olive oil to create a wholesome, comforting dish.

desserts

Conclude your meal with authentic Middle Eastern desserts that perfectly balance sweetness and texture. The classic Baklava features layers of flaky phyllo dough, filled with crunchy nuts and soaked in honey syrup for a luscious finish.

For a creamy and delicate option, the Pistachio Pudding blends the smoothness of milk and sugar with the rich nuttiness of pistachios, set with just the right amount of gelatin for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

drinks and specials

Complement your dining experience with a carefully curated selection of beverages including Moroccan tea, Turkish coffee, and an assortment of cocktails, beer, and wine available for both dine-in and takeout.

Yafa also features daily specials that highlight seasonal ingredients and chef's inspirations, providing fresh twists on traditional recipes that keep the menu exciting and inviting for repeat visits.

4.5

Junipero St &, 5th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA

(831) 624-9232

Closed - Opens 5:00 PM

Monday

17:00–22:00

Tuesday

17:00–22:00

Wednesday

17:00–22:00

Thursday

17:00–22:00