I highly recommend lunch at Ventana. There aren't many places with a setting as spectacular, and the food is quite good as well. Also recommend Pacific Edge at the Highlands Inn for dinner (now a Park Hyatt), but it is definitely expensive.

For a less expensive, more casual meal, try the Grill on Ocean Ave in Carmel. Lunch or dinner.

If you go to the Aquarium, be prepared for crowds.

Be a true tourist and take the 17-mile drive. IMO it's worth the $8.50. Stop in at the Lodge in Pebble Beach and the Inn at Spanish Bay, but bypass the restaurants. A drink at sunset can be pretty spectacular at either one.