Cafe Rustica

First time to Roux and they didn't disappoint…read more Drink - Glass of sparkling rose each Starter - We shared the roasted Brussel sprouts Mains - My wife had the truffle fettuccine and I had the salmon on a bed of cauliflower risotto Desert - we could not make our mind up so ended up with both the lemon cheesecake and the crème brûlée I've attached pictures of all the dishes (literally) !.. you'll figure that piece out and how much we enjoyed them. I'd read up on the fan fav. French onion soup but was put off as someone said it was filling so skipped it .. After seeing it served at another table I was kicking myself but we will hopefully return for a lunch and will pray that's on the menu. Talking of menus, the only tiny gripe is the website had a menu that is out of date and the 2 dishes I really fancied were no longer available (lobster fettuccine and crab ravioli) .. please please could you update your website or the menu on Yelp or at the least take a photo of the new menu and delete the old ones as they are all 6+yrs old and I forgot to photograph it !. Anyhow, the ambience was great, service was faultless and food devine. Both my wife and I came away (from her birthday dinner) feeling we'd chosen really well with a sincere desire to return !. Thank you to the team for your obvious passion for food, there's lots of choices in the area and Roux stands tall in the valley of giants as a solid recommendation.

Just enjoyed a great meal here! 3/4 of us got the seafood pasta, which was amazing. I had the white…read moresangria, which was sweet and not too heavy on the alcohol. 2 people in our party got the French onion soup. I tried a bit of the cheese and it was out of this world! Maybe I'll get the soup next time with an appetizer because I would have been too full from both the soup and the pasta. The lobster fettuccine and crab ravioli also looked amazing. Easy to make a reservation online and the restaurant wasn't too crowded. There was plenty of outdoor seating. Our waiter was great too. We can't wait to come back!

See all

Wine Case in entry

La Bicyclette

4.1(2.7k reviews)

This was our favorite meal during our week in Carmel. We had an 11a lunch reservation. The oysters…read morewith mignonette and cucumber was simple yet super tasty. The gnocchi, as others have pointed out, was delicate and had a wonderful texture. My duck was out of this world. It had a Thai cream sauce with a medley of nicely cut julienne veg. Pizza was wonderful (perfect crust) and a tomato salad was very much enjoyed by our group. Service: quick and responsive to requests. This is Michelin-rated for good reason and should be on your program while visiting. On our next visit, we'll go for breakfast, which is only Friday-Sunday.

I was excited to try La Bicyclette for lunch on the last day of our Carmel vacation. I expected to…read morehave trouble parking since parking spots are hard to get in the village, and sure enough I had to park pretty far away (about a 10 minute walk). We had a reservation for 12:30pm and they seated us on time. It was a Saturday and the restaurant was very, very crowded. The five of us ordered gnocchi, salade rouge, pepperoni pizza, and more. The food was okay, nothing remarkable, but the service was terrible. The waiter wouldn't make eye contact with any of us and didn't bother to ask if we wanted drinks. When he served the two salads he unceremoniously dumped the plates in front of the wrong people. After we finally ordered our drinks he forgot to bring them until we reminded him. I doubt I'll return.

Cute seating, delicious pasta!

Oysters du Jour

See all

Celebratory Profiterole

Le Souffle

4.8(124 reviews)

11.8 mi

•$$$$

Everything was delicious. My wife and I split something in each category…read more $250 for lunch is extremely high though

WOW! I can't remember how I stumbled upon Le Souffle but so glad I did!!…read more I remember going on their website and finding one slot open for a Friday reservation so I snatched it for my husband and I. We were approached by the co owner who was incredibly sweet and accommodating (I was 26 weeks pregnant at the time & she made sure I was as comfortable as possible in my seat). She's knowledgeable with their menu and drinks which is great! They change their menu often so our options were a bit more seasonal. Everything was baked to perfection and so delicious! Hats off to the chef!! My husband and I loved the non traditional limited seating as it felt more of a personable and intimate experience with the 3 course meal. Everything we both had was delicious!! Nearby, another couple was telling the owner that it was their second time coming back - says a lot! If you get lucky to snatch a reservation, do it! You'll walk away happy you went with a full belly!

Interior decor

Roquefort souffle

See all

Bistro Moulin

4.4(1k reviews)

13.3 mi

We came to Bistro Moulin with a group, which was perfect because we got to share and try several…read moredishes. I had the filet mignon special, and it was genuinely out of this world...perfectly cooked and served with asparagus, carrots, and silky puréed potatoes. We also shared the Sicilian eggplant pasta, which was absolutely delicious, along with the arugula salad and several desserts. Everything we tried was excellent. Incredible food, wonderful service, and such a warm, charming atmosphere. I already can't wait to come back to Monterey and eat here again!

We were really looking forward to our meal, but unfortunately it didn't meet our expectations. The…read moremussels had a strong, unpleasant odor that concerned us. I felt bad about sending them back and was apologetic when we brought it to the owner's attention. He was responsive, explained that it was the natural smell of the sea, and kindly showed us the invoice proving they were purchased that day. He also offered to check with the vendor. While we appreciated his efforts, the smell was off-putting enough that we decided to order something else. We tried the lamb lollipop special instead. For $42, the portion was quite small--just five thin, uneven pieces--and the lamb was overcooked and overly salty. When we gently mentioned this to our server, she responded with an eye roll, which was disappointing. We genuinely dislike leaving negative feedback, especially for small independent restaurants, but the overall experience left us quite disappointed. Hoping they can improve these items, as the restaurant has potential.

Inside

Seafood Risotto

See all

Casanova

3.8(2k reviews)

The food here is surprisingly good, and well worth it. The flavors are comparable to fine dining,…read morewhile portions are filling and satisfying enough for casual cuisine. The Spanish octopus was delightfully tender and paired well with an acidic dressing and greens. The crispy potatoes were well fried, being lightly crunchy while maintaining a fluffy interior. The gnocchi was good, but the least impressive, since it was largely relying on cream for flavor. The spinach didn't really come through. We went with the ribeye, which had a delightful crust yet was still juicy. The mushrooms were a mix of chanterelles, morels, and scored trumpet mushrooms sauted in a lovely wine sauce. Service isn't anything to write home about, but the food is certainly worth turning some heads.

Nope. Not again. Sadly this was our last visit here. The prices were so out of touch. We've been…read morecoming for years. The "rack of lamb" for $78 was 2 small chops. What?? For that price, there should be free bread on the table! Nope! Bread is $13!! My dessert was the smallest sliver of crostata with a little scoop of ice cream. $16 What are they thinking????? Service was great though. It really is sad when great restaurants raise their prices but don't provide matching proportions. Ciao Casanova.

Part of the indoor seating

Cannelloni

See all

Linguini

L'Escargot

4.4(298 reviews)

Elegant but cozy bistro off the main strip at Carmel…read more Just a couple blocks north of Ocean Ave hides a cute little bistro tucked away between some houses. Somewhat unassuming from the outside, you might be forgiven for thinking its interior was also rather low key. But upon stepping in, you are hugged with a relaxed but definite vibe that screams French bistro in a cottage. The service was warm, friendly, but forgiveably slow, seemingly apart of its charm. Ah, but the food is worth the wait! What did we get? 1. Potato leek soup. Deliciously done, you can taste the potato a bit while savoring the leeks. Solid starter. 2. Onion soup gratinee. Arguably one of the best French onion soups we've had (we had some in France even), the broth is full of flavor and not at all overpowering. The onions are deliciously sweet and the cheese crusty and salty as desired, with the added gratin being a nice addition. Definitely recommend. 3. Mushroom escargots. If you love garlic butter-cooked snails per the French staple, finding them in mushrooms is definitely next level. The mushrooms are a perfect pair with the snails and buttery goodness, offering a complimentary soft chew. Total recommend. 4. Scallop Risotto. Scallops were perfectly cooked, tender, and not too tough or dry with excellently done carmelization on the grilled crust. Risotto was soft but not mushy and had some nice texture as a result with great savory flavor. The green sauce added a nice sweet touch. Absolute recommend. 5. Rack of lamb. Total recommend, and my favorite of the evening. Lamb was perfect: no gaminess with beautiful savory flavor, well cooked and tender with a nice crust added. 6. Apple tart. Served warm with vanilla ice cream. I'm a sucker for apple anything or pie, so this hit the spot, ending the meal on a high sweet note. Apple was just the right sweet and tart, and the paired ice cream was an excellent march. Recommended. Will we go again? You bet. But don't take my word for it. Give this hidden gem a try when you're in town next.

This place is such a charming little gem in Carmel. The food is absolutely delicious! Their…read moreescargot is my favorite dish: rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic, and very "Carmel." The service has always been kind, attentive, and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. I've visited twice already, and both times I preferred sitting outside. The outdoor seating feels lively and relaxing, especially in the evening. Inside is cute too, but for me personally it felt just a little stuffy compared to the patio atmosphere. The only small disappointment was yesterday, during my birthday dinner. I mentioned that I was celebrating my birthday, and I honestly expected at least a small complimentary dessert or gesture, especially considering the level of the restaurant. It didn't ruin the evening at all, I still give this place a five stars review, but it would have made the experience feel even more special. Overall though, this is still one of my favorite spots in Carmel for French food, atmosphere, and a cozy dinner experience. I'll absolutely be back again, mostly for that incredible escargot and crème brûlée.

Vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate cake

See all

Chez Noir

4.4(189 reviews)

•$$$$

We came to Chez Noir having heard from seemingly everyone that it was a must when visiting Carmel,…read moreand it 100% lived up to its reputation. The service, ambience, and especially the flavors were absolutely superb. There is an incredible level of thought and care behind every detail of the experience. Even something as simple as laying a beautifully folded blanket across a hard bench so guests could sit more comfortably spoke to the level of hospitality here--nothing felt overlooked. Every course was brilliant, delivering layers of flavor and nuance while still feeling beautifully balanced. There was a confidence and precision to the cooking that made each dish memorable, and the warmth of the service made an exceptional meal feel equally inviting. Chez Noir manages to be incredibly refined without losing its sense of intimacy and genuine hospitality. Thank you to the entire team for one of the most exceptional dining experiences we've had. Chez Noir absolutely deserves its reputation and will be a must-return whenever we're back in Carmel.

My wife treated me to dinner for my birthday... I wanna keep this short so I'll use bullet points:…read more- I have had better food at restaurants that don't have a Michelin star - The drinks and the snacks were the best part of the meal, hands-down - If you sit inside the restaurant it's lively, warm, and pleasant, and the candlelight is very aesthetic! Yet, we were sat outside and so we had FOMO from the vibes and we feel like those seated outside are just left by the wayside... - also, not sure if it was just that night, but the chef was going around talking to guests inside the restaurant, and he didn't come outside to talk to us! - For $600 for two people, you need to rock our socks, and our socks are NOT rocked... - I've never been to a Michelin star restaurant where the servers didn't explain the wine menu - I've never been to a Michelin star restaurant where the servers didn't explain the FOOD menu!!!! - The staff do not have a passion for the food, they just drop off each course, say "enjoy," and then walk away - The add-ons were mediocre at best, I don't recommend spending the money on the cheese course specifically, that gets its own bullet point: - for $22 just go to Trader Joe's, get a full-size of each thing and still have $5 left over! We got like maybe 6 nuts, a spread of jam, a smidgen of honeycomb, bread that was more air than bread, and yeah you can see the picture and just see for yourself - The only time I felt whimsy was when I ate the ravioli because it tasted like blue box - I tried to keep it short whoops!

Ambiance + view of the kitchen

Delicata Squash Frito Misto

See all

Indoor

PortaBella

4.3(1.6k reviews)

Hands down, the best Fruits de Mer I've ever had. The pasta was loaded with shrimp, calamari, all…read moretossed in a rich, perfectly creamy sauce (not like Alfredo) that was absolutely delicious. Every bite was so flavorful and satisfying. Service was also on par and exceptionally. The restaurant itself has such a beautiful, old-world Carmel charm -- warm, cozy, and perfect for a leisurely meal. Love the upbeat vibes the music was playing in the background. So romantic too. Andy had his bread pudding, which was clearly the highlight of his meal. A beautiful lunch, amazing food, and one more Carmel memory to keep.

I hate giving bad reviews but to hopefully save others from our poor experience here it goes…read more Let's start with the food, we got soups, beef short ribs, seafood pasta and a couple of croque monsieurs. The soups were good but not extraordinary. The beef short ribs were supposed to have a mushroom gravy but it came out with a sauce that was sweet, kind of like a cranberry sauce. The beef was lacking flavor and there was no bone which we found odd. Kind of like something you get from Costco. The two croque monsieurs we got were just barely ok. They were kind of dry and sauce was a bit off putting. The pasta was the biggest offender. The pasta was hard. It was severely undercooked. How can an Italian restaurant not know how to cook pasta! Suffice it to say we didn't finish our food. Left kind of hungry actually. Usually a the service will help a bit but it was poor at best. We sat our table long enough waiting to be acknowledged that I contemplated about just leaving. The wait seemed surprised that we were ready to order by the time he finally came by to get drinks for us. I swear we waited about 15 minutes before he even came by. One might excuse it if they're busy but they weren't. I saw him standing around joking with the other staff. Totally not ok. Hopefully this review saves some people from wasting their time and money on poor food and bad service.

Complimentary bread

See all

Portabella Cream of Mushroom Soup

Bear + Flag Roadside

4.2(153 reviews)

7.5 mi

Locally owned & operated

Grab-and-go

We were on the hunt for a sandwich shop near us as we just moved to the Monterey Peninsula and Bear…read more+ Flag Roadside did not disappoint! We shared the "herb roasted turkey breast" sandwich and added avocado. Delicious and a good portion! We only ordered 1 sandwich and split it and it was perfect! What ever they do to season their shredded lettuce makes it so tasty. My boyfriend kept mentioning how delicious the sandwich bread was, maybe it was a sourdough baguette, as it tasted very fresh. Can't wait to go back and explore other options on their menu as well as explore their large selection of beverages and beers. We enjoyed the sandwich at their outdoor patio and it was a lovely casual spot. There were plenty of picnic tables to choose from under large trees which provided great shade. Highly recommend!

Just happened to be in the area for work and found this place…read more Great specials I had a roast beef sandwich friends had the brisket everything was delicious Service was outstanding great food

Our Artichoke Burger (vegetarian) housemade artichoke patty, havarti, sprouts, tomato

Family-friendly and dog-friendly (on a leash please) Patio

Bear + Flag Roadside - Frickles, Burger, Paisano Sandwich, Turkey + Avocado Sandwich, our amazing sauces & fries. If you haven't had Awesomesauce - you'll love it!

See all

Frickles, Burger, Paisano Sandwich, Turkey + Avocado Sandwich, our amazing sauces & fries. If you haven't had Awesomesauce - you'll love it!

Patisserie Boissiere

4.1(781 reviews)

11.6 mi

Chicken On Brioche Sliced chicken breast, tomato, green…read moreonion, Monterey Jack cheese & mayo on homemade brioche The Service was outstanding. The staff is amazing. The owner is amazing. The Service is outstanding.. Ambience is beautiful, accommodating, and wonderful.

Bakery + restaurant altogether in one space. Awkward situation because even if you have a…read morereservation for the restaurant, you'd still have to wait to check-in with everyone else waiting in line for the pastries because the guy who checks you in is also the same one as behind the bakery counter. Service: 3/5 Food came out fast but service was lacking. Had to ask for water refills and checks because there was no one checking in on us throughout the meal. Food: 3/5 Chicken pot pie - This was tasty to eat. Salmon - Wrapped in parchment paper.. and I didn't like how my salmon was not thoroughly cooked in the middle.

See more unrecommended reviews

Filet mignon....

See all

French onion soup

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

44 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Joey C.

124

3 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Cafe Rustica in Carmel Valley, CA, and I must say it was a delightful experience. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxing meal. The service was attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall dining experience. Firstly, I highly recommend trying their white bean soup. It was a warm and comforting dish, packed with rich flavors and a creamy texture. Each spoonful was a delight, and it left me wanting more. The escargot at Cafe Rustica was a true standout. The preparation was impeccable, with the snails cooked to perfection and served in a delectable garlic and herb butter sauce. The flavors were well-balanced, and the dish offered a unique and indulgent culinary experience. As a seafood lover, I couldn't resist ordering the sea bass caught just hours ago in Monterey. The freshness was evident in every bite. The sea bass was cooked expertly, flaky and moist, complemented by a delicate seasoning that allowed the natural flavors to shine through. It was a true testament to the restaurant's commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Overall, Cafe Rustica delivered an exceptional dining experience. The combination of their delectable white bean soup, perfectly prepared escargot, and fresh sea bass made for a memorable meal. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Carmel Valley. read more

Susan K.

12 years ago

Came to Carmel Valley for a friend's wedding... happen to have time before checking into our room so stopped by the villiage and came across this restaurant. ... First of all, we did not have a reservation... but I can see that the place had plenty of tables available for our party of 4... but we were seated in the corner.. all the way towards the back... and just want to mention the fact that we are Asians..... I was very upset from the time I sat time... we were sitting at the table for about 10 minutes before anyone offered us anything... once we ordered, we were brought our drinks and that was that... I can see other tables getting their bread and butter before their food.. but us... nothing... when the waiter finally came around to bring our dishes... that's when we asked him for bread... which is something you are automatically suppose to get after your drinks... When we did ask for our bread.... he said sure... but where is the freakin BUTTER.... who brings you bread with no butter when everyone else was getting bread and butter... I have to say.... the FOOD was GOOD... but the service... was the worse experience ever... I can see that this restaurant has great reviews... and I am sure they had a great experience here... but if your Asain.... STAY AWAY..... Just a note: the same tables were still empty when I LEFT... read more

Celeste W.

15 years ago

Overpriced. Overhyped. Overrated. My first ever review and sadly it's a poor one. Nothing good to say here. We had dinner here last week and it was one the worst experience at a restaurant in a very long time. The service was awful, from the host who ignored us while on the phone to the ragged busboy to our server who we simply couldn't understand (I speak French and still didn't know what he was saying). Usually a packed house is a good sign but this place is too small and way too loud. I ordered the rib eye, and it was thin and fatty and all together chewy and devoid of taste. My bf had The raviolis, and I have to agree with another reviewer, the portions were small and barely edible.We didn't even bother sticking around for desert. The only positive I saw was a diverse list of wines. Unfortunately, I won't be coming back to try them. Go elsewhere. read more

juan p.

13 years ago

Just an outstanding restaurant and IMO the best restaurant out in the valley. During the summer a great place to sit outside under a heat lamp, and in the winter a very good atmosphere inside including a friendly (but small) bar and plenty of table seating. (and-one prize booth location for a larger party) You should have a reservation during tourist season, but they are extremely friendly and accomodating and will work to fit you in. We have been there many times and have never had a bad meal. My favorites include the calamari appetizers, the salmon pizza on a thin crust, roasted chicken with herbs and the ham hog soup. Prices are very fair, particularly for the high quality of food. read more

Jenny M.

19 years ago

I've been enjoying Cafe Rustica for years. I was there last Friday night and had the sole seafood special. My friend had the swordfish with butternut squash soup. You can't find a dinner like that anywhere else on the peninsula. After I was unable to finish this incredible dinner, I was told that they are going "green" with their to go containers! This is great news and definately worth mentioning. Kudos to the staff and Julian the owner for providing such great service and food. We will be back through the holidays. read more

rashi d.

2 years ago

Darling Nathan at Café Rustica is hands-down the best bartender I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. His wine pouring is unmatched--each drink is perfectly balanced and feels like it's made just for you. Beyond his skills, Nathan's friendly personality and genuine passion for his craft make the whole experience unforgettable. Whether you're looking for a classic or something creative, he'll exceed your expectations every time. Do yourself a favor and sit at the bar--Nathan makes Café Rustica shine! read more

Anita D.

Elite 26

220

387

2 years ago

We tried this restaurant for the first time this weekend and were blown away by their customer service, ambience, and food. The servers were so kind to our large group and accommodated our needs. The courtyard is so beautiful and we appreciated the proximity to wineries in the area. Our group got pizzas, steaks, and fish. Everything was delicious, but it was really the top-notch customer service that put this restaurant over the top. We'll definitely be back! read more

Melissa O.

13 years ago

We have been to Cafe Rustica may times since they opened and have adored it every time! One of our absolute favorites on the entire Monterey Peninsula. If you haven't been yet, put it on your list of things you must do! Some of our favorites are the beet salad, homemade tomato basil soup, the seafood specials with their buerre blanc sauce, raviolis, and my husband loves the lamb fillets. Wonderful wines, comfy, cosy, warm, atmosphere, always love it here. read more

charley w.

14 years ago

Just the best in Carmel Valley. Consistent quality, nice atmosphere, you can sit out in the cute patio on a warm day, and the food is good across the board. We try to get out there every couple of months are are never disappointed. Other restaurants out there come and go with a brief marketing flash, but this one has staying power for all the good reasons. There are a number of seafood pastas and pizzas that are very very fairly priced. read more

Keiki I.

18 years ago

I enjoyed this place. I have been here twice with wonderful food, great warm ambience, and friendly service. Food is simply delish, as I have ordered the tomato salad and pizza. Yes, it doesn't sound too exiciting, but the flavors are absolutely wonderful and the ingredients are so fresh. I found this place to be refreshing and will always look forward to stopping by for lunch when I am in the area. Recommend it! read more

homer a.

15 years ago

This is one fine restaurant. You can sit inside or out, which is a delight on those warm summer evenings out in the valley. Even though the place has passed though several hands over the last couple of years, it has maintained its high standards, and the service is impeccable. Beef short ribs are outstanding although most of the menu focuses on French or Italian items. You won't go wrong here. read more

Rachel F.

11 years ago

I love Café Rustica! It is the best restaurant in Carmel Valley Village and I go every chance I get with my family! I always have the butter leaf salad, eggplant neoploitan and shrimp screwers..my husband always has the pork medallions and my kids always get the pasta and pizza! Yummy Yum Yum! Perfect mix of greatfood and a great kids menu! Go!! read more

adam b.

15 years ago

Delightful food, great outdoor ambience, reasonable (not cheap) food, nice folks. What more could you want in today's world? Sort of a european flavor in Carmel Valley Village. Definitely worth the ride out from Monterey to this lovely area. Popular so make a reservation, particularly on the weekends or tourist season. read more

Nicole V.

192

10 years ago

Best place for dinner in Carmel valley!! Amazing, cozy, and warm atmosphere. Delicious pasta, perfect pizza's, and fresh salads. For a romantic dinner with a loved one, or a gathering of friends this spot is perfect. Make sure to get a reservation on the weekend, it fills up and is very popular. read more

W B.

240

890

11 years ago

Just a great place. Get the special or whatever is the special recommendations. If not salads, pizza and other dishes are great. The best salads you could and will ever enjoy. Nice atmosphere as well. Have a great time as we have. read more

Bill Y.

15 years ago

This is one fine restaurant. Indoor or outdoor seating, nice atmosphere, off the main highway by a block, well prepared food served by happy people. Too bad they're prices aren't just a little lower, or it would be a 5 star. read more

Megan K.

3 years ago

Absolutely delicious food. We had the lamb and swordfish special. Beet salad was so fresh and full of flavor. Escargot was so tender and flavorful. Excellent service and atmosphere was great. Would absolutely eat here again. read more

jesse p.

13 years ago

Back to Rustica for another outstanding meal. Great to report that they are keeping up all of the high standards, while not raising the prices out of sight like so many other restaurants. Great people, food and service. read more

brenda l.

15 years ago

Cute cute cute, with good food and you can eat in or out. Friendly. Too bad the prices are a little on the high side or it would be 4 or 5 stars. read more

Bill H.

15 years ago

Love this place. Sitting on the patio on a warm day is awesome. The salads and desserts are great. As are the entrees. Highly recommended!

Cafe Rustica - french - Updated September 2026

People who viewed Cafe Rustica also viewed

Valley Kitchen

3.9

(203 reviews)

WOW... words can't even begin to describe. I had the best meal of my life and Luis made all the…read moredifference. His smile was contagious and attentiveness was above and beyond. If I didn't already have 6 children and 15 grandchildren I would have adopted him on the spot. Definitely going back just to see Luis!!!re

The brilliant work of Chef Andrew. It's clear that the chef loves food, has a huge heart, and cooks…read morewith joy and passion. We've been to Valley Kitchen dozens of times and the food gets better and tastier. It's evident that the chef and team explores how to incorporate fresh, local, and fine ingredients and bring to life the best of CVR's and California's identity to its dishes. Our favorites are the smoked salmon sourced from Santa Cruz and smoked at Valley Kitchen, Upside Down Hot Honey Cornbread .. and love how he uses the honey, cheese, and garden ingredients. At one point, we had strict diet restrictions and asked Chef Andrew to cook without sugar and to keep our meals below 5g of carb. Not only did we stick to our strict keto diet while traveling but we also fell in love with every single dish he made. Chef Andrew embraced this opportunity to test and adjust to meet our diet needs AND introduce us to new ingredients to include into our diet. We are forever grateful. On this trip, although we asked for his avocado dessert, he politely recommended Chef Molly's desserts. I love how he puts the entire team at the center of the experience. It's a team effort and the desserts were unique to Carmel -- especially with CVR lavender curd. The people who work at CVR and Valley Kitchen are top notch. They are extremely attentive, respectful, and friendly. Many of the servers have been there for years and it shows that when there is a good work culture that it translates to better customer service. The ambiance brings a combination of natural beauty, warmth and coziness (especially with the fireplace), and Californian modern and sleek. I love the Zafferano Pina lamps that provide an intimate experience and enough light to the table (need to see what we're eating!). Thank you, Chef Andrew and team for letting us experience culinary excellence while we rest and heal at our happy place.

Woodys at Del Mesa

4.4

(45 reviews)

Food was good we only had a Caesar salad with shrimp and a clamshowder was one of the best. Lu help…read moreus and recommend a delicious Chardonnay and was very attentive

It was a blast from the past to come by here on Friday night and have dinner. We really love dining…read moreat Woodys's and we've been out of the area for a while so it was great to visit again! One really nice thing after all our travels lately is that the restaurant has not raised its prices. It's the same menu for meals with the addition of pasta and minus a couple of the higher price steaks but they still have specials that are available. We saw one of the friendly servers, Dianne, who remembered us and even remembered the kind of food we like. We ordered the salmon with the Yukon gold potatoes and no brussels sprouts! We were enjoying the crudites with ranch dip and the delicious soft baked bread with wonderful butter when the delectable salmon arrived, sitting atop a mound of the buttery Yukon gold potatoes, with multi colored cauliflower and broccoli. It's a memorable place for the views of Del Mesa, a beautiful assisted living community up on the mesa. We will return here again and again whenever we visit Carmel for a dose of homey nostalgia!

Red House Cafe

4.3

(2.2k reviews)

The food here was so good, and the service was so quick and friendly, would definitely come again!read more

The service was fast and friendly! The smoked salmon on…read morepotatoe pancake was fresh flavorful and an iconic dish. I will be back !

Taste Cafe & Bistro

4.6

(502 reviews)

My family and I would definitely recommend this restaurant. We came to Pacific Grove with our dog…read morefor the second time and we had to eat outside. The owner gave me a blanket and turned on the outdoor heater and made us feel welcome. We weren't very hungry to start, but we ordered the escargot appetizer, the Sea-bass special which included soup or salad and we had the Caesar salad with that. My husband and I had wine and we enjoyed the red blend Behringer and the Pinot from Monterey. Our Apple galette is coming right now and we know it's good because we had it last time. So remember, dog, friendly, and great customer service!

Went to a wedding reception here and the food was incredible, got the salmon dish and loved the…read moresauce, fish and vegetables were so fresh. Crème brûlée was also solid. Interior is beautiful, honestly no complaints and want to come here for dinner now sometime.

Passionfish

4.3

(2.6k reviews)

Fresh, delicious food, and wonderful service!…read more We came to Monterey for a quick getaway vacation and we had a wonderful dinner at Passionfish. Located in Pacific Grove, this restaurant is well known for its sustainable seafood and fresh ingredients. Street parking is available but you may need to drive around to get a spot close to the restaurant. We made a reservation online, and we were notified our table was ready 15 mins prior to our reservation time. When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the hostess. The restaurant was mid sized, but it felt warm and cozy. The menu was quite simple, but the selections were solid. We had the salmon cervice as appetizer, salad, scallop entree, and halibut entree. The cervice was delicious and we loved the innovative concept. The salad was great with perfect balance of veggie, dressing, and cheese. The scallop entree was very flavorful as well. For desserts, we gad the banana pudding with ice-cream, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our dinner. As for service, our waiters were attentive and friendly. The bill for our meal was around $200, which was very reasonable for the quality of the meal. Highly recommend!

This was our first time going to Passionfish! And it did not disappoint us! The crowd was super…read morenice. We ended up talking to a few people which made it nice. The food was excellent. We had the bread rolls which are absolutely to die for! We had the jicama salad and the halibut. We shared this between two adults, and it was more than enough. And their wine selection is incredible! We will definitely be returning!

Edgar's Restaurant

3.8

(113 reviews)

This is a go- to in Carmel Valley. I love Quail Lodge and if it is sunny anywhere on the Monterey…read morePeninsula, it is here in this part of Carmel Valley. Service Is consistent, as is everything on the menu. Eating outdoors here is the move, overlooking the golf course. The Farmer's Market salad ( add your protein) is my favorite. Happy Hour is a great time to come to Edgar's.

Service was decent. Waitress a bit abrupt. Smash burger with the chimichurri sauce was wayyyy…read moretooo salty! I had the penne bolognese was tasty but too al dente.

Covey Grill

4.3

(23 reviews)

Great service! Tasty food!…read moreLovely dining atmosphere! Our Server was a lovely man who was patient with me as I asked questions and went through my usual indecision and finally landing on Butternut squash soup followed by Branzino. The soup Hit The Spot! Vegetable based (so no cream).... This soup was incredibly satisfying. Of course I love me some soup so this hit all my comfort notes on a cool evening after wine tasting and gallivanting all day. The Branzino was perfectly prepared... Just falling off the skin and melting in my mouth. Hubs enjoyed his steak thoroughly! I got a small bike and thought it was quite good.... tender, meaty, good flavor not over seasoned so you can actually taste the beef... Perfect chew. It had texture and was not mushy. All in all, a wonderful dinner experience that I would go back to again.

This is the restaurant inside the golf club " The Quail " . It opens daily for breakfast from 7 am…read moreto 10:30 am . We ordered latte and cappuccino coffee . It tasted great and the texture was smooth . I enjoyed the pretty ceramic cups and plates . Tables setting were very classic and they seated us on a table by the window. We could over look the pond with a bridge and fountains . There were a group of geese playing around in the morning. Food was great . We had the two eggs omelette with a choice of bacon , ham or sausage . Plating was beautiful. The country potatoes came with red potatoes and brown potatoes. The side salad with vinaigrette dressing was fresh and delicious. We got toasts with butter and jam . So much food and I could not finish . The lobby outside was nicely decorated with decorative details . We enjoyed it very much .

Bear + Flag Roadside

4.2

(153 reviews)

Sur at The Barnyard

4.4

(2.1k reviews)

After multiple failed attempts to find somewhere to eat with our dogs in tow, we arrived at Sur at…read morethe Barnyard hungry, tired, and a little defeated. What a wonderful surprise. It was just me, my two girls, and our two dogs, and from the moment we arrived, we were met with genuinely excellent service. The staff was kind, attentive, and welcoming. The food was absolutely fantastic, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Sometimes a meal is more than just a meal. After a long day of searching for a place that would work for our little crew, Sur felt like exactly where we were meant to end up. We left happy, full, and already looking forward to coming back. Highly recommend.

We dropped in to SUR today after hiking a bit. We hadn't been there before, and since Scratch was…read moreclosed and this place a great reviews, we decided to check it out - and I'll chalk this up to anther time Yelp did us wrong. TLDR:: Meh.. I wanted something to drink that wasn't sweet, so I tried their raspberry ice tea. They used a sugary syrup to flavor the tea, and that was a strike out. It was sweeter than a soda, so it went back and I swapped it out for a plain unsweetened ice tea. Then we tried the cheesy garlic bread, which we were really looking forward to. Welp, it came out with mozzarella cheese and a ton of corn. No butter. No garlic. We all looked at each other when we tried it. Ok, let's try their brussel sprouts. Those are hard to mess up - but sure enough, they managed to. They deep fried them to the point they were black and charred. There wasn't anything left of the brussel sprout itself, it was mostly crunchy charcoal. At this point, we all ordered something we assumed would be safe for our main. I got the sliders and a side salad. I had the salad but only of the sliders. The cheese on it was queso, like you use to dip chips, so it was ran all over the place and the burger was a grease ball. I won't even get into what everyone else had, but they had similar experiences. Overall, it was pretty disappointing. Maybe there are other things or other times where this place is better, but it was a swing and a miss for us.

Pèppoli at Pebble Beach

4.4

(177 reviews)