If it's possible to give this restaurant 6 stars, I would! Coastal Kitchen located inside the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa but it's a far cry from hotel dining. The balance of flavors and presentation is equivalent to a Michelin Star restaurant (surprised it has not received one yet). I recommend trying the tasting menu because that's where you'll experience the craftsmanship and creativity of Chef Michale Rotondo, and award winning chef with experiences in Michelin Stars restaurants. Wine paring is also spectacular. You'll get to sample wines from various regions around the world. The ambiance is romantic overlooking the bay from the dining area. The restaurant provides binoculars at each table for closeup views of wildlife on the Bay in between courses. Lastly and most importantly, Coastal Kitchen utilize seasonal local ingredients for a fresh and truly local taste. Kudos to Sarah for sharing her knowledge of wines and everything local. read more

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Spectacular views - especially from the corner tables by the windows - and outstanding service are what I'll most remember from a restaurant with Michelin-star ambitions and one of the best views of any fine dining restaurant in Northern California. The food is great, though portions were smaller than expected given the cost, and some dishes weren't necessarily as memorable as I'd hope. It's possible that had something to do with dietary restrictions (the kitchen is incredibly accommodating).Everything was wonderful on the plate, but sometimes I wanted more of it (the pork was notably thin, for example, and the cod was a two-bite piece). Some nice touches: binoculars by the table, incredible service, a beautiful room. Improvements: bathrooms shared with a hotel lobby is always strange. I wouldn't be surprised if in a year or two, Michelin upgrades the restaurant, and it's on the right trajectory for more acclaim. read more

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Absolutely incredible experience. The location is breathtaking- ambiance couldnt be more beautiful. We had the tasting menu with the wine pairing and it was truly unforgettable. The presentation was absolutely gorgeous, each dish was a work of art and the flavors were so complex and delicious. The wine pairing was perfection- the pairings were all unique and felt truly special, each one was better than the last. The service was superb; Hannah made the wine pairing so fun and comfortable. It was the perfect way to spend a special evening and we can't wait to be back. read more

Coastal Kitchen Monterey - Amuse-Bouche - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

The food was amazing! We had the chef's choice menu. Normally I'm not adventurous with my food, but I was so happy with their choices. Fantastic mixtures of food, flavors and textures. Definitely fine dining with the best service and attention to details. Beautiful views of the bay at sunset and watched the otters play in the background. Not too loud or crowded, exactly what I'm looking for in a nice fine dining experience. Next time, do the wine pairing with it! read more

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Delicious food, wonderful fine dining experience. The wine pairing was nice. I did ask for my dessert I couldn't finish to go and never received it but other than that it was fabulous. Expensive but that is expected for this kind of experience. It is more spacious than the previous restaurant that was here, quiet without being too quiet. Nice seat by the window. read more

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Fine dining done right. Between the food, service, and atmosphere, all boxes are checked in dining here. Making my 1st ever visit to this part of the state, I had two goals. See the ultimate aquarium and dine here. The chef is a familiar person to me as I've dined countless times in his restaurant when he was in San Francisco. When 2020 came, I lost track of where he went until my Google search pointed me here. Coming on a Friday early evening, I made my reservation on OpenTable. I was seated at a half-moon booth facing the bay. My waiter gave me the evening's menu and my journey began. After I studied the menu, it was a no brainer in choosing the tasting menu (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=vmRUAR8mwoyFG1tAm_RD6Q) given the circumstances. I started with a mocktail (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=AS02POyiuSCnnnUiXa0B-Q) that was citrusy and yet reminded me of a mojito. Later in the meal, I tried the other mocktail option (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=RKJ1t5nzBe057rBZVdVqag), a hibiscus, pomegranate, and lemon one that was tasty and a nice contrast to the 1st one. Now to the food. I could write a book on what I ate but, since the dishes will likely be different whenever you choose to try it, I'll just detail the highlights for me. The 1st course, a three-bite plating, is eye-opening and an attention grabber. titled, "To Begin" - Kuushi oyster, watermelon, serrano, shiso, Monterey abalone - Jimmy Nardello, romaine, romesco, and Bison tenderloin - horseradish, creme fraiche (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=96&select=y8s3HkkpMlK7FXAx-TEi0Q). Each bite was distinct and delicious in their own way, using in-season ingredients to create them. Another highlight was the Kanpachi (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=96&select=Ha1rxkSDVXByLT7tnYQkZg), saffron, spring pease, kinome leaf. This is modest at 1st glance, but once you mix the ingredients, then you'll understand this (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=96&select=6vHHGsBuxpQeie8yGGlSfg). The heartier highlight was the A5 Wagyu (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=fATzMx0BAFWrqJ83Cg3GQw), which was braised for 20 hours in a red wine sauce and served on a poblano pepper; this was a supplement that my waiter recommended. The final star in this meal was the Dubai chocolate pistachio (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=CRVqJQDWraUeuDXU3Ai0vQ), Kataifl, mint, valrhona jivara milk chocolate; this was deliciously decadent and literally felt like eating a candy bar with the shredded phyllo dough a great contrast to the chocolate. The generous chef also treated me the opportunity to try the Black Truffle (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=UNG7ZnKlZgjEpkgjxHcocQ), fettucine pasta, proscuitto, parmesan, which actually became my dinner a few days later at home. Before I was given the bill, I was also given macarons which I graciously asked the waiter to pack for me and a gift bag (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=D8h8vxPXSPyeg20QVGXQKw), (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=4bsX9ad7WdSkW9RlmmPnag). This experience exceeded my expectations in every possible way. The details that Chef Michael took in creating my meal and food adventure show his passion for the customer's enjoyment. Thank you, Jesus, my waiter who guided me through this journey. I also appreciate Eli for checking in on me throughout the meal. I later learned that Chef Michael briefed him a little about my history in SF with the chef. Bravo and, needless to say, I highly recommend this for those special occasions as the view from this oceanside restaurant matches the excellence of the food and hospitality. read more

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What an experience! We tried the chefs tasting menu for my husband's birthday celebration and the food and service did not disappoint. Worth every penny. read more

I came here for my girl friend's birthday, and had low expectations about this restaurant. Holy moly, the food here is amazing! Food, view, drinks, service, everything exceeded my expectations. Coastal Kitchen is perfect to celebrate for any occasion. read more

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Absolutely wonderful Sunday brunch tasting menu with sparkling wine included. The pastry they served alongside a lovely fresh fruit plate was craveably good and so flaky. My husband and I both loved the herbed hashbrowns as well. Our service was top notch. I'm very glad we decided to make this our last meal in Monterey. It left us with a great memory. read more

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Guys thanks for nice service! Good tasty and beautiful, amazing view, tasty wine , only one problem, restroom so far read more

Coastal Kitchen Monterey - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

It's unfortunate to leave such a review... We really looked forward to dining in at the restaurant. We made sure on the Christmas day that we could dine in along with our baby. We had a call back and forth to make sure a slot was available so that we could make our day easier with the baby. Unfortunately, we were told the restaurant left a voice message and a call roughly an hour before our reservation that they did not have a table for us. We did not get to check our phone as we were busy on the way in the rain. I feel that the service could have been offered a better alternative instead of keep telling us there is no possible table and to come back at 8pm. I feel the host is not professional for making such a huge mistake on a day like Christmas. I would have probably appreciated it much more so my husband would not be mad. We definitely would not want to waste our time on a Holiday being unhappy. read more

An absolutely amazing dining experience complete with fabulous service and a lovely atmosphere! From the first course to the last, it was stunning. The menu continually changes based on the season and fresh foods. Do the wine pairing! So worth it. And please don't take your children. This is not the place. read more

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The ambiance was perfection. Elegant, quiet, gorgeous views as if on a luxury cruise. We had the chef's tasting menu. Every single bite was a delight, the pacific gold oyster was the best oyster I've ever had. A warming miso soup to open up the appetite, followed by savory bass, umami-full black truffle linguini addition, dry aged duck that was almost like a steak, rich 48 hour short rib over a perfect bed of rice, and pear tartin for dessert. Service was in-sync, professional, friendly, and above and beyond. Would definitely return. read more

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Perfect restaurant to celebrate an anniversary! Very inviting, beautiful view of the Monterey bay. read more

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From the moment you walk in, you know it's going to be a good experience. Our server (Jesus) gave us exceptional service and a detailed explanation of our five-course tasting menu. From the first course until to the last we were amazed by the well-balanced, flavorful selection. All four of us were very happy with this wonderful experience. Thanks! read more

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If it's possible to give this restaurant 6 stars, I would! Coastal Kitchen is located inside the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa but it's afar cry from hotel dining. The balance of flavors and presentation is equivalent to a Michelin Star restaurant (surprised it hasn't received one). I recommend trying the tasting menu because that's where you'll experience the craftsmanship and creativity of Chef Michael Rotondo, an award winning chef with experiences in Michelin Stars restaurants. Wine tasting is also specular. You'll get to sample wines from various regions around the world. Not to forget, the views of the Bay from your dining table enhanced the whole experience. They provide binoculars at your tables for closeup views of activities on the Bay. Lastly and most importantly, Coastal Kitchen utilize seasonal local ingredients for a fresh and truly local taste. Kudos Sarah for sharing her knowledge of wines and everything locals. read more

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Celebrated our anniversary here and the food was amazing! Service was great, they were very attentive! The ambiance was also really good. The view of the ocean is top notch! read more

I had been to Schooners before, nice enough restaurant in the Monterey Inn. Decided to try their upscale restaurant. Went with the 7 course tasting menu with wine pairings. Every dish kind of ramped up, especially the sole with corn and almond mash. Trying to not look uncouth slurping up every drop. As Prix Fixe offerings go, It reasonably priced for the ambiance, and the quality Of food and service. Will definitely come back! read more

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The food was unremarkable, some of it was not very good at all. The service was good and the ambience and view was great. I would not do the tasting menu as it is overpriced and the food is substandard. read more

Stunning spot with large panoramic windows overlooking the bay. Service and food was top notch with the caramelised onion jus with my rib eye a highlight. Only small critique is that they say they use local ingredients but think only one of the wines were from California read more

Dining doesn't get much better than this. Our dinner was excellent. everything was delicious, very fresh healthy. I didn't leave feeling stuffed-just happy and well-fed. The atmosphere is calm and the staff very gracious and helpful. We had an excellent evening and I look forward to returning. Thank you so much. read more

This restaurant punches above its weight class for what you'd expect for a hotel restaurant. Service was top notch and personable (thank you Rachael!). Friendly, and approachable. Custom made us a cocktail that was perfect based on the simplest little instruction. Food was delicious. Really a great night. read more

Came here for my anniversary * Absolutely enjoyed the tasting menu & the view from our seats. They have binoculars for you to use- there were plenty of sea lions and otters when we went around 6 o'clock. The tasting menu came with 5 meal courses ( Pacific Oysters, grilled calamari, tempura squash blossom* Early Grill tomato* Wild King Salmon*Dry aged duck* red wine braised short rib* Cheesecake, two small candy treats) + a little dark chocolate gift bag at the end. Overall, I had no complaints of each dish but I definitely liked the Red Wine Braided short rib the most. It was perfectly cooked and soft. Each dish was served quickly and the waitors explained everything that was served to us. read more

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Was back for a birthday celebration with son and GF. Did not disappoint. Window seating with great views of the Bay and seals, otters, birds, etc. All in for the tasting menu and 3 of us got wine pairings as well. Have pics of the meal which capture the artistry of all the dishes but the taste was also fantastic. Service was again superb, very attentive but not intrusive. The meal experience was around 3 hours but did not feel extended and we were definitely satisfied but not stuffed which is a good balance given the number of courses. Highly recommend for a great fine dining experience in the Monterey area!! read more

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Coastal Kitchen delivered an evening that felt effortlessly refined. The service was immaculate--warm, polished, and perfectly paced. Each dish showcased the kind of precision and creativity you'd expect from a Michelin‑level kitchen, with flavors that were both bold and beautifully balanced. Our favorite dish this trip was the black cod. The wine pairing elevated the meal even further, each glass chosen with a sommelier's intuition and a deep understanding of the menu's nuances. All of this unfolded against a sweeping ocean view. Coastal Kitchen is our favorite restaurant in the Monterey Bay Area. Thank you Rachel, Jesus, and Hanna for another wonderful evening. read more

I was working in the area for the weekend and my love interest insisted on coming with. She found this place and we made the latest reservations possible. Located in the Monterey plaza hotel it might take you a second to actually find the restaurant but it's well worth the hunt.. the hotel also has around 300 rooms so if you're staying here, you'd be crazy to pass this pace up. We did the tasting menu experience to see what this place was about. To our surprise the chef pushed our palate to newer heights. Flavors we never thought could work together such as strawberry, raspberry and salmon matched up so well that the chef fully had my attention at that point.the black cod was arguably the best I've had if not top 2 fish dishes that I can think of. The tortellini came in a sauce emulsion that will not disappoint. We opted for the waygu upgrade on the steak portion of the course. The only thing that I could remotely complain about is the fennel seed in the bread lol. I'd go with some rosemary as a substitute but I wouldn't take it as a complaint because there is so much to rave about in the experience. In the reviews this place was compared to the likes of French laundry so I was a bit leery on the pricing because I didn't see anything to guesstimate the ball park but to my surprise this place was way more affordable than I thought or what the quality suggests. I believe the chef is named chef Michael and brilliant is the only way I would describe him. I also want to add about the great service we were given by the entire staff checking on us but Rachel and Rachel were very helpful with explaining the dishes and wines on top of just being really cool people. 3 way tie for today's game ball between Rachel squared and chef Michael. Lastly I hope this place gets the recognition it deserves being that the views,food and service are second to none in the area. I wouldnt be surprised if this establishment receives a Michelin star sooner than later. From what I was told the majority if not all of the employees have experience in the bourgeois top of the line restaurants so you're basically getting the entire experience at a fraction of the price. I literally worked 16hrs in steel toes panicking if I was gonna miss my reservations so the relief that we made it and the entire experience gave me one of the best Monterey weekends for the books. read more

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I went here last weekend and was blown away by the service. Everyone was so helpful & attentive. I love a chefs table and /or coursed menu and this one was pretty good. I didn't like the broccolini soup, bc it was heavy on the broccoli flavor. My favorite was the pear dessert. Will return when the weather is better :-) read more

PRIX FIXE ADVENTURE BY THE WATER "A prix fixe menu?" I said, wishing I'd starved myself to prepare for such a journey of a feast. Rachel responded with a pleasant smile. "The chef wants you to experience his creative spirit- from Amuse-bouche to the final dessert." It's rare to experience a taste so potent and fragrant that it needs to be reduced in size. "Three bites is just enough. A fourth would diminish the experience." I told Rachel as she glided past our table. "My thoughts exactly." She echoed. While her support staff laid down new silverware for the next course, we could hear the tables complimenting the food from every corner of the restaurant. The restaurant environment had a muted harmony that made you feel a sense of integrated privacy. The powerful wooden beams outlining the open layout absorbed the sharp noises while allowing the peripheral, soft clinking of forks and spoons to chime across your eardrums. Their focus on allowing each diner to experience the dish before them - without feeling alone, is executed flawlessly. This Michelin Guide-listed restaurant deserves at least one star. The artful decadency of its dishes and the kind professionalism of the service staff may need an intimate curvature within the dining room. One with the visual warmth of partitions and booths, mirroring the view of the coastal landscape and adding a seating arrangement that resembles the view of the Pacific Ocean while experiencing this season's current menu. This restaurant deserves to have its entrance - distinctly separated from anything else. Adding an 'A la carte' option would heighten the diner's experience into that exact dopaminergic alignment of creativity the chef feels - making the meal more profoundly and intricately involved. This is an experience I'd want to repeat when dessert and drinks are the only desires of a future night. It takes many years to accomplish exquisitely even one aspect of the dining experience. To systematically achieve the myriad of moving pieces is a work of art, passion, and dedication. Coastal Kitchen does a phenomenal job fulfilling its attempt to put each individual into this season's dining trance. read more

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Amazing tasting menu, some unique offerings and great preparations. Everyone who served us was knowledgeable and friendly. Could not ask for a better place to have a meal, you can even ask for binoculars to get a better look at the Otters and seals as you dine. Really happy i decided on this meal while in the area, loved the vibe. Large portions for a tasting menu but really can't complain about that! read more

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Third visit update. I am going out on a limb here--not very much risk, however, to offer an opinion-- that Coastal Kitchen is the absolute best restaurant in the Monterey Peninsula. And yes, we've been to Foray numerous times and love it! We've been to Chez Noir, Auberge....and CK is the best. The setting is right on the Monterey Bay and the restaurant is designed to have a lot of tables with views. Just lovely. A fairly large dining room with tables spaced far enough away from other diners. Quiet setting prevails without the loud noise that sometimes comes with popular spots. Service here is extremely good and very professional. We recognized several wait staff and the two Somm's. Conrad is always on his game and I trust his recommendations. Last night we both did the wine tasting with the meal. $95 each. Worth every penny. Each course paired with a different wine. Not stingy pours -one note, we had one wine that just didn't seem right for the food. Later Conrad came by and asked how we were liking everything, I told him "All Good" and mentioned our half filled glasses with the not so good wine. We did not complain. Rather it was to inform as maybe we weren't the only ones feeling this way. We were ready for the next course and the next thing that happened was a supplement was placed in front of us with a exceptional wine to accompany. We were blown away. But frankly that's how they do business. They are first class. Start with the menu-- it's always Pre Fixe-- Chef creates a fabulous offering that comprises the best ingredients available for that period he serves the menu. He usually will have one or two "supplements" available to mix it up a bit. Last night was Waygu and the Tagliatelle offerings. Each is carefully and artfully crafted to bring out the delicious flavors from the food. I've added pictures of the nights offering. They were all A plus. He starts with an Amuse Bouche -- not the usual single spoon of "wonderful things to come." Rather there are 4 individual surprises. So essentially you're getting a complete course offering. First time I've ever seen this. The meal service took about 2 1/2 hours. Perfectly timed courses. Obviously no rushing here and also no long wait periods in between. The restaurant is in The Monterey Bay Hotel. Shares an entrance with Schooners. I still think this is a little weird because they are so different -- CK is special and think they should highlight it and not "share" space. Once you're in the restaurant it's fine and there is no distraction. One last comment-- the hotel isn't The Lodge at Pebble Beach or Spanish Bay. Those are 5 star hotels and people that stay in those places can afford CK. I don't think all the folks staying at Monterey Bay can afford CK. One of the servers mentioned it had been a little slow. With current economic conditions I can understand that. The dinner was $145 each plus $95 each, plus a cocktail, service charge and tax. It adds up. The night we were there was pretty full. I hope they keep it up. If you're looking for a real treat for a special night, then CK is for you. read more

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My husband and I had had the Prix Fixe experience. The food and the presentation of it were fine, but underwhelming. The service was great. The sommelier was wonderful, though the wine pairing could have been better. The cocktails were good. The ambiance was excellent for me. We sat next to a window viewing whales and other wildlife. This was my favorite part of the experience. The host station and finding the entrance to the restaurant was confusing. The host greeted patrons for 3 different restaurants I think. At first I thought I was way over dressed compared to the other people checking in before realizing this. For fine dining, I recommend Aubergine Carmel if you have not had it yet. It's always a wonderful experience. read more

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What is a 3 star Michelin Restaurant? According to the Michelin guide: A three-star restaurant is one that offers "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey." My wife and I travel over 2500 miles each year to celebrate our wedding anniversary at nowhere else other than the Coastal Kitchen with Chef Michael Rotondo and his wonderful staff. From the initial warm and friendly greeting from Conrad the Maitre D' Hotel and Sommelier you will be experiencing a 5 course tasting delight never to be experienced anywhere else on the Monterey Peninsula! Chef Michael makes it a point to welcome each guest table before dinner service to ensure they are ready for culinary experience like no other and ensures there are no allergens to affect their tasting experience. For an additional charge, each course will be paired with an exceptional wine to highlight the nuisances of every dish. Rachel our wine server had extensive knowledge of each wine served and made the pairing so much more enjoyable. Jesus and Eli our food servers were always on point and added to the attentiveness of the entire staff! We truly appreciated the attention to detail and the quality of the food served at every course. The Basque cheese cake was off the chart! The French Laundry was an icon of the Napa Valley in its day but the new rising icon of the Monterey Peninsula is the Coastal Kitchen! Thank You Chef Michael and the Monterey Plaza Hotel for a wonderful 3 star Michelin dining experience! The Coastal Kitchen truly offers exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey! read more

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Pro's - insane food, absolutely insanely good - complimentary pastrys during sunday brunch - price is really good for the value of what you get - binoculars on the windows for kiddos! Con's - refused to let us order while other parties in our group were away from table - sour lemonade was really disappointing - service is shot read more

The food was delicious! We were able to get a window seat and there were binoculars that you could use. We thought the 5 course tasting menu wouldn't be enough food but we were wrong. We were so full by the end. Great service and ambiance. Will be back! read more

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DO NOT BOOK HERE! I made a reservation for 4 when I was in town for work and called to cancel the day before, no one picks up the phone and even after leaving a voicemail to cancel one day before they refused to waive the fee when it showed up a few days later. Even spoke to a manager! Don't book at this place, you would think they would be mildly accommodating. read more

It's wonderful warm place with excellent staff and service, The tasting menu was amazing, 5 course menu all courses were very unique, superbly done with great accuracy, and a really complexion of tasty and textures. If I had to guess, I would think it's a 2 stars restaurant. read more

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The ambiance is upscale vibe. Widows everywhere with soft lighting. Menu is Prix fix. It was delicious and changes. Service is what you would expect. Top notch. read more

This restaurant needs to be voted Michelin. From start to finish, everything was perfect. Everyone was extremely friendly and attentive, we got a booth that looked out to the bay - beautiful setting. In addition to the tasting menu, we also included the supplement: risotto and wagyu. Couple items from the menu that stood out the most were: - the black cod, perfectly seared and tender - wagyu, instantly melts in your mouth - Meyer lemon mousse, very light and refreshing, not too sweet Glad we were able to enjoy this experience, will definitely be back! read more

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My wife and I dined here on Valentine's Day for their 7-course set menu. She had a couple of dietary restrictions, and the restaurant thoughtfully provided alternative dishes for those courses. The atmosphere was elegant, with a beautiful view of Monterey Bay. One of the substitutions--fish served in place of the duck--was unfortunately off. Since this was well into our meal, my wife simply chose not to eat it, while I enjoyed my excellent duck dish. We didn't raise a complaint, and the table was quietly cleared for the next course. To our surprise, the manager came over and inquired about the fish. She offered another replacement dish, which my wife initially declined. The manager then offered to discount the meal, and I responded that it wasn't necessary. She paused, folded her hands, and said sincerely, "I don't know how to make this right." Her genuine concern made us smile, and we accepted a replacement course. They brought my wife an excellent serving of scallops, and in yet another thoughtful gesture, they brought me a small plate of Wagyu beef so she wouldn't dine alone during that course--making my 7-course dinner an unexpected 8. I also had the wine pairing, which was excellent. The sommelier was knowledgeable and attentive, and while the pours were a bit generous for a tasting menu, we were thankfully staying at the hotel! Overall, this was an outstanding experience, and we would highly recommend this restaurant. We're already looking forward to returning. read more

Teegan at the front was awesome. Great staff. Amazing food and experience !! Highly recommend.