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Another incredible meal and experience. I've said before that Faisel treats everyone like regulars; now we're starting to feel like family. Between him and his former partner Bashar, there is no one else who understands customer experience like they do. See my updated review for Catch to hear how well Bashar is doing in this regard. Of course, it's a restaurant, so in the end, the food better be great. It is!!! We started with the Sunday Meatballs. I hate to say it, but they were almost a good as my Mother's (of course, everyone thinks their Mother makes the best meatballs). The Marinara Sauce they came in was also really good, and the whipped Ricotta on top really made it special. My wife had the Fig Affair flatbread. Covered in Fig Jam, Burrata, Arugula, and a generous amount of Prosciutto, the flavors were as good as they sounded on the menu. The flatbread itself was perfect. I had wanted to try the Chicken Pot Pie, but they had just run out as we were dining late. Instead, I got the Creamy Spicy Rigatoni. I've rarely had a pasta dish this good. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. The sauce was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat. The Grana Padano generously topping the dish was of the highest quality. It was a big dish, and I finished every last bite. We were stuffed and planning to skip dessert, but Faisel insisted we have the Creme Brulee Waffle since it was my Wife's birthday. We're so glad we did. It's a dessert worthy of bringing you back just to have it. It's a perfect Belgian Waffle topped with a perfect custard creme and a lightly bruleed sugar cap. Perfect sweetness levels. But the kicker was a seemingly innocent scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. So smooth and creamy, and just the right level of sweet. Imagine our surprise when Faisel told us that it contains no sugar! He makes it in house using Monk Fruit! Who knew? As always, we'll be back, again, and again, and again, and ...
It was a good idea to book Nora's prior to our Labor Day weekend trip. Nora's opens around 5pm and I already saw the mass of people in line when they opened up that Saturday. The crowd did not let up by the time it got to our 8pm reservation. We showed up 20 minutes early to check-in but Nora's was so full that the hostess told us that we'd need to wait for our time slot. Not sure if it was just for the weekend, but it was so busy that the hostess was letting walkins know that it was unlikely that they'd be seated. My +1 and I checked in once again with the hostess. We were seated not too long after at the outdoor area 2-3 tables from where we checked in. It may have been a blessing in disguise because it was loud as you went further into the outdoor seating area. I can't say much about the actual restaurant's aesthetic since we were outside, but the outdoor seating for us was quaint and the heat lamps all around were well appreciated. We ordered our meal, sharing an appetizer of onion rings. Nora's offers some show stopping complementary bread with olive oil and balsamic! The onion rings came soon after and they weren't greasy; their housemade ranch made them even more delectable. For our meal, we initially wanted to order the truffle pasta and pot pie. The waitress informed us that the chicken pot pie was sold out. After a few minutes into the onion rings, she returned to let us know that there was one pie left if we were still interested. The pasta was delicious and cooked to perfection. I would recommend the dish to truffle lovers or fans of cream sauces. The portion was very generous and was more than enough to get a person full. The chicken pot pie had really good flavor. It wasn't too salty and the filling wasn't too heavy, but the chicken was very dry. Our hostess was very nice and bubbly. We noticed a man (assuming the owner) making round as well checking if everything was alright. We never needed to ask a waiter to refill our waters as well. My only gripe with the service was a waiter came to serve us the pasta and 2nd option entree after speaking with our main waiter about getting the pot pie. Both dished went back into the kitchen, but when our correct order came out, my pasta was cold. Overall, it was a wonderful night at Nora's. What was even better was that the dinner didn't break the bank. From my entree, I would definitely would want to dine at Nora's again, but my +1 (who had the pie) would say differently.
A true hidden gem in a small town. Nora's had a small footprint and a huge heart. The ambiance is laid back and cadual, and the food and service is top notch. We went for a family lunch after a short walk around town and landed on the patio at Nora's. I can't resist a smelly sandwich with a side of fries, and I was not about to start. Apparently this sandwich is also the chef's favorite item on the menu, so I knew it would be good. Packed with meaty, briney sardines, red onions, and capers, this was amazingly delicious. My partner got a spicy pasta dish and loved it. My folks got the fish and chips and the puerco pebil tostada and both cleaned their plates. The food is fun and fresh, the prices are reasonable, and the staff was super friendly. OH, and dessert! A creme brulee waffle! Insane! Order two!
Food: I ordered a small bowl of clam chowder and my first thought was wow this tastes like the progressive clam chowder, but with more stuff. It was also saltier. I had the cioppino too, it was fine, nothing really provided the wow factor for me. It tasted like frozen seafood that was reheated in tomato sauce Ambiance: I sat inside and the tables are pretty tight. A bird flew into the restaurant, some people freaked out, but a server was able to shoo it out. The wait wasn't bad for one person, but it was really busy in there
I'd give this place 3.5 stars out of 5! Overall the staff and restaurant were very clean and attentive! Super amazing service for sure! The food was delicious but I wasn't expecting such "small" portions. It was enough to fill me up but I usually like to take leftovers home. The clam chowder bowl was the size of a cup and my pasta wasn't that much but appreciated the amount of shrimp they gave me. I definitely would like to return and try the Chicken Pot Pie - it was huge and they only have so many to offer in one day! The hibiscus spritz was too bitter for my taste but I am interested in trying the blood orange one soon. I felt this place was a bit over rated that what it actually is.
I LOVE stayin' in Carmel By The Sea... The walkable storybook village, tree-lined streets, the beach, slower pace, and dog-friendliness. The dining scene? Not so much. I'm used to SF "expensive" but Carmel is HELLA expensive - $30 chilaquiles, $58 linguine, $120 ribeye (14 oz, not wagyu), and the list goes on. And, these aren't with luxe ingredients like truffle, caviar, or A5. From the owner(s) behind Anton & Michel, Village Corner, and Tree House Café, Nora's opened last summer and has become wildly popular in Carmel... Because nothing is over $39! Weekend rezzies are a must. Indoor and patio seating. M E N U "Carmel Comfort Food", an array of American and Italian dishes; e.g. clam chowder, cioppino, flatbreads, pasta, and nostalgic comfort dishes like meatloaf, roast beef +biscuits, and chicken pot pie. Beer and wine only. F O O D * Complimentary Bread: https://tinyurl.com/4cpwa63c Served warm, the bread was crusty and soft. Served with a savory, tangy olive oil balsamic dip. * Prawn Scampi w/ garlic, butter, capers, spaghetti ($27): https://tinyurl.com/23mctpk2 Perfectly al dente spaghetti topped with tender, snappy shrimp. The dish was too soupy tho, and I wished it had a stronger punch of garlic, butter, and lemon to bring out the flavors more. * House Chicken Pot Pie w/ braised chicken, pearled onions, fennel, celery, gold potatoes ($30): https://tinyurl.com/3xdanh3t - Available dinner only My fav dish of the night - a deliciously buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with a rich and comforting blend of moist hand-shredded chicken breast, tender potatoes, and sweet peas in a creamy gravy. Barefoot Contessa aka Ina Garten would approve! * Fish & Chips: Local rock cod, thick cut fries, housemade tartar ($25): https://tinyurl.com/mu6ffzss My least fav dish of the night - while the portion of rock cod was generous, the fish had a noticeable fishy taste, and the steak fries were a bit too soft. * Complimentary Dessert Having soft serve earlier in the day, we skipped dessert. BUT, one of the co-owners, Faisal was not having it and brought over complimentary lemon macarons. Such a sweet gesture! S E R V I C E Amazing hospitality from Faisal who can be seen walking around checking in with every table. He's very personable, hands-on, and he makes customers feel cared for. It was busy so our server was spread thin. Food does take some time to come out. A M B I A N C E Indoor dining area is very cozy and can be cramped so opt for the patio if you want more room. That said, the patio was lively and loud esp with the live music. Overall, I thought the food was fine (3.5 stars) but what stood out the most was the warm hospitality and Camel "affordable" price points. In a town where dining can break yo wallet, I can see why Nora's is so popular and can be worth the visit.
Highly recommend giving this place a try - immediately! We originally set out for dinner at another Carmel establishment, but after sitting down and reading through the menu, my daughter tapped me on the shoulder and asked that we leave. She started looking on her phone for recommendations and said to me that she wanted to go to Nora's. We arrived and were lucky to be seated before a 45 minute wait was implemented. This place is great. I was greeted by the manager who introduced himself and spent a minute chatting with us. The food came out hot and fresh and was super delicious. The prices are very fair and reasonable - and well worth it. We had 2 starters and 2 entrees. I had a soda and our bill came out to less than $125 with a generous tip.
This place is the perfect balance of a home cooked meal and an elevated dining experience. The menu has something for everyone and every dish is packed with fresh ingredients. The place did get a little crowded but honestly, I'm not surprised it had great patio seating which let us enjoy the perfect summer night! Our waiter was also amazing!! He did a great job suggesting options and providing a great experience! My husband ordered the shrimp pasta and I am a sucker for meatloaf. The shrimp pasta was cooked perfectly and the mashed potatoes honestly stole the show in my opinion. The meatloaf was great too, I just can't pass up complimenting the perfect mashed potatoes! We shared the kale Cesar salad too that was perfectly dressed. Our desserts were nothing short of out of this world. I'll even go as far to say it's probably one of my top three desserts I've ever had in my life! The caramel Brulé waffle was not only a unique take on a classic waffle, it was perfectly executed in the Brûlé department. I had a hard time sharing this with my husband. We also had the Affogato, which was also amazing. Overall, a new added spot to our Carmel visits. So many places here are overpriced and overrated, but Nora's hit the spot in every category! I can't wait to go back!
I love everything about this restaurant. I spent my Birthday here last night , and had a great time. This place is small- maybe 6 or 8 tables inside , and a number of tables outside on the patio. Limited seating combined with good food makes it hard to get a table for dinner. My recommendation is to make your reservation well in advance , or show up early before they open and grab a spot in line . The menu is different- in a good way. You will find some Italian menu options , seafood , and some comfort food staples . Trust me, everything is good. For dinner, I chose the gnocchi bolognese. The dish was fantastic with substantial pieces of meat throughout. If you like a lot of pasta sauce like me , I would suggest having them add some more sauce to your dish. The sauce is good - I wanted more to dip my bread in. My wife opted for the pot roast and biscuits. Wow- the biscuits are so soft and fluffy. No one likes a hard dried out biscuit ,and Nora"s delivers a good biscuit . I was full long before my birthday dessert arrived , but had a few bites of the cereal cake. To me , it was one of the best cakes I have ever tried. It tasted like tres leches cake with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal over the top. So good! The prices are reasonable, the place is charming , and the staff is so friendly and efficient. Drinks were refilled, plates were cleared ,and all of our questions were answered. This place is firmly on my radar- I can't wait to come back and try more of their menu items. Thank you Nora's for making my Birthday special.
We ate at Nora's on a busy Sunday for lunch. We got a table outside, which is much more pleasant than the very tight seating area inside. For some reason, everything we ordered was very cold. The meatballs were cold inside and the pasta and pizza were both cold. We were going to send them back, but our server did not stop back and seem super busy so we just ate it cold but I would not return.
I found this location via Yelp and was excited to give it a try. So while doing the 17 mile drive, I called to try to get a reservation at around 5pm. The seating hostess let me know that they no longer were making reservations, but that I could put my name down if I popped by in person. So after a quick drive we decided to go and put our name down- this was done at 6:10pm. They quoted us a 45 minute to 1 hour wait. So we decided to walk around town and wait for the call. An hour later, we came back to check in and they told us that they still had 3 parties ahead of us and all of their reservations. At this point, we decided that we couldn't wait any longer as our toddler was hungry and acting up. So we went to another restaurant down the street, got a table, ordered, ate, paid, left and on the drive back to our hotel we got 2 calls about a table. Overall we never got to eat here. I'm sure the food was good and although the seating hostess and the manager(?) seemed lovely- no place is worth a 2+ hour wait for a table with a hungry toddler.
Amazing lunch spot, reasonable pricing for being in Carmel only spent about 80$ on our meal. The truffle cream had great flavors and textures. Would definitely go back again
Cute place ! Friendly and fast service. The hostess was very friendly! We sat outside in their quaint little patio area with plenty of shade and no shade. Our waiter was great and attentive. We shared a cup of tomato soup, Greek salad and the Brooklyn buzz flatbread. The soup was so creamy and delicious ! Loved it ! The salad was huge and perfect for sharing ! The flatbread was perfectly cooked and the hot honey just gave the perfect touch. Great place for lunch and dinner !
17 days ago
28 days ago
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Another incredible meal and experience. I've said before that Faisel treats everyone like regulars; now we're starting to feel like family. Between him and his former partner Bashar, there is no one else who understands customer experience like they do. See my updated review for Catch to hear how well Bashar is doing in this regard. Of course, it's a restaurant, so in the end, the food better be great. It is!!! We started with the Sunday Meatballs. I hate to say it, but they were almost a good as my Mother's (of course, everyone thinks their Mother makes the best meatballs). The Marinara Sauce they came in was also really good, and the whipped Ricotta on top really made it special. My wife had the Fig Affair flatbread. Covered in Fig Jam, Burrata, Arugula, and a generous amount of Prosciutto, the flavors were as good as they sounded on the menu. The flatbread itself was perfect. I had wanted to try the Chicken Pot Pie, but they had just run out as we were dining late. Instead, I got the Creamy Spicy Rigatoni. I've rarely had a pasta dish this good. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. The sauce was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat. The Grana Padano generously topping the dish was of the highest quality. It was a big dish, and I finished every last bite. We were stuffed and planning to skip dessert, but Faisel insisted we have the Creme Brulee Waffle since it was my Wife's birthday. We're so glad we did. It's a dessert worthy of bringing you back just to have it. It's a perfect Belgian Waffle topped with a perfect custard creme and a lightly bruleed sugar cap. Perfect sweetness levels. But the kicker was a seemingly innocent scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. So smooth and creamy, and just the right level of sweet. Imagine our surprise when Faisel told us that it contains no sugar! He makes it in house using Monk Fruit! Who knew? As always, we'll be back, again, and again, and again, and ... read more
It was a good idea to book Nora's prior to our Labor Day weekend trip. Nora's opens around 5pm and I already saw the mass of people in line when they opened up that Saturday. The crowd did not let up by the time it got to our 8pm reservation. We showed up 20 minutes early to check-in but Nora's was so full that the hostess told us that we'd need to wait for our time slot. Not sure if it was just for the weekend, but it was so busy that the hostess was letting walkins know that it was unlikely that they'd be seated. My +1 and I checked in once again with the hostess. We were seated not too long after at the outdoor area 2-3 tables from where we checked in. It may have been a blessing in disguise because it was loud as you went further into the outdoor seating area. I can't say much about the actual restaurant's aesthetic since we were outside, but the outdoor seating for us was quaint and the heat lamps all around were well appreciated. We ordered our meal, sharing an appetizer of onion rings. Nora's offers some show stopping complementary bread with olive oil and balsamic! The onion rings came soon after and they weren't greasy; their housemade ranch made them even more delectable. For our meal, we initially wanted to order the truffle pasta and pot pie. The waitress informed us that the chicken pot pie was sold out. After a few minutes into the onion rings, she returned to let us know that there was one pie left if we were still interested. The pasta was delicious and cooked to perfection. I would recommend the dish to truffle lovers or fans of cream sauces. The portion was very generous and was more than enough to get a person full. The chicken pot pie had really good flavor. It wasn't too salty and the filling wasn't too heavy, but the chicken was very dry. Our hostess was very nice and bubbly. We noticed a man (assuming the owner) making round as well checking if everything was alright. We never needed to ask a waiter to refill our waters as well. My only gripe with the service was a waiter came to serve us the pasta and 2nd option entree after speaking with our main waiter about getting the pot pie. Both dished went back into the kitchen, but when our correct order came out, my pasta was cold. Overall, it was a wonderful night at Nora's. What was even better was that the dinner didn't break the bank. From my entree, I would definitely would want to dine at Nora's again, but my +1 (who had the pie) would say differently. read more
A true hidden gem in a small town. Nora's had a small footprint and a huge heart. The ambiance is laid back and cadual, and the food and service is top notch. We went for a family lunch after a short walk around town and landed on the patio at Nora's. I can't resist a smelly sandwich with a side of fries, and I was not about to start. Apparently this sandwich is also the chef's favorite item on the menu, so I knew it would be good. Packed with meaty, briney sardines, red onions, and capers, this was amazingly delicious. My partner got a spicy pasta dish and loved it. My folks got the fish and chips and the puerco pebil tostada and both cleaned their plates. The food is fun and fresh, the prices are reasonable, and the staff was super friendly. OH, and dessert! A creme brulee waffle! Insane! Order two! read more
Food: I ordered a small bowl of clam chowder and my first thought was wow this tastes like the progressive clam chowder, but with more stuff. It was also saltier. I had the cioppino too, it was fine, nothing really provided the wow factor for me. It tasted like frozen seafood that was reheated in tomato sauce Ambiance: I sat inside and the tables are pretty tight. A bird flew into the restaurant, some people freaked out, but a server was able to shoo it out. The wait wasn't bad for one person, but it was really busy in there read more
2 months ago
I'd give this place 3.5 stars out of 5! Overall the staff and restaurant were very clean and attentive! Super amazing service for sure! The food was delicious but I wasn't expecting such "small" portions. It was enough to fill me up but I usually like to take leftovers home. The clam chowder bowl was the size of a cup and my pasta wasn't that much but appreciated the amount of shrimp they gave me. I definitely would like to return and try the Chicken Pot Pie - it was huge and they only have so many to offer in one day! The hibiscus spritz was too bitter for my taste but I am interested in trying the blood orange one soon. I felt this place was a bit over rated that what it actually is. read more
2 months ago
I LOVE stayin' in Carmel By The Sea... The walkable storybook village, tree-lined streets, the beach, slower pace, and dog-friendliness. The dining scene? Not so much. I'm used to SF "expensive" but Carmel is HELLA expensive - $30 chilaquiles, $58 linguine, $120 ribeye (14 oz, not wagyu), and the list goes on. And, these aren't with luxe ingredients like truffle, caviar, or A5. From the owner(s) behind Anton & Michel, Village Corner, and Tree House Café, Nora's opened last summer and has become wildly popular in Carmel... Because nothing is over $39! Weekend rezzies are a must. Indoor and patio seating. M E N U "Carmel Comfort Food", an array of American and Italian dishes; e.g. clam chowder, cioppino, flatbreads, pasta, and nostalgic comfort dishes like meatloaf, roast beef +biscuits, and chicken pot pie. Beer and wine only. F O O D * Complimentary Bread: https://tinyurl.com/4cpwa63c Served warm, the bread was crusty and soft. Served with a savory, tangy olive oil balsamic dip. * Prawn Scampi w/ garlic, butter, capers, spaghetti ($27): https://tinyurl.com/23mctpk2 Perfectly al dente spaghetti topped with tender, snappy shrimp. The dish was too soupy tho, and I wished it had a stronger punch of garlic, butter, and lemon to bring out the flavors more. * House Chicken Pot Pie w/ braised chicken, pearled onions, fennel, celery, gold potatoes ($30): https://tinyurl.com/3xdanh3t - Available dinner only My fav dish of the night - a deliciously buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with a rich and comforting blend of moist hand-shredded chicken breast, tender potatoes, and sweet peas in a creamy gravy. Barefoot Contessa aka Ina Garten would approve! * Fish & Chips: Local rock cod, thick cut fries, housemade tartar ($25): https://tinyurl.com/mu6ffzss My least fav dish of the night - while the portion of rock cod was generous, the fish had a noticeable fishy taste, and the steak fries were a bit too soft. * Complimentary Dessert Having soft serve earlier in the day, we skipped dessert. BUT, one of the co-owners, Faisal was not having it and brought over complimentary lemon macarons. Such a sweet gesture! S E R V I C E Amazing hospitality from Faisal who can be seen walking around checking in with every table. He's very personable, hands-on, and he makes customers feel cared for. It was busy so our server was spread thin. Food does take some time to come out. A M B I A N C E Indoor dining area is very cozy and can be cramped so opt for the patio if you want more room. That said, the patio was lively and loud esp with the live music. Overall, I thought the food was fine (3.5 stars) but what stood out the most was the warm hospitality and Camel "affordable" price points. In a town where dining can break yo wallet, I can see why Nora's is so popular and can be worth the visit. read more
Highly recommend giving this place a try - immediately! We originally set out for dinner at another Carmel establishment, but after sitting down and reading through the menu, my daughter tapped me on the shoulder and asked that we leave. She started looking on her phone for recommendations and said to me that she wanted to go to Nora's. We arrived and were lucky to be seated before a 45 minute wait was implemented. This place is great. I was greeted by the manager who introduced himself and spent a minute chatting with us. The food came out hot and fresh and was super delicious. The prices are very fair and reasonable - and well worth it. We had 2 starters and 2 entrees. I had a soda and our bill came out to less than $125 with a generous tip. read more
2 months ago
This place is the perfect balance of a home cooked meal and an elevated dining experience. The menu has something for everyone and every dish is packed with fresh ingredients. The place did get a little crowded but honestly, I'm not surprised it had great patio seating which let us enjoy the perfect summer night! Our waiter was also amazing!! He did a great job suggesting options and providing a great experience! My husband ordered the shrimp pasta and I am a sucker for meatloaf. The shrimp pasta was cooked perfectly and the mashed potatoes honestly stole the show in my opinion. The meatloaf was great too, I just can't pass up complimenting the perfect mashed potatoes! We shared the kale Cesar salad too that was perfectly dressed. Our desserts were nothing short of out of this world. I'll even go as far to say it's probably one of my top three desserts I've ever had in my life! The caramel Brulé waffle was not only a unique take on a classic waffle, it was perfectly executed in the Brûlé department. I had a hard time sharing this with my husband. We also had the Affogato, which was also amazing. Overall, a new added spot to our Carmel visits. So many places here are overpriced and overrated, but Nora's hit the spot in every category! I can't wait to go back! read more
I love everything about this restaurant. I spent my Birthday here last night , and had a great time. This place is small- maybe 6 or 8 tables inside , and a number of tables outside on the patio. Limited seating combined with good food makes it hard to get a table for dinner. My recommendation is to make your reservation well in advance , or show up early before they open and grab a spot in line . The menu is different- in a good way. You will find some Italian menu options , seafood , and some comfort food staples . Trust me, everything is good. For dinner, I chose the gnocchi bolognese. The dish was fantastic with substantial pieces of meat throughout. If you like a lot of pasta sauce like me , I would suggest having them add some more sauce to your dish. The sauce is good - I wanted more to dip my bread in. My wife opted for the pot roast and biscuits. Wow- the biscuits are so soft and fluffy. No one likes a hard dried out biscuit ,and Nora"s delivers a good biscuit . I was full long before my birthday dessert arrived , but had a few bites of the cereal cake. To me , it was one of the best cakes I have ever tried. It tasted like tres leches cake with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal over the top. So good! The prices are reasonable, the place is charming , and the staff is so friendly and efficient. Drinks were refilled, plates were cleared ,and all of our questions were answered. This place is firmly on my radar- I can't wait to come back and try more of their menu items. Thank you Nora's for making my Birthday special. read more
We ate at Nora's on a busy Sunday for lunch. We got a table outside, which is much more pleasant than the very tight seating area inside. For some reason, everything we ordered was very cold. The meatballs were cold inside and the pasta and pizza were both cold. We were going to send them back, but our server did not stop back and seem super busy so we just ate it cold but I would not return. read more
I found this location via Yelp and was excited to give it a try. So while doing the 17 mile drive, I called to try to get a reservation at around 5pm. The seating hostess let me know that they no longer were making reservations, but that I could put my name down if I popped by in person. So after a quick drive we decided to go and put our name down- this was done at 6:10pm. They quoted us a 45 minute to 1 hour wait. So we decided to walk around town and wait for the call. An hour later, we came back to check in and they told us that they still had 3 parties ahead of us and all of their reservations. At this point, we decided that we couldn't wait any longer as our toddler was hungry and acting up. So we went to another restaurant down the street, got a table, ordered, ate, paid, left and on the drive back to our hotel we got 2 calls about a table. Overall we never got to eat here. I'm sure the food was good and although the seating hostess and the manager(?) seemed lovely- no place is worth a 2+ hour wait for a table with a hungry toddler. read more
Cute place ! Friendly and fast service. The hostess was very friendly! We sat outside in their quaint little patio area with plenty of shade and no shade. Our waiter was great and attentive. We shared a cup of tomato soup, Greek salad and the Brooklyn buzz flatbread. The soup was so creamy and delicious ! Loved it ! The salad was huge and perfect for sharing ! The flatbread was perfectly cooked and the hot honey just gave the perfect touch. Great place for lunch and dinner ! read more
23 days ago
The food was so good! We really enjoyed everything we ordered. The spicy rigatoni was delicious, although I personally wish it had a little more spice. But I guess that's why they ask if you want extra chili flakes lol. The SF cioppino was more like a seafood tomato soup that you dip your toast into, which I actually really liked. The scallops were especially good :) Our favorite was definitely the crab artichoke dip!! It was so good and easily the highlight of the meal. I highly recommend trying it! The only reason I'm giving this place 4/5 stars is because there were quite a few flies that kept landing on us while we were eating. Thankfully, they had a small fan on the table that did a great job keeping them away from the food, so that helped a lot. They're also dog-friendly and even offer water for your dogs, which was such a nice touch. Overall, we had a great experience and would definitely come back! read more
When we first arrived to Carmel we were trying to find a yummy place to eat and this came up as one of the top restaurants. We didn't have a reservation, so we put our name down and there was about a 45 minute wait which we were ok with. We were a group of 4 and were hoping to get a table on the outside patio but were seated inside. There was a heat wave during the time we went in March and oh my goodness since the places don't have air conditioning it was really hot inside. Luckily, one of our waiters was super sweet and fun and we asked him once a table is available outside if we could move. I kept an eye out and as soon as I saw a table I asked him to move us and within minutes he did! We were so grateful because it felt so much better outside! We did family style and ordered the House Kale Caesar, Creamy Spicy Rigatoni and the Miss Margarita with pepperoni. First off, I love Caesar salads so I was a bit skeptical about the Kale but oh my goodness it was soooo good!! read more
1 month ago
Lovely atmosphere and setting. Our pastas we ordered were really good and would recommend anyone getting them! The creme brulee waffle was just phenomenal! Our waitress Maddie was very sweet, friendly, and attentive. The wait was long for us on a Saturday night (around an hour), but there was so much to do and sightsee in the immediate area. I would recommend getting a reservation ahead of time. Would come back again:) read more
The fish and chips were good overall. The fish and fries were crispy, though I was hoping for a bit more crunch, and the fresh caught rock fish was slightly dry. The real standout was the pasta. It was perfectly al dente and tasted freshly made. The shrimp was coated in a bright lemon-garlic caper sauce that had the perfect balance of flavors. I'd definitely come back for the pasta! read more
4 months ago
This place easily had some of the warmest service I've ever experienced. The staff seemed to genuinely care about their customers - super touching to see them recognize locals and chat with regulars like old friends. It made the whole place feel welcoming. We ordered the meatball sub, spicy rigatoni, and a bowl of clam chowder. Everything was solid, but the clam chowder was absolutely incredible! Somehow, it managed to be both light and flavorful - wasn't overly thick or heavy, but still packed with clam flavor. Even the potatoes were ridiculously good and I'm usually pretty meh about potatoes in chowder. Seating isn't too limited, several indoor and outdoor tables, but spaced out enough to not feel cramped at all. Worth checking - definitely get the clam chowder! read more
4 months ago
I cannot begin to say how much we enjoyed this dinner experience. We were seated in a lovely outdoor area and immediately welcomed by an incredibly friendly staff. What truly made the evening special was the warm visit from both the owner and manager. They were so down-to-earth and genuine, spending substantial time chatting with us, sharing the history of the restaurant, and making us feel completely at home. We ordered several dishes, and every single one was outstanding. The clam chowder was rich and flavorful, the tomato soup was absolutely out of this world, and the chicken wings were crispy to perfection. We also greatly enjoyed the meatloaf and rigatoni, but the real star of the night were the chicken and waffles. The fried chicken was unbelievably moist -- honestly some of the best I've ever had. From the staff, to the food, to the ambiance, the entire experience was perfection. This was one of the most enjoyable dining experiences we've had, and we cannot wait to return. read more
Excellent food and service! We came at 3:45pm on mother's day weekend and were the 3rd in line. The line got longer and longer to the corner of the shops down the street really fast. We finally got in and sitting inside the restaurant. Nice ambiance inside. We ordered artichoke crab dip - best crab dip i ever had. Butter lettuce salad was ok. Clam chowder was soo tasty and creamy. Cioppino was rich and seafood in there was so fresh. Finally the chicken potpie which the restaurant said a very popular dish was soo delicious. It was my first time at Nora and it wont be the last. That's going to be my return spot when im in Carmel. read more
5 months ago
Food 4/5 Can't have enough of the bread and their crab artichoke dip. The chicken pot pie is quite heavy, and includes lots of chunky chicken. Service 5/5 Ambiance 5/5 We felt teleported to Provence. Love the ambiance here. read more
16 days ago
Delicious and fresh! Sardine sandwich was served on the softest ciabatta. Shrimp pasta was cooked perfectly. A special lunch for our visit to Carmel! read more
I went to Nora's and was seated immediately. I found this place after looking for a new Italian place after a different restaurant told me that the wait time was 45 minutes for a table. I had the best time at Nora's. The food took a while to come out, but other than that, the food was very yummy and the service was excellent! Please visit Nora's when you're ever in Carmel ! read more
5 months ago
I really wanted to love this place. The ambiance is lovely, and the restaurant was packed when we visited, which made us think we were in for a great meal. Unfortunately, our experience didn't live up to expectations. My friend and I both ordered the carbonara, and it was overwhelmingly salty, to the point where I needed to sip water after almost every bite just to get through it. To their credit, the staff was kind and brought us ice cream on the house, which we appreciated. That said, the main dishes are what matter most, and sadly, we just couldn't enjoy our meals. Overall, it's a beautiful spot with great energy, but based on our experience, the food didn't quite match the atmosphere. read more
2 days ago
We had delicious lunch at Nora's today. Their Monterey sandwich ($19) was filled with marinated sardines, cucumbers, capers and other goodies. It was addictive! It came with freshest spinach salad with tomatoes and excellent dressing. I will definitely go back! read more
If you're in the area or planning to be - come here for dinner - and dessert while you're at it! We had the gnocchi bolognese and the truffle mafaldine and the gnocchi was the best by far! For dessert we had the honey peach cheesecake and the crème brûlée waffle between the two the waffle was the winner and I would make the drive back for it any time! The service was great and the staff was very friendly, it feels like you're eating at the home of an old friend. The seating is indoor and outdoor with a lot of seats on the patio which can get crowded but it's still a calm ambiance and they play soft jazz. If you don't have a reservation the wait is usually about an hour which is just enough time to wander a few blocks and check out the local shops. read more
Really blown away by this restaurant. From start to finish, the service was impressive. They are super friendly, attentive, and don't forget a thing! When we arrived, they told us that the wait was gonna be 1hr but we were lucky enough to be seated within 15 minutes. While we waiting, they offered us a cup of wine. We got seated before they came, but the wine still arrived! The service manager made sure everyone was attended to and felt at home The food was incredible. I was loving every bite. The flavors were outstanding and the plates came out with perfect timing. We especially liked the broccolini and the cioppino. But every was great. We will definitely be returning to this restaurant on our next visit to beautiful Carmel! read more
10/10 recommend Nora's. Definitely call in before hand to get the best seating & reservation. The walk ins were around 1.5-2 hour wait time. The pizza, rigatoni pasta, waffle dessert was sensational and I would order again. Our hostess was so sweet too and service was fast. Outside seating had heaters but was relatively sunny during dinner time. This was a great spot to do family style sharing. Would come back again! read more
2 months ago
We absolutely loved our dinner at Nora's! This adorable, quaint restaurant has such a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. We ordered the rigatoni with meatballs and the kale Caesar with salmon, and both were absolutely delicious. Everything was cooked perfectly and full of incredible flavor. You can really tell the dishes are made with care and attention to detail. We were celebrating my birthday, and the team made the evening feel extra special. We ended the night with two amazing desserts-the crème brûlée waffle and banana cream pie-and both were so delicious. It was the perfect way to celebrate! What really made our experience stand out was the owner. He was incredibly sweet and welcoming, and throughout the night he personally went to each table to check in with guests and make sure everyone was enjoying their meals. That genuine hospitality is something you don't see everywhere and truly made us feel appreciated. If you're visiting Carmel, Nora's is a must-try. Amazing food, a charming atmosphere, and wonderful people behind the restaurant. We can't wait to come back! read more
2 months ago
Beautiful family owned restaurant with the most INCREDIBLE service I've ever experienced. The owner stoped by multiple times to check on us and have a chat, as well as his son Marco. He went above and beyond to bring my dog fresh chicken and the most delicious desert (I've ever had in my life) the Crème Brule Waffle. Monica was also AMAZING and so personable. We had the spicy rigatoni and black truffle pasta. Delish! 100/10 read more
I truly wanted to love this spot because the hospitality was lovely but everything fell short from our expectations. We came on a long weekend and was estimated 30 minutes wait. After walking for about 10 minutes, the nice hostess gave us a call to come back and got us situated fairly quickly. The tall gentleman who was our waiter was super sweet, but everything from getting our orders to getting the check was excruciatingly slow. Double baked potato- (4.5/5) the velvety creamy potato was delicious and the highlight of our meal Truffle mushroom flatbread (4/5) cheesy earthy bread. Bread was lightly toasted but wished it was baked a bit longer Cioppino (3/5) lacking the depth of the tomato base but the seafood was pretty fresh Spicy rigatoni add meatballs (1/5) pasta was soggy, sauce was watered down, lacking seasoning. I was so excited for this dish but it fell short Dry chicken wings (1/5) asked for dry wings with bbq on the side but served apologized and said the chef made half the wings bbq and half the wings dry. Not such a big deal but the bbq sauce was not good and the wings were so dry. Overall employees have a great attitude but food is mid. read more
6 months ago
Tried this place out on a Tuesday afternoon, we showed up with without a reservation and were immediately seated. It was very, very busy, we thought we were going to have to wait a while before getting a table. We sat outdoors, it is a bit of a smaller space so seating is tight. Street parking can also be a bit harder to find. The staff were all very nice and helpful. We tried their burger and Margherita pizza, both were delicious. We were so full we weren't able to try their dessert, but we will definitely be going back to try more! read more
I feel terrible typing this but the food is basic; nothing extraordinary. The staff were so friendly, fast and accommodating (from the host , food runner and our server-everyone was so kind). I highly recommend reservations read more
Went on a Sunday, got seated 30mins after being on the waitlist. Food didn't arrive until after 35mins of being seated though. Service is good and attentive. The owner or manager checked in on the tables too which was nice. Place has inside and outside seating. Presentation of the food was nice. All didn't come warm or hot to the table though. Broccoli had good sauce mixed in, citrusy with a bit of a kick. Some pieces were chewy though. Got the sardine sandwich which we all enjoyed with the salad! Gnocchi bolognese was ok. Salmon was ok, kind of dry. The corn base for the salmon was ok too. read more
Nora's was phenomenal. We had a Saturday night reservation and were seated right away, always a great start. The ambiance is super cozy, perfect for a date night, and the staff made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. Everything we ordered hit. The lobster ravioli was rich and flavorful, and the Fig Affair flatbread was incredible with that perfect balance of salty and sweet. The bread itself deserves a shout too, fresh, soft, and with a great bite. We wrapped it all up with a waffle crème brûlée that was honestly next level. To top it off, the staff came out and sang happy birthday to my fiancée such a fun and memorable touch. Definitely coming back. read more
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Ask the Community - Nora’s Carmel
Any gluten-free pastas?
Yes we do offer gluten free pasta and bread, and we have gluten free flat bread
Do they serve aThanksgiving dinner? If yes, are there any cancellations, seats available for Thursday, Nov.27th?
By looking at their website they are not open or if they are, fully booked. This is Carmel's hottest new restaurant. We just went and it's packed every night!
Do they have gluten-free crust on their flatbreads or do they have sourdough bread?
Thank you for your inquiry, Yes we have GF crust and GF pasta and few meals that are GF
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