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    Valley Kitchen

    3.9 (195 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Valley Kitchen New American Restaurant Photos

    VALLEY KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Upscale
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Valley Kitchen

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    Reviews With Photos

    Pool area
    Elmer G.

    From the moment you turn into Old Ranch Rd you start to feel that relaxation and begin to separate yourself from everyday life and the mind goes into relax mode, well for me It did. It's a beautiful drive up to the restaurant as you go by a golf course and beautiful views. Once you arrive at the parking lot, if you pay attention you will see a tree with a swing near by. Look closely or you might miss it. The restaurant personnel gives you a warm welcome, we had a reservation and sat us at our special table as soon as we arrived. I could tell the restaurant was at at peak time, and through all that we received an amazing service throughout the whole dining experience. The drinks were on point, each of our cocktails and wine recommendation did not disappoint. We were really pleased with the Charred Beets Salad. Perfect acidity balance through each bite and we could taste a bit of chard through each beer bite. My wife and I, ended up sharing our plates. The burger was perfectly cooked, the beef patty was juicy and full of flavor and its served with thick chunks of bacon something we love on a burger. My veal pappardelle was packed with flavor, I could taste the veal and herbs. I was surprised and very pleased as the veal tasted so good. The desserts were amazing as well. The apple berry cobbler hit a home run! I would really like to thank the Valley Kitchen staff for all of their attention! All I mentioned on reservation was that if they could accommodate a table with a view as that night we were celebrating our wedding anniversary. From the moment we arrived we were greeted with a warmth welcoming feel, and the service provided through the whole dining experience felt so amazing! Thank you for making our night that much more special!

    Elainey G.

    Excellent service and super dog friendly. Everything came out quick and the food seemed farm fresh. Love that they had an indoor area to sit at if you have a dog with you. Because it was too cold to sit outside.

    Sarah C.

    We had reservations for 630pm for Sunday night. Our first evening at Carmel Valley Ranch. Our toddler was hungry so we checked in early and we were seated right away. Loves how child friendly this place was. High chair given along with a sticker sheet and children's menu. Chicken tenders and fries for the little one - they also gave her a toddler friendly plastic cup with straw. Large portion - can feed two + toddlers or a really big kid. Or an adult. Both my husband and I got drinks. I got a low proof cocktail and my husband got a glass of white wine. My husband got the ribeye- cooked perfectly. It was very good and juicy. I got the calms - comes with a lot and two slices of toast. We shared the Cesar salad - It was definitely worth its 20+ dollar price tag. It was one of the highlights of our entire two night stay. It was a large portioned and seasoned very well.

    Anna T.

    We did the breakfast buffet on the morning we checked out and I will say they had an excellent selection of items. They kept up with replenishing items and the food was fresh and delicious. It's located right near the pool so we had a nice view as well. The downside of the buffet was that our server was nonexistent and took over 30 minutes to appear after we were ready to pay the bill. The latte also needed a bit of help. Overall enjoyable experience.

    Flourless Praline Torte

    It had been months since I last enjoyed lunch at Valley Kitchen, and a perfect sunny winter day felt like just the right excuse to drive out to Carmel Valley Ranch with a friend. My friend and I split three dishes which were all fabulous! We started with the delicious Ranch Avocado Toast featuring Hass avocado smash, arugula, CVR olive oil, Meyer lemon zest, marinated garden veggies, all served on a toasted country loaf. For our main, we chose the Veggie Scampi with tomatoes, basil, oregano, garlic, lemon, and white wine--made even better with the addition of shrimp. Every bite was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. We finished with an excellent Flourless Praline Torte with chocolate mousse, praline and nib brittle with salted caramel ice cream, the perfect sweet ending. Add in the stunning views of oak trees and grapevines along with attentive service, and it was a truly memorable lunch. Highly recommended!

    Birthday
    James M.

    We had an amazing dinner and breakfast here while staying at Carmel Valley Ranch this past November for my birthday. I usually have lower expectations with hotels restaurants, but Valley Kitchen ended up being one of the best meals I've had in Carmel in recent years. Some of our favorites from dinner were the kale brussel sprout caesar, bread with butter, and chicken piccata. Breakfast was just as good and enjoyed their egg plate and pancakes. The restaurant has a completely different vibe from dinner to breakfast, and we had a particularly cozy dinner sitting at a corner table with a view of the restaurant. We'll definitely be back. Pros: Phenomenal food for breakfast & dinner, friendly staff, and cozy setting.

    Tomo S.

    This was a first: a fine dining experience for my dog--and I'm officially jealous of my fluffy dining companion. We visited the restaurant at Carmel Ranch Valley Hotel, which has a cozy, inviting ambiance and even a special area where well-behaved pups can join their humans. It was a delightful surprise to see other canine guests, all looking just as excited as their owners (if not more). The Dog Menu: Yes, you read that right. My lady Samoyed had the luxury of choosing between Salmon, Chicken, or Ground Beef, all priced between $17-$20. Inflation really does hit everywhere--even dog fine dining! This might just be the most expensive bowl of dog food I've ever purchased, but hey, it's all part of the experience. She went with the Chicken with Pilaf and Chef's Choice of Local Vegetables--which honestly sounds fancier than half the meals I make for myself. The portion was generous, though she demolished it in 30 seconds flat. Clearly, a five-star rating from her! Meanwhile, I enjoyed a deliciously tender braised beef with cheesy polenta that was so good I momentarily considered growling if anyone tried to take a bite. Their cocktails? Top-notch. Definitely a spot where both dogs and humans can dine in style.

    Chef Andrew personally picking out herbs for dinner menu

    We didn't expect to start our dinner in a garden, but that's where Chef Andrew greeted us--quietly harvesting herbs and edible flowers with intention. That moment set the tone for what followed: a meal grounded in freshness, care, and quiet excellence. The paella was a standout--perfectly cooked seafood and deeply fragrant saffron rice, accented by the very herbs we'd just seen plucked from the earth. There was nothing showy about it, just clean, bold flavors balanced with finesse. The cornbread deserves its own mention--moist, slightly crisp on the edges, and rich enough to linger in memory. And the flourless chocolate cake? Rich, velvety, and thoughtfully paired with local strawberries that added a subtle brightness. Service was warm and intuitive, and the setting made us want to linger. There's something special about a place where every detail, from the ingredients to the plating to the atmosphere, is so deliberately cared for. This isn't just a restaurant. It's a place where food tells a story. We'll be back.

    Cornbread, filled with cheese and corn kernels. Heavenly with honey butter
    Harrison S.

    The best meal I have had in a LONG time. We first met Chef Andrew in the herb garden, personally picking out flowers and condiments for the paella special that night. The paella turned out excellent -- fresh herbs, seafood, and incredible umami of the saffron rice. Chef Andrew's cornbread is also the best I've ever had. The flourless chocolate cake, which comes with local strawberries, is to die for. Chef Andrew is one of the most talented chefs we've met. And we enjoyed the great service, comfy ambience, and delightful dining experience filled with local and fresh ingredients. Highly recommend for and will definitely be coming back.

    Steak special
    Stef M.

    The Valley Kitchen is perfectly and beautifully located right within the Carmel Valley Ranch hotel. If you are a guest of the hotel I'd for sure swing by for a cocktail and I'd recommend you try the risotto. We were celebrating our anniversary and decided to go for the special which was a 16oz NY strip with mashed potatoes, and mushrooms. Unfortunately the steak was tough and lacked flavor which made us sad considering it was $95. The kitchen was kind enough to split each of the entrees in half which made it really easy to share. The service here was absolutely stunning. We had Jose A as our waiter and I cannot say enough good things about him. He predicted our needs, was extremely kind, and really made our night special. He was who every waiter on the planet should be. I also really appreciated his transparency when I asked his opinion on wine and entree options. The restaurant is super nice and does allow for pets as long as weather allows!

    Special of the day
    Shirley L.

    We came here every morning during our stay at Carmel Valley Ranch because we received a $60 daily breakfast voucher, so my review is less sensitive to the prices (reasonable $8 for kids and about $20 for adult entrees). Positives: - Dog friendly - a few tables indoors that allow dogs, also a covered heated outdoor patio - Kid friendly - kids menus, (my) kid approved - buttered noodles, blueberry / chocolate pancakes; high chairs and booster seats available - Decent food - Good food, a bit pricey but not a shocker for hotel restaurant - Good service - Attentive waitstaff - Convenience for folks staying onsite Negatives: - A bit pricey, but reasonable by hotel rearaurant standards Tips: 1. I would say that between ordering a la carte vs the weekend buffet option for breakfast, I enjoyed the $38 per person buffet which included most of the menu a la carte items. Kids eat free, all beverages included so for a family of two hungry adults with two kids paying an extra $20 overall to sample much more variety was worth it! 2. I would look into meal options, my friend's travel agent was able to book us complimentary meals with stay which included $60 daily towards breakfast and $100 for dinner. I believe this was with Hilton rewards.

    Mac and cheese

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    Valley Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Valley Kitchen

    Do I need to be staying at the hotel/ranch to dine in here?

    No, but reservation is recommended

    Is this restaurant dog friendly...any outdoor drinks/dining?

    Yes

    View All 4 Questions

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    Jeffrey's Grill & Catering - Mocha w/whipped cream

    Jeffrey's Grill & Catering

    4.3(387 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Jeffrey's is our favorite breakfast spot when in Carmel. Our family has enjoyed meals at this…read morelocation the past ten years when visiting Carmel. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. You will not find friendlier staff than at Jeffrey's. They treat you like family. They have a big menu offering breakfast and lunch all day. You cannot go wrong with their Eggs Benedict as they are all amazing. My husband gets the classic and I have tried many of their daily special options. The portobello, spinach and avacado one is my favorite but they have all been delcious. Just ask for light hollandaise sauce or for it to be on the side as they can go a bit heavy. We also substitute the side of potatoes for a side of fruit. The berry pancakes are another favorite of ours. The hot chocolate and European latte are our favorite beverages. Jeffrey's is a special place and is worth checking out when visiting Carmel.

    The food was fantastic and most of the staff were friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately, one of the…read moreladies delivering food came across as rude to us during the meal. She raised her voice at us a couple of times, mentioned that the plates were "too heavy," and when I politely reminded her about a few forgotten items, she responded with a sarcastic and dismissive comment that caught me off guard. It stood out because everyone else we interacted with was very kind and professional. To be fair, it was close to closing time, so she may have been feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Despite that experience, I still really enjoyed the food and appreciated spending time with my wife and mom on Mother's Day in their relaxing outdoor seating area.

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    Jeffrey's Grill & Catering - Inside - 12/22/2022

    Inside - 12/22/2022

    Jeffrey's Grill & Catering - Apple Fritters are so good.

    Apple Fritters are so good.

    Jeffrey's Grill & Catering - Hot chocolate

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    Hot chocolate

    Ad Astra Atelier - assorted baked goods

    Ad Astra Atelier

    3.9(24 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    It's a larger space than the one in Monterey, with tables to sit down to enjoy your baked goods and…read moredrinks. I walked in, immediately gravitated to the wall of bread, picked up a loaf, immediately put it back when I saw they had slabs of focaccia as well and got one of those instead. The other baked goods of the day were on display, so I got a piece of raspberry-iced olive oil cake and a slice of the pumpkin loaf. Will definitely be back - this is right down the road from a place we've been staying in Carmel Valley. Exciting to see this bakery in a quieter area that we happen visit every year. We'd definitely been getting our Ad Astra fix over the entire weekend: we had stopped by the other location the day before, and our friends who we stayed together with even brought some stuff from this one for us to try. But eager to see the place with my own eyes, I ventured out in the rain on our last morning in Carmel Valley. Excellent as always. We enjoyed the focaccia at home over the next few days; the cake and loaf piece were tender and moist.

    We tracked down Ad Astra Atelier after falling in love with their baked goods at a Carmel pop-up --…read moreespecially their enormous, nostalgic PB&J cookie (which, as it turns out, leads back to their main bakery in Monterey). While the Carmel Valley location doesn't carry all the pastries from their bakery, including those delectable cookies, it's a good spot for breakfast or lunch with a casual, order-at-the-counter feel. We arrived right at the 11 am lunch switch and enjoyed the mushroom and ricotta toast with candied hazelnuts on really good bread -- rich and satisfying. Their breakfast sandwich was good (we added bacon), though the spongy frittata-style egg was an acquired taste (um, texture.) The chimichurri and soft egg bread helped to bring the flavors together. Service was friendly, and their baked goods were excellent. We left with a loaf of their seeded sourdough, which makes excellent toast. We hope to visit to their main location, Ad Astera Bread and Bakery in Monterey for pastries and more of those delicious, enormous pb&j cookies.

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    Ad Astra Atelier - Bread wall

    Bread wall

    Ad Astra Atelier - Breakfast sando with bacon

    Breakfast sando with bacon

    Ad Astra Atelier - Counter

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    Counter

    Sunny Bakery Cafe - Blueberry Scone

    Sunny Bakery Cafe

    4.8(35 reviews)
    4.5 mi

    Shoutout from the green inhale/exhale (me) sweater this morning!…read more I arrived after checking out our inn to grab a chai latte (to be honest it wasn't my favorite) at this eye catching pastry delight of a place before going on my solo way. Decided to go with two cookies for my brothers (and parents to share if inclined to). I unforuntately on the hand am allergic to oats and so did not get any cookies for myself. One was a orange with I can't recall what and one was a peanut butter one. My parents thought these cookies were fantastic. Dad is raving about it and he doesn't care for sweets that much. He was asking all the details of this spot. And said it's defintely better than any of the cookie chains his children have been obessed with growing up. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. I'll defintely be back! - Staff super sweet, especially the lady who took my order. - What you may or may not experience with other Patrons: Patrons from this morning: some were friendly, out of the way, and at least two were slighly to most defintely unpleasant. One noticeable patron in the blue cyan bright shirt this morning gave the worst energy and was as loud as his shirt - sir, you take up space and are a unpleasant soul. To the gentleman who opened the door with his hands full alongside his animal companion - thank you!

    Loved it! I had the veggie burrito and coffee. Plenty of food and good salsa. They offered two drip…read morecoffee which was great. Plenty of seating. Lots of yummy looking baked breakfast goodies.

    Photos
    Sunny Bakery Cafe - Art for sale

    Art for sale

    Sunny Bakery Cafe - Bagel with Lox

    Bagel with Lox

    Sunny Bakery Cafe

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    Valley Kitchen - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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