Customers` Favorites
Customers` Favorites
“Five star. Excellent prices. Excellent choices. Staff was impeccable. Wine selection was tremendous. We reserved on online over a month ago and I wrote it’s our 28th anniversary. They treated us so special. Even brought out a candle and wished us Happy anniversary. All locals gathering, warm and friendly even if your from out of town like us. Highly recommend.“
Customers` Favorites
“What a place! We ordered Polpo alla griglia and Burrata con piselli for our appetizers. The octopus was cooked perfectly with the right balance of flavors, and the burrata was light and well-balanced with asparagus. For our main course, we had Linguine con aragosta and Rigatoni alla buttera. The pasta and meats were cooked and seasoned just right! The craft cocktails were unique and delicious, and the perfect balance of flavors. Thanks to Andres and Christian for their drink and food recommendations, as well as their excellent customer service! They tend to get busy quickly after opening, so it would be best to make a reservation!“
Customers` Favorites
“Me and My wife come here every once a Month! We love it! They use to take reservations on the phone but using open table has been such a better outcome for everyone that actually shows up to their reservations? Prices are reasonable compared to Fish Hopper. Not only that the Food is Spectacular! Especially the sea food Risotto or Captains Platter!“
Customers` Favorites
“My appetizer (artichoke) was disappointing. My entree, a vodka sauce rigatoni, was good because I chose the option to add burrata cheese at extra cost (actually the waiter misheard me but I’m glad he did), and the temperature difference between the cold cheese and piping hot pasta made it a unique (in the best way) and rewarding dish even if the value wasn’t great. Why then do I give five stars? The desserts are out of this world. Their mixed berry cake is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. If it weren’t for dessert it would probably be a 3-4 that I’d want to give another try; with desert it is a 5.“
Customers` Favorites
“From the moment I stepped into Café Fina, it was clear this place is something special. Celebrating 35 years of service, this gem has mastered the art of hospitality. The ambience of the restaurant is simply adorable, inviting diners into a warm and comfortable atmosphere with a beautiful view.The food at Café Fina is nothing short of spectacular. The highlight of my meal was undoubtedly the clam chowder, which I can confidently say is the best I've ever had. It was rich, creamy, and brimming with flavor, showcasing a mastery of classic techniques with every spoonful.Service at Café Fina is impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, making us feel welcomed and well cared for throughout our visit. It’s evident that the owner pours his heart into the restaurant, prioritizing quality and guest satisfaction above all else.If you're looking for a dining experience where delicious food meets excellent service in a charming setting, look no further than Café Fina. It's clear why they've thrived for over three decades. A visit here is not just a meal; it's a delightful culinary journey. Highly recommend!“
Customers` Favorites
“This was our first time and we were very happy and pleased. I had the goat cheese ravioli and my husband had the clam and pasta. Everything was delicious. The restaurant is nicely decorated and quiet atmosphere. Wait staff was friendly and attentive. We will definitely go back again.“
Customers` Favorites
“Spent time researching dinner spots in Carmel and came up with this little hidden spot. Didn’t know it was more a Greek style restaurant.I think I was hoping for more. Service was top notch and atmosphere was a bit loud due to low ceilings but it had a nice comfortable vibe.The lamb stroganoff was just so so had a Greek spin on it. Clam chowder was over the top good!Would I try again…. Probably not due to so many more restaurants to explore….“
Customers` Favorites
“A true family run restaurant that serves great food. You know it's good when most customers are locals. We had dinner, I had the filet of sole and husband had the steak. Both entrees were delicious. We will be back to try their breakfast next trip.“
Customers` Favorites
“The pepperoni pizza was delicious. Lots of pepperoni topping while the crust wasn't too thick. The Italian salad that I got was disappointing. I paid $4 more for salami but it wasn't cut into strips like previous photos. They were round and not what I expected . The red onions overpowered the taste and smell of the salad. I'd skip it next time but would definitely get another pizza or two.“
Customers` Favorites
“The service is good and plus they've never gotten our order wrong (we've been here several times) You can enjoy a quiet intimate dinner here or for a more casual atmosphere their larger bar (Bar Napoli) 10 steps away. Both spaces share the same kitchen and both have window seating if you want a view of the qaint street scenery. There's also some outdoor seating which is really nice when the weather permits. Everything we've tried is good and we usually go for pizza and an appetizer. They have many beer & wine choices but their cocktails are VERY good. Get the truffle gnocchi, so good!“
Customers` Favorites
“Warm and attentive staff. Food was excellent and served warm and in a timely manner. Tried the Italian Margarita for the first time ,,, terrific cocktail. Carmel nights are often cool, and in order to serve those dining in the outside patio, the restaurant door was left open. A blanket was provided to keep us warm from the draft during dinner.“
Customers` Favorites
“Lots of pizza options as well as some non-pizza options, perfect for lunch! Gelato selection is also very niceParking: We parked in the paid lot near the aquarium and walked over but this place has free parking if you weren't planning on going to the aquarium as wellWheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair parking and plenty of space at tables for wheelchair users“
Customers` Favorites
“This is a gastronomic delight, where authentic recipes are infused with passion by the hospitable owner Maurizio, and served by a charming team in a spectacular West-facing coastal setting. It was so good, we can't possibly eat anywhere else on our second night here!“
Customers` Favorites
“Don’t let the building fool you, this is a great pizza place! Had the BBQ chicken flat bread pizza, the garlic cheese bread, and a pepperoni pizza. It was all cooked perfectly. Came out quick and hot! I would definitely recommend coming here! The staff was very nice as well! 9/10“
Customers` Favorites
“Awesome clam chowder that is full of clams instead of filled with potatoes. They also do fish and chips well. There's 3 draft beer selection when I was there and the IPA is good. So all round good seafood a couple blocks away from the tourist filled street along Cannery row.“
Customers` Favorites
“Disappointing americanized italian food for this price point, consistently not well prepared or seasoned although ingredients were good. Service was good and laid back, and rooftop was nice. We had soup, pizza, pasta, salads, sides, and desserts and they were underwhelming. Pizza dough was good and fluffy but lacked salt.“
Customers` Favorites
“This is my love letter to Il Tegamino: I don't know how things usually go for 7pm on Sunday for dinner availability at restaurants in Carmel, but our table for two was able to be seated inside right away without a reservation. Call it luck, or maybe karma -- but after a minor car crash earlier in the day -- there were no other two people in this world that needed the comfort of authentic Italian food more than us. Carmel is arguably the cutest town ever and Il Tegamino is the cutest nook in Carmel - nestled in a little nook off of the south side of Ocean Ave between Lincoln and Monte Verde. We went directly from watching the sunset on the beach, walked a few blocks up Ocean Ave and voila -- there Il Tegamino was. They have a lovely courtyard outdoor seating area with twinkle lights and heaters. This whole area outside is dog-friendly and I just wish I could bring my dog here!! The inside is cozy, and you feel more like you're at a dinner party in Italy. The staff is so friendly, attentive, and funny! The owner goes around talking with everyone- with a thick Italian accent-- recommending dishes, serving freshly grated cheese and pepper, and overall just making everyone feel welcome . You can really tell that he loves what he does and puts so much heart and soul into this restaurant. Now for the food.... We started off with the burrata caprese and their bread basket. Yes, we know better than to fill up on bread before your meal but we just couldn't help ourselves. We finished the entire bread basket and the crostinis that came with the burrata caprese before our entrees got to our table. For entrees we ordered the brasato di agnello, a braised lamb shank on top of risotto. I gotta say, I think this was my favorite dish of the meal. The risotto really complimented the rich and gamey (in a good way) lamb so well. The paccheri al ragu napoletano-- which is their take on a ragu with pappardelle. The ragu was a mix of short rib and pork sausage -- you can just tell that this baby was slow cooked for hours. The way that the sauce gripped onto the pasta-- I know it's fresh but it also reminded me of when you have leftover pasta the next day. From the food, ambiance, service and everything in between- Il Tegamino will forever hold a special place in my heart. If it took being rear-ended in an expensive rental car to have found this place - it would have been worth it. I'll be dreaming about this meal and my whole experience at Il Tegamino for the rest of time.“
Customers` Favorites
“We came here for the first time last weekend and we had a great time! We ordered the truffle pizza, calamari, Gilroy garlic, and the clams and mussels. Everything was delicious and we also thought that the service was solid. The ambience on the rooftop is amazing and they have a lot of little bonfires and heat lamps to keep you warm. It makes for a cute and romantic ambience! The drinks were also tasty! All around we highly recommend!“
Customers` Favorites
“After learning Le Bicylette had a 1.5 hour wait on a Sunday, we peeked down the little alley way and allowed ourselves to be enticed to select an outdoor table for a delicious pizza lunch. Started with the Cesar salad (extra anchovies!) followed by the Pepe Board. The four of us then split two pizzas, the San Vito and the Diavola. Took home the last 3 slices for lunch the next day. Charming patio! Definitely worth a return.“
Customers` Favorites
“The breathtaking quality of this cuisine brought me to tears right there at the dinner table. Never, in my 38-months-long career as a local guide, have I encountered such acute and accommodating staff that brought the grapes of Italy (in form of their wine) and the tomatoes of Sicily (in form of their pasta) straight to my plate. I left this place with a full tummy and a happily-beating heart. Raw, real, riveting: this is Italy abroad.“
Customers` Favorites
“Are you kidding me!?!? This pizza was by far some of the best pizza me and my husband have had. We had togo place a second order it was so good. We were very impressed by this place. The Caesar salad and Sicilian salad I think it’s called? Was sooooo good!!!!! Huge slices of pizza. Just wow. My husband is a huge food critic lol so I know it was that good if he kept talking about how good it was. I highly recommend giving them a try. We ordered pepperoni pizza. A Hawaiian slice. And their Margherita slice. Soooo good. And the slices were HOT!!!! The pizza crust was amazing. So worth going to. Customer service was great. We absolutely loved it here. No complaints at all! Not one!!Try it!!!Kid-friendliness: Yep. Kids approve!!!!“
Customers` Favorites
“I visit Allegro Pizzeria every time I visit my parents who live in the Monterey area, and I keep forgetting to write a review, but today is the day! I can't eat gluten, and they have the BEST gluten free pizza I've ever had. I usually order to-go and enjoy it at a nearby beach. Even with to-go orders, the staff is always amazing and friendly. One day soon I will dine in. :) Highly highly recommend this place!“
Customers` Favorites
“Stopped by here before boarding for whale watching, waited on by Shanel in the bar. She was delightful and let us know a big party just came in and we may have a bit of a wait...we only waited for about 10 minutes and our food was bagged and "boat" ready. Fish sandwich and fries were delicious, will definitely be back to explore the menu! Four stars only because the gentlemen host in the front was very standoffish, maybe because we were ordering to go, nevertheless not very welcoming.“
Customers` Favorites
“Forget the grato come here. Every dish is full of flavor and everything on on the menu is a must try. Wines and beers including desserts yes please! A hidden jem many overlook. Behind the candy worldKid-friendliness: And pet friendly in the patio“
Customers` Favorites
“From one pasta lover to another, this is hands-down some of the best italian food I have ever tasted! We tried the mushroom rotini and the occu busco and both were 10/10 for flavor and presentation. The atmosphere is cozy and authentic and the service is impeccable! Will definitely try again when I’m in the area.“
Customers` Favorites
“Food is good, but not everything was OMG. The bruschetta was spot on, and the pistachio gnocchi was a tasty surprise and delicious. I ordered the ribeye, one of the most expensive dishes on the menu. Although it was good, it was all steak. There were a couple brussel sprouts and baked gnocchi balls underneath but nothing to speak of, so basically I just had a steak which for the price was not worth it. Really needed more sides and sauce to justify what they're asking for it. My girlfriend had spaghetti and meatballs, which was dry and not nearly enough sauce. Service was good and it's a lovely restaurant, even had a guitar player and singer which made the atmosphere nice. But for the $300 for 4 people (no wine just 2 beers) it was a hard ticket to swallow. I advise knowing what you want and not going high price hoping it's the best. UPDATE: I've changed my review of the service to 5 stars, thanks to the kind staff that picked up my credit card I had left behind and mailed it to me at no charge! I really appreciate it!“
Customers` Favorites
“Food was delicious and service was great. They have a perfect view of the Bay. Waitime wasn't too bad for a busy weekend 30-35min, but they do take reservations to prevent that wait time. Food and service was definitely worth the wait.Kid-friendliness: We had 2 toddlers and they accommodated. We had a wheelchair but they have an elevator as the restaurant is on the top floorWheelchair accessibility: Elevator is wheelchair accessible“
Customers` Favorites
“Excellent food and atmosphere is very inviting and easygoing. We originally had it to go but ended up eating it all in one sitting, it was so delicious and piping hot! Perfect pizza, great dough, cooked just right, good amount of cheese and sauce. Managed to take a picture of the last slice before it was devoured in 2 minutes. Thanks guys! We will definitely be back ;)Parking: Several spotsKid-friendliness: Great for kids, family-friendly and cool for a small group setting.“
Customers` Favorites
“This is our favorite "GO TO" place in Carmel. Whether it's just to go grab dinner or a special occasion with guests- it's ALWAYS La Balena. The service is stellar, love the back patio atmosphere and the food is the best in town. Anna and Emmanuele are wonderful hosts.“
Customers` Favorites
“We love this restaurant. It's quaint, the staff is so nice and the food is delicious. We went twice last year and back again this year. My daughters and I had drinks and the bread and olive oil there while we waited on our take out. The caprese salad, lasagna and pizza were all great.“
Customers` Favorites
“Absolutely impeccable service and extremely adorable dining ambiance. We sat outside on their patio facing the street. It was perfect. The servers were adorable. Extremely attentive and wanting to make it an especially special evening for my hubby's birthday. We were blown away by the caliber of the steak tartar and escargot. No joke, we could come back for those two things alone alongside a nice glass of wine. Maybe that's what we'll do next time!“
Customers` Favorites
“I’m out here for a Women’s Council of Realtors event. We walked passed and was seated right away. Party of 10. The service was amazing Samantha and Louis was very accommodating and attentive to all of our needs. I ordered the claim chowder with garlic bread. Ummm good.“
Customers` Favorites
“I went here for a light lunch last week and was very pleased. I had a nice table overlooking the bay, ships, and I got to see an otter swim on by. I had the Caesar salad with chicken and it was good.The service was attentive and the atmosphere was enjoyable... and of course the views!“
Customers` Favorites
“Favorite restaurant in all of Carmel. The ambiance feels like a Roman restaurant in Trastevere. The food is just as delicious too and plenty of wine options! I recommend the octopus and pasta allá carbonara. The quality of the guanciale adds to the texture and flavor of the dish. A must visit if you’re in Carmel.“
Customers` Favorites
“Married to a foodie, during our visit to Carmel, we sought out numerous restaurants. Halfway through our trip we visited Basil. What drew me in was their gluten free vegan raviolis! I can't wait to visit again for more, please! My husband tried a different dish each day and needless to say we did not look back! The freshness and authenticness of the dishes take you to Italy. The service was impeccable. Fedrico recommended wine parings with meals. Denis stopped by to say hello and check in on dining experience. Out of all the restaurants we patroned from the moderate to the expensive, nothing topped our meals or our dining experiences at Basil! I only wish we visited on Saturday instead of Wednesday. Absolutely, cannot wait to visit again! Thank you Basil, from Texas“
Customers` Favorites
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“My husband and I had such an amazing experience for our anniversary dinner. The atmosphere was very fancy and beautiful. We got a good view of the ocean. The servers and hostess were very nice and polite. We ordered lasagna and it was quite delicious and filling. The server Anthony brought us a complimentary dessert to celebrate our anniversary. The prices may seem high, but for the service and food it's quite worth it! Thank you for the wonderful experience. We would definitely return.“