Carmel, Ca.

[F.Daner]

Thanks guys ! Great info.

[Glenn_L_e_v_i_n_e]

@Ryan Caughey

Aubergine in Carmel is one of the best restaurants in the USA. Just spectacular.

Really? We have dined there twice, I liked it more than my wife, and I’m not sure it’s in the best 10 restaurants in CA.

[RyanC]

@Glenn L e v i n e

@Ryan Caughey

Aubergine in Carmel is one of the best restaurants in the USA. Just spectacular.

Really? We have dined there twice, I liked it more than my wife, and I’m not sure it’s in the best 10 restaurants in CA.

Recently? I had a truly spectacular meal there last year and I’ve heard similar reports from others. I’d put it in my top 10 nationally based on that meal. It wasn’t as good before Justin Cogley got there.

Also listed as the #14 restaurant in the USA on this list, FWIW: OAD Top 100+ U.S. Restaurants 2015

[Glenn_L_e_v_i_n_e]

No, last time there was July 2012.

[H_Wallace_Jr]

If you want to stay in Carmel-- La Balena is casual and fantastic.

la Balena

Passionfish is still great.

[timmy_roos]

Was at passion fish one month ago. I was happy with the white wine selection.
Not a fan of Casanova for dinner

[BRhoades]

@frank rhoades

Grasings in downtown Carmel on California St. Great food and wine list with reasonable prices for the quality. Last year while attending the AT&T I enjoyed fresh red abalone for dinner, amazing.

Cheers…

I still say four years after my initial post that Grasings is our hidden gem. We were back in Carmel recently, our first night driven by our friends request was Passion Fish which we really like but I think a bit over hyped, great fun, don’t get me wrong. The following night was Grasings, fresh sautéed red abalone again, sooooo good, cool interior vibe, nice wine selection, we brought our own but bought bubbles. Very comfortable service.

Cheers,

Bud

[BRhoades]

@timmy roos

Was at passion fish one month ago. I was happy with the white wine selection.
Not a fan of Casanova for dinner

More of a tradition for my family than a must do.We always dine there during the AT&T week,great people watching.

Cheers,

Bud

[John_Davis]

@timmy roos

Was at passion fish one month ago. I was happy with the white wine selection.
Not a fan of Casanova for dinner

Agreed. Been disappointed twice at Casanova for dinner. But always had a good time at lunch.

JD

[Tyler_Rico]

.

[alan_weinberg]

if you are used to top LA restaurants, Passionfish is a “meh.”

[M_Dildine]

The best wine/foodie restaurant in the Monterey/Carmel area is Chez Noir. Owned by the husband - wife team of chef Jonny Black and Monique Black. Jonny was executive chef at Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn and before that worked at Quince, Per Se and other notable spots. Cuisine is a seafood centric California French fusion. I was there last night and the passion/energy/precision of the team was exceptional, as was the food. My only possible complaint was the somewhat elevated noise level. Make your reservations well in advance - I made ours a month or so ago for a Monday night and the latest time I could get was 5:30. Recently became only the second area restaurant (Aubergine is the other) to earn a Michelin Star. Highest recommendation.