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    Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

    4.3 (647 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Order Carmel's Bistro Giovanni Takeout or Delivery

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    CARMEL'S BISTRO GIOVANNI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Cauliflower gnocchi and pasta piccata

    This restaurant was the highlight of our Carmel trip! From the moment we walked in the service was outstanding. You could tell that the host and our server genuinely cared about our experience. Then came the food, which was out of this world. Truly, we have had a lot of good Italian food, but this place really took the cake. I can't recommend this enough. Whether you have gluten allergies or not, there is something for everyone. I personally have a lot of allergies and not only were they beyond accommodating, but the food tasted just like the rest of the tables. Not pictured is the Caesar salad, which was outstanding . Can't recommend coming here enough. Thank you to the great host and serve server for making it such a special experience!

    Dirty Martini
    Nicole L.

    The food at Giovanni's is delicious!!! We came here last year on a family trip and 3/5 of us got the Oaso Bucco and I couldn't recommend it enough. This trip I decided to be different and try pasta, I was torn between 3 dishes (bolognese, carbonara, and braised beef ravioli). I went with the beef ravioli and it was absolutely the right choice! If you're coming to Carmel, you should consider this spot for dinner. We will continue to come back. PS they have blue cheese olives with their martinis, win!!

    Frito Misto $18.95
    Douglas Y.

    Made early dinner reservations here for Saturday night and the place was pretty empty. I guess people eat late in Carmel. We ordered the Frito Misto appetizer which includes prawns, artichoke and calamari. Unfortunately our calamari was really tough and when we mentioned it to our server she graciously removed it from the check. Our entrees Frito de Mare and Goat Cheese Ravioli were delicious and visually appealing. To our surprise our sever brought us a delectable chocolate tiramisu to celebrate our wedding. This is a great spot to enjoy a relaxing meal in beautiful Carmel.

    Tahlia W.

    Stumbled across this gem after we canceled a different reservation for bad weather, and couldn't have been happier. Everything was great, we walked i and were instantly greeted and helped by Mr. Giovanni himself! The food all came out hot fresh and tasty. I would definitely go back and would recommend this place

    Chicken Alfredo
    Mercedes R.

    O.M.G !!! This has got to be one of the best meals i have ever had in my entire life! Me and my sisters came out from sacramento to carmel to enjoy its beauty, and im so glad our hotel was nearby this place. We ordered calamari, meatballs, chicken alfredo, mama mia plate, and a lasagna plate + dessert. Service was amazing out servers name was george and he made our trip to carmel amazing. Everything came out nice and hot. Me and my sisters rate every meal we have together and this was a 100/100. I would love to come back thank you so much to everyone at this establishment.

    Clarizza A.

    Went here on our last night at Carmel and had a nice time. The carbonara (4/5) was good. The tiramisu (3.5/5) was fine but I just wish it had a stronger coffee taste. Service was nice too. A solid Italia place in Carmel.

    Osso Buco and Veal Ravioli special
    Doug T.

    Bistro Giovanni was located within 2 blocks from our hotel and we walked passed it a couple times walking to the main downtown area. We looked at the posted menu each time and said "we should eat here" each time. We were tired one evening and said let's go here since it was close by and the menu looked great. Nicely designed exterior entrance with comfortable lightly European designed interior. Pet friendly restaurant with heated exterior patio tables. We were seated right away by the hostess who I would have to say was extremely welcoming and gracious. I did not get her name but she made the evening fantastic as she brought drinks to us and did many other tasks you don't normally see a Hostess do. She's a hard worker for sure. That being said the entire restaurant staff seemed to hustle which showed us these folks are proud of their establishment. Started with drinks. Espresso Martini and Pear Cosmo. Very healthy pours for sure and they did not skimp on the booze. Very nice! We were still deciding on entrees but waiter asked if we wanted a starter he could get that going while we were deciding on the entrees. Really appreciated the effort so we didn't have to wait with an "empty table". Got their Steamers Clams and Mussels starter. Great flavor and the broth! You have to get bread to soak up all the juices. (they did charge $3 for bread, but it was worth it) They had an Osso Buco and Veal ravioli special we ordered and the Paella. Ravioli was perfectly cooked with just enough sauce. Don't like overly sauced pasta dishes. Paella was very good but just a bit of liquid in the pan. Probably could have cooked a little bit longer to absorb all the liquid. Regardless, plenty of mussels, clams, shrimp with just a few pieces of tender chicken. Note I think Mr. Giovanni wearing black hat and jacket was walking around the restaurant as well.

    Bruschetta (6)  Calamari

    My girlfriend and I visited Carmel's Bistro Giovanni for our second anniversary tonight, we had been once before on one of our first dates two years ago and loved it! Absolutely amazing: food, service, and atmosphere (added bonus for the real candle at the table.) We shared the bruschetta and calamari to start, both were great but the calamari was just amazing. For dinner, I had the Pasta Palermo and my girlfriend had the gnocchi. Both were also amazing. Finally, a thank you to the couple celebrating their 31st anniversary who bought our dinner for us! That was so sweet of you all, we really appreciate it! Also, we received a complimentary coffee chocolate cake (tiramisu-ish) for dessert as a celebration for our anniversary! It was also amazing. Highly highly recommend Carmel's Bistro Giovanni for anyone looking for a great Italian meal at a great location with great food and great service!

    GF Pasta Piccata
    Tim W.

    Wow! What a great night. The service and food was spectacular! My wife is gluten free and the bread and pasta were amazing!!! See Frannie for your service and while you're there and thank Chef Fernando for his amazing menu and execution! We will be back!

    Cannelloni
    Andreas G.

    Had a great dinner at Bistro Giovanni. We had a reservation and were seated at a nice quiet table at the back of the restaurant. We ordered some drinks and as entrees we had the lamb shank and the cannelloni. The lamb shank was great, really good sauce and the meat fell off the bone and was very tender. Combination of meat, veggies and sauce made for some delicious bites. The cannelloni were also good. Lots of cheese and a nice filling. As dessert we got the chocolate mousse. It was very rich and chocolatey. Could have been a bit mite airy, but still a great dessert. Some nice paintings in the restaurant and dim lighting make it a great spot for a romantic dinner. Staff were friendly and attentive.

    Calamari

    Overall not bad and I might have ordered the wrong stuff. We ordered the crab cakes, crab ravioli and calamari. Calamari was good, crab cakes were alright and the ravioli was average to me. The ravioli was cooked well it was the sauce that threw me off. It was not my favorite flavor sauce so not to say someone that's into that flavor sauce wouldn't love the dish. If we returned I'd get something different. I'd probably try the linguini and clams or the calamari.

    Cioppino
    John R.

    We are in Carmel by the Sea, first place for dinner Bistro Giovanni. My wife had Veal Piccata and it was delicious. I had Cioppino. Broth was nice and light with good flavor. They used bay scallops, little disappointed. Clams and Mussels were good. Wasn't there best cioppino but still very good.

    Chicken parmigiana
    Jonathan C.

    We enjoyed some nice, homestyle Italian food at this spot in Carmel by the Sea. We started off with the garlic bread which was cheesy and delicious and came with marinara sauce. I had the chicken parmesan, which I really enjoyed. They were very generous with the chicken portions, and it was baked (instead of fried). I thought it could use a little more pasta to balance out the chicken, though I liked that it came with a side of vegetables. The pasta carbonara was also delicious. The restaurant is dimly lit and cozy.

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    3 months ago

    We've been here several times, and really enjoy it. The food, the service, the ambiance are all excellent.

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    6 months ago

    Best tiramisu in Carmel, service was friendly and efficient, outdoor dining with heated lamps

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    2 months ago

    Food was outstanding. Service left a lot to be desired. Owner could have been more pleasant.

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    6 months ago

    Very good place! Had the special veal osso bucco ravioli! It was excellent! Wife had the chicken Parmesan and enjoyed it!

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    7 months ago

    Thank you Kelly! The best experience I've ever had. Great service Great Food A+++++ I will be back again!

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    Page 1 of 17

    Carmel's Bistro Giovanni Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

    What is the corkage fee if we bring our own bottle?

    $25

    Is it dog-friendly?

    Yes! The outdoor patio has very warm heaters and blankets, and they pamper your pup!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    A W Shucks Oyster Bar And Cocktails

    4.1(1.3k reviews)
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    If you're wandering through Carmel and want a spot that feels like it's been there forever, A.W…read more Shucks is the place. It's a local restaurant with that classic, unpretentious historical charm and always crowded. The oysters are the spotlight. It's super fresh, perfectly shucked, and they really hit the spot if you're looking for a Pacific flavor. I also highly recommend trying the fried squid, crispy, flavorful (ask for extra lemon cause you will love that juice). It's one of the best appetizers on the menu, even better than the fish and chip (surprised, it's just bland, soggy and soft, and lacking the wow factor). And honestly, I can't leave without trying clam chowder. It's thick, creamy, has a taste of the ocean and is exactly the kind of warm-your-bones meal you need when the coastal fog just rolls in. And Carmel is just that cold, so I need this warm soup. Overall, just stick to the raw bar and the chowder, and you're in for a great meal. I couldn't recommend this place enough!

    Aw Shucks Oyster Bar and Cocktails is officially our new go-to spot in Carmel! We came in as a…read morewalk-in on a Saturday afternoon and were pleasantly surprised to be seated immediately at the bar. We ordered the pomegranate margarita and hibiscus mojito -- both were refreshing, well-balanced, and perfectly crafted. For food, we had a 1/2 dozen raw Kumamoto oysters, a 1/2 dozen oysters Rockefeller, and the fish and chips. Everything was absolutely delicious. The Kumamotos were fresh and briny, the oysters Rockefeller were rich and flavorful, and the fish and chips were crispy, light, and cooked perfectly. On top of the amazing food and drinks, the service was outstanding -- friendly, attentive, and welcoming. We truly loved the entire experience and can't wait to come back. Highly recommend if you're in Carmel!

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    Flying Fish Grill - BLACK BEAN HALIBUT ($37) Alaskan halibut, fermented Chinese black beans, mushroom, ginger & scallions En Papillote, veggies & riceball

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    4.4(1.1k reviews)
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    What a special place! Had the best dinner! And got to be waited on by the owner himself. You can…read moretell how much he loves what he does. Thank you Honza for the best experiece....We felt so cared for and welcome. Our plates were licked clean! Definitely order the peppered ahi...you won't regret it. The Halibut was incredible too. We can't wait to go back. 10

    Fish You Were Here A…read moreJapanese fusion fish-centric restaurant located in Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, it has had the same owners since 1975, when it was FKA "Shabu Shabu" before receiving its current moniker in 1993. The Good: * We loved the location--down a set of stairs into a dimly lit, cozy space. * And speaking of cozy spaces, we love that every table is its own private booth. Nothing is more annoying than having to dine with strangers just inches away, in my opinion. * Service was, uhhh, interesting but passable. We actually liked the dude who was following up behind our server, as he seemed like a really cool guy with definite opinions on the food. * Make sure you order their unique take on chips and salsa! Their fried wonton wrappers paired with a deliciously unique ginger pico de gallo were fantastic. * The Fried Fish Cakes (a daily special, so they might not always be on the menu) were delicious and full of flavor. * We both loved our entrées; my Black Bean Halibut was cooked perfectly--tender and flaky--and I loved the funky fermented black bean sauce. Carissa is still talking about her Almond Sea Bass weeks later, so 'nuff said. * The Warm Tempura Banana Sundae was a bit odd but worked in a weird way. We normally skip dessert unless it's something unique, and this certainly fit the bill! The Meh: * Reservations are handled the old-fashioned way: via telephone. * No outdoor dining. The Ugly: * While being underground is part of their charm, as mentioned above, it is definitely not ADA-compliant. So if you or anyone in your party has difficulty traversing stairs, this probably isn't the place for you. Conclusion: Fantastic date-night spot with great service, ambiance, and food. Highly recommended.

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    Mission Bistro - Steak + Seafood

    Mission Bistro

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    We had such a wonderful experience at Mission Bistro in Carmel. The restaurant itself is relatively…read moresmall, but that's part of what makes it so special -- it's very cozy, beautifully decorated, and has a really warm, welcoming ambiance that makes you want to sit, relax, and enjoy your meal. Every single dish we ordered was amazing -- you can really tell the kitchen is being led with care and creativity. A special thank you to the new Executive Chef, Jake Behnke. Even though the restaurant was very busy, he still took the time to come out and greet us, which made the evening feel extra special. That kind of hospitality really stands out and meant a lot to us. The wait staff was very friendly and welcoming. Because they were so busy, it did take a little while to get our drink and food order in, but the staff remained attentive and kind throughout the night, and the food was absolutely worth the wait. Overall, a great dining experience and we will definitely be back. Highly recommend!

    Had a lovely time at Mission Bistro. The restaurant is clean and the workers are attentive…read more We came as a party of 4 to celebrate a birthday. The bread and butter that it is served with it is very good. We ordered more, not realizing it was not complimentary. Oops that's another $12. Though pricey for a bread basket, I would order again. The ceaser salad was a good size and very flavorful. It's even topped with fresh sardines. Probably the best one I had 10/10 I ordered the black cod and though it looked burnt, it was just blackened and extremely flaky and juicy. The noodles served with it was good. 8/10 Crab cakes-need more flavor. Would not order again 3/10 Steak frites- 8/10 the sauce used in the steak is yummy and the fries were cooked to perfection. Beef cheek-there is a LOT going on that plate. The beef was good, but I thought it was too many ingredients mixed together 5/10. The meal seemed heavy. The bday girl was treated to a slice of cheesecake. The cheesecake looked good, but, it was pretty dry. 3/10 All in all, I rate this 4 stars.

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    The Grill On Ocean Ave - Fish N Chips

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    4.1(125 reviews)
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    We stopped in during our first trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea and were pleasantly surprised. The fish…read moreand chips were pretty good--different than I expected, maybe cause of the oil they use for Mediterranean food or something? Still tasty tho. The surf and turf fajitas were solid, and everything seemed fresh made which I really appreciated. The tandoori shrimp appetizer was what I was most excited about but honestly, it let me down a bit. I'm a big fan of tandoori and use the seasoning at home a lot, but these had kind of a burnt bitter flavor, maybe the seasoning got a little over toasted on the grill? Not terrible, just not what I hoped. The place itself was super clean. Like really clean. Dining area was spotless, staff was warm and kept our drinks full without even asking. Bathrooms? Immaculate. Even had air freshener on the shelf for a little spritz after taking care of business. Respect. All in all, it was a nice meal and we enjoyed the experience. Would def go back next time we're in town.

    On a day trip from San Francisco to Monterey we stopped in Carmel By The Sea on our return for…read moredinner. This spot caught our attention so we gave it a try based on the menu that was posted outside. The place is small and will hold a max of 49 people. There were two guys that handled the service and they were very attentive. We ordered the spinach artichoke dip ($17) as an appetizer that came with pita bread. It was served piping hot and was provably the best I've had. We then ordered the bacon cheeseburger ($27) and fish & chips ($25). They were both good and came with fries which unfortunately were not hot. We were pressed for time so didn't try any of the desserts.

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    Dametra Cafe - Panna CottaG Northern Italian dessert of sweetened vanilla cream pudding. Served with raspberry sauce. 15

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    4.5(4.8k reviews)
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    This is my first visit to this Turkish/ Mediterranean restaurant. I am very impressed. It is highly…read morerecommended by friends . At the front entrance there was many awards from the Monterey county and The Carmel Pine Cone . The ambience is full of vibrant colors and pretty roof decorations and lamps . Bright yellow table clothed with light blue embroidery. Great serve with the waiter and the manager lady checked on every table during lunch. We were seated promptly with our reservation. Tried their Turkish coffee which was full of aroma of the spices and very rich . I absolutely love it ! The Gyro was filled with lots of meta with cream cheese and salad . It tastes excellent. Price wa $20.95 . We also ordered the Istanbul kabab with charcoal boiled ground beef skewers , served over rice pilaf with lavash bread . It was seasoned with tomato and Turkish spices with a side salad . Portion was big and we got a to go box for the left over. Food was absolutely delicious. We were too full to order the dessert and the manager gave us dessert on the house . Highly recommended this restaurant and would like to comeback to try their lamb shank and paella . The bar counter lights up in an old world mysterious way , filled with their many wine collections .

    Dametra Cafe is a Mediterranean restaurant in Carmel-By-The-Sea. There's street parking nearby and…read moreplenty of indoor seating. The ambiance inside is eclectic, charming, and comfortable, good for small groups of 2-4 people or a family. The service was a bit slow, but our waiter was kind. They brought out the bread first, which paired well with the oil/balsamic mixture. Then, we ordered the Dametra Royal Combination, the Greek Combination platter, and the chicken shawarma sandwich. The Royal combination platter was good for sharing and gave me the chance to try all the appetizers that I was craving. The tzatziki and hummus were my favorite thing on the table overall. However, the dolmas were a bit too salty and the spanakopita was a bit soggy. The combination platter had well cooked lamb and a salad with hummus and pita. The lamb was a bit bland, but had a tender texture and was a sizable portion. The chicken shawarma sandwich was also a bit bland and difficult to eat since the outside was too hard. However, the waiters gave us free baklava when they saw we didn't really finish our meals. Overall, the prices were expensive, but the portions and ambiance were good. If you're looking for a Mediterranean meal while at Carmel-By-the-Sea, Dametra is a good option.

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    Dametra Cafe - Inside

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    Dametra Cafe - Istanbul Kabab $36.95 .skewed charbroiled ground beef mixed with tomato and seasoned with Turkish spices . Greek salad

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    Carmel's Bistro Giovanni - italian - Updated May 2026

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