Food was delicious and well presented. Service was lacking in a big way and prices are high for what you get.

Overpriced and pretentious for the underwhelming quality. Left feeling like we wasted money on eh experience.

The avocado and fennel salad was incredible. Excellent brussels sprouts and sourdough. Leaving a review before the main course arrives because it's that good. read more

Seven months ago, and I'm still thinking about this meal. I can't remember what we ate, but it was delicious. The wait staff was great and informative and did a good job helping us formulate our meal. We ordered two drinks- one was banana which I didn't like, but probably because I was hoping it wouldn't taste like banana. The other was so refreshing. We chose all vegetable and fish items. No meat. Soooo good. I wish I could share the details more with you, but it was amazing. read more

I am so happy we can eat out again! And we picked Carnal four our first double date in what feels like forever. Let me get the bad out of the way - even with a reservation, it was 40 minutes to sit and then service was pretty slothy. Also, it's one of the more spendy places in Bellingham (two cocktails, two entrees, and an app came to just under $90 per couple), but don't let that deter you. Go when you have time and cash to spare and enjoy yourself. It's worth it. Drinks are creative and let me just say - I love that they serve them with no ice. Maybe I'm weird, but sometimes the coolness and the ice changes the flavor as they melt, and I prefer my drinks neat. They were delicious and I have to say I have never had a better pina colada - and I don't even like them! We got the Brussels sprouts and the avocado, which are delicious for apps. But, f you heard a large CRACK on Friday night, it was my heart, because they were out of the short ribs, which is WHAT YOU GO THERE FOR. But make no mistake, everything on the menu is outstanding. We had the pork and the steak, and while the pork was the winner due to the beans with it (it's heartier), the steak was absolutely perfect. I'm itching to try the sister sandwich joint next door, and I'm hoping Carnal will do right by the Up & Up building for a long time to come. At least I know where I'm going to ask to go for our next date! read more

I have not personally been here but my therapist has been and she said that she and her boyfriend who works at Just Hello said that the service was excellent and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. They especially liked the Ribs. read more

The food was amazing! The vibe was perfect for a birthday celebration just the two of us. We will for sure be back. We tried the Fried Chicken Wings, Gem Salad, Beef Spare ribs and then had the Panne Cotta for dessert. The have a unique spin on their flavors but we were entirely blown away and left with smiles on our faces and full bellies! read more

See all

From the moment we walked in the door we had a great experience at Carnal. We did not have a reservation and had not realized how crowded all the restaurants would be but the hostess not only squeezed us in but also figured out a way to put us at a table that worked well for my 93 year old mom who has some hearing issues -- so appreciated! And from there delicious cocktails and incredible food. Everything from the appetizers to the pasta to the fish special that night was delicious. We will most certainly be coming back here the next time we come to town -- and this time we will make reservations ahead of time! read more

Excellent! Great vibe and delicious food. Everything is served al La carte so you can try a few different items. Definitely go with the roasted sprouts and the short ribs. I would have liked to have seen a potato or rice dish offered. read more

This place has a cute patio that's pet friendly! That's a huge plus. The menu is a bit strange for a "barbecue" restaurant. It couldn't be further from what this place is. My family and I came on labor day hoping for actual BBQ and we're pretty disappointed. Not to mention the chicken wings were unable to be made due to them not having any oil. It was such a bummer because that's the only thing my kids wanted on. They ended up not wanting to order anything and we will have to swing through a drive thru on our way home. I ordered the bucatini, half of the noodles were hard. If it would've been cooked 40 to 45 seconds more it would've been alot better. If your looking for bbq some come here, if you're wanting a super modern small portion type of restaurant, this is your spot. I ordered 2 bucatinis, 4 virgin Pina coladas, one old fashioned, a brocolini and a 33 drink, my kids didn't even eat and it was $130! I'll pass! read more

Amazing tastes- I thought I was back on the mountain restaurant near Lyon. Actually, every dish plus the ambience/ decor is very much reminiscent of a French restaurant in the Ardeche region of France. The service is elegant- we were made aware of the specialties plus the meal plan whereby we could sample several dishes that could comprise a complete meal in themselves: each of us order 3 different small samplings and thereby have a taste of a wide range from the menu. It was quite clever. There is a name for this but I forget it. But we've experienced this in a few really upscale restaurants around the world. It reminded me of having amuse bouche from a tasting menu in Woodside, Ca. Will definitely bring our out of town guests here! read more

I hated everything except the chicken wings. The service, the concrete seats (ugg), the boring limited high price menu and the awful drinks. I'll never go back. Waste of money. read more

Delicious beef rib and Gem salad. Really exceptional. No hot tea choices. Strange dessert. Fire place caused smoke to fill the room. Service was great - friendly and attentive. Prices pretty high. I think I would do take out next time. Beef RibGem Lettuce Salad read more

Really nice outdoor seating area that is relatively windproof with heaters. It's also dog friendly on the patio which is great for us. The server was friendly and helpful with recommendations. Good cocktails but I was a little disappointed in the food after reading some amazing reviews! I ordered the Fifth Sun which was a mezcal drink with pineapple and jalapeño. I asked for it extra spicy if possible but it was quite mild. Husband ordered a couple old fashioneds that he enjoyed. We ordered 4 dishes...the Brussel sprouts and salmon tartare to start. And then the halibut and pork shoulder as the large plates. We shared everything and left perfect amount of full... not overly full by any means. Smaller plates: Not a huge fan of the sprouts which was my biggest disappointment! It was very salty and the lemon was not spread evenly. My first bite was SO sour and I couldn't shake it. The salmon tartare with sweet potatos was quite good and refreshing, but on the small side. The sweet potato chips on top were so good and crispy...wish there were more! Large plates: Neither of these were particularly large but thoughtfully created. I liked the proteins a lot on both the pork shoulder and halibut dishes...cooked perfectly. But found the rest of the halibut dish way too salty. The pork shoulder came with beans and chorizo but the star of the dish was definitely the pork! Didn't care too much for the chorizo. They were like mini patties. It was pretty busy so service was on slower side. Would come back and try the short ribs but overall didn't like tonight's dishes enough to reorder. read more

See all

Bellingham has some good #grub! Carnal is a hipster spot in the heart of downtown with amazing bites. The slow roasted short ribs and chicken wings are tasty but the veggies are the bomb. I'm a part-time vegan and the twice roasted honey squash, charred mushrooms, gem salad, fried cauliflower and charred broccoli will rock your world. They even have a virgin vegan colada that was so good my kiddo ordered it twice! Carnal also has a jerky spot right next door - both spicy n original flavors were good. Wine list was a bit light, but service was swift and the vibe is lively and loud. Really enjoyed my experience - Will definitely be back! read more

Carnal - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

See all

Carnal is the only restaurant that I revisit every time I'm in Bellingham. They have an open kitchen where you can see the chefs cooking and plating your dishes. I was able to watch how much work and passion they put in all the dishes! The menu is pretty gluten free which is nice for those with gluten allergy or celiacs. My favorite is the hanger steak and the halibut dish. read more

See all

The ambiance was really nice, especially for a date. The food was hit or miss. Some dishes were tasty and others were meh, especially for the price. Service could've been better. They seemed understaffed. We had to wait a long time for our drinks, our food, and even just to be greeted in the beginning. We arrived 15 mins after they opened with a reservation. Probably won't return. read more

I had heard that this was the place to be in Bellingham and holy moly was it true! They were so busy for a Monday night, and the servers were great. So friendly and made us feel super welcome and comfortable even though they had so much going on. Our main courses took a while to come out but the appetizers were so yummy and it was worth the wait to eat the halibut. I had a couple mocktails and my coworker has good wine (so he says). I would highly recommend this place for a date night or business meeting. It has a fun vibe to it and they handle the chaos of a busy restaurant very well. We also were able to eat outside, which I loved since it's summer! read more

See all

This was my first time at Carnal and it didn't disappoint! Their food was amazing! The servers were really friendly and helpful. The short rib melts in your mouth. That was the best dish for me. Overall great experience. Can't wait to come back. read more

Carnal - bar area and kitchen - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

See all

One of the beat eateries in Bellingham, service & food are top notch at a great downtown location. Plan ahead as they fill up quickly.

Food: 4.5 stars Oak of paradise cocktail: yes. Who doesn't love tequila and citrus? Pomme d'amore cocktail: Refreshing Gem lettuce salad: perfectly dressed with just the right amount of acidity and textures. Stracciatella with confit tomatoes and grilled bread: creamy and bright Wood fired maitaki mushrooms: earthy with the right balance of creamy and citrus notes. Fried chicken wings: Crispy, aromatic, savory with just a bit a sweetness. Bucatini pasta: mustard green and preserved lemon with the leek butter was a the perfect combo Hangar steak: perfectly cooked with fantastic grass flavor worked well with the sweet roasted carrots and chili crisp. Halibut: Nicely cooked thick piece that paired well with the braised escarole Short rib: This is a winner. So decadent and tender. Service: 3.5 stars Everyone was really nice, but it felt a bit rushed at the end. Just a few recommendations about the service: 1. Don't remove dishes when there is still food on the plates before asking, 2. Don't ask about dessert when patrons are still chewing on dinner, and 3. Don't ask about bringing the check before dessert is completed. All in all, I would definitely return. Bravo for bringing this restaurant to Bellingham! read more

Always a great experience to taste the unique flavors of carnal. Definitely recommend the chicken there. The service is always top notch. The fire place is great and the lighting is relaxing. read more

Carnal - Cocktail - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

See all

We were here celebrating our anniversary. The service was wonderful. The food was prepared perfectly and the drinks were beautifully crafted. We enjoyed our dinner very much. We also had the miataki mushrooms but I forgot to take a picture. We had a wonderful time and will be back. read more

See all

We ADORE Carnal. It's our go-to special occasion and date night spot. The service is always informative and friendly and the seasonal menu never disappoints. The frequent changes make each visit exciting! I don't think we've had a single meal there that we did not enjoy. The cocktails are also always delicious - the roasted pina colada is a personal favorite! read more

Carnal - Gem lettuce salad, crudo and roasted sweet potatoes with salmon caviar - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

See all

A hidden gem and one of my favorite restaurants in WA to date. Granted we just moved here but still incredible food read more

Carnal - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Very good food if you're a meat eater and beyond- the portions are small and you may have to order several potions if you're super hungry. Try the salad if you're a greens person and it's super tasty. read more

A great place to stop by. Liked their short ribs , ordered it multiple times. Also appetizers are great read more

See all

This restaurant was SUCH a surprise! I was visiting Bellingham on a weekend visit and stumbled across this spot randomly. This was not only one of the best restaurants I've visited in Washington, it's one of the best I've visited in the US! When we walked in, the host suggested a specific appetizer. Typically those suggestions don't really land with me bc they seem like self-promotion, but in this case the host was absolutely correct about the appetizer being incredible. Everything we ordered was 5 star, and this restaurant is superior to even some of the top restaurants in Seattle. Absolutely loved this place, and will DEFINITELY be returning! read more

I could rave about Carnal nonstop, but it's really just best for you to experience it for yourself. Incredible flavor combinations, filling, rich dishes, and spectacular cocktails. This is my favorite restaurant in Bellingham, and my favorite place to take friends and family from out of town. It's great for special occasions or a date night- but also cocktails and some light veggie dishes! read more

Carnal - Marinated avocado & wings - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Amazing food and cocktails. Great vibe. My girlfriend and I got a quiet space on the patio and spent the whole time drawing while we were sampling from their incredible menu and having some of the best cocktails I've ever tasted. The service was responsive but gave us space to enjoy the evening. I loved it and can't wait to go back. read more

Amazing food, awesome staff, great ambiance, always an excellent experience! Do not miss this place!

Don't review often, but wow! Every aspect of our experience was great. Service and food were fantastic. Specifically, the marinated avocado and duck fat potatoes were two of the best things I've eaten. Also had the short rib...amazing! Wife had hangar steak...amazing! Complete experience. Must eat here if you are in Bellingham. read more

Had a fantastic dinner at Carnal. Highly highly recommended! Everything was excellent - the restaurant is gorgeous, outside area (where we sat) is comfortable, covered and warm. Staff were all friendly, efficient and super professional. And the food was incredible. If we lived closer we'd be back in a heartbeat. Tip: make a reservation - they are popular. But try forna walk-in even if you don't have a res. We made a reservation for but popped in at 6 to see if they could take us early. They had a table so they seated us early. Food: everything gets 5+++ stars. Marinated avocado. Avocado in the creamieat lime vinegarette you've ever tasted. Delicious. Tartare. Also very delicious. The meat was cut into tiny cubes rather than minced. Served with very nice grilled bread. Meat flavor was mild. Potatoes. Crispy fried exterior, creamy center. Literally the only issue for us isnthat we ordered so much food we had to try notnto eat all the potatoes to give us a fighting chance to finish the rest! Wings. OMG. Get them. Literally every table we saw got them and for good reason. These are sticky, smoky, perfectly cooked and just so delicious. Brocolini. Perfect amount of char. Excellent. The beef rib. Wowzers. Perfectly cooked, served cut from the bone (bone also presented for gnawing on) with a mustardy sauce. I got a roasted pineapple pina colada - it was delicous. All the cocktails were so pretty I just had to order one. Best dinner we've had in a long while. read more

See all

"Let me take you someplace fantastic" he said . "Its owned by three , 3 star Michelin chefs from Brooklyn, they ran it as a pop up there, but here they found a local investor; its extraordinary" And from the first step inside i knew it was, too. Carnal is darkened , quiet and simple, a classic romantic atmosphere, the servers seeming to silently glide by at just the right time and pace, non intrusive , professional service. And the cocktail menu? Inspired and Divine . Whatever i had, It was mezcal and it was magic , so i had another and at this point i started feeling quite romanced . A place like this brings the best out in me! Then came our selections , marinated avocados, succulent braised sea bass with crispy skin and coconut , roasted Brussels sprouts sticky and delicious , just perfect . Dessert was a sweet blur of shared spoons and coffee liqueur , the whole meal a beautiful experience from start to finish . I loved it, he loved it . And then we kissed. read more

4- ambiance , a little too cramped for me 4- food, a little salty for my taste but the halibut is excellent 5- service, dropped in without reservation and was seated right away before the evening peak. Multiple servers checked up on our table to make sure we have what we needed 4- drinks, too much ice. Pax Romana with marinated avocado is a good pair though 4- priced about average for similar establishments Will definitely try again next time in town read more

Awesome place with great food! The service was good and I will completely recommend this place to friends.

First step. Order everything. Next step. Enjoy the roller coaster. Quote of the night: "I feel like I am rightfully teased and ready to go home and finish it myself. Would recommend to a friend." read more

Service was prompt and the bartender was very helpful. The food was very subpar for the price and seemed to be some sort of minimalist approach. The pork had really no flavor at all for something was supposed be "pear" enhanced. The menu was bare as far as choices of main plates and the entire experience was not what I would have expected for all of the hype. read more

Great place to order a bunch of plates and share. We ordered the hanger steak, short rib, wings, and grilled bread. They were all delicious! The cocktails were also great. Also appreciated the outdoor seating. read more

Carnal - Hanger steak and short rib. - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Very impressed with this restaurant. The environment was very relaxing. Our waitress was very sweet. And the food was absolutely amazing. We ordered black cod and the short ribs. The black cod melts in your mouth like butter. Everything was just so flavorful! Highly recommend this place. read more

Carnal - 24 Hour Beef Short Rib - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

See all