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Food was decent, the steak fritas was cooked to order but.....way under seasoned unfortunately, the "cheff special " was halibut with risotto, the Gillette was definitely over cooked for its thickness but what really killed it was the level of sweetness.... the duck pate was also missing more amounts of livers and was overwhelmed by the sweetness of the confit... Service was ok, was hoping to get at least a "happy birthday " wish but oh well... we debated between 3 and 4 stars , as I there is no 3.5 option....we decided to give a 4 as it is a family owned business, but we did leave disappointed....
I have driven by the Spotted Duck often, and was curious to try it out. So I was excited to try dinner there on a Saturday. When I looked at OpenTable, there were no reservations available that night, but I called to make a reservation. I think we might have been able to walk in, as when we got there at 6 pm, there were still some tables available. They have a sign in front that says, "Do not seat yourself," which made me wonder how much that happens! I ordered the asparagus and beet salad to start out, and it was really delicious. I chose the rock cod as my entree, and it was fine, but I did feel like it was a little bit bland. It also came covered in greenery, which didn't really add anything to the taste. The capers and artichokes in the sauce were good, but the rest of the sauce was less exciting. I probably should have ordered the duck! I tried my mom's duck, and it was delicious. The side of Brussels sprouts were delicious as well. And the chocolate pot de creme was really outstanding. I would definitely try a different entree if I returned, but everything else was really good. The service was very nice as well. This is a cute place that would be fun for a nice romantic dinner!
We found this place on yelp and were lucky to get a reservation same day. Our server was so friendly and fun. I heard this place is chef owned and knew we were in good hands. The drunken skillet seared octopus had the perfect sauce pairing. The star of the show the skillet seared duck breast was cooked perfectly and so tender. It was so good we had to order another one before going back down to socal. I can't stop thinking about the duck.
The restaurant was about 80% full on a Friday night, yet it still felt intimate and comfortable. With a capacity of only 49 people, there isn't a bad seat in the house. The fun artwork and paintings throughout the restaurant added so much personality and made the space even more enjoyable. We started with the duck pâté and bread. The pâté was silky smooth with just a hint of sweetness, paired perfectly with the toasted bread. It literally melted in your mouth. The octopus with bean and honey sauce was another standout. The sauce complemented the octopus beautifully. The octopus itself was incredibly tender and soft -- not chewy at all -- and honestly reminded me of some amazing octopus I had while visiting Portugal. The mussels came in a very generous portion, and the tomato sauce was so good you could drink it by itself. For our mains, we had the sea scallops and the seared tuna, and both dishes were excellent. Everything tasted fresh, thoughtful, and well executed. The coffee and tea cups were the Bodum brand, great quality, double-lined, and they kept the drinks warm while still being comfortable to hold. Definitely a memorable dinner in Pacific Grove, and I'd gladly come back again.
Thank you for such a kind and wonderful experience! Firstly we love how dog friendly this place is. My sweet corgis were welcomed with kindness and affection. We were seated upstairs and our waitress lady was super friendly and informative on the menu and specials. We went with the seared Tucker Reserve duck breast on a bed of polenta and green chard. I think the jus was a little sweeter than I would have preferred for a dish I'd like more savory-ness but it was still an interesting complement. The restaurant is spacious and has a warm comfy glow. We had a pretty limited experience with the menu this time but perhaps next time when we visit the area again we will return as I am eager to try the other wonderful items on the menu and experience great service again!
The spotted duck is a very cute restaurant here in Pacific Grove. This is a sleepy neighborhood and there is parking available in front. We enjoyed both the service and ambiance, very attentive and clean inside. What works here? The duck liver pate was excellent, so creamy and all that fat along with it. The mussels, yum also very good! We also enjoyed the recommended seafood bolognese, very flavorful! What didn't we care for? Unfortunately, the duck breast which was dry, and on the small side. We do eat probably wayyy too much duck so we are somewhat critical when we come across it. Definitely would return, always root for small businesses!
The Spotted Duck was an absolute highlight of our babymoon to Monterey. I don't say this lightly: the duck dish here is one of the best dishes I've had in my life and I've eaten at a lot of restaurants. Our waiter was incredible! & explained everything on the menu in a way that made you genuinely excited to order. At one point, I believe the owner's wife came out to greet guests, which just added to that welcoming, personal feel. GET THE DUCK!...Perfectly cooked, unbelievably flavorful, and paired so thoughtfully with everything on the plate. I've never had duck prepared this well. It was so good we seriously debated coming back again on our short weekend trip just to order the exact same dish before leaving town. The place is small but feels cozy & a nice mix of upscale yet casual vibe. A must visit spot if you're in town!
My bf and I were really looking forward to trying this restaurant and found easy parking on the street. Reservations were also easy to make with a nice 15 minute grace period. Upon stepping in it's a bit of an older looking interior which was surprising but we got seated promptly upon arrival. We ordered the drunken skillet seared octopus to start(4/5). The octopus was cooked perfectly and not too tough or chewy. My bf loved the sauce which reminded us of a fusion hoisin sauce but I found it a bit odd for the dish and didn't feel like it was the best pairing. For our entrees we ordered - Seared Duck Breast (5/5): We both loved the crispy skin and the juicy and delicious cook of the duck. The sauce was delicious and the polenta tied the dish together as it soaked up the sauce and all its flavor. This was probably the best duck we've ever had and the only complaint we have is that there wasn't more! - Cabernet Braised Lamb Shoulder (3.5/5): Unfortunately, this dish did not live up to our hopes. I found the lamb a bit too gamey my bf found the sauce a bit too acidic. The gnocchi was good though but we found it hard to really enjoy the dish. Overall despite the costly price of the dinner, we unfortunately didn't leave completely full. Service felt rushed and we'd go back for special occasions or if we're really craving the duck but otherwise we would probably go somewhere else. Like a previous review mentioned, we wish we had both just ordered the duck!
I went to the Spotted Duck and it is definitely on the expensive side, so that is something to know before you go. I made a reservation about a week in advance for a late Sunday night, which I would recommend because it books up fast. We started with the Crispy Brussels Sprouts, which come with an apple cider onion jam. These were unreal. Sweet, tangy, crispy, and just addictive. We ate them so fast that my only photo is of a half eaten bowl. I would honestly go back just for these. The portion is big for an appetizer and you could easily eat the whole thing yourself. We also ordered the Spotted Duck Cheese Fries, which come topped with duck confit and a cheesy sauce. They were salty, rich, and a perfect match with the sweet Brussels sprouts. Such a good combo to start the meal with. For drinks, I got the Imperial Sour Plum. It has blood orange, goose ale, and ume plum wine. Really liked this one. Not too sweet at all, which is exactly what I prefer. It was refreshing and balanced without feeling sugary. For my main dish, I ordered the Seared Tucker Reserve Duck Breast. It comes with creamy white corn polenta, braised rainbow chard, duck, green tomato ginger jam, and a few watercress leaves on top. I almost ordered the special of the night but wanted to go with one of their classics. The duck was cooked medium rare, which they recommended, and it was tender and flavorful. Everything on the plate was great except the polenta. It was extremely rich and creamy, which is just not something I usually enjoy. If you are a polenta lover, you might like it a lot more than I did, but if you are sensitive to very rich foods, that is something to keep in mind. I wish there had been an option to sub it out because the rest of the dish was excellent. For dessert, I ordered an affogato. It was simple, just vanilla ice cream with espresso, but the combination was incredible. Exactly what I needed after a heavy meal. They also give you a surprisingly generous amount of ice cream. More than I expected for an affogato. My boyfriend ordered the Belgian Chocolate Pot de Creme, which comes with ruby port, stewart coastal huckleberries, buttermilk, and vanilla bean whipped cream. It was actually smaller than my affogato, which surprised me, but it was presented beautifully. The whipped cream was so thick and shaped that I honestly thought it was a scoop of ice cream at first. He said the pot de creme was very rich and he loved it. Service was fast and attentive without being too much. Our reservation was at six thirty and we finished closer to closing time, but dishes still came out quickly. The bill appeared quietly on the side of the table and they picked it up the same way, which I thought was interesting but polite. We sat in the far corner of the restaurant by the window that faces the street. It ended up being the perfect spot because it gave us a good amount of privacy. There was a party of four toward the front and a larger party of seven deeper in the restaurant, and although we could hear everyone, it did not feel cramped. I think we got lucky with our table placement. Overall, for the price point you know you are walking into, it was a very good experience. Great food, fast service, and some dishes that I would absolutely come back for.
Came in on a weekday and was greeted and seated promptly. Service was really good and I was checked on multiple times during dinner and got local recs from my server too. I had to try the duck breast (the top seller) and it didn't disappoint. The duck was cooked perfectly and flavorful. I was really surprised by the Ad Astra sourdough bread that was grilled. This famous Monterey bread was delightful, highly recommend. For the quality and taste, prices were fair. I'd come back!
Delicious, friendly service, nice place, fantastic food, great company! Lived every bit of it. Potato smokes salmon soup, lamb and their delicious duck! All of it out of this world!
WHY WE WENT HERE: - dinner THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located on the corner of Lighthouse Ave and Fountain Ave - street parking available THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - on the smaller/quaint side - interestingly enough it's carpeted flooring - interesting choice of artwork - multi-level; ground floor and then a small set of stairs to the bar area; unsure if there's additional seating (other than at the bar) there THE MENU: - starters - entrees - sides - bin - sparkling - bin - white - bin - half bottles - wines by the glass - session cocktails - beer + ciders - water + soda WHAT WE ORDERED: - spotted duck cheese fries - crispy brussel sprouts - skillet seared duck breast - steak + frites - PG Spot - Yuzu Rose Shandy THE TASTE: - spotted duck cheese fries - comforting - crispy brussel sprouts - crispy and loved the dressing on it - skillet seared duck breast - great! tender and flavorful - steak + frites - good, but not great - PG Spot - fiance enjoyed this so much he got another - Yuzu Rose Shandy - refreshing but watery CUSTOMER SERVICE: - we walked in for dinner and managed to snag a table (all other tables were taken by reservations) - server was great
Food was rich and delicious. Relaxing atmosphere and excellent service with attentive staff. The server gave lots of recommendations that were helpful. The pate was amazing. I will definitely be back.
The Spotted Duck is a small restaurant with the dining area on the main floor, with a cozy bar area, a few tables as well as the kitchen upstairs. Upon entry, we were heartily greeted by the owner and staff. There were only a couple tables left on the main floor as there was a large party of fifteen people seated in most of the main dining area. It was extremely loud with voices reverberating because of the gregarious group. The owner invited us upstairs to see if a high-bar table would be suitable. The table was quite small even though it overlooked the entire first level, so we declined as another table by the front windows had become available. The Charcuterie + Cheese board was a wonderful start to the evening. It consisted of prosciutto di parma, sopressata, duck prosciutto, bella vitano, triple cream brie, chèvre, almonds, and fig jam served with sliced grilled sourdough. Delish. We enjoyed their Sauteed Rock Cod entrée which consisted of pan-fried cod served with potato puree, artichokes + capers in a Meyer lemon brown butter sauce. The portion was of moderate size, and the dish was excellently prepared and plated. In addition, we had the Drunken Skillet Seared Octopus, which was a nice portion of octopus in a preserved black-bean honey sauce, along with Chef Jerry's seasoning. I recommend this starter as an appetizer or as a main entrée for a light appetite. All was quite delicious. This is an intimate venue for wonderfully prepared meal. The atmosphere of the restaurant is a little lacking which could account for the bad acoustic issue. The service is outstanding as the staff was attentive and watchful without interrupting the customer's dining experience. A serious negative would be that the restrooms are not located on the main dining level, and could pose a problem for patrons who need assistance. Food 4.9 Atmosphere 3.7 Service 4.9 read more
Really solid food and good service, I would give this a 4.5 if I could. Made a reservation, which was easy for Saturday evening. Good amount of street parking outside. The inside has a rustic, laid-back vibe to it. Our waiter was attentive and nice - he did forget our two glasses of wine until we reminded him when our entrees came out. They did comp the wines at the end though, which was nice. As for food, we got the mussels and octopus to start. The mussels were cooked well and the broth was good. Liked the sourdough accompaniment a lot, especially dipped in the sauce/broth. The octopus was very interesting as well with the black bean honey sauce. Sweet yet had a sort of earthy/nuttiness to it. It had a very Asian influence to it, compared to the typical Italian or Greek method of preparing octopus. For entrees we got the seared duck breast and sea scallops. Scallops were a tad salty but were cooked well and had a buttery taste. I appreciated all the veggies it came with and made the dish very clean-tasting. Duck breast was very soft and easy to cut. Polenta was cooked well too and the chard gave a nice touch of green to the dish. The entire dish felt very comforting. We finished off with the apple cake and chocolate pot. Both were tasty, although the apple cake was a bit better. I enjoyed the ice cream and the cake had crispy edges and soft inside. Chocolate pot was smooth and easy to eat, and wasn't overly rich. read more
18 days ago
Food was decent, the steak fritas was cooked to order but.....way under seasoned unfortunately, the "cheff special " was halibut with risotto, the Gillette was definitely over cooked for its thickness but what really killed it was the level of sweetness.... the duck pate was also missing more amounts of livers and was overwhelmed by the sweetness of the confit... Service was ok, was hoping to get at least a "happy birthday " wish but oh well... we debated between 3 and 4 stars , as I there is no 3.5 option....we decided to give a 4 as it is a family owned business, but we did leave disappointed.... read more
I have driven by the Spotted Duck often, and was curious to try it out. So I was excited to try dinner there on a Saturday. When I looked at OpenTable, there were no reservations available that night, but I called to make a reservation. I think we might have been able to walk in, as when we got there at 6 pm, there were still some tables available. They have a sign in front that says, "Do not seat yourself," which made me wonder how much that happens! I ordered the asparagus and beet salad to start out, and it was really delicious. I chose the rock cod as my entree, and it was fine, but I did feel like it was a little bit bland. It also came covered in greenery, which didn't really add anything to the taste. The capers and artichokes in the sauce were good, but the rest of the sauce was less exciting. I probably should have ordered the duck! I tried my mom's duck, and it was delicious. The side of Brussels sprouts were delicious as well. And the chocolate pot de creme was really outstanding. I would definitely try a different entree if I returned, but everything else was really good. The service was very nice as well. This is a cute place that would be fun for a nice romantic dinner! read more
5 days ago
2 months ago
We found this place on yelp and were lucky to get a reservation same day. Our server was so friendly and fun. I heard this place is chef owned and knew we were in good hands. The drunken skillet seared octopus had the perfect sauce pairing. The star of the show the skillet seared duck breast was cooked perfectly and so tender. It was so good we had to order another one before going back down to socal. I can't stop thinking about the duck. read more
The restaurant was about 80% full on a Friday night, yet it still felt intimate and comfortable. With a capacity of only 49 people, there isn't a bad seat in the house. The fun artwork and paintings throughout the restaurant added so much personality and made the space even more enjoyable. We started with the duck pâté and bread. The pâté was silky smooth with just a hint of sweetness, paired perfectly with the toasted bread. It literally melted in your mouth. The octopus with bean and honey sauce was another standout. The sauce complemented the octopus beautifully. The octopus itself was incredibly tender and soft -- not chewy at all -- and honestly reminded me of some amazing octopus I had while visiting Portugal. The mussels came in a very generous portion, and the tomato sauce was so good you could drink it by itself. For our mains, we had the sea scallops and the seared tuna, and both dishes were excellent. Everything tasted fresh, thoughtful, and well executed. The coffee and tea cups were the Bodum brand, great quality, double-lined, and they kept the drinks warm while still being comfortable to hold. Definitely a memorable dinner in Pacific Grove, and I'd gladly come back again. read more
2 months ago
Thank you for such a kind and wonderful experience! Firstly we love how dog friendly this place is. My sweet corgis were welcomed with kindness and affection. We were seated upstairs and our waitress lady was super friendly and informative on the menu and specials. We went with the seared Tucker Reserve duck breast on a bed of polenta and green chard. I think the jus was a little sweeter than I would have preferred for a dish I'd like more savory-ness but it was still an interesting complement. The restaurant is spacious and has a warm comfy glow. We had a pretty limited experience with the menu this time but perhaps next time when we visit the area again we will return as I am eager to try the other wonderful items on the menu and experience great service again! read more
The spotted duck is a very cute restaurant here in Pacific Grove. This is a sleepy neighborhood and there is parking available in front. We enjoyed both the service and ambiance, very attentive and clean inside. What works here? The duck liver pate was excellent, so creamy and all that fat along with it. The mussels, yum also very good! We also enjoyed the recommended seafood bolognese, very flavorful! What didn't we care for? Unfortunately, the duck breast which was dry, and on the small side. We do eat probably wayyy too much duck so we are somewhat critical when we come across it. Definitely would return, always root for small businesses! read more
The Spotted Duck was an absolute highlight of our babymoon to Monterey. I don't say this lightly: the duck dish here is one of the best dishes I've had in my life and I've eaten at a lot of restaurants. Our waiter was incredible! & explained everything on the menu in a way that made you genuinely excited to order. At one point, I believe the owner's wife came out to greet guests, which just added to that welcoming, personal feel. GET THE DUCK!...Perfectly cooked, unbelievably flavorful, and paired so thoughtfully with everything on the plate. I've never had duck prepared this well. It was so good we seriously debated coming back again on our short weekend trip just to order the exact same dish before leaving town. The place is small but feels cozy & a nice mix of upscale yet casual vibe. A must visit spot if you're in town! read more
My bf and I were really looking forward to trying this restaurant and found easy parking on the street. Reservations were also easy to make with a nice 15 minute grace period. Upon stepping in it's a bit of an older looking interior which was surprising but we got seated promptly upon arrival. We ordered the drunken skillet seared octopus to start(4/5). The octopus was cooked perfectly and not too tough or chewy. My bf loved the sauce which reminded us of a fusion hoisin sauce but I found it a bit odd for the dish and didn't feel like it was the best pairing. For our entrees we ordered - Seared Duck Breast (5/5): We both loved the crispy skin and the juicy and delicious cook of the duck. The sauce was delicious and the polenta tied the dish together as it soaked up the sauce and all its flavor. This was probably the best duck we've ever had and the only complaint we have is that there wasn't more! - Cabernet Braised Lamb Shoulder (3.5/5): Unfortunately, this dish did not live up to our hopes. I found the lamb a bit too gamey my bf found the sauce a bit too acidic. The gnocchi was good though but we found it hard to really enjoy the dish. Overall despite the costly price of the dinner, we unfortunately didn't leave completely full. Service felt rushed and we'd go back for special occasions or if we're really craving the duck but otherwise we would probably go somewhere else. Like a previous review mentioned, we wish we had both just ordered the duck! read more
I went to the Spotted Duck and it is definitely on the expensive side, so that is something to know before you go. I made a reservation about a week in advance for a late Sunday night, which I would recommend because it books up fast. We started with the Crispy Brussels Sprouts, which come with an apple cider onion jam. These were unreal. Sweet, tangy, crispy, and just addictive. We ate them so fast that my only photo is of a half eaten bowl. I would honestly go back just for these. The portion is big for an appetizer and you could easily eat the whole thing yourself. We also ordered the Spotted Duck Cheese Fries, which come topped with duck confit and a cheesy sauce. They were salty, rich, and a perfect match with the sweet Brussels sprouts. Such a good combo to start the meal with. For drinks, I got the Imperial Sour Plum. It has blood orange, goose ale, and ume plum wine. Really liked this one. Not too sweet at all, which is exactly what I prefer. It was refreshing and balanced without feeling sugary. For my main dish, I ordered the Seared Tucker Reserve Duck Breast. It comes with creamy white corn polenta, braised rainbow chard, duck, green tomato ginger jam, and a few watercress leaves on top. I almost ordered the special of the night but wanted to go with one of their classics. The duck was cooked medium rare, which they recommended, and it was tender and flavorful. Everything on the plate was great except the polenta. It was extremely rich and creamy, which is just not something I usually enjoy. If you are a polenta lover, you might like it a lot more than I did, but if you are sensitive to very rich foods, that is something to keep in mind. I wish there had been an option to sub it out because the rest of the dish was excellent. For dessert, I ordered an affogato. It was simple, just vanilla ice cream with espresso, but the combination was incredible. Exactly what I needed after a heavy meal. They also give you a surprisingly generous amount of ice cream. More than I expected for an affogato. My boyfriend ordered the Belgian Chocolate Pot de Creme, which comes with ruby port, stewart coastal huckleberries, buttermilk, and vanilla bean whipped cream. It was actually smaller than my affogato, which surprised me, but it was presented beautifully. The whipped cream was so thick and shaped that I honestly thought it was a scoop of ice cream at first. He said the pot de creme was very rich and he loved it. Service was fast and attentive without being too much. Our reservation was at six thirty and we finished closer to closing time, but dishes still came out quickly. The bill appeared quietly on the side of the table and they picked it up the same way, which I thought was interesting but polite. We sat in the far corner of the restaurant by the window that faces the street. It ended up being the perfect spot because it gave us a good amount of privacy. There was a party of four toward the front and a larger party of seven deeper in the restaurant, and although we could hear everyone, it did not feel cramped. I think we got lucky with our table placement. Overall, for the price point you know you are walking into, it was a very good experience. Great food, fast service, and some dishes that I would absolutely come back for. read more
1 month ago
1 year ago
Came in on a weekday and was greeted and seated promptly. Service was really good and I was checked on multiple times during dinner and got local recs from my server too. I had to try the duck breast (the top seller) and it didn't disappoint. The duck was cooked perfectly and flavorful. I was really surprised by the Ad Astra sourdough bread that was grilled. This famous Monterey bread was delightful, highly recommend. For the quality and taste, prices were fair. I'd come back! read more
1 year ago
WHY WE WENT HERE: - dinner THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located on the corner of Lighthouse Ave and Fountain Ave - street parking available THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - on the smaller/quaint side - interestingly enough it's carpeted flooring - interesting choice of artwork - multi-level; ground floor and then a small set of stairs to the bar area; unsure if there's additional seating (other than at the bar) there THE MENU: - starters - entrees - sides - bin - sparkling - bin - white - bin - half bottles - wines by the glass - session cocktails - beer + ciders - water + soda WHAT WE ORDERED: - spotted duck cheese fries - crispy brussel sprouts - skillet seared duck breast - steak + frites - PG Spot - Yuzu Rose Shandy THE TASTE: - spotted duck cheese fries - comforting - crispy brussel sprouts - crispy and loved the dressing on it - skillet seared duck breast - great! tender and flavorful - steak + frites - good, but not great - PG Spot - fiance enjoyed this so much he got another - Yuzu Rose Shandy - refreshing but watery CUSTOMER SERVICE: - we walked in for dinner and managed to snag a table (all other tables were taken by reservations) - server was great read more
9 months ago
Food was rich and delicious. Relaxing atmosphere and excellent service with attentive staff. The server gave lots of recommendations that were helpful. The pate was amazing. I will definitely be back. read more
9 months ago
What a great spot! We had a group of about 10 people so we took up a majority of their downstairs space, but it was fantastic! The service was impeccable, the space was warm and inviting, and the food was excellent! We brought our own wines and of course had to pay a corkage fee, and we also ordered some from the restaurant. I would definitely make this a place on the regular rotation when I'm in the area. Reservations probably are a good idea because of the limited seating. read more
Wow! After only one visit this has definitely become one of our favorite restaurants in town. We wanted to give the place some time to work through any potential kinks after the change in ownership from the previous restaurant. We loved that place and we are so glad to see the new owners are keeping with the quality food and excellent wine selection. We wanted a bit of everything so we shared the grilled octopus, mussels, and the lamb gnocchi. We paired it with a (surprisingly light) red blend of tempranillo, cab, and Pinot called "House of Brown". The mussels were probably our favorite with a very tasty bouillabaisse sauce. I just wish it had more bread!! The gnocchi was also a hit and made me wish we didn't share. Oh yea and more bread for that would have been so good. For dessert we didn't quite share (I wanted to try the new ice cream shop) the chocolate, berry and whipped cream dessert. I promised I'd only have a bite but definitely went in for a few more. The service was amazing and super helpful. We will definitely be back! read more
This restaraunt is OK. It's not bad! But it's not the step-up fancy restaraunt you would expect it to be. Therefore, it's expensive for what you want. The food highlight is probably their salad and the duck. That's pretty good! Their burger is disappointingly average. Their other food is fine. The fish is fine. Not succulent and full of flavor at all. The one who served us is new. So I'll cut him some slack, but I would have thought they would hire a pro to serve here. Cheap pay probably because his enthusiasm wasn't there. The owner greets you at the door with a frown and smiles when you leave haha! So would I come back? Mehh... not unless you crave duck. Is it bad to eat here? No. Is it expensive? Yes. Should you try it, up to you :) read more
2 years ago
Talk about a getaway weekend and starting it off with a little treat at the Spotted Duck. With so many places to eat, it just so happened that this was where the dart landed and we got to enjoy duck in a different way. Enthusiastic service and some good recommendations. We started off with two beers. Missed out on the wine but their collection looked beautiful! Our appetizers arrived which were brussel sprouts and the duck pâté. We topped it off by sharing a steak a frites! While it all sounds pretty ordinary, the duck pâté was the highlight of the meal. Enough for us to save some to dip the fries in! We got seated at the top corner table which was the best spot to people watch. It also felt more intimate because we were off in our own little spot a little spread past the rest of the table downstairs. There was mood lighting, interesting art, and shelves of wine. Back to the highlight. The duck pâté was one of those memorable bites of the weekend. Mixed with port gelee, the duck pâté is a good way of introducing someone who has never eaten duck before. It was savory with the slightest bit of sweetness! Greatly paired with some sourdough. I understand the love for this dish and would definitely come back for it again! If you haven't, trust me. It's a good new taste! read more
19 days ago
25 days ago
7 months ago
9 months ago
Amazing service, ambiance, and food. All around a well spent time. Food tried: Charcuterie Board 10/10 the bread is to die for. Figured out I have a new favorite cheese with there goat cheese chèvre...get it with the side of marinated olives Squash and Pear soup. I think I could eat this over and over for the rest of my life and never get sick of it. If you leave this restaurant trying only one thing let it be this. Duck breast: absolutely phenomenal...polenta as the base was the most perfect pairing. Chocolate pot de creme. So good. read more
1 year ago
We had the Brussels sprouts, duck, pork belly burger and the sorbet. Food was great; so was the service. Will come back again! read more
2 years ago
Made a reservation hoping for outdoor seating. Arrived and confirmed they have outdoor seating and dog friendly! They quickly set up the table. Note, no heater but they offered blankets. They really went out of their way to make sure we were warm, keeping our hot water cups filled. Once settled, we ordered 2 cocktails, 2 starters, 2 entrees and dessert. duck arancini $17 duck confit, buffalo mozzarella, romesco sauce, almonds - This was serviced differently than I saw online. Instead of the 3 balls, we got one rectangular arancini. The rice was cooked perfectly, soft and creamy. You can taste and see little bits of duck confit. drunken skillet seared octopus $23 preserved black-bean honey sauce, jerry's everything seasoning - The octopus was tender and presliced into 4 pieces. I personally did not like the black bean sauce with the octopus but my partner enjoyed it. The octopus was still enjoyable as it was served on top of the sauce and the amount could be controlled. skillet seared duck breast $43 creamy white corn polenta, braised rainbow chard, duck jus, green tomato ginger jam - The duck was tender. The polenta was soft and creamy. Absolutely loved the green tomato ginger jam with the duck. Had reminiscence of plum sauce. caramelized sea scallops $43 maitakes, snap peas, fingerling potatoes, porcini mushroom blanquette - The dish was served with 4 perfectly cooked scallops. The blanquette was delicious. I scrapped the sauce with every bit on the plate till it was clean. Spiced Pumpkin Cake $11 With apple and whipped marcapone - Per the server, this is a new dessert. The cake was moist and lightly spiced. The apples and the marcapone matched really well with the cake. I only wished the cake was warmer slightly before serving. Overall, the entire meal was fantastic. The portion size was a bit small for the value. However, their service was so accommodating, we left happy with our dinner choice. With a final bill of approximately $200 for 2 people and leaving still a bit hungry, I'm not sure this will be a good causal dining spot. This restaurant would definitely be a great spot for special occasions or if you're a light eater. read more
1 year ago
What a great fine this was small little place, but oh Lord so good. Risotto mushroom was phenomenal. The lamb shoulder with gnocchi you couldn't ask for better atmosphere is great service staff is wonderful. The owners take good care of the place in our present covering making sure that you experience is ip to par I don't do this often, but this is a five star do yourself a favor if you're in Monterey Pacific Grove or Carmel come to Pacific Grove, and try this place read more
Everything was so good! I would love to come back here for a special occasion. My friends and I came here to celebrate an engagement, and I'm so glad we did! Attentive service, a relaxing ambiance, and the food was just delicious. You can't come to the Spotted Duck without trying the duck! The Skillet Seared Duck Breast was very tender and well seasoned. Cooked perfectly. The skin on each piece was delectable! Paired very well with the sauces, veggies, and creamy polenta. I highly recommend! I definitely recommend the Drunken Skilled Seared Octopus! What a soft cook on each piece. SO TENDER and well seasoned. The preserved black bean had a sharp saltiness to it, which I enjoyed. The Spotted Cheese Fries also hit the spot! Great appetizer. Think In-N-Out fries, with an upscale twist. Very tasty! read more
9 months ago
5 months ago
I was in Pacific Grove for a few nights and had researched restaurants when The Spotted Duck popped up. This place has a fun ambiance with extremely friendly and professional staff who were hospitable and helpful to my needs. I was going there for the mussels which they had unfortunately run out of that day, mind you I did turn up in the rain about 40 minutes before closing time, and they still welcomed me in. Instead I had the Asian fusion octopus dish in the menu with their home baked sour dough. And a pot of hot tea. Delicious! read more
Wow, wow, wow!!! This place is AMAZING. We made a reservation, but it turned out to be unnecessary as most of the tables were empty. We were seated right away. Wonderful, attentive service! Food quality is top notch. And...Food comes out at lightening speed. 1. Drunken Skilled Seared Octopus (5/5) Cooked to perfection; the octopus melts in your mouth. It's served with sweat pea and their special Black-bean honey sauce with sesame seeds, which was thick, savory, very lightly sweet from the honey and subtly nutty from the sesame seeds. The sauce compliments the octopus well and was very satisfying. 2. Heirloom Tomatoes (5/5) Heirloom tomatoes were extremely fresh and the burrata cheese just delightfully creamy and oh sooo satisfying. All with a hint of truffle vinaigrette seasoning mixed with cabernet onions. 3. Skillet Seared Duck Breast & Polenta (5/5) Duck was well-cooked to perfection. The edges were crisp and the duck fat melts so nicely in your mouth (drool emoji). The polenta was very creamy, not grainy at all and well-executed. 4. Brussel Sprouts (5/5) Perfectly crispy on the outside and when served with their apple cider onion jam, it is borderline addictive. Tangy, yet savory. Turns an otherwise boring and bitter vegetable into a joy to eat. 5. Duck Cheese Fries (4/5) The duck meat provided the savoriness, while the melted Parmesan cheese provided creaminess. All served over a large bed of fries. I wish there was a better ratio between the duck and cheese topping with the amount of fries. Most of the fries ended up not have any toppings on it. I think also if they added some truffle oil or truffle salt, it would take it up another notch. 6. Duck Arancini (5/5) Duck confit, buffalo mozzarella, romesco sauce, with almonds. The dish reminds me of mini croquettes served with the delicious sauce and the almonds bits added a nice crunch. They fried it in fresh oil as it was not heavy or rancid. The buffalo cheese was a bit stringy, but nonetheless very enjoyable. 7. Tornatore Italy Wine (4/5) Fresh and crispy, not too fruity. It's enjoyable enough, but minus 1 star because it's not as smooth. Highly recommend and cannot wait to come back. read more
Excellent! Dining solo and put at a table where my only choice was to stare at the wall at first as the evening sun was horrendous if I sat in the out-facing seat. I was able to switch around shortly though. Entered at 5pm on a Monday night. At 6pm now just 4 other tables on the main floor filled, with 4 tables that I can see empty. Upstairs (didn't go up) near the bar there are at l sat 2 tables of normal height set up and only 1 occupied. A high table is occupied and there is the bar there. My point in relating this was alternatives were available. Once I switched seats about 15 minutes after I was there, then finally felt part of the dining experience. The bus boy was extremely helpful and kind. The waiter Nick was fine. I had Pinot with the duck, but not before asking. I'm not good with knowing pairings. Maybe I'm wrong, but it didn't seem like a great match up. Ordered the bread: grilled and served with butter at spreading temperature: perfect!ion on all points! Squash soup was a delight! The flavors were on point and memorable. The seared duck would have been a bit more pleasant with a sharp knife, as it took some sawing. The duck was pink and perfectly cooked though. The green tomato sauce with onions was a delight; however, it overpowered the dish. I could have eaten less of it, but honestly that, the Swiss chard and polenta were the stars of the plate for me. Shockingly I skipped dessert, as I was very full and the sweetness's of the duck dish didn't leave me craving a sweet. Would I return? Yes, but I would try something else next time. Just spending a quick get away in Pacific Grove. read more
The service was very friendly and we were happy they could find seating for us at the bar on short notice. The ambiance was romantic and elevated. The Skillet Seared Duck Breast was amazing! This was our favorite dish from the restaurant and our favorite dish of anything we had the last month. The dish has a range of flavors from the fruity sauce to the creamy polenta and the rich duck meat. The textures were equally varied with the smooth sauce, gritty polenta, and the crispy sear on the duck breast. The Spotted Duck Cheese Fries were our second favorite with a delectable cheese and plenty of duck meat added. The Chardonnay Steamed Mussels were a tad too "fishy" for us with the Chardonnay really amplifying that ocean flavor. The Duck Liver Pate just wasn't for our palate with a very bitter flavor that we had to overlook to enjoy the dish. The bread was great with a nice flavor and texture. Over all, we were very happy with having plenty of new flavors and some dishes that really blew us away. read more
2 years ago
Enjoyed an incredibly spectacular meal for my partners birthday! We booked 8pm reservations for 4. When we arrived there was only one other large party seated, which I was excited about, to enjoy a quiet meal. We were waited on my Nick who was so lovely and knew the menu front and back. Our meals were absolutely delicious! Can't recommend The Spotted Duck enough, a must try! read more
3 months ago
2 years ago
3.5 STARS Not to be confused with Spotted D*ck, because that's what my phone kept autocorrecting Spotted Duck to...the same way it autocorrects "BBH" (Viet spicy beef noodle soup) to "BBC". iPhone autocorrect can be wild. FKA Jeninni Kitchen + Wine Bar, Spotted Duck opened in June 2023 with a new chef-owner (alum from Schooners, Rise + Roam Bakery, etc). Open for takeout, indoor dining, and dog-friendly outdoor dining (parklet). While researching where to dine while staying in the Carmel area, I saw that Spotted Duck kept several of Jeninni's menu items (pâté, meatballs, and zeppole). We had an awesome experience at Jeninni so decided to give their successor a try. We made rezzies for a weeknight but it didn't seem like one was needed if you dine early before 6 pm. M E N U Brasserie and bistro-style cuisine. Small focused menu with 20 items (excluding sides). Beer, wine, and low abv cocktails (cava, soju, or sake based). Wish they kept Jeninni's bomb eggplant fries and crispy lamb shank. D R I N K * Saké ($12): https://tinyurl.com/4vpdkp68 I try to avoid sugary cocktails so I asked if I can get a glass of saké which they kindly accommodated. Generous pour, served chilled. It was fine. F O O D * Duck Liver Pâté w/ port gelée, pickled mustard seeds, grilled sourdough ($18) // 3 stars: https://tinyurl.com/5yknn7jf Rich, buttery texture with an unpleasant bitter aftertaste. Loved the grilled ad astra sourdough bread...crusty with a good chew and smoky char from the grill. * Crispy Seared Duck Breast w/ creamy white corn polenta, braised rainbow chard, green tomato-ginger jam ($43) // 3 stars: https://tinyurl.com/mrrehvwr --Default temp: Medium rare Great flavors - mix of salty, sweet, tart, and fruity. The thick and creamy polenta was delicious, with the richness balanced by the earthy bitterness of the rainbow chard. BUT, the main event was a letdown. The dry duck breast was overdone to well and the sauce ladled on top rendered half of the crispy skin soggy. * Steak & Chokes: 9 oz grilled new york steak, fried sunchokes, horseradish aioli ($44) // 4 stars: https://tinyurl.com/5n8xbk87 --Requested rare Solid, the steak was cooked rare as requested with tender beefiness. Would have liked more nose tingling punch in the horseradish but it was, otherwise, a nice creamy dip for the steak. The fried sunchokes were a bit chewy with an earthy, nutty flavor. * Side: Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes ($10) // 4 stars Can't go wrong with creamy whipped mash potatoes with plenty of buttah. S E R V I C E Friendly, welcoming staff but understaffed. It was just the hostess and one server at the FOH. Since they were spread thin, we only saw our server when he took our order and when we were ready for the bill. Prompt food service. A M B I A N C E Cozy and casual with animal themed paintings. There's one main dining room and bar area with seating in the mezzanine area. Handful of tables in the parklet. P A R K I N G Plentiful street parking. Overall, I had high hopes for Spotted Duck esp with their duck dishes but they fell short of expectations. It was still decent tho. 3.5 stars rounded up for a local small business. read more
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542 Lighthouse Ave
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
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(831) 920-2662
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http://spottedduckpg.com
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