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    Valley Kitchen

    3.9 (195 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Valley Kitchen Photos

    VALLEY KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Upscale
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Valley Kitchen

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    Reviews With Photos

    Pool area
    Elmer G.

    From the moment you turn into Old Ranch Rd you start to feel that relaxation and begin to separate yourself from everyday life and the mind goes into relax mode, well for me It did. It's a beautiful drive up to the restaurant as you go by a golf course and beautiful views. Once you arrive at the parking lot, if you pay attention you will see a tree with a swing near by. Look closely or you might miss it. The restaurant personnel gives you a warm welcome, we had a reservation and sat us at our special table as soon as we arrived. I could tell the restaurant was at at peak time, and through all that we received an amazing service throughout the whole dining experience. The drinks were on point, each of our cocktails and wine recommendation did not disappoint. We were really pleased with the Charred Beets Salad. Perfect acidity balance through each bite and we could taste a bit of chard through each beer bite. My wife and I, ended up sharing our plates. The burger was perfectly cooked, the beef patty was juicy and full of flavor and its served with thick chunks of bacon something we love on a burger. My veal pappardelle was packed with flavor, I could taste the veal and herbs. I was surprised and very pleased as the veal tasted so good. The desserts were amazing as well. The apple berry cobbler hit a home run! I would really like to thank the Valley Kitchen staff for all of their attention! All I mentioned on reservation was that if they could accommodate a table with a view as that night we were celebrating our wedding anniversary. From the moment we arrived we were greeted with a warmth welcoming feel, and the service provided through the whole dining experience felt so amazing! Thank you for making our night that much more special!

    Elainey G.

    Excellent service and super dog friendly. Everything came out quick and the food seemed farm fresh. Love that they had an indoor area to sit at if you have a dog with you. Because it was too cold to sit outside.

    Sarah C.

    We had reservations for 630pm for Sunday night. Our first evening at Carmel Valley Ranch. Our toddler was hungry so we checked in early and we were seated right away. Loves how child friendly this place was. High chair given along with a sticker sheet and children's menu. Chicken tenders and fries for the little one - they also gave her a toddler friendly plastic cup with straw. Large portion - can feed two + toddlers or a really big kid. Or an adult. Both my husband and I got drinks. I got a low proof cocktail and my husband got a glass of white wine. My husband got the ribeye- cooked perfectly. It was very good and juicy. I got the calms - comes with a lot and two slices of toast. We shared the Cesar salad - It was definitely worth its 20+ dollar price tag. It was one of the highlights of our entire two night stay. It was a large portioned and seasoned very well.

    We had a fantastic dinner at Valley Kitchen, highlighted by both incredible food and outstanding service from Adalberto. The meal featured the Maple Leaf Duck and a perfectly cooked New York Striploin, along with the rich and comforting Five Cheese Orecchiette and a beautifully executed lemon meringue dessert. The atmosphere was relaxed yet upscale, with a warm, inviting ambiance that really elevated the experience. The drinks were just as memorable--my tiki cocktail was vibrant and well-balanced, while my wife's mule was crisp and refreshing. From start to finish, the service, food, and setting all exceeded expectations, and we're already looking forward to coming back.

    Flourless Praline Torte

    It had been months since I last enjoyed lunch at Valley Kitchen, and a perfect sunny winter day felt like just the right excuse to drive out to Carmel Valley Ranch with a friend. My friend and I split three dishes which were all fabulous! We started with the delicious Ranch Avocado Toast featuring Hass avocado smash, arugula, CVR olive oil, Meyer lemon zest, marinated garden veggies, all served on a toasted country loaf. For our main, we chose the Veggie Scampi with tomatoes, basil, oregano, garlic, lemon, and white wine--made even better with the addition of shrimp. Every bite was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. We finished with an excellent Flourless Praline Torte with chocolate mousse, praline and nib brittle with salted caramel ice cream, the perfect sweet ending. Add in the stunning views of oak trees and grapevines along with attentive service, and it was a truly memorable lunch. Highly recommended!

    Anna T.

    We did the breakfast buffet on the morning we checked out and I will say they had an excellent selection of items. They kept up with replenishing items and the food was fresh and delicious. It's located right near the pool so we had a nice view as well. The downside of the buffet was that our server was nonexistent and took over 30 minutes to appear after we were ready to pay the bill. The latte also needed a bit of help. Overall enjoyable experience.

    Birthday
    James M.

    We had an amazing dinner and breakfast here while staying at Carmel Valley Ranch this past November for my birthday. I usually have lower expectations with hotels restaurants, but Valley Kitchen ended up being one of the best meals I've had in Carmel in recent years. Some of our favorites from dinner were the kale brussel sprout caesar, bread with butter, and chicken piccata. Breakfast was just as good and enjoyed their egg plate and pancakes. The restaurant has a completely different vibe from dinner to breakfast, and we had a particularly cozy dinner sitting at a corner table with a view of the restaurant. We'll definitely be back. Pros: Phenomenal food for breakfast & dinner, friendly staff, and cozy setting.

    Tomo S.

    This was a first: a fine dining experience for my dog--and I'm officially jealous of my fluffy dining companion. We visited the restaurant at Carmel Ranch Valley Hotel, which has a cozy, inviting ambiance and even a special area where well-behaved pups can join their humans. It was a delightful surprise to see other canine guests, all looking just as excited as their owners (if not more). The Dog Menu: Yes, you read that right. My lady Samoyed had the luxury of choosing between Salmon, Chicken, or Ground Beef, all priced between $17-$20. Inflation really does hit everywhere--even dog fine dining! This might just be the most expensive bowl of dog food I've ever purchased, but hey, it's all part of the experience. She went with the Chicken with Pilaf and Chef's Choice of Local Vegetables--which honestly sounds fancier than half the meals I make for myself. The portion was generous, though she demolished it in 30 seconds flat. Clearly, a five-star rating from her! Meanwhile, I enjoyed a deliciously tender braised beef with cheesy polenta that was so good I momentarily considered growling if anyone tried to take a bite. Their cocktails? Top-notch. Definitely a spot where both dogs and humans can dine in style.

    Chef Andrew personally picking out herbs for dinner menu

    We didn't expect to start our dinner in a garden, but that's where Chef Andrew greeted us--quietly harvesting herbs and edible flowers with intention. That moment set the tone for what followed: a meal grounded in freshness, care, and quiet excellence. The paella was a standout--perfectly cooked seafood and deeply fragrant saffron rice, accented by the very herbs we'd just seen plucked from the earth. There was nothing showy about it, just clean, bold flavors balanced with finesse. The cornbread deserves its own mention--moist, slightly crisp on the edges, and rich enough to linger in memory. And the flourless chocolate cake? Rich, velvety, and thoughtfully paired with local strawberries that added a subtle brightness. Service was warm and intuitive, and the setting made us want to linger. There's something special about a place where every detail, from the ingredients to the plating to the atmosphere, is so deliberately cared for. This isn't just a restaurant. It's a place where food tells a story. We'll be back.

    Cornbread, filled with cheese and corn kernels. Heavenly with honey butter
    Harrison S.

    The best meal I have had in a LONG time. We first met Chef Andrew in the herb garden, personally picking out flowers and condiments for the paella special that night. The paella turned out excellent -- fresh herbs, seafood, and incredible umami of the saffron rice. Chef Andrew's cornbread is also the best I've ever had. The flourless chocolate cake, which comes with local strawberries, is to die for. Chef Andrew is one of the most talented chefs we've met. And we enjoyed the great service, comfy ambience, and delightful dining experience filled with local and fresh ingredients. Highly recommend for and will definitely be coming back.

    Mac and cheese
    Charis K.

    This might be the highlight of my stay here at Carmel Valley. They made the food so flavorful and yummy. From the steak to the kids mac and cheese to the salad, it was so delicious. If you are visiting Carmel Valley definitely check out this restaurant!!

    Steak special
    Stef M.

    The Valley Kitchen is perfectly and beautifully located right within the Carmel Valley Ranch hotel. If you are a guest of the hotel I'd for sure swing by for a cocktail and I'd recommend you try the risotto. We were celebrating our anniversary and decided to go for the special which was a 16oz NY strip with mashed potatoes, and mushrooms. Unfortunately the steak was tough and lacked flavor which made us sad considering it was $95. The kitchen was kind enough to split each of the entrees in half which made it really easy to share. The service here was absolutely stunning. We had Jose A as our waiter and I cannot say enough good things about him. He predicted our needs, was extremely kind, and really made our night special. He was who every waiter on the planet should be. I also really appreciated his transparency when I asked his opinion on wine and entree options. The restaurant is super nice and does allow for pets as long as weather allows!

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    Valley Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Valley Kitchen

    Do I need to be staying at the hotel/ranch to dine in here?

    No, but reservation is recommended

    Is this restaurant dog friendly...any outdoor drinks/dining?

    Yes

    View All 4 Questions

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    Jeffrey's Grill & Catering - Mocha w/whipped cream

    Jeffrey's Grill & Catering

    (386 reviews)

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    Jeffrey's is our favorite breakfast spot when in Carmel. Our family has enjoyed meals at this…read morelocation the past ten years when visiting Carmel. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. You will not find friendlier staff than at Jeffrey's. They treat you like family. They have a big menu offering breakfast and lunch all day. You cannot go wrong with their Eggs Benedict as they are all amazing. My husband gets the classic and I have tried many of their daily special options. The portobello, spinach and avacado one is my favorite but they have all been delcious. Just ask for light hollandaise sauce or for it to be on the side as they can go a bit heavy. We also substitute the side of potatoes for a side of fruit. The berry pancakes are another favorite of ours. The hot chocolate and European latte are our favorite beverages. Jeffrey's is a special place and is worth checking out when visiting Carmel.

    The food was fantastic and most of the staff were friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately, one of the…read moreladies delivering food came across as rude to us during the meal. She raised her voice at us a couple of times, mentioned that the plates were "too heavy," and when I politely reminded her about a few forgotten items, she responded with a sarcastic and dismissive comment that caught me off guard. It stood out because everyone else we interacted with was very kind and professional. To be fair, it was close to closing time, so she may have been feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Despite that experience, I still really enjoyed the food and appreciated spending time with my wife and mom on Mother's Day in their relaxing outdoor seating area.

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    Covey Grill

    (21 reviews)

    This is the restaurant inside the golf club " The Quail " . It opens daily for breakfast from 7 am…read moreto 10:30 am . We ordered latte and cappuccino coffee . It tasted great and the texture was smooth . I enjoyed the pretty ceramic cups and plates . Tables setting were very classic and they seated us on a table by the window. We could over look the pond with a bridge and fountains . There were a group of geese playing around in the morning. Food was great . We had the two eggs omelette with a choice of bacon , ham or sausage . Plating was beautiful. The country potatoes came with red potatoes and brown potatoes. The side salad with vinaigrette dressing was fresh and delicious. We got toasts with butter and jam . So much food and I could not finish . The lobby outside was nicely decorated with decorative details . We enjoyed it very much .

    We ate here several times while staying on site. We had dinner (loved the chicken saltimbocca) and…read morebreakfast at the bar and the food was great, it was fresh and delicious, no complaints at all about that and also the in restaurant service was great too when we sat there. The bar service was just ok at best. They were kind but don't seem well trained or knowledgeable on bar management and seem frazzled and overwhelmed always and just not super attentive. Maybe just understaffed for the holidays. Also an older gentleman that was helping seat tables and perhaps was a manager was super rude to fellow employees and instead of jumping in and being helpful when it was busy, was critical and demanding, it was a real turn off to see, do better - customers are watching & your coworkers deserve respect and help.

    Stokes Adobe - Pasta bolognese

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    $$$

    Stokes Adobe has consistently been one of my favorite restaurants to visit whenever I'm in the…read morearea. The experience never disappoints. Grace took exceptional care of us -- she offered thoughtful recommendations, was genuinely attentive, and maintained that perfect balance of being present without ever hovering. The level of service extended beyond just our table; you could see the same care given to everyone around us. Thank you, Grace! The menu is always evolving, which keeps each visit fresh and exciting. There's a real sense of creativity behind the dishes. I also appreciate the designated parking in the back -- it makes the experience that much more convenient. Whether you choose to sit inside or outside, you really can't go wrong. The ambiance works beautifully in both settings. Stokes Adobe continues to be a place I look forward to returning to.

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    Montrio

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    For the third year in a row--and the fifth time in the last ten years--we rang in New Year's Eve at…read moreMontrio in Monterey Bay. What a gem. At this point, it's tradition. It's become a running joke in our family that I save up my appetite all year for the bacon-encrusted pork chop with dried apples and sriracha risotto. But jokes aside... it's the truth. This dish is so good that I've been known to pick the bone clean with my teeth, shamelessly. No regrets. The service here is always top-notch--warm, attentive, and genuinely patient with our kids (ages 4 and 6), which is no small feat on New Year's Eve. The food came out quickly, the pacing was spot-on, and the orecchiette pasta for the kids was buttery, cheesy perfection, loaded with parmesan just the way they like it. My wife ordered the smoked beet salad (a bit smokier than she prefers, but still delicious) followed by the mushroom risotto and was completely satisfied. And then there's the ambiance. Montrio feels like it's been pulled straight out of a Humphrey Bogart film--dim lights, piano and jazz floating through the room, hats hanging, time slowing down just enough to remind you why places like this still matter. It's cozy, classic, and effortlessly cool. We skipped dessert only because we always end the night at a local ice cream spot, but we were tempted to linger. We'll absolutely be back again next year. Montrio continues to deliver, year after year.

    We wanted to try something special for dinner and my husband and I splurged a little bit with…read moredinner at Montrio. I noticed the Michelin sticker for 2019 and this made me more excited to try the food. Reservation was easy and available even on a days notice. Yay for that! Our server was attentive and made sure we had a great experience. Decor is nice and you can tell it's one of the more fine dining places in the area. We started with crab cakes, move on to the pork chop and short ribs. Both were made to perfection. Dessert was a toss up but glad we had the cake. For all you pop rock lovers out there, the addition of this candy to dessert was unexpected but surprisingly good. Will definitely be back to try the other dishes.

    ROUX

    ROUX

    (491 reviews)

    $$$

    First time to Roux and they didn't disappoint…read more Drink - Glass of sparkling rose each Starter - We shared the roasted Brussel sprouts Mains - My wife had the truffle fettuccine and I had the salmon on a bed of cauliflower risotto Desert - we could not make our mind up so ended up with both the lemon cheesecake and the crème brûlée I've attached pictures of all the dishes (literally) !.. you'll figure that piece out and how much we enjoyed them. I'd read up on the fan fav. French onion soup but was put off as someone said it was filling so skipped it .. After seeing it served at another table I was kicking myself but we will hopefully return for a lunch and will pray that's on the menu. Talking of menus, the only tiny gripe is the website had a menu that is out of date and the 2 dishes I really fancied were no longer available (lobster fettuccine and crab ravioli) .. please please could you update your website or the menu on Yelp or at the least take a photo of the new menu and delete the old ones as they are all 6+yrs old and I forgot to photograph it !. Anyhow, the ambience was great, service was faultless and food devine. Both my wife and I came away (from her birthday dinner) feeling we'd chosen really well with a sincere desire to return !. Thank you to the team for your obvious passion for food, there's lots of choices in the area and Roux stands tall in the valley of giants as a solid recommendation.

    Just enjoyed a great meal here! 3/4 of us got the seafood pasta, which was amazing. I had the white…read moresangria, which was sweet and not too heavy on the alcohol. 2 people in our party got the French onion soup. I tried a bit of the cheese and it was out of this world! Maybe I'll get the soup next time with an appetizer because I would have been too full from both the soup and the pasta. The lobster fettuccine and crab ravioli also looked amazing. Easy to make a reservation online and the restaurant wasn't too crowded. There was plenty of outdoor seating. Our waiter was great too. We can't wait to come back!

    Valley Kitchen - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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