The brilliant work of Chef Andrew. It's clear that the chef loves food, has a huge heart, and cooks with joy and passion. We've been to Valley Kitchen dozens of times and the food gets better and tastier. It's evident that the chef and team explores how to incorporate fresh, local, and fine ingredients and bring to life the best of CVR's and California's identity to its dishes. Our favorites are the smoked salmon sourced from Santa Cruz and smoked at Valley Kitchen, Upside Down Hot Honey Cornbread .. and love how he uses the honey, cheese, and garden ingredients. At one point, we had strict diet restrictions and asked Chef Andrew to cook without sugar and to keep our meals below 5g of carb. Not only did we stick to our strict keto diet while traveling but we also fell in love with every single dish he made. Chef Andrew embraced this opportunity to test and adjust to meet our diet needs AND introduce us to new ingredients to include into our diet. We are forever grateful. On this trip, although we asked for his avocado dessert, he politely recommended Chef Molly's desserts. I love how he puts the entire team at the center of the experience. It's a team effort and the desserts were unique to Carmel -- especially with CVR lavender curd. The people who work at CVR and Valley Kitchen are top notch. They are extremely attentive, respectful, and friendly. Many of the servers have been there for years and it shows that when there is a good work culture that it translates to better customer service. The ambiance brings a combination of natural beauty, warmth and coziness (especially with the fireplace), and Californian modern and sleek. I love the Zafferano Pina lamps that provide an intimate experience and enough light to the table (need to see what we're eating!). Thank you, Chef Andrew and team for letting us experience culinary excellence while we rest and heal at our happy place. read more

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My wife and I ate here for her birthday last year and left thinking we'd found our new "special occasion" spot. Big mistake getting attached. We came back for my birthday and it turns out this restaurant runs on a strict one-birthday-per-couple policy. The host wished me a happy birthday on the way in, and that was the last acknowledgment I'd get all night. Our waiter treated the table like a myth he'd heard about but never confirmed existed. Water refills required multiple requests and were still somehow optional. A steak knife did eventually materialize, but only after I asked, meaning I spent a solid chunk of dinner sawing away with a butter knife slicked in butter. And dessert showed up 30+ minutes after we ordered it, at which point it wasn't dessert anymore, it was a surprise second meal. Not once did he apologize or acknowledge anything was off, which honestly might be the most impressive part of the night. Total commitment to the bit. Then the salmon, which we ordered off the dog menu, arrived after my wife and I were basically finished with our meal. The rice felt like it had spent the evening chilling in the walk-in fridge, and the potatoes were still raw enough to plant. We loved this place once. Now, if you're staying at the hotel, do yourself a favor and just order room service. read more

This is a beautiful establishment with great views and ambience. More than one occasion I've been here, but yet I continue to get disappointed with the service. Appetizers showed up without plate plates. After asking the server for small plate plates, he never returned. 30 minutes past when he returned telling us that he's done for today and his friend will take over.. I had ordered a pastrami sandwich and I was very disappointed with the flavor. I love pastrami sandwiches, but yet this was very disappointing.. The french fries were good. Everyone said their food was very average and nothing to write home about. read more

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I had a few meals here and every single time was a special in different ways. My favorite dishes were the roasted duck and filet mignon. The two dishes were cooked perfectly with great flavors accompany , sweet potato for the duck and mashed potatoes for the filet mignon. Black cod was also cooked perfectly and the fish was so soft, but the flavor for that dish, which was a burnt bitter taste, was not fit for my preference. For appetizers, I'd recommend the crispy shrimp for the amount and also flavor! The ambience of the space was comfortable but classy. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. Worth the long drive for this property! read more

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We recently came in with a part of 7 to celebrate a birthday & everything from the food to the service to the ambiance (we sat outside & it was lovely) was absolutely incredible. Chef Andrew, Bert, Leo, Jerry (and my apologies for anyone I may have missed) all went above & beyond to create a memorable evening for us. Every appetizer, salad, entree & dessert was out of this world. As a vegetarian, I really appreciated all of the vegetarian options on the menu & the meat/seafood lovers in our group were equally happy with the options - there is definitely something for everyone regardless of dietary needs. Chef Andrew was so kind & even stopped by our table to see how everything was. We enjoyed our dinner so very much & can't wait to come back again soon!!! Highly recommend!! read more

Went out here after watching Chef Molly on food network. Mostly went for the desserts but the food menu had lots of good looking options. Went with the lamb which was cooked perfectly! For dessert I got both the lemon tart and the cheesecake. Personally the cheesecake was my favorite but both were amazing! Will definitely add this to my must visit when I'm in town. read more

Valley Kitchen - Lemon meringue tart - New American Near Me - Carmel, California

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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! read more

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We came here for a quick snack in the afternoon, the place was empty other than 1 other table. It took about 20 Mins to get even noticed. No high chair was provided, we just had her sit on the couch. You could tell the server didn't want to be there working. He was nice just didn't want to be at his job. We are staying at the hotel and honestly we were turned off from eating at the resort the rest of the trip. Service is important and can make or break an experience and this one wasn't on point. read more

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. read more

Valley Kitchen - New American Near Me - Carmel, California

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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. read more

Valley Kitchen - New American Near Me - Carmel, California

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Incredible food, service and ambience. The staff goes above and beyond to take care of our needs and ensure we have a memorable experience at the ranch. read more

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. read more

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We popped in here for a quick business lunch and it was a nice experience. Parking was easy. The ground are beautiful. The view from the patio of the restaurant is gorgeous. The service was good and efficient. I only ordered a soup but it did not disappoint. I would come back again if I'm in the area. read more

We are here two nights in a row during our stay. The food was great both nights. Our server was Giovanni and he was exceptional. We ate everything he recommended and it was all great. Our table was perfectly situated with a great view. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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Epic epic dinner here tonight!!! I had what was one of the best dinners of my life. From the smash burger to the mashed potatoes it was perfect in every way. The napoleon is also not to be missed. Amanda and Montse are both the best of the best! So grateful to both of them. They went above and beyond. Oh and to finish things off I had a cocktail called Bee Apricot. It too was perfect. I cannot recommend this place enough. read more

While the hotel was nice and restaurant in itself doesnt have any issues, the host who works at the restaurant is absolutely rude and unpleasant of an individual. I arrived at the restaurant around 5:00 PM for a 5:30 PM reservation, hoping to be seated a bit earlier as my baby was hungry. At check-in, I politely explained the situation to the receptionist, who curtly replied that the restaurant was busy and could not seat us before 5:30 PM. While I understand policies and seating procedures, what was troubling was her dismissive and condescending attitude. She avoided eye contact, spoke in an unwelcoming tone, and bluntly stated that there were "5 PM seatings not even seated yet" and that she "would not accommodate." She also pointed to another group behind me and said I needed to wait, even though no one else was in line at the time. I waited another 15 minutes and noticed that the restaurant and waiting area remained mostly empty. When I politely asked again, she became defensive and argumentative. I explained that I wasn't demanding special treatment but was simply hoping for some understanding since my baby was getting fussy. Her response--"that's none of my problem"--was shockingly unprofessional and unempathetic. By the third interaction, when I tried to calmly express that her attitude was unnecessarily rude, she accused me of yelling, which was completely false in front of other guests as a way of defending her behavior. At that point, I requested to speak with a manager, but the damage had already been done. The entire exchange was unnecessarily hostile and completely inconsistent with the standards I would expect from any restaurant. Making false accusations in front of other guests has clearly crossed the line. I want to emphasize that this was not about being seated a few minutes earlier--it was about being treated with basic respect and courtesy. The receptionist's dismissive behavior and lack of empathy were unacceptable and made what should have been a pleasant family dinner an upsetting experience. This restaurant is worth skipping entirely. If I were to visit this hotel again, I will dine out in the Carmel downtown area. read more

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! read more

Valley Kitchen - Flourless Praline Torte - New American Near Me - Carmel, California

WOW... words can't even begin to describe. I had the best meal of my life and Luis made all the difference. His smile was contagious and attentiveness was above and beyond. If I didn't already have 6 children and 15 grandchildren I would have adopted him on the spot. Definitely going back just to see Luis!!!re read more

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. read more

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Good food well prepared and healthy. Great Margaritas w excellent Mescal! Service was also excellent!

Yes! We loved this spot! Simple food but perfect! The coffee menu was confusing- asked if we wanted coffee but didn't realize they had lattes etc. we hiked around after and it was just an all around lovely morning. read more

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! read more

Valley Kitchen - Steak special - New American Near Me - Carmel, California

We came here every morning during our stay at Carmel Valley Ranch because we received a $60 daily breakfast voucher, so my review is less sensitive to the prices (reasonable $8 for kids and about $20 for adult entrees). Positives: - Dog friendly - a few tables indoors that allow dogs, also a covered heated outdoor patio - Kid friendly - kids menus, (my) kid approved - buttered noodles, blueberry / chocolate pancakes; high chairs and booster seats available - Decent food - Good food, a bit pricey but not a shocker for hotel restaurant - Good service - Attentive waitstaff - Convenience for folks staying onsite Negatives: - A bit pricey, but reasonable by hotel rearaurant standards Tips: 1. I would say that between ordering a la carte vs the weekend buffet option for breakfast, I enjoyed the $38 per person buffet which included most of the menu a la carte items. Kids eat free, all beverages included so for a family of two hungry adults with two kids paying an extra $20 overall to sample much more variety was worth it! 2. I would look into meal options, my friend's travel agent was able to book us complimentary meals with stay which included $60 daily towards breakfast and $100 for dinner. I believe this was with Hilton rewards. read more

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1 star for poor service and the bleach water that was served. Just had pre-fix dinner with wine pairing on vday. Early seating since we have a kid, so the restaurant was empty when we arrived and throughout our meal. Here's how the evening went: 1. New courses placed on the side of the last dish, without clearing the last dish even though the plates were empty. 2. Paired wine forgotten twice. Brought out after we remind them, after the course was nearly done. Even once brought the wrong wine pairing and the server tried to convince us that it was correct. It was not. 3. My 6 year old told me at the end of dinner that his water (in a kids plastic cup) tasted like swimming pool! I tried the water in his cup and it tasted like bleach! 4. We asked for the manager due to the health safety issue of the bleach water, and wait over 15 minutes for him to come. The lack of urgency was appalling. Surprised this restaurant exists in this form at Carmel Valley Ranch. read more

I want to give a big Thank You to Valley Kitchen and the Grill at Carmel Ranch since they have been places that we can rely on when we visit Carmel. We returned recently for a memorial lunch, and they graciously gave us a table in the back room, overlooking beautiful live oak trees. Our party had several special requests for seating pillows and views, and they politely accommodated everyone. We got a generous cheese plate for the table, then rounded out the lunch orders with burgers and shrimp tacos. We enjoyed some Sauvignon Blanc with the meal, sipping and chatting while we ate. The waitress kindly brought the desert menu, and we treated ourselves to lava cake with vanilla ice cream. I also want to give a big thank you to the Grill located on the golf course, which was one of our go-to destinations during the pandemic. They had a limited menu, but always had a delicious salad or a dish with Mary's chicken. We even sat outside one cold day and savored hot chocolate drinks to warm up. Thanks for being reliable, convenient, and for having friendly service every time we go. read more

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This was our second visit to Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch, and unfortunately, the experience this time--especially with family--was incredibly disappointing. Despite noting in our reservation that we would have our dog with us (at a pet-friendly resort, no less), we were made to wait an unreasonably long time to be seated for dinner. The staff seemed disorganized and unprepared. Once seated, our server felt inattentive and unwelcoming. He didn't even offer the dog-friendly menu that the restaurant advertises. The food itself was subpar. The octopus appetizer was alarmingly undercooked, with an overwhelmingly fishy and rubbery texture that suggested improper storage or preparation. Cocktails tasted artificial--like they were sweetened with Splenda instead of real ingredients. We returned the next morning for breakfast hoping for a better experience, but were again disappointed. Even after clearly informing the staff that we were on a tight schedule due to check-out, we waited over 45 minutes for our food with no check-ins from our server--not even once. For a resort of this caliber, the lack of hospitality and attentiveness was frankly shocking. We've dined at comparable luxury properties like Ventana, Post Ranch Inn, and CordeValle, and the service at Valley Kitchen doesn't come close. Carmel Valley Ranch is a beautiful resort, but the restaurant sadly undermines the entire experience. We expected so much more. read more

Second time visiting and sadly, it was very disappointing yet again. I Came here for dinner with my wife. Food was served cold. Ordered the land and sea which was a labeled as crispy pork and scallops. It was $40 for a really small piece of meat and ONE scallop. I'm used to Bay Area markups and small plate dining but this was too much. My wife got the duck which was hammered, dry and also, cold :( Service was great and the ambience is nice but if you're coming here for food I would strongly advise you reconsider. Better places in Carmel and elsewhere for a similar price point read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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We ate here three times over the course of our stay. Don't come here unless you can spare two hours. Each time the food took a very long time to come out and the dish's would often come out cold. You are going to wait 45 minutes from placing your order to getting it. The best food was the kids food (hot dogs and chicken tenders) and the corn fritters. The worst food was the Wellington which came out extremely rare with a light yellow crust (good if you like your meat still mooing) , a dry and singular piece of breast meat of buttermilk chicken, charred bread with the duck that was ice cold, and a kids pasta left so long to sit in the bowl the top was hardening up. I don't think we will be coming back to this otherwise lovely resort. If you are a foodie, there are just so many good food options in Carmel walking distance from numerous hotels. read more

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!! read more

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A local. We have visited the Kitchen for many years, usually as a date night for the wife and I. Nothing extravagant, just a drink, a shared hamburger some Truffle fries and a meal for our dog from the Dog Menu. Staff always friendly and service sometimes more attentive than at other times. Went for another Date Night and found an entirely new menu , nothing the wife found appealing - gone was our favorite hamburger, no Truffle fries and the round loaf of Country Bread, long gone - new chef, apparently. Oh well, guess we will need to look elsewhere. read more

Ambiance is lovely. The dining room has very comfortable upholstered chairs. It was empty at lunch, which is what made it so pleasantly quiet. If the dining room was even half full, because of all the hard surfaces the noise level might make it difficult for you to hear others at your table talking. View is of the swimming pool surrounded by orange umbrellas to shade guests from the hot sun, and some greenery outside. Service was very nice. Our server made sure to get us everything we wanted, and promptly. It's the food that was the let down. Avocado toast was mostly an arugula salad with enough avocado underneath it to render the sourdough loaf bread (?) somewhat soggy. Pear dessert was sickeningly sweet, and creme fraiche ice cream did nothing to offset that. Black unsweetened ice tea was okay. Wouldn't bother going back unless they pay more money to hire a better chef, and give him/her a higher budget to work with. read more

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Lovely atmosphere near the lobby of Carmel Valley Ranch main lodge. It has some great views of the golf course and valley , surrounded by oak trees- classic Carmel Valley. We ate here three different times, twice for breakfast and once for dinner. The service was top notch. Food came out promptly. For breakfast the options looked delicious, but we had the oatmeal and granola / yogurt which are a healthy hit with the kids and our family. For dinner, kids menu hit the spot - good grilled cheese and hotdog :) I had the salmon which was a bit plain - not particularly seasoned but the kimchi rice was really good. Probably would order something else next time but it was nicely plated and tasted good. read more

The ambience and service were pleasant, but the filet mignon was a major disappointment. The portion was absurdly small (would've been nice if they gave us a magnifying glass), tough, and nearly flavorless. Based on that experience, we won't be returning. read more

Talented new chef and menu at this beautiful restaurant (open to the public) located in the Carmel Valley Ranch eco-resort. Located just a few minutes down charming Carmel Valley Road from Carmel-by-the-Sea, well worth the 15 minute drive to enjoy delicious, fresh, California cuisine for couples, families, business. Indoor or outdoor (dog friendly). Views! read more

We stayed 2 nights on property and ate all our meals here. Breakfast is solid, definitely 5 stars for the omelets! I had the salmon omelet and the shrimp omelet and they were perfectly prepared and reasonably priced. Dinner was hit and miss...for the prices they charge, they need to step up their game. The stand outs were the corn bread and pork belly appetizers. The Monterey prawns were overpriced for two overcooked and tasteless prawns. For an entree, the sea scallops with couscous was very good. The ribeye and pasta entree were just okay. The dining room is very nice with a relaxing ambience. read more

Food: Everyone at our table was happy and full. We tried the halibut and the shrimp risotto. Everything was cooked to perfection. Service: Not so splendid. Ambiance: I love being surrounded but the natural scenery. The transition form outside into the restaurant is harmonious. Absolutely breathtaking. read more