Valley Kitchen
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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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
2 years ago
We had our anniversary dinner at Valley Kitchen at CV Ranch and the experience was absolutely amazing. From Andrew's top notch communication and facilitating incredibly special touches, to Megan taking time to take sunset photos of us, and Ismael our amazing, personable, and knowledgeable server, it could not have been better. The food was all amazing, the setting was beautiful, and all the staff that we came into contact with were just so kind and welcoming. Being locals, we love to find gems in our amazing area and Valley Kitchen is more than a gem! We can't wait to come back. Thank you to the amazing staff for going above and beyond! read more
2 years ago
The service and wait staff here was exceptional however the food did not meet the expectations of its price point read more
Dining outdoors in most of the Bay Area inside parklets or on the sidewalk with cars all around, city congestion and people asking for money/food isn't always an ideal setting. On the contrary, Valley Kitchen is a nice way to dine outdoors. It's located in Carmel Valley Ranch, making it a nice hidden respite. The Hen-House Sandwich was good with the egg done just right with an oozing centered yolk. The only thing was it was served with hash brown potatoes when the menu stated that it came with country potatoes. Not a deal-breaker, but my husband did order it partly because he wanted the country potatoes. I get that there may have been a need for the switch, but the staff should've been instructed to inform customers in advance, rather than making an automatic swap. If it's on the menu, that's what customers are expecting. Fair enough? The servers were friendly and helpful, but unfortunately, I can't really say the same about the hostess at the front desk. Dining has moved outdoors now during the pandemic. I really enjoyed the setting by the pool, and the setting would primarily be the reason to come. TIP: Bring a jacket. Even though it's sunny, it's fairly windy and chilly now. read more
4 years ago
The unforgettable Carmel Valley Ranch, after staying once, I want to go back every year! The food inside is really amazing! Because of the Hyatt's Globalist status, I can enjoy complimentary breakfast every day, and there is a Buffet option in the morning of one day, but after looking at the food options, I still think that the a-la-carte food menu is more attractive, and because the breakfast is so delicious, I later booked dinner reservation too! For dinner, for the price, I think it is very reasonable! The quality of the food is also great, not too expensive or bad just because it's in the resort! 讓人念念不忘的Carmel Valley Ranch，住了一次之後就盤算著每年都想去！尤其是裡面的餐點真的是太棒了！因為是Hyatt的Globalist，所以每天有附早餐，某一天的早上還有Buffet的選項，但看了一下還是覺得單點的東西比較好吃，也因為早餐太好吃，後來還特別訂了一晚吃晚餐，以價位來說，我覺得是非常實在的唷！食物的品質也很棒，不會因為是在度假村內就過貴或是不好吃！ read more
Valley Kitchen is located within the Carmel Valley Ranch complex, which includes accommodations, a golf course, organic garden, chicken coop, and bee farm. The outdoor dining area is very picturesque as it overlooks a golf course and is located right by the pool. There are heaters and a fire pit for those cooler nights. The food here is SO fresh and locally sourced. In fact, many of the ingredients come straight from their organic garden and ranch. We had the brunch items, hen house sandwich and huevos rancheros, and both tasted as good as they looked. Beside the brunch items, there were several salads that look really good, burgers, pastas, and fish tacos. After lunch we took a short walk through their gardens. They have a mix of veggies and flowers, and a small pumpkin patch too. Overall it was a really nice way to spend the morning. read more
8 months ago
1 year ago
When I went to the official website, one of the quotes said "Deliciously Unforgettable." I'd have to agree. The drive alone like another reviewer said is worth the trek because it's nestled inside of Carmel Valley Ranch. Driving past the golf courses and picture perfect grass, it feels like something out of a movie. We were here with a group of 30 for my cousin's birthday (which was easily reserved on Open Table) and because we were such a large group, we had an entire private room to ourselves. The service was amazing. Manuel who was the server on our side of the table was super attentive, friendly and made great suggestions on what to order. (More on that later.) The restaurant itself was spacious with floor to ceiling windows where you could overlook the beautiful grounds including the pool and outdoor patio area. Since it was Christmas season, it was also decorated with a huge Christmas tree in the front lobby area. When I asked Manuel what was good to eat, he recommended the Huevos Rancheros but to substitute the Chorizo with some sausage. I've never had Huevos Rancheros without the Chorizo but he told me to trust him. For $19, I have to say that it was the best Huevos Rancheros I've tasted. The eggs were perfect in and of themselves because they were runny, just the way I like them. Black beans were seasoned nicely and mixed in with the queso fresco, salsa verde (which was also made in house) and Ranchero sauce, I was in foodie heaven. It almost had a lime taste? I couldn't quite put a finger on it but this dish is a must as I will get this the next time I come. I was not missing Chorizo at all. It was almost as if the sausage was meant to be the whole time. Manuel was kind enough to bring over some extra home made salsa, sour cream and salsa verde... We shared that with everyone around us. The menu has it listed like this: Huevos Rancheros $19: Two Eggs Over Easy, Black Beans, Chorizo, Queso Fresco, Crisp Tortilla, Salsa Verde, Ranchero Sauce If you ever stay in Carmel and get the chance to have a meal here, I highly recommend it. Come, stay and enjoy the respite from city life. read more
2 years ago
The place is very cozy and the food is decent. The only negative here is that we waited around 20-30 minutes to be seated even though we had reservations. Food: Oyster and caviar - very good Scallops - very good Kale - not great Passion fruit panda cotta - very good read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Snuck up the hill to enjoy a cozy breakfast. The restaurant space was quite comfortable and inviting. They served my coffee in a artistic stone style cup, an unexpected surprise. The service and food exceeded expectations, I highly recommend getting some of the smoked salmon. The generous amount served my appetite well. I also got an omelette, which had the fluffy texture we all want. Need I say more, highly recommended. read more
6 years ago
Stayed at Carmel valley ranch and the INSIDE IS Doggo friendly (including a dog menu as well)!! kind of slow service but delicious, quality food worth its prices - Breakfast: $35 for buffet (omelette station included) but $18ish for many of the plates items - Scallops: $38 SO YUM AND SO BIG, served with perfectly cooked tender broccolini and surprisingly tasty lentils. - Tuna Poke: $18 yum, served with tortilla chips but better with the free warm bread - Oat milk latte $5: Yaassss - Carrot cake $12: meh a bit too sweet but served with the honey from their farms TLDR: loved coming to this super dog friendly restaurant at the lodge for both breakfast, dinner and happy hour!! read more
3 years ago
Tried two different meals over the course of my stay at Carmel Valley Ranch. Chicken was good but the short ribs are the star of the show! Looking forward to having it again on my next trip! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
I've gone here plenty of times for lunch and dinner and I'm always very happy about the good! Only complain is service is very nice but slow. Finally got in here for breakfast for the first time and I am absolutely amazing! Quality was phenomenal and it was so fresh and satiating! I will absolutely highly recommend this place as probably one of my favorite breakfast places! read more
3 years ago
Wonderful food and a fun place to be for everyone. Pork Chop Service is always friendly and a great place for kids and DOGS! The atmosphere has great music and lots of different seating areas. Great deserts! The pork chop, chicken and salmon are all wonderful. read more
2 years ago
wow wow wow. I woke up dreaming about their French Toast. You cannot go there and not get it. I think it's imperative everyone tries this French Toast at least once in their life. We were staying at CVR and ate at The Valley both mornings and for dinner as well and not once did it disappoint. Everything was absolutely delicious and don't get me started on the service. In my top five of the best service I've ever had, it's like they were trained at Chik-Fil-A. I think this Restaurant is what will be taking me back to stay at CVR, more so than the actual hotel. (oof) read more
Came here on the Saturday. And looks like it's a decent one since it has 4 stars. The waiters are very friendly. The ambiance is nice too. BUT, the food is horrible. Ordered a tuna poke and it's $23 and it's horrible. We literally took 2 bites. Bacon and eggs... the easiest brunch item and it was just edible. And the lobster BLTA, not horrible .. I'll say it's acceptable. And total bill come out to be $110..... highly recommend to go to folktale. Very delicious and very friendly price. It's only 5 min away from the hotel. See my other review for more information. read more
5 years ago
Slowest kichen all around. I was hoping for real special quality food after all the wait on all or our 3 stops but the food quality , menu and staf here is just bellow average. We had reservation for all of our visits there. The resort is really nice but the staff, service and management is really lacking. read more
2 years ago
6 years ago
Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch is one of the best restaurants around! We've been there many times and always have an incredible experience. At a nice dinner out years ago Chef Tim Wood found out I was vegetarian and went out of his way send extra goodies from off the menu so I had enough to eat! We went for a low-key lunch on my birthday last year and when our wonderful server Jose found out he threw together a special birthday surprise! We've been there several times recently since they reopened post-COVID and the place is clean & well spaced, food is still delicious and the service is better than ever! Thank you so much to Kevin, Jose, Leo & Chef Tim for always taking such good care of us! We highly recommend Valley Kitchen and can't wait to go back! read more
2 years ago
6 years ago
This restaurant knocked our socks off. The service was wonderful, every single person we came in contact with attentive and personable. But the food, oh the food! This is the food I'm talking and dreaming about 3 days later, and we're on vacation so we've been eating good every night, so that's saying something! I ordered a Caesar salad, and a salmon. The Caesar salad was huge, if I added chicken or shrimp this easily would have been a big enough portion for a meal! It was also delicious - saucy, parmy, and I actually liked that it came with the full romaine leaves, it made it a better vessel for the dressing :) also the salmon!!! Every single bite was melt in your mouth and man do I just love a good salmon over mashed potatoes. Buttery goodness! I didn't see any reviews about the salmon in advance so at least now there's one from me, and couldn't recommend it more. The view was so cool! We were nestled up in the trees overlooking the valley and on-site vineyard. My photo doesn't do it justice. They also had s'mores night going on right below the restaurant by the vineyard. The smell of the bonfires reminded me of so many breezy summer nights of my childhood growing up in Oregon. What a unique experience, possibly unintentional touch to our dinner but something we both highly enjoyed! Will for sure be back! read more
4 years ago
Really beautiful restaurant. Great customer service. The food was really tasty very fresh ingredients. A perfect restaurant for breakfast or brunch. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
Wonderful restaurant with the ranch's winery view from one side. The food is expensive, probably due to the remote location of the ranch. However, the quality was great, and the ambiance was very romantic. I heard that they use homegrown fresh vegetables. Overall definitely worth it, and I would do it again. read more
8 years ago
We came here for breakfast and it was solid. Note that the service is not very fast here and can be spotty. If you come here and order bacon, ask for them to be done extra crispy (it's a bit under cooked here). I had the twice cooked bacon with poached eggs and it was solid. I like the hash brown substitution of the English muffin. I also had the huevos rancheros - like the flavors. Not too greasy as the one served in normal diner places. Asked for chorizo on the side and only put in 50% which is probably the right proportion for it. read more
Anthony was the best server! We came her for lunch and had a group of 5, sitting outside and he was very attentive and provided excellent service. We really enjoyed the garlic clams. We also tried their sandwiches and burger and everyone liked what they ordered. The ambiance was nice with amazing views. read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
This is a really mixed review for me. Had a 1:00 reservation and got there a little early to check things out. Went to the gift shop and grabbed a bottle of wine and one other item. Went to the register and the girl didn't say one word to me. She fumbles with the register for the longest time not saying much besides she was trying to find the pricing. After waiting a substantial period of time, I asked her if she wanted me to come back. She said no and wrapped it up from there. Went to be seated for lunch. Manuel was the waiter. Ordered the chicken sandwich, swordfish tacos, and salad to share. The food was phenomenal. I can't really rave enough about all the flavors. When we went to pay, a hundred dollar bill was put out on a tab that was just slightly over $70. The waiter asked if we wanted change and we said yes. I don't know if it's the type of place that this is (fancy) that made him think he's getting an almost 50% tip, but that's a poor assumption on his part. Don't get me wrong, I've tipped over 50% before, but only for exceptional service. The service was good but in no way exceptional. The ambience is beautiful. Very modern and looks to have a full bar. The only reason this is getting 4 stars is because the food is exceptional but overall experience is 3.5 stars. read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
Our server Jose is the best ! He told us he can split Mac and cheese in two blows so kiddos can share and try other stuffs. We really enjoy the family style rib eyes steak and service here. Will be back soon read more
5 years ago
2 years ago
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Do I need to be staying at the hotel/ranch to dine in here?
No, but reservation is recommended
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Valley Kitchen - newamerican - Updated May 2026
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