Best dining in Carmel, CA
 

@};-I realize there is a post about best restaurants in Carmel, but it is from 2001. I imagine some things may have changed since then so I'd love to hear some current feedback from the experts.

From what I have seen so far, the following seem like the best for a night of romance:x:

Casanova
Bouchee
La Boheme (only prefix menu?)

any comments on these or any other restaurants you may suggest?

One more:
Tutto Mondo

I love yummy Italian food and this place has recieved some great reviews.

La Boheme is not just prix fixe, it's also set menu with only a dessert choice. They post the main dish schedule on line and the full menu at the restaurant. If you like the menu for the day (it's different every day), then go.

We ate there last spring and found the food to be excellent and very French in preparation and decor. There is a reasonable wine list.

We enjoyed da Giovanni on our last visit. Good service, good wine list, very good food.

hi travelbug,

I'm in Carmel every few months and I have been to both Bouchee and Casanova. Although the food is good, I found Casanova a bit too crowded for an intimate, quiet dinner. I have always felt extremely rushed between courses there. I would recommend going to Casanova for a casual lunch.......gorgonzola gnocci!!!!

For romance........I love Bouchee. It's intimate, attentive, and IMHO has a more sophisticated menu with an excellent wine list. You feel like the table you reserved is yours for the entire evening.

After reading some reviews here about LaBoheme, I will have to try it next month.

Thanks for all the feedback so far!
We are going to Carmel for our year anniversary in May. From what I am hearing about Casanova, it sounds like a better place for lunch rather than our anniversary dinner. I definitely do not want to feel rushed(Corina, you are not the first person to say something like that).

da Giovanni has a very tempting menu. How does that compare to Tutto Mondo with regards to food and atmosphere?

Thanks

Great reviews so far.

to sum up
Casanova ~ wonderful but maybe better for lunch if you are expecting romance
La Boheme ~ French and delicious. Not a prix fixe but a set dinner menu.
Bouchee~ Romantic
Da Giovanni ~ Good all around

I've been looking on various websites to find reviews and the following ones seemed great. I'd love to get some Fodor's forum reviews.


Tutto Mundo
The Covey
Portabella
Village Corner
Flying Gish Grill
The Gem restaurant
Rocky point
Little Napoli

How about romantic Italian restaurants??

THANK YOU

La Boheme serves an excellent meal, good service, well prepared food at a reasonable price for what you get. However, I would not call it a romantic restaurant as it is a very small space, with tight table settings, especially if it is a full house that evening. Cassanova is larger with a more open space, but I generally prefer the food at La Boheme. Do check the online menu as AJPeabody has suggested.

I've been to Casanova for lunch and really enjoyed it. Also, La Boheme with a group of girls when we stayed in Carmel at her MIL's house. It was very nice! :)

We had reservations at Bouchee but our car battery died so we ended up at the California Market at the Highland's Inn. It's very good for lunch or breakfast, but didn't excite me for dinner. I can't wait to try Bouchee. We've been to the Flying Fish Grill and really enjoyed it.

I would highly recommend Roy's in Pebble Beach, it's one of our favorites. Go at sunset and hear the bagpiper play. :)

We have also had lunch at Portabella and it was very good. . A quaint ambiance with good food and service. Cheers! ***kim*** ((f))