My husband and I will be in Carmel at the end of the month. We have been several times and ALWAYS return to Christopher's on Lincoln, and this trip won't be an exception. Cantinetta Luca is reserved for one everning, and Passionfish in Monterey for another. We've been to Grasings, Casanova and Flying Fish, to mention a few, but want to try a new spot. We are thinking about PortaBella or Bistro Giovanni; the latter of which we have tried several times for drinks and appetizers and have been pleased, but we've never been there for dinner. Which one would you choose??

Thanks -

PortaBella is nice, you may want to consider Bouchee, also. Little Napoli is very good for Italian food, if you want the "wow" factor, go to Pacific's Edge at the Highland's Inn in the Carmel Highland's area. Have fun! ***kim***

I second Buche and in regards to the Highlands, the food isn't as good as it used to be plus at that time of year it may be too dark to see the views as sunset( sunset times around 5:30pm)
My wife and I have always enjoyed Marinus at the Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. You can see the pics and menu on the Bernardus Lodge website.
Will

A wonderful,romantic, French restaurant is L'Escargot, just a block or two from Casanova. We were to both in May, as well as Grasing's and thought the food was perhaps even better than those at a more moderate price.

I second the recommendations for Marinus and Escargot. Both excellent. Bernardus Lodge is a nice change of pace from Carmel, too.

Take it from a local...better than any of those suggested is Carmel Valley Ranch http://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/res...ies/dining.cfm An amazing dining experience.

Should be interesting how Citronelle will fare once it opens at Carmel Valley Ranch. The one in Washington DC is one of the highest rated restaurants.

If Citronelle turns out anything like the restaurant at the club, all I can say is incredible.

Carmel Valley Ranch is so beautiful, so serene, really a true destination. In a couple of years, they're going to open the now being built Golden Door Spa. The resort, itself is Four Star. The homes are beautiful and the golf course, first class.

We prefer the club to Bernardus's restaurants, hands-down. Having dined at Bernardus for years and now, several times at Carmel Valley Ranch, I can emphatically state that Bernardus pales...they're more expensive, too.

TTess, thanks for the info. I have always had highest regard for your opinions. Can't wait to go back to CVR for dinner very soon!

It amazing how the valley has changed over the years. When I was a camper back in the 70's at John Gardiner's tennis camp, the valley was looked like a ghost town.

That's exactly how I recall it, although I have been there lately, too. I still can't get the "old days" out of my mind. We even used to take our own ball machine down there to hit balls all day long.

We know the Gardiner family, well! They're still around, guys.

Cabo - you're welcome. I tried to write my post so it wouldn't offend you because I most certainly didn't want to do that. I just can't help but tout CVR. You'll love it, I'm sure.

I visited the Gardiner tennis 5 years ago and met John Gardiner's wife and one the of tennis instructors who taught me when I was a camper back in the 70's.
I heard the ranch was sold this then.
Do you know what happened to John Gardiner's son Tes?
He was active in the tennis ranch before his father remarried. I remember spending time with him at dinner when I was at the tennis ranch as an adult back in the early 80's.
Such great memories for me being at the John Gardiner's.

GSTRDR - do you mean Tom? He lives in Aptos.

Yes..thank you Ttess

Ttess,
Have you been to L'Auberge for dinner lately?
Would appreciate any comments.
Thank you,
Will

Sorry, GSTRDR, can't help you with that one.

Got to get back to this pile on my desk. Grrrr! My husband's office generates too much paper.

Thats ok....thank you