Matthew R.
Google
Set in the heart of Carmel, this restaurant offers a polished and confidently upscale dining experience that feels well suited to the town’s refined sensibility. I visited before a nearby concert, and from the outset the evening unfolded with an ease and professionalism that immediately set a positive tone.
The ambiance is one of the restaurant’s strongest assets: modern, elegant, and thoughtfully designed without feeling cold or overdone. Service was exceptional throughout—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. Our server’s recommendations were consistently sound, lending a reassuring sense of trust to the meal.
The snowshoe crab starter proved an excellent choice for sharing, generously portioned and well prepared, striking a satisfying balance between indulgence and restraint. All entrées at the table were steaks, underscoring the kitchen’s focus and ambition. My ribeye provençal was flavorful and well executed, though in hindsight I would have followed the server’s recommendation on temperature, as a slightly different preparation may have elevated it further. While the steaks were uniformly good, the particular cut I received did not quite reach the level of distinction suggested by the setting.
Sides are designed for sharing, which encourages a convivial table experience, though the squash arrived a bit firmer than ideal. On a brighter note, the cocktail program is strong, and the champagne selection complemented the meal beautifully, reinforcing the restaurant’s upscale aspirations.
Taken as a whole, this is a very fine dining destination in Carmel—stylish, well serviced, and thoughtfully curated. While a few elements fell just short of excellence, the overall experience remains a memorable and enjoyable one, particularly well suited for a special evening out before a performance or celebration.