Foray

Foray absolutely exceeded my expectations. Every dish was incredibly flavorful, and all of the flavors were so thoughtfully paired nothing felt random or heavy handed. The drinks were just as impressive: beautifully presented, creative, and truly delicious. Each course and pairing looked like a piece of art, and you can tell the chef pays attention to every tiny detail. The ambience was warm and comfortable, the kind of place where you can really relax and enjoy the experience. Service was stellar genuinely friendly, attentive without being overbearing, and very knowledgeable about the menu and pairings. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, you feel taken care of. I especially loved the thoughtful touch of a little treat as you head out the door. Side note- prepare to leave feeling very full and satisfied. Overall, Foray is a memorable dining experience on every level, and I’m already looking forward to going back.

I’d like to give Foray 4.5 stars but think the overall experience deserves to be rounded up. my husband and I went for dinner on a Saturday night and got the 3 course dinners with wine pairings. He started with the scallops (very good) and I the tartare (excellent!) then he had the tuna (very good!) and I the risotto (good). We finished with the bread pudding (excellent) and the dark chocolate tres leche (very good). The service was very good although they could never quite keep up with my water consumption (which I recognize is very high). The pairings were good but I did not feel they truly lifted the food to a new level. I felt the risotto could have been better—it needed chunks of mushrooms cooked inside it with a deeper umami punch rather than just raw, foraged mushroom on top (although that’s is very fun). Every course was presented absolutely beautifully. We did have a lovely evening and enjoyed the ambiance.

Foray was such a wonderful surprise for us! The space is warm, natural, and inviting, with an elegant but relaxed atmosphere that immediately made us feel comfortable. We each chose the three-course tasting menu with accompaniments, and it was such a treat. We started with a cheese board, oysters, and the most incredible brioche bread with house butter. For my courses, I had the scallops (my favorite of the night!), a creamy summer vegetable risotto (soooo delicious), and a refreshing fruit sorbet trio. Everything was absolutely delicious--beautifully prepared without feeling fussy. What really stood out, beyond the food, was the hospitality and culinary creativity curated by Chef Michael. The team explained things in a way that was easy to follow, so even though the menu was creative, we never felt out of our depth. The wine pairings were fantastic too, and added so much to the experience; we had a white burgundy followed by a Pinot noir. Definitely looking forward to our next visit and would highly recommend to all of our friends and family. 5 out of 5 experience

We had the pleasure of dining at Chef Michael’s restaurant, and it was truly a treat. From the moment we arrived, the service and attention to detail stood out. We opted for the three-course meal, beginning with the scallop — not just a starter, but a true work of art. Each dish that followed was both visually stunning and absolutely delicious. The entire experience was thoughtfully curated, making for a memorable evening. We would gladly return to Foray again.

Ambience was great.. service was great.. desserts were great.. the food didn’t meet our expectations. Maybe our palate was a bit upscaled, coming from NYC. But it felt like the dishes were made to match the price the chef had set in his mind. The first dish from the Chef’s Menu was caviar with fried potato. It was ok, except we thought it would have been better if the potato was mousse. It seemed like they had put in lots of work in making the shape of the chip but it tasted like store-bought potato chip. The second scallop dish was great. Very pretty and had a nice balance of flavor and texture. It was a bit salty for us but it may not be for others. The third abalone dish was good too. Abalone and risotto were cooked perfectly. Only thing that we thought didn’t harmonize with the rest of the dish was the pesto. There is a dish in Korea called jeonbokjook (abalone porridge). It uses the abalone organs to enhance the taste. If the pesto had used the organs, it would have brought out more intensified abalone flavor. Next was the lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate. It was impeccable. They had used local meyer lemon which almost tasted like yuzu. The beauty of using local ingredients!! The main dish was steak with steamed veggies. This was honestly the most disappointing. The steak, carrot puree, and steamed veggies (except for the grilled king oyster mushroom) all had similar texture and the dish wasn’t fun at all. Chimichurri sauce was very good but it didn’t really fit the cut of the steak. If they had used a different cut—sth with more texture—it would have been better. Bread pudding (sorry no pic) for the dessert was surreal. Not overly sweet but with a very slight freshness using orange peel (i think?) and the creme that came with was very good and unique as well. We also received brioche and assorted sorbet as complimentary (sorry no pic). They were both heavenly. Huckleberry flavor from the assorted sorbet could be either you like it or hate it but i liked it!! My partner didn’t lol very unique flavors overall that you don’t encounter at other restaurants and we were happy with the experience.

Last night, we had a lovely private party at Foray. Since its opening, the team has found their groove and elevated the guest experience. The bar program is spot-on, and the food is creative and delectable. As a vegetarian, I was impressed with the flavors and presentation. The champagne by the glass was exceptional. Our server was very professional and attentive. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, especially on a stormy evening.

We ate Foray last Friday evening with another couple. The Food presentations on every course were truly works of art. Not only were the courses pleasing to the eye, but they were all very delicious. I loved the abalone over risotto course the best. We did the chef tasting with wine pairings. The Sommelier did a great job pairing all of the wines with the various dishes. We had six courses and I Did not go home hungry! Staff was terrific and very attentive. if you’re lucky enough to be able to visit Carmel by the Sea, this is a must visit for the for connoisseurs of fine food and wine.

Foray is a must go to Restaurant whenever I'm in town, it is by far one of my favorites. An absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. The menu is filled with dishes incorporating seasonal ingredients provided by local purveyors. The wine list is esoteric but filled with gems. This last visit we had the wonderful Abalone risotto with its briny, and mild sweetness flavors, simply delicious. For second course the Short ribs which were cooked to perfection. If you’re lucky enough to be able to visit Carmel by the Sea, this is a must go to. My compliments to the Chef and his staff

Everything was great! Food was excellent. as well as service. Desert as amazing we had chocolate cake with ice cream and bread pudding amazing!!! Highly recommend the scallops! oh my it was delicious! perfect surprising flavors! As a local I will be back!

My sister and I visited Foray for dinner for our last evening on holiday, and it was easily the best dining experience we had in Carmel. Hosts were pleasant, the ambiance was inviting, and the food was amazing. We each had the 3-course meal. I chose the beef tartare, black cod, and dark chocolate tres leches, and my sister had the scallops, cod, and bread pudding. We also ordered a cheese plate as an appetizer and tried all of their house-made sodas. All of the choices were excellent. I always appreciate when a place offers great mocktail or NA drink options. I didn't finish the tartare, and two hosts checked to see if I had any concerns with the food. Honestly I didn't -- I just wanted to ensure enough room for the main course and dessert, especially since we'd ordered a cheese plate and had received a complimentary artichoke dish from the chef. It was a lot of food, and I wish I could've eaten it all! Not to mention, we received an additional complimentary candy cap mushroom dessert upon our departure. Of all the restaurants we visited on our trip, Foray was the only one we marked to come back to. THIS was the type of food I'd been craving for my entire experience in Carmel. Cheers!

We were part of a 20-person wedding dinner, and Foray handled it like pros. Group dinners can get chaotic fast, but the timing, pacing, and service were flawless from start to finish. Every dish arrived at temp, plated beautifully, and with the same attention to detail you'd expect at a two-top. Between my partner and me, we shared the Wagyu tartare, seared scallops, 30-day aged bluefin tuna, and the foraged mushroom risotto. Every bite felt intentional. The tartare was silky and perfectly seasoned, the scallops were caramelized and tender, and the bluefin was rich and clean with that perfect melt. The risotto hit all the comfort notes without being heavy, layered with truffle and deep umami. Cocktails were another standout. The Coastal Bloom was bright, crisp, and herbal, while the Foray Old Fashioned brought rich coffee and cacao flavors that tied perfectly into dessert. We ended with the candy cap bread pudding and dark chocolate tres leches, both elegant and balanced, the kind of desserts you remember days later. Foray delivered a wedding dinner that felt personal and polished all at once. Exceptional food, kind staff, and one of the best group dining experiences we've ever had in Carmel.

We were looking forward to our celebration dinner at Foray for months. We didn't even mind that they couldn't find our reservation, and we had to show them our mobile confirmation as evidence. They didn't have a table for us since they messed up our reservation, so they put us in the 'best of the worst' remaining tables (one by the stairs). They gave us a glass of champagne as an apology once we were seated, so all was forgiven. I loved the contemporary spaciousness of the restaurant. The decor was chic. There was beautiful light streaming through the windows and just the right amount of art. The plating of each dish was artistic, almost too beautiful to eat. (The Abalone Risotto was my favorite to look at and taste.) The service was impressive and impeccable. (I especially appreciated the Sommelier's suggestions and attentiveness throughout the evening.) Here are some things that surprised us about Foray: 1) We ordered the 3 course dinner, and the time between the courses took so incredibly long that we watched tables come and go. Thankfully my date and I enjoy talking to each other because this was THE longest dinner we have ever had, and it was not due to our eating pace. We thought maybe they had forgotten about us because we were seated in the corner. Midway during our dinner, a large group sat next to us. When we finally got our entrees, they received theirs too. (That is shocking because they were seated an hour+ after we were seated!) 2) One of the entrees (black cod) we ordered arrived at room temperature. It wasn't appetizing to eat a dish that tasted like it sat around for a long time. It was plated beautifully. It just should have been served right after it was cooked, so it would still be hot! 3). There was only ONE very basic, no frills bathroom for the entire restaurant, and it doesn't even have toilet seat liners. It wasn't clean since it was shared and the only one for the entire place. I'm not a princess (haha), but I couldn't wait to get out of there! I think Foray has so much potential! Service was excellent -- other than Reservations and Seating. The ambiance was great -- everywhere, except the bathroom. The 3 course dinner was delicious -- except one entree wasn't served hot and a 3-course dinner can take THREE HOURS due to long delays in-between courses. Management needs to fix a few disjointed things before we would return. Sad to say, but it's no way to Foray for us.

My partner and I came here to celebrate our 7th Anniversary and were blown away by the food and amazing service! Everything we had was delicious and beautifully presented. Easily our favorite meal of our trip! We both did the three course meal and left extremely satisfied and full. Loved every bite and the portions were very generous. They even included a couple bites on the house which was so sweet of them! I ordered one of their cocktails that was also delicious (I can't recall the name but i think it had basil in it). We came slightly before the tourist season for the holidays picked up so the place wasn't packed. Made for a nice intimate meal. Would love to come again next time we come up the coast

Foray was such a wonderful surprise for us! The space is warm, natural, and inviting, with an elegant but relaxed atmosphere that immediately made us feel comfortable. We each chose the three-course tasting menu with accompaniments, and it was such a treat. We started with a cheese board, oysters, and the most incredible brioche bread with house butter. For my courses, I had the scallops (my favorite of the night!), a creamy summer vegetable risotto (soooo delicious), and a refreshing fruit sorbet trio. Everything was absolutely delicious--beautifully prepared without feeling fussy. What really stood out, beyond the food, was the hospitality and culinary creativity curated by Chef Michael. The team explained things in a way that was easy to follow, so even though the menu was creative, we never felt out of our depth. The wine pairings were fantastic too, and added so much to the experience; we had a white burgundy followed by a Pinot noir. Definitely looking forward to our next visit and would highly recommend to all of our friends and family. 5 out of 5 experience

Last night, we enjoyed a private party at Foray. Since its opening, the team has found their groove and elevated the guest experience. The bar program is spot-on, and the food is creative and delectable. As a semi vegetarian, I was impressed with the flavors and presentation. The champagne by the glass was exceptional. Our server was very professional and attentive. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, especially on a stormy evening.

Fantastic from start to finish. Went with my wife and visited the bar mid-week. Every food was punching well above its price in quality and style and the drinks were head turning. Having visited many bars with quality house made mixers and components, they were pushed aside easily by this restaurant. The level of detail and care was simply shocking for a place without a Michelin star (yet). Half of me didn't want to write the review to keep this place a secret but it felt too selfish and dishonest to the team at it for their solid work.

The sommelier (I don't believe she was actually certified by some of the goofy things she said) was rough. the room lacked any charm. The food too precious and the pace of service was dragging on and on. Maybe it was an off night and the chef phoned one in. We finally had had enough and got the desserts to go. Very spendy and very disappointing. Although the bread pudding at home by the fire was very delightful.

Amazing food, service, and atmosphere. Bar service was really great and attentive as well.

Amazing food and ambiance! I love the vibe of the restaurant, even the bathroom is well decorated. My favorite dish is their black cod - it is very creative, really embodies the essence of foraging with the combination of land and sea produce combined. Service could have been faster and they didnt offer us the tasting menu right away. Totally recommend for people going to Carmel

We booked this restaurant via Tock (secured with a credit card) for our 25th wedding anniversary. They claimed we had no reservation even though I showed them the email confirmation. This is a very lame way to "welcome" us to a special night. It was incredibly off putting. They seated us "anyway" and I should have known right then something was wrong. It was 7 pm on a Saturday and they had plenty of room. The decor was fine, but things were just off, like the lighting flickered, the portion sizes too large, the drink options ridiculously priced, the silly dessert spork that is child sized and frustrating to try and use... We expected to pay top dollar and expected top service as well. The only thing that met our expectations was the bill. Honestly, it just never recovered from the moment we stepped in the door. The people were nice enough and almost delivered great service. They just lacked real hospitality. The food was very tasty - brioche, artichoke hearts, kale salad, chicken, short ribs, bread pudding, and huckleberry pie. But the portion sizes were beyond generous. There was no way we could eat all the food. I can only image how much they throw away each night. We wish we could have shared a single salad, entree, and dessert. That would have been more than enough. The absolute best part of the night was my dining companion. He is fabulous. Carmel by the Sea is a pretty upscale town with lots of food options. If you are looking for something unique, super yummy, with excellent service, I bet there are way better choices. I was pretty bummed we spent our anniversary dinner at Foray. I guess we will just have to have a second anniversary dinner that is as special as our 25 years together.

We had the most incredible dining experience at Foray. Our server, Ernesto, provided exceptional service--warm, attentive, and genuinely knowledgeable. Every dish was stunning--not just delicious, but presented like true works of art. It's one of those meals we'll be talking about for a long time and we're already excited to come back. Highly, highly recommend.

My actual rating is 3.5 stars... My husband & I had a celebratory dinner here, our first visit. I will summarize each part of our experience. Greeting: the hostess was very stiff, somewh uncomfortable. The restaurant was almost empty, yet she offered us the worst table - I suggested another, and she obliged. She spoke so fast that we could not understand her; the diners who were later seated next to us had to ask her to repeat herself as well. Ambiance: the background music is awful - too loud, and a weird Musak. The seating was comfortable; the decor interesting. I love the wood ceiling. Service: excellent. Everyone was very attentive, and responsive to requests, such as bringing the champagne bottle so I could take a picture of it. The GM, José, explained each wine in the tasting course, and why they were chosen. Wine: the wine pairings were very good, with the exception of one - my husband detected Chinese 5 spice in the pork jus, which did not work with the paired wine. The GM did not know about this spice addition, and agreed that it did not work with the wine. Food: the 5 course tasting menu was overall good, but 2 courses missed the mark. The lobster dish was ok, but a bit strange with all of its elements. The pork dish was awful: I could hardly cut the meat, and it was tasteless. The sides on the dish were fortunately very good, with the exception of the Chinese 5 spice in the jus. The Matsutake risotto was exceptional, especially with Chef Michael adding shaved mushrooms at the table. Would we go again? For over $900, we expect higher quality food. So the jury is still out on this one, as we weight the pros & cons.

Wonderful!! We came to celebrate our new marriage and each ordered the 93921 three course menu so we could enjoy everything. Wow that was a lot of delicious food with generous portions. Kale salad - delightful! The scallop - exquisite. The chicken - so flavorful - the gnocchi that accompanied it - so silky and light. The vegetable risotto with chive oil - Divine! The huckleberry pie and a poached pear on top of custard in a pastry. So good!! Fun surprises too including chocolates and candies at the end and muffins with mushrooms that smelled and tasted like maple syrup to enjoy with our coffee the next day. Loved the cozy feeling space and private booth we were seated in. Enjoyed white wine and a Smith's Passion for a beverage - really appreciated the server proactively guiding us on which cocktails were the sweetest or booziest !! :) We would highly recommend this gem to any local or traveler!!! They also have a happy hour that looks like a great deal. The bar area looks like a place I would want to settle in any night!

Thanks to Michael for inviting us back to Foray -- we had an amazing experience! Overall, all the ingredients were incredibly fresh, the dishes were perfectly cooked, and the plating was beautiful. The service was outstanding, truly on par with a Michelin-starred restaurant. I noticed the waitress changing and ironing the tablecloths -- a level of detail you only see at the finest dining establishments.   To start, we were especially impressed with the Binchotan Roasted Mano de León Scallop -- tender, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. If you enjoy scallops, this one is a must-try. It was also my second time having the Monterey Bay Red Abalone Risotto, and I loved it just as much. I really appreciated that the chef accommodated my special request to cook the rice a little longer for a softer texture -- it was just perfect. :)   For the main course, I revisited the Monterey Bay Black Cod - 14 Day House Aged, which was incredibly tender, fresh, and light -- expertly prepared. If you're a fan of aged steak, don't miss the Masami Ranch American Wagyu Striploin - 55 Day House Aged. My husband found it absolutely incredible.   What impressed me the most, though, was the dessert: the Foraged Huckleberry Pie. It's honestly the best dessert pie I've ever had -- not too sweet, perfectly balanced in flavor, and served with ice cream that tied everything together beautifully.   If you're looking for a fine dining experience with fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients, I highly recommend Foray. The wine pairings were also thoughtfully selected and complemented each dish wonderfully.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Foray. A lovely experience to enjoy creative pre fix menu on this special holiday. Always a pleasure- splurged on the wine paring for the 3 of us. Worth it since they went extremely well with the food and I never would have picked some of the selections served. Fun way to eat what I think is top food in Carmel.

I can't say enough good things about Foray! If you're anywhere near Carmel-by-the-Sea, this place should be at the very top of your list. The vibe is cozy and upscale without feeling stuffy--just a beautiful space where you can relax and enjoy seriously incredible food. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Monterey Bay and the West Coast, and you can taste the quality in every bite. Some standout dishes that totally blew me away: the Monterey Bay Red Abalone Risotto (so rich and flavorful), the Binchotan Roasted Mano de Leon Scallop (cooked perfectly and just melts in your mouth), and the Wagyu Striploin (tender, juicy, and full of flavor). They also have a fantastic drink program--great wine selection and really well-crafted cocktails that pair beautifully with the food.

Edited to acknowledge response from the restaurant: One hour after posting the review below, we received an e-mail from the General Manager stating: "We take all feedback good and bad seriously, and we utilized it to help with training and development of our staff. While we cannot change what happened, we will like the opportunity to have you come back and experience what it should have been your dinner last Friday. We will like to offer an invitation for you and a guest at no charge to you, as is the least we can do after what occurred on Friday. " This is a proper response to a review such as mine, and I trust that they will avoid the future possibility of treating guests as we had been treated. I have updated the star rating for my review from 1 star to 4 stars. Since I was visiting Carmel from Colorado, I won't be able to accept their invitation, but appreciate the prompt and appropriate response. Original Review: We had reservations via Tock (Confirmation: TOCK-R-AXU5JS7K) for dinner at 7 PM on Friday, September 12th. Upon arrival at 6:57 PM, we were told in a dismissive/unfriendly manner by the young gentleman serving as host that we would have to wait to be seated, as they do not seat early arrivals. We were asked to either stand outside, or move to the bar until they were ready for us. Mind you, we were greeted 3 minutes before our scheduled reservation, and at the time, we observed two other parties of 2 seated in the entire dining room, and 2 gentlemen seated at the separate bar area, with appoximately 15 open tables at the time (at primetime on a Friday evening.). We saw no other employees or patrons in the building (although we did see 2 kitchen personnel standing outside a side door as we walked up to the restaurant.) The brief interaction with the host made us feel unwelcomed and unvalued as customers, so we simply said "Thank you", walked out and scouted out an alternate restaurant for dinner. Obviously, I can't comment on the food/drinks/dining experience beyond that. I might add that we were two gentlemen in our 60s and were well-dressed, groomed properly and with reservations upon arrival, and we arrived with a smile and were non-confrontational. We simply left.

What a spectacular dining experience last night at Foray! The food was amazing, with a particular attention to creative presentation and complex flavor profiles. The Maitre D' was beyond accommodating. Our server, Lorenzo, was particularly attentive. A must stop in Carmel. We look forward to returning soon! Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5

our first time and last time ,food was beautiful, delicious up until a very hair was in my food! quietly told them , the service went down they served us the bill with our desert at same time ! no acknowledgment of us leaving. In all the yrs we've been dining out , we've never had such an uncomfortable dining experience ..felt like they accused us . not even my hair color !

Came here for our anniversary dinner and it was an excellent experience! Food was amazing from appetizer to main entree to dessert and the cocktail that I had. And the service was wonderful! They were great to me and my husband and my 6 year old whom we had in tow. I beforehand emailed them to make sure that kids her age are allowed and they promptly responded. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner! Would definitely go back when we are in Carmel.

I'm really enjoying solo 5pm weekday dinners and this one was quite nice. Very attentive service and the interior is quite cohesive with the menu - a combination of refreshing coastal flavors with rich sylvan classics. I had the spot prawn crudo to start, which was nice. I'm not really a huge fan of the way it's dressed, but the prawn is beautiful on its lonesome. The oysters were probably my favorite dish. So sweet and refreshing, I absolutely adore a citrusy acidic granita on fresh seafood, and the basil tied everything together nicely. The staff also kindly gave me two more for free. The scallops were just alright. I'm not a fan of the way salt is layered in the dish- the beurre blanc lacked dimension (I think the flavoring was some sort of kelp?), the roe provided nothing special, and the scallop was over-seasoned with an unsatisfying flaccid texture. Definitely needs some sort of acidity or different flavors. I do love pea tendrils though. The chicken was okay too. Very very rich dish, chicken is a bit overdone, but overall nice flavors. I like the little hits of pea puree, but for this portion, you need to be like. A large man. To not immediately want a nap after. These seasonal ingredients will always go well together, and this dish is executed nicely. Ended the night with a delicious espresso and some pie. The pie was a pie. It was nice. The coconut ice cream tasted like coconut milk with sugar that comes out a pacojet. Overall though, nice spot, great service, amazing vibes, great food, some picky things.

I hosted a private event last month, and Foray perfectly executed a memorable event for my board of directors and guests! The service, communication, menu, and bar program were outstanding, and they went above and beyond to accommodate guests with food allergies. I was also impressed by their sourcing of seasonal and local ingredients. If you appreciate small, local restaurants with michelin star vibes, this is a priority stop. Foray Team - Your dedication to your craft was apparent in every detail and you've created something truly special. See you next time!

This place was great! Definitely a spot you'd want to try in Carmel by the sea! We dined here on a Thursday night in September. Our reservation was for 7:45 pm and when we arrived, there was only one table seated. I first thought that maybe we had arrived right before closing time. However, that didn't change the extremely friendly and attentive demeanor of the staff. We let our server know that we had just gotten married and he let the owner know and she came over to say congratulations! Her husband is the head chef and she was so kind and sweet. The decor and ambiance of the place is so beautifully done. I loved the light wood on the ceiling, which we found our was all locally sourced. I also loved the deep green colors on the walls and the decor around the place. The food was amazing! You could tell that so much thought went into each ingredient in each dish. I would absolutely go back on my next trip here and I suggest you all do the same.

My husband and I have dined at Foray on multiple occasions and always enjoy our experience. The restaurant has an elegant and welcoming atmosphere, the hostess and staff are so gracious. The bar offers bespoke cocktails and small bites. Their dining room is spacious and beautiful, you feel whisked away, each table is private. The menu changes frequently with available seasonal ingredients featured. Their brioche bread with house made candy cap mushroom butter is a triumph and the kale salad is delicious while beautifully presented. Foray is not to be missed-it is a special dining experience whether it is a spontaneous drop in or a thoughtfully planned celebratory evening.

What a special place. We love trying new places and tasting menus. Foray was a nice treat on our latest trip to Carmel. We did the 5 course chefs tasting menu and it was delicious. While the menu was seafood forward, eat bite was complex and well balanced. The short rib was a nice counterbalance to the fresh flavors of the sea. Service was great and the ambiance was upscale, yet comfortable. I would definitely recommend trying Foray if you have the opportunity.

I wish and hope this restaurant will improve. Here are some of the areas of concerns: 1) My husband is a pescatarian and I mentioned that on the reservation. I also mentioned that my son and I can eat anything. We were told when we arrived that we all have to order the same pescatarian meal. It is not like they had to make something special for him. The substitute item is from the main menu. My son and I were looking forward to trying their short rib, but we could not do so because of the restaurant policy. 2) All the food was beautifully plated for photo taking but they were all too salty. Some dishes lack depth and layer in flavoring. The only flavor is salt and a bit too much. The risotto was too wet and not fluffy. The lemon sorbet tasted like diluted frozen lemonade. The dessert said black truffle ice-cream. All 3 of us did not taste any black truffle in our ice-cream. Maybe it was a different chef at the helm last night. 3) They need to hire one more person to help with taking order. Service is a bit slow. The only great staff was a female that was responsible to fill our water. She was attentive, friendly, and professional. I felt bad as I was hoping to give my son a great birthday celebration.

I'm almost afraid to share because this is me and my husband's favorite place to go for happy hour between 5-6pm, where we sit at the bar and enjoy some exquisite bites and talk to the staff, who are so incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about locally grown food and wine/liquor. There are always a few open spots at the bar and we selfishly like it that way, but we also want this place to be open forever. The ambience and service are impeccable. It's such a treat for us, every time we stop through Carmel.

Chef Michael Chang really impressed us. We started with the Wagyu Tartare--super tender and perfectly seasoned. The Chicken Torchon was rich and flavorful, cooked just right. And we finished with the Brioche Bread Pudding, which was warm, comforting, and absolutely delicious. You can really tell there's serious talent in the kitchen. Can't wait to come back!

My fiance and I went to Foray for a little treat. We had a fantastic time - the service was impeccable, and the food was fun and delicious. The vibes were also great - modern, clean, and very California. We shared a dry-aged fish and a Kale salad. I had never seen dry-aged fish before, and it was fantastic! I wish I grabbed a picture. The kale salad was also super. Our waiter made this a fantastic experience. We will go back, and you should go try it!

I have had a number of tasting menus on the peninsula, but so far Foray has taken the trophy in my book. This was a perfect dining experience for me. The flavors in each dish were both exactly what I'd hoped they would be while also exceeding my expectations. I went on a Wednesday night with a good friend of mine and we were both overjoyed with our experiences. We decided to just walk in and try it on a whim- but it was the best decision that we could have made. The service was perfectly efficient while not being pushy or obsequious and the feel of the room was classy without feeling unapproachable or gaudy The food and wine pairings were both thoughtful and decadent. What a treat! I will without a doubt be taking my wife here on our next special occasion. A truly fantastic experience that I can't wait to share with others.

Food amazing service even more amazing ambience. I sat at the bar. The only offputting thing is it's right next to the bathroom.. The food was incredible. It was like being at home, if that home was Manhattan in New York City's top restaurants. Food test five stars, I got the scallop, presentation 10 stars, I got the Wagyu and loved loved the fact nobody asked me how I wanted my steak cooked. Apparently, they know the only way to cook steak is the right way. Medium rare, for a reason, it's called science. It has to do with muscle texture. It has to do with the cut of your beef. It has to do with being able to taste the beef. Delicious. I don't usually drink cocktails, he made me a cocktail. I couldn't even tell you it was in it except for unicorn smiles, and dreams. lol

We were extremely pleased with the service and the food we ordered. As a party of four we started with the small bites and sampled the cheese plate, prawn crudo and artichoke dish; all were delightful. I also had the salad and the short rib dish; truly the best beef I have ever had. The entire staff was wonderful; warm and knowledgeable about the offerings on the menu.Caroline , the sommelier was helpful and Chef Michael was quite gracious. Overall, a great dining experience. We all would highly recommend.

This is a newer restaurant in Carmel that we read about and wanted to try it. It is on the pricier side so be aware. This is owned by a husband and wife team and we were welcomed in right at the front door. Everyone was very nice and the restaurant was very sleek and modern with a soft touch. We ordered the duck egg bread with lavender butter and Mocktails to start. Both were delicious. The entrees were the American wagyu which was a lot of food and very very tasty. The halibut and squash blossom. The blossoms were to die for stuffed with crab. To finish it off the pana cotta was yummy. Overall this was a very nice meal. Pricy but worth it for a special night out.

I had the pleasure of enjoying a three-course tasting menu with accompaniments (oysters, cheese board, and brioche), and I was impressed. Coming from New York, where some of the world's best restaurants are right at your finger tips, I didn't expect to find a dining experience of this caliber in Carmel. From the moment you walk in, the experience begins-the staff is warm and welcoming, the ambience sets the tone, and even passing the kitchen you can see how spotless and well-synchronized the team is. Every detail-from napkins and silverware to plates and glassware-felt intentional. The ingredients were high quality, bursting with flavor, and paired perfectly with the wines recommended by the sommelier. Chef Michael even came out personally to greet us, which made the evening feel extra special. This restaurant is truly world-class. 5/5, without hesitation.

Everything was amazing! From the appetizers to the salads to the main entrées, nothing was less than a 10 out of 10! Including the customer service! Highly recommend!!!!!! Atmosphere was on point as well!!

Ok so you might think it's a bit pricey but you really do get what you pay for at this very special restaurant. Lovely atmosphere, tranquil and spacious. And it's nice to sit and watch the sun go down. We asked Michael why it's called Foray -- turns out that he and his Sommelier wife, Caroline, like to take their Laggoto (Falco), an Italian truffling dog, on regular forays into the woods, foraging for local bounty like chanterelles, porcini, candy caps, etc. Next time you're at the North American Truffle Dog Championships look out for Falco!

To say we were blown away with this world class restaurant would be a gross understatement. We are long time lovers of epicurean Carmel and have to say that Foray is of a quality and care that is rare these days. From the incredible house made bread and brown butter the meal just got better and better. The Kale salad was the best we've ever had. The rest of the meal including the Mushroom risotto, Sea Bass and gorgeous filet mignon were not only the best of the best, the presentation was absolutely gorgeous. Pls. Look through our pictures and let your mouth water. The owners of Foray are a husband and wife team and their passion for excellence infuses every dish. If I could give this place ten stars I would. Pls. Enjoy this best restaurant in Carmel and frankly, anywhere.....

True pluses and minuses Let's starts with the minuses Lyonnaise salad: 2 stars. The egg and the brioche chips were 5 stars, but the salad was so salty and had too much vinegar to be edible. Very very unenjoyable Cod main: 2 stars. Completely flavorless for the cod itself. The black lentils would have been good if they had flavor. The whole dish itself was lackluster and not worth eating. There were dots of orange purée that were good, but that wasn't enough at all Tenderloin: 2 stars. It was sweet, and that was wholly unenjoyable. It was tender though, but I don't want a sweet meat The pluses Kale salad: 5 stars. This was GOOD. They shredded the kale and the apple and made it so that each bite was easy to enjoy. Each forkful had all the components and ate very well together. I would come back just for this. Brioche bread: 4 stars bread only - soft with chewy and crispy outside. The butter made it too sweet. I wanted nothing to do with the butter The Carmelcito: 5 star cocktail. Not too sweet. Perfect layer of heat. One of the best I've ever had If I can come back for just the kale salad and a carmelcito for lunch, it would be worth it. Otherwise, sadly, I'm not returning.

Let me start by saying, if you are looking for a fabulous fine dining experience in Carmel, please make a reservation at Foray. Not only is the ambiance lovely, the staff and owners, husband and wife team (Chef and Sommelier) are friendly, warm and provide for a memorable experience. I will be the first to say, I suspect that this fairly new restaurant will someday soon have a waiting list to get a table. Chef Michael is beautifully presenting flavorful dishes, while staying true to the ingredients. There is a depth of flavor and elegance he is achieving by dry aging not only the beef but the fish. My husband and I recently enjoyed the 7 course Chefs Tasting Menu with a wine pairing. Unfortunately I missed a photo of the beef dish which was MASAMI RANCH AMERICAN WAGYU STRIPLOIN - 55 DAY HOUSE AGED and the sorbet that was served in between two of dishes. The dry age beef was exquisite, and there was no waiting to dive in. Co-owner and wine sommelier, Caroline presented us with some very delicious wines from Europe to South Africa. Each wine was thoughtfully and perfectly paired with the menu. We are looking forward to returning and enjoying another fabulous meal at Foray. It is only a matter of time before word gets out that this may be the most sought out reservation in Carmel.

We visited Foray last evening for dinner. The restaurant is beautiful with comfortable lighting and well-planned acoustics - you can easily hear conversations at your table. I especially enjoyed the artichoke heart confit as a first course - it was light and delicious. This was followed by the roasted spiny lobster soup; the soup was flavorful and rich with just a touch of crème. The winter vegetable risotto was an excellent main dish. The vegetables were expertly cooked to just the right crispiness. The chive sauce was unique and added flavor to the risotto. Our huckleberry pie with ice cream was exquisite in its presentation while also being delicious. The staff is friendly and functions with a cohesive energy - we never had an empty glass or a rushed feeling. We had a wonderful meal at Foray.

Aged this, aged that. Seems the trend. Christ I aged five years waiting for service in a nearly empty restaurant. Food was decent, dishes were generous in size. Expensive..........

What a gem of a restaurant! Stunning decor that is warm and welcoming, fantastic service, and the food is out of this world. Complex, inventive and beautifully presented dishes will delight your palate. We had the duck egg brioche with 'brown butter' butter, to start, which paired perfectly with a glass of champagne. Next was a binchotan grilled scallop with Meyer lemon buerre blanc. The sauce was so good, I wanted to drink it. We also shared the crab and saffron tortellini in a roasted asparagus sauce, which was also divine. Then came a chicken torchin with morel mushrooms, fresh peas and nettle gnocchi, served with a red wine reduction sauce. Also outstanding, and perfectly cooked. For dessert, we shared the cherry pie, made with dark cherries and served with a delicious coconut vanilla ice cream. Really a great meal. Highly recommend.

Everything was great: the food, the service, the atmosphere. I strongly recommend going here. Everything was beautifully plated and the food was amazing.

We have known the owner for years and always knew he'd be a great chef! Food menu is stellar and being part of the hotel gives it a homier feel, too!

Love their salad lyonnaise and the steak tartare and the cantaloupe sorbet. Continue to love the quiet elegance of the space, the mocktails which bartender Ivan is so brilliant at making, how owner Caroline always comes over to say hello, and how kind the staff is.

Amazing service, food and drinks. We had a great time and would highly recommend. We had primarily seafood options, everything was tasty and fresh. Definitely our best meal while visiting Carmel.

I'm not one to write many reviews but now that I'm retired and actually have more time, I thought that I'd start. We visited Foray for New Years Eve and it was hands down, the best dining experience that I've ever had. As we walked up to the restaurant, the large windows allowed a clear view into the spotless and very well organized kitchen and then the dining area. The cooking filled the air with a delicious scent. We were greeted at the entrance by a very pleasant young lady who took immediate care of us. As we passed the bar, it was busy, but very well organized and clean. It was a set 7 course meal and every dish felt like it was made to wow us. From the caviar starter to the perfectly cooked steak and the decadent chocolate mousse at the end, everything was incredible and fresh. What really stood out, though, was how welcoming and attentive the staff were. They explained each dish, timed everything perfectly, and made us feel completely taken care of. The food was unforgettable, but the way they made us feel was just as special. We left feeling very satisfied. Most definitely would recommend Foray to anyone in the Carmel area.