Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette

I had the clam chowder, it had bacon in it, absolutely delicious. I’ll be back for that! I only gave a 4/5 because the oysters were so small, I really expected them to be at least bigger than mussels. I could have driven down to Safeway and had bigger. The place is lovely and chill. The drinks and service were another reason to check this place out.

What a phenomenal experience salt wood was. Andrew our server was absolutely top notch. We came here off a past employee and colleagues recommendation; Derek did not steer us wrong and salt wood definitely did not disappoint, oysters were amazing, the duck was to die for, and the chicken was incredible. I would have worked my way through the whole menu if we were in town longer. Incredible staff , awesome ambiance, the guys shucking oysters and cooking over an open flame right in front of you was a seriously next level connoisseur experience. 10/10 recommend. Go out of your way if you’re not in the immediate area and definitely make a reservation beforehand, this place was packed.

Went with a group of friends for a special occasion. I had never heard of the place, honestly was reluctant at first but the menu was diverse, everything was real yummy, staff was friendly and would come by to see if we needed anything. 100% if you're looking for a nice restaurant you should try this place!

Great food that was tasty and creative. Subtract a star for seating placement. We asked for warmer seating on arrival because of the weather and one of the hostesses put us in the coldest part of the restaurant with no heater. Had to move after the cold got unbearable. Thanks to the other hostess helping us out. Server Gio was excellent! Very friendly and attentive. Not bad overall I think I will come back.

Our entire experience was fantastic! We are big foodies, so our expectations were a bit low. But wowza! The roasted chicken was delectable, the roasted cheesy almondy cauliflower was super! The Cesar salad amaze! And their version of a mac and cheese? Chef’s kiss!!!!! The dessert (not sure what it was called) but it was vanilla ice cream over banana monkey bread…holy moly! De.lish.ous!!!!

The net York steak was fabulous and the multi musician playing saxophone and flute made a very nice atmosphere the service is very fast I will come back

Such a beautiful restaurant! We came here right at opening during happy hour, so we had the place all to ourselves. We got some apps at the bar and enjoyed the decor and conversations with the staff. The oysters were delicious and elegantly prepared. We taste tested all the various preparations, and the Gilroy Garlic was our favorite. The margaritas are super good!

It smells so good the moment you walk in. It's open, light, and airy inside. The decor is inviting, warm, and classy. The long tables are skinny, meaning a group of 6 can easily share the appetizers and carry on conversations with the group. The food tasted great and our server was kind and knowledgeable about the draft beers and answered all my questions about them. The most fun bathroom - there is a decadent bowl of salt mixed with dried lavender, frankincense, and more lovely scented granules! If you choose to use it, your hands are treated to a luxurious salt scrub that smells euphoric and leaves your skin baby soft and rejuvenated. Had to go for a second time thanks to the beers, and surely welcomed the salt scrub again! As did all the members of our dinner party, whom left full, happy, and satisfied with our dining experience. Can't wait to come back here!

Overall, we enjoyed our meal, if you're seated close to the window or on the patio, you should have a great view of the ocean as well. The price point was a tad expensive for the food/entrees. Cocktails were standard price and pretty tasty, though it was a bummer they didn't have one of the tasty-sounding ones that was listed on the menu (weirdly our entire party also each got different versions of the menu so check to see what is actually available with the server). The oysters were good but a tad small, we've definitely had bigger ones for the same price at other seafood places. The clam chowder and the lobster pasta were both super buttery/oily, they didn't taste bad, but a lot of the taste was driven but butter and fat. We also got the crudo which was fine, but a bit expensive for the size. Service was pleasant and friendly, we didn't have any issues. They were pretty busy on a weekday evening so make a reservation if you can. For parking - there's actually two parking lots, the first one you see is at the bottom of the hill, so I'd recommend driving up to the closer one first to see if there spots so you don't have to hike up the hill. All in all, it was a good meal and I would not mind going again, but it would not be my first choice for seafood, and it was a bit pricey even for this area.

Salt Wood has been one our faves for the last 3 years now. This past visit my BF chose to celebrate father's day early Saturday with his place of choice. It didn't disappoint. We had a great visit. The ambiance, food and service was excellent. The manager Jason came out to say hi and see how things were, which was really nice. Every staff member greeted us with a smile and were very friendly and accommodating. Oysters - A+ Drinks - Didn't miss Service - our waitress (and I feel horrible for not getting her name) was really nice & attentive My daughter ordered the catch of the day - Halibut and she ate it all, so needless to say loved it. Can I just say shrimp and waffles did not sound like something I would like, but we decided to try something new and OMG it was good. They were coconut walnut fried prawns (the big ones) & the waffles were made with coconut in the batter - the perfect amount of soft with crispy and the flavors so good!! I would highly recommend it. Biscuits and gravy also very good and can't go wrong with the maple bacon & chicken sausage. Overall we had a very relaxing, pleasant visit. Took a little walk down to the beach after & were very lucky with the sunny weather. We'll be back for sure =)

Food and cocktails are very good. I truly enjoyed the cocktails. We sat out on a windy day, they have outdoor heaters and despite the wind was very enjoyable. My waitress recommended a lavender martini not on the menu and it was delicious. We had the clam chowder probably the best I have ever eaten and I'm an east coast girl. Had oysters and the artichoke dip I believe it was,all very good the oysters are the smallest ever but very tasty. Service is attentive and friendly!!!

Food was better than I expected! Service was also decent. We stayed at The Sanctuary and wanted to eat on site at the restaurant. I ordered the clam chowder and steamed clams for myself while hubby ordered the Caesar salad and fish n chips. Very modern and cozy atmosphere.

I came here one evening with my husband and we sat at the bar, ordered drinks and some appetizers. The bartender was absolutely wonderful and the right amount of personable and engaging. The ambiance inside this place is perfect! You can see the open flames where they grill the oysters, which is cool to watch. If I lived nearby, this would be a regular date-night location.

Went for brunch and all items excellent. Lox had all the expected components. Sausage and omelet fresh. Service fast and knew the menu. Have not been here for a minute but will return. We were able to sit outside - overcast but no wind. Just a really nice setting with good food and good service. Everyone at this location helpful with order and recommendations. We have also had a similar positive experience for an early dinner. Looking fwd. to coming back.

This restaurant has been on my list for a while now, decided to try we made for happy hour I was only here for a drink and to try their oysters, order the grilled Gilroy garlic & kimchi and two chilled oysters the great flavors, bartenders were very attentive and very friendly great service, great ambience and this the place to go for fresh oysters.

IMHO We were on a couple's overnighter in Capitola last week and were looking for a place for dinner. Friend suggested Salt Wood Kitchen in Marina. He'd never been there before but we trusted his choice and he made a 5:30 reservation. Cool, modern decor. We sat at a corner table near the doors to the outdoor patio with firepit. If it wasn't cold, the occasional door opening wouldn't have bothered us, but there were some guests out there and we got a few blasts of very cold air! Stacey was our fun and amiable server. We started with cocktails! Two Black Cherry Lemon Drops, a Maple Bacon Manhattan, and a Blushing Monarch, all $18 each. Drinks were a success! The menfolk shared a dozen Fanny Bay oysters ($3 each). A big loaf of olive bread by Otto ($9) was also brought to the table with a delicious, whipped butter and big sur sea salt. The bread slices were huge and generous. We loved the butter so much that we needed to ask for extra! The womenfolk ordered the Monterey Bay Fried Fish, ($27). When I read "rockfish, beer batter, house-made tartar sauce", I immediately thought "fish 'n chips!" We were given a choice of either a salad or fries. The tartar sauce was exceptional, lightly creamy and mildly flavorful. The guys chose the 24-hour short ribs, ($38) and the grilled Alaskan salmon, ($33). Sides ordered were the Grilled Greens, $14, and the Cheesy Cauliflower, $14. (In my humble opinion, the sides should be included in the entree, and not a la carte. But did we like our food?! Everyone cleaned their plates! And yes, of course we'd like to see the dessert menu! We opted to share the Lemon Olive Oil Cake, $15, and the Triple Chocolate Mousse, $13. We all agreed that the winner was the Triple Chocolate Mousse! Service all around was super friendly, genuine, and epic! Salt Wood, you've got great employees!!! Yes, the food was pricey, but we were on a special road trip. We thoroughly enjoyed our time and meal there. I hope we return again one day.

The old fashion drink was excellent. The clam chowder was bad. It had a ton of bacon flakes in it. Tasted like liquid bacon. No clams that I could find and a couple chunks of potato. The toasted bread was good. Service and ambience were good.

Another amazing burger and beer night at saltwood. Andrew was a great waiter, attentive and knew the menu really well! As always saltwood was an amazing meal with a fantastic view. Tonight we were lucky to also get great weather!

Very friendly and accommodating us as 3 walk ins on a Friday night. Got us a table within 15 minutes. We had the large dinner salad which was very good. They ran out of lobster pasta so I had the special halibut which was very good, well done. Nice atmosphere, more "fancy" but not stuffy.

AMAZING! We love coming here! Service is always amazing. Walked into a warm greetings from the host. Always a major plus. The ambiance was on point, live music, grills smoking and ppl just having a blast. WHAT WE ORDERED: Arnold Palmer 10/10 Fresh oysters 10/10 Roasted potatoes 9/10 Baby gem Caesar 10/10 (but I should mention the lemon peels were a little strong and bitter) Steamed clams 8/10 (a tad bit salty) 32 oz flannery dry aged steak 1000/10 (perfectly cooked but it was warm, not hot, so the meat got a little rubbery towards the end, but we took it home and ate it for lunch the next day and it was so tender and delicious) Nutty sailor 100000000000/10 (note to self: MUST ORDER BEFORE AND AFTER DINNER! My god this was so delicious! I'm not a dessert gal and this impressed me so much I wanted to order another one!) Service was so organically and genuinely amazing!!!

Fast and friendly service. Food came quick and everything was delicious. Especially the fresh olive bread that was good with butter and by itself but we ordered with the lobster and artichoke dip. Admired the decor especially the quotes from John Steinbeck. Clean bathrooms and nice ambiance. Wish I ordered the fresh olive bread to go. Waiter said $19 for a loaf. What a deal

We were staying at the Sanctuary and stopped into this place because it is conveniently located on the property. I do recommend getting a reservation. We did not have one, but they were able to accommodate us at the bar. The bar seating was great because you were able to watch them cooking on the open grill, which added to the experience. There was also a live band playing while we enjoyed our dinner. We started with a couple of glasses of La Marca prosecco before deciding on our dinner. We went with the Monterey Bay Rockfish 'N Chips, the Santa Carota Dry Aged Burger and some fresh oysters. The fish was cooked perfectly and not greasy at all. The burger was mouthwateringly good. The smoked mushroom aioli on the burger just finished it off perfectly. I also had another drink that was great, I don't remember the name but I think it was a maple martini. I think their food and beverage options change.

One of the most pet friendly restaurants I've been too yet! We went this weekend and had the best time. We were sat outside but despite the cold weather didn't really ever feel the cold cause they had lots of heaters and a firepit. The service was really great and also attentive, the food was amazing! We had the oysters and some breakfast items and it was all really great. Get the garlic fries is what I would recommend and take a look at their pet menu!

I recently visited Saltwood with my family, and unfortunately, this is not a positive review. I rarely write reviews, but this experience was disappointing enough that I felt it was necessary to share. We were seated outside since we brought our dog--no problem there. However, my husband asked if we could move to a different table near a heater because our son was cold. There were only three other families seated, and one had just left, leaving an open 4-person table right next to a heater. When we politely asked the busser who was cleaning that table if we could move, she said she needed to check if it was reserved. Honestly, I would understand if we were asking to move to a larger table, but it was literally the same size as ours. I work in customer service, and instead of being helpful--especially since this was about our child's comfort--she just stopped cleaning the table altogether and walked away. That told me everything I needed to know. Miserable energy. We ordered our food, and when my husband and I each ordered a dish that came with fries, we were told they were out. The server kindly tried to offer a different side, but nothing really paired well with our meals. I ended up declining a side altogether since asparagus wasn't available either. To make up for it, the server offered me a beer or wine--but I don't drink, so I declined that as well. At this point, it felt like they were trying everything but offering a proper solution or even a small discount. My husband had ordered an Old Fashioned, and when it finally came out, it looked...off. If you've ever had an Old Fashioned, you know it should at least have an orange peel or some kind of garnish. This one looked like it had been halfway drunk and then passed along. I've had better drinks at a dive bar. I wish I had taken a picture to compare it to the perfectly styled version on their Instagram. Then, suddenly, fries appeared--with no explanation. Two different servers had previously told us they were out. Where did these come from? Whose leftovers did we get? I didn't even want them anymore. Later, utensils were dropped off, but no napkins, and the silverware was just placed on the sticky table. Not wrapped, not on a napkin--just bare on the surface. At this point, my son had already finished eating, our dog had finished his food, and my husband and I were still waiting for ours. With everything adding up--the attitude, the confusion, the lack of care--I finally walked inside and asked to cancel my burger and just take my husband's meal to go. The server said it was too late to cancel my order which is total bs! We were literally the only people sitting outside, and somehow still neglected. I joked to my husband about the "flood of patio reservations" that never came, which that busser lady seemed so concerned about that she couldn't finish wiping down a table. All in all, the food was lackluster, the drink was meh, and the service was poor. We paid $110 for a truly underwhelming experience. I'd rather support a small local spot--or even settle for McDonald's, where at least you know what you're getting. This is your sign: skip Saltwood and go somewhere else. RUN!

I can't comment on food because I didn't get any. After sitting there for 15+ minutes and only served water we left. People that came in after us already had drinks and some type of food and no one had even addressed us except the guy serving water. Maybe we just wasn't their type of people. Note the restaurant was empty.

Talk about a let down! Super cute spot and good drinks. I was so excited about this place. We traveled well over an HOUR to come and enjoy this place. I ordered fries, clam chowder and a dozen oysters. They somehow forgot my dozen oysters and brought only 6. At a time .. weird for sure. And it took FOREVER. I don't think I'll be back. Super disappointed. Only person that was helpful was the busboy!!! Both servers were very nice but had no idea what they were doing?? Oysters don't take over an hour. As a previous manager, I appreciate their thoroughness and willingness to correct the mistake they did comp the oysters and explained and apologized.. still left a sour taste in mine and my partners mouth. Basically throwing members of staff under the buss looks and feels unprofessional

you find yourself in Marina, CA, you absolutely have to check out Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette. This charming seafood spot really knows how to create a classy yet welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by beautiful decor that perfectly complements the coastal theme--think warm wood tones and inviting touches that make you want to linger over your meal. Let's talk about the food! The signature dish here is, without a doubt, the oysters. Fresh, briny, and oh-so-delicious, they're a must-try for any seafood lover. Whether you're new to oysters or a seasoned pro, you'll appreciate the quality and care that goes into every bite. Pair them with a crisp glass of white wine, and you're in for a treat! The outdoor seating is a unique feature that really enhances the experience. Imagine enjoying your meal while soaking up the lovely Californian sun or the gentle sea breeze--it's just perfect. Plus, the friendly staff makes the whole experience even better. They're attentive without being overbearing, always ready with recommendations and a smile. Overall, Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette is a delightful spot for anyone looking to enjoy great food in a beautiful setting. It's the kind of place you'll want to return to, not just for the oysters, but for the whole experience.

Service- Big Shout Out to Shannon, Katie,Anthony,Augi and Danny!! Incredibly professional and friendly service. The food and cocktails are delicious and well prepared. Ambiance at Sunset Sessions was awesome. Peaceful and great view. Be careful about sitting outside for dinner. Heaters are incredibly hot!! Also, if you make a reservation double check that they have it. Will definitely return.

We came here for brunch on a nice sunny Saturday afternoon and it wasn't even that busy. The hostess was really nice and courteous.

Be prepared to spend a pretty dime, the meats and other entrees are a la carte. Oysters were fresh and decent, I had a dozen from Humboldt Bay. I came for my birthday and was gifted a complimentary dessert. Thank you Saltwood! The bathroom was also a pleasant experience with the herb sea salt hand scrub.

Poor service. Glass of wine was good. Food was just ok. We waited maybe 20 minutes for someone to take our order. Didn't like the vibe of the server. Sucks because the place is expensive.

I love that this place is so close to me! ALWAYS a great experience when I come here alone or with loved ones. Cannot beat those happy hour oysters!

We went for brunch and our food was amazing! Our server Keyana was great too, she went above and beyond and was so sweet. The restaurant was so clean & esthetically pleasing, i'll definitely be back!

We ordered breakfast room service and it was amazing. The food was freshly made and nice and hot. The bacon was perfectly crisp. The eggs exactly as we asked and the potatoes melted in your mouth. The oatmeal as well was yummy w lots of berries n nuts on top. This resort and restaurant are perfectly working very well together to make this place heaven on earth. Thank you Santuary and Salt Wood.

Large ground dining. Service - okay, prompt, attentive Ambiance beautiful there is a large fire place that gives a cozy feel Food: okay. I had the salmon which was cooked to perfection but didn't have much flavor. Lemon Olive cake looked delicious but was much too sweet for my taste. I tossed after 1 bite

Was visiting in town and decided to stop here for dinner. We got there about an hour before closing and were seated right away. On Mondays they have a burger and beer special for $18 which is a pretty good deal. I thought the burger had good flavor and the beer I got was great. We sat on the patio since we had a dog with us. I will say that all of the employees I interacted with were very nice. However, we ordered our dog something off the dog menu and it never came. We couldn't even ask our waitress about it because she didn't come back to check on us until well after we finished our food. There was nobody else on the patio during that time so we just sat there for about 20 min after we ate waiting for our check.

It had been a while since we last visited Saltwood, so we decided to drop by for Happy Hour. The service was just as excellent as we remembered, with attentive bartenders who made sure every detail was spot on. We especially enjoyed the variety of oysters available. Hopefully, we'll see more combo options on their Happy Hour menu in the future!

The stars for this review are based on the average of the 2 times we ate at Salt Wood. The first time on 08 June 2024 was 5 stars. The second time on 14 July 2024 was 3 stars. The food the first time was exceptional. We got raw oysters, Caesar salad, beef fat potatoes and wild mushrooms, and chocolate torte. It was one of the best ribeyes I've had in a long time since moving to the peninsula from SoCal. Service the first time was outstanding. The second time was good. The host was pleasant, we were seated immediately both times. The first time we had a reservation. The second time we came during Sunset Session, no reservation. The location itself is idyllic located right along the coast in Marina, CA. There is plenty of parking. The inside of the restaurant is stylishly and cleanly appointed with a very simple, coastal style and aesthetic. When my husband called on 14 July, he asked if the full dinner menu is available during sunset sessions (their version of Happy Hour). She placed him on a brief hold and then returned to the phone saying, "Yes it is." We arrived just a few minutes after 3:30, when they open for Sunset Sessions. The host seated us immediately. We verified with him that the full menu is served during Sunset Sessions. Our server came to take our drink order, only to discover that the only menu offered during the Sunset Sessions time is the very abbreviated Happy Hour menu. We were disappointed but it was fine. We would make do. The server returned with our drink orders. And asked if we were ready to order. We were planning to do a few apps and then a repeat of the order from 08 June. We ordered half a dozen oysters and the caviar. Unfortunately, they were out of caviar. Double whammy...no full menu (after being told twice that it was) and now no caviar. We got our little one a cheeseburger from the happy hour menu, it was great. Flavorful and well cooked. We decided we would stick with apps only and grab ribeyes at Whaling Station. The bread and butter was delicious, expected for the price tag. The oysters were clean and fresh and slightly briny. A bit on the small side but it's to be expected from oysters that come from the PNW. The manager Tammy came to speak with us about the miscommunication. She was incredibly kind and generously comp'd my glass of bubbling rosé for the inconvenience. Miscommunication aside, it is a lovely restaurant that we will certainly return to just maybe not on a Sunday night when they may be out of things. See my review for the Whaling Station next!

Over priced on everything. 2 double drinks of belvedere was $76. Dinner, I ordered fish and chips and got overly crispy dough and no fish. My husband ordered the steak and got grizzle. Our bill was $300 for 2. Very disappointed bcuz they used to serve really good food. Not returning ever.

The level of service was excellent. We watched the incredible Chef Koa and EJ prepare while we were seated at the bar directly in front of the Santa Maria. It was a unique experience to be able to watch your food being prepared in front of you. However, interacting with Chef Koa was a very intimate experience. Augi, our bartender, was equally amazing. He was very amiable and attentive. He made sure to notify us as soon as we could place our order, even though we arrived for dinner a little early.

We've stayed at the hotel once before, and we've come to the beach a few times here before, but this is our first time eating at the restaurant. We walked in on a Sunday morning for brunch. We didn't have a reservation, but it wasn't busy, so we were able to be seated right away. The restaurant itself is beautiful. They did a wonderful job decorating. We ordered half a dozen oysters. To be honest, I'm not even sure which kind we had... but they were yummy! I do remember that the server said they were from Point Reyes and Humboldt. My husband ordered the Baker's Benedict. He said it was good, but the egg was a little overcooked. I ordered the huevos rancheros, egg sunny side up. I wish it had more pico de gallo on it, or some sort of salsa--needed just a little more flavor. We had great customer service. Everyone was friendly and very attentive. I'd love to come back on a sunnier day for lunch and a cocktail!

Salt Wood serves a nice ambiance, and the staff is friendly. For the price however, the food should deliver more. We ordered lobster pasta, garlic fries, salmon, and steak. The pasta was the only thing that tasted deserving of the price tag, unfortunately. The green sauce served with the salmon was inedible and made me question the chef's plate. Same for the steak, but I just assumed they bought pre-seasoned steak from their supplier. When you buy an expensive steak you just want to taste that delicious, presumably high quality meat, not a gob of salt and seasoning, right? The fries were tasty but over fried, so too crunchy and dry. Note we took out order take out, which will take some toll on the taste. But it shouldn't take this much of a toll IMO. Anyway, it's probably one of these menus that are hit and miss. It's just too bad their misses are so off the mark and expensive. Nice people though.

Server- Andrew who did an incredible job of upselling, food descriptions and service of clearing and preparing us for our next course and keeping our beverages refreshed. Being in the industry myself I look to see how well a server knows their drink and food knowledge. Andrew impressed me! Not many left with that style of service anymore so it was a special treat. Food- Started with the grilled OYSTERS aww man...they were awesome they came out on a bed of seaweed that was smoking, as it hit the table you got a smell of salty air! Chef brought the beach bonfire air to the table, really clever! We went for all four different flavors of grilled oysters, my favorit was the kimchi flavor I highly recommend trying them all it was a great way to start off our dinner. OCTOPUS MOLÉ: Mmm...what a flavorful dish! Deep rich mole with a crunchy red cabbage slaw with a good amount of citrus was lovely. For myself personally I would of liked it a bit more spicy but I understand it has to be palatable for everyone, maybe ask for some jalapeños on the side. My only downfall with this dish was the tortillas. The mole sauce I know is a lot of hard work and deserves homemade tortillas on the side to compliment it. DUCK: Duck breast glazed in honey was done perfectly. Crispy seasoned skin with a juicy breast . I'm also a sucker for any kind of liver pate and this duck pate was the best! I licked this plate clean. Cauliflower on the side was lovely as well. A rich dish but very much worth it. I'd have this again in a heartbeat. CIOPPINO: Monterey's finest of squid, clams, mussels, salmon, scallops & shrimp. They do not skimp on the seafood in this stew. Great clear rich seafood broth and came out super hot! The grilled lemon on the side was a nice touch! I ate the rind too haha Dessert- PBJ: Brûléed bananas with dulce de Lexie ice cream, salted peanut butter cookies, Concord grape jelly any pregnant girls dream! "I was 8 months pregnant at the time" Blood orange sorbet was such a great way to end the dinner! Mixed berry cobbler was well made too! Pastry on it was fire

There were 3 of us, myself, my wife and my teenage son. My wife and I shared 1 entrees and a starter. A Caesar salad with anchovies, a crab and artichoke dip. My son had a NY steak and fries. The steak and fries were competent. I was so excited about the Caesar salad because it came with anchovies, but the execution was less then desired. The description did not say it was a "wedge" caesar. I feel like for $20 salad that chopping a wedge of lettuce drizzling some dressing on it is not elegant or special but lazy. Most of my "bites" were just of plain lettuce and the anchovies were deep fried so all the saltiness and greatness of the anchovy was completely lost. The dip was water and hard to spread, and quite flavorless. The atmosphere was great, but the food left a lot to be desired.

Had an amazing dinner last night! The executive chef Nestor came out and personally greeted us, VIP treatment for sure. The seafood was incredibly fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. The oysters were top-notch and best part of the meal was the ABALONE, must get!!! Also, great service and a cozy ambiance made the experience even better. Can't wait to come back!

A good restaurant we always enjoy visiting when we stay at the resort. This time however there were some slight issues I wanted to mention. We visit here because they are dog friendly. It's a very pricey resort and the restaurant actually charges more for food than restaurants in Carmel, so there is that too. That being said food expectations are high. We had the fish and steak entrees along with oysters and dessert. Steak was a NY strip which was tough so that was disappointing. Fish and oysters were very good but the dessert was awful! A lemon olive oil cake had horrible egg flavor and was inedible. Dining comfort needs to be addressed with more standard tables outside where you can sit with your dog, instead of a high top table. We were at one of those high tops on our first day and it was super awkward with our little guy really far down. Also the heaters didn't work and there are no blankets at this restaurant. It gets very cold at night and super windy, so bring a coat. The patio has two enormous fire pits and one four top table. The fire pits are nice but the cushions filthy! It's hard to have a meal while leaning from the cushions to the fire pit edge where they put your plate. It's a good 2 feet lean over, not exactly easy dining. More standard tables would be appreciated. Overall our servers during our visits were wonderful and attentive. The restaurant is very nice inside with a big indoor grill and live music but you don't get that if traveling with your pet. I would also suggest open windows for the people outside to feel like they are part of the restaurant and can enjoy the live music as well.

Eggs were undercooked. Took a super long time to even get coffee. Avocado toast was some kind of mashed avocado rather than fresh. Felt processed.

I wanted to love this restaurant because the vibe inside is really nice. They were playing RnB just loud enough to hear and it's decorated nicely. The smokiness takes a minute to get used to. I sat at the bar and wasn't made aware of any specials or anything but I kept seeing people order a burger. Apparently Mondays they do a burger and beer special. The crab dip was OK and I ordered some oysters but a few of them were not cold. Luckily I didn't get sick but it was disappointing. It seemed like a lot of new staff so service was spotty. There were servers/staff having side bar conversations at the bar and host stand that were not work related but loud enough to hear.

We are locals and 4 years ago we visited this restaurant and we did not return because we did not like the food, but two months ago we gave it a chance and we have returned 3 times and both the quality of the food and the service has improved a lot! The chef took the time to go to each table to ask about the food. Only one con is that the restaurant is cold.

Manager and waiter made us feel uncomfortable with all their stares and whispers from across the restaurant. Food was alright and drinks were great. This is not the first time we've been here, in the past their service was ok. This restaurant is a money pit charging for literally anything they could. We knew it was pricey but with all the hidden charges that we were not aware of like the $6 cakes cutting fee per slice. Adding a $66 charge for cutting our cake we bought without informing us. Also the slices were small so we knew that there should have been leftovers and they didn't give us our cake leftovers. Even the extra slice of bread has a charge. We left the restaurant with a really sour taste in our mouth. Overall had a good time with family but had trouble with the server and manager as they tried to explain how all their charges are made by the chef who we didn't get to talk to. This was just unappealing.

Positive things first. The servers were all very attentive and friendly. We got our food and drinks very quickly. Negatives. It was very cold in the restaurant and we were not even close to the doors. It was not very crowded, but the noise level was extremely high. The food. The wife had a cauliflower side dish which was so hard she could not eat it. The salmon she ordered had nothing with it but a little sauce. Could have used some vegetables. My fish and chips was overcooked. one positive, the garlic fries that came with it (extra cost) were excellent. Do not think we will be going back anytime soon.

Our family is staying at the sanctuary for the holiday weekend. We decided to walk over to the restaurant which is located right by our condo. The restaurant is very clean and we decided to take two seat seats at the bar. We were welcomed by the bartender, Anthony, who got us some water and great tasting wine. We took advantage of the happy hour and got the variety of olives and a dozen oysters. The oysters were amazing, so fresh and tasty! That made us want to get more items. We ordered a dirty martini and a cosmopolitan. Anthony did not disappoint! They both were made perfectly. We decided to get a hamburger and garlic french fries. While we were waiting, we were watching the chef at the grill by the bar, cooking some huge steaks and chicken. There were so many great items that he was making on the grill, we vowed to come back another time. The hamburger was juicy and cooked perfectly. We had an overall fantastic experience!

This place should have 5/5 stars. This is the best meal and service I have had in a long time. I was staying at The Sanctuary Hotel in itself was a magical experience. Thankfully they have this restaurant in walking distance. The service that helped us was phenomenal. She knew the menu inside and out and she had a great warm energy. First of all, the bread started was out of this world, dare I say it was perfect bread. I ordered the pumpkin risotto, which was served in a pumpkin! It was so hearty and satisfying. We ordered the bread pudding dessert and it was the perfect finale. I ate so much that I was bloated and had heart burn but it was worth it.

This stinks. I was really hoping to like this place. Utensils are very nice, my mother commented that they were heavy, but I like them. Decor is very nice, very industrial with white and deep blues. The servers are a little overly attentive, idk not my preference, kind of unhappy, and you know it. Busy with more servers than there are tables and only half full. The food was good. It had layered flavors which was pleasing and they seasoned the food well. The Garden Benedict was missing a flavourful hollandaise sauce. Upon review of the photo, the sauce was there, I just don'tremember the flavor of it, if it had any at all, and I'm writing this review only 2 hours after eating there. It was rather bland. The mimosas were like half poors. Very disappointing. The worst of it, though, was the smoke smell. It permeated throughout the entire restaurant. If you don't like smelling a campfire while eating, then do not eat here. It was horrible. On Mother's Day, of all days, so my infant could breathe all that nastiness in. Then I get home and give my wife a hug, and the smoke smell is embedded in her dress. I smell my shirt sure enough it's in my clothes too. This would be a 3 to 4 star restaurant if they could just get that god-awful smoke smell out of the place!

Good service, good ambiance. Food was good esp the crab dip, The salmon was smoked, it's a bit different from other resto. Best part was free champagne for birthday celebration. Will be back again. Oh and they have live Jazz.

I was pleasantly surprised that they had many items on their menu that were gluten free. I ordered the clam chowder. It was an excellent! People were friendly. A real perk since I went by myself. Ambience is rustic. Grilling is done out in the open in the middle of the bar with an oakwood burning grill. A bit pricey but the short ribs of the persons I spoke with looked fantastic and they raved about them.

First time attended, customer service and ambiance was great, but we were incredibly disappointed with the food. We were seated when they opened at 5:30, they did not have sparkling water after offering, they substituted their "dry burger" for 2 small beef patties, and their lobster and crab pasta (scallions were included according to the menu), only had crab. No lobster, no scallions. Very disappointing! Although it was a beautiful restaurant, it was NOT WORTH the quality of entrees and pricing. We will not be returning.