California-inflected American classics, lobster roll, potato pancake
San Carlos Street, 3 NE of 6th Avenue, San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921 Get directions
$30–50 · Menu
"This cheery, welcoming little spot has risen to the status of a local brunch favorite thanks to its cleverly California-inflected takes on American classics. A potato pancake served with Korean braised short ribs and kimchi is an illustrative example, as is a photogenic take on avocado toast, adorned with colorful radishes, sprouts, and local seaweed. Not to be overlooked is their lobster roll, served on a perfectly toasted, buttery brioche bun (from celebrated Ad Astra bakery) with sweet lobster meat—topped with caviar to further enhance the splurge, if desired. Dinner, served three nights a week, has additional appealing offerings, like duck egg raviolo with crispy garlic and brown butter, or a grilled swordfish steak with romesco and Meyer lemon." - Michelin Inspector
"Stumbling upon Stationaery, hidden within the quaint San Carlos Square, is like discovering a secret note written just for you. Except it is no secret, as everyone now knows about the delicious food to be found here. The tiny 34-seat space has outdoor seating too, which helps accommodate the long wait for the popular brunch featuring items like the potato pancake or a lobster roll on an Ad Astra brioche bun." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Located just outside the Bay Area, this Carmel-by-the-Sea spot is noted for its use of locally sourced ingredients from Monterey and the larger Santa Cruz County and for chef Amalia Scatena’s "cleverly California-inflected takes on American classics," per the Guide." - Dianne de Guzman
"This cheery, welcoming little spot in Carmel-by-the-Sea has become a local brunch favorite with California-inflected takes on American classics. Notable dishes include a potato pancake with Korean braised short ribs and kimchi, and a lobster roll with caviar." - MICHELIN Guide
"Tucked between San Carlos and Mission Street in San Carlos Square, this intentionally idiosyncratic restaurant pays homage to its owner Anthony Carnazzo's connection to letterpress (a nod to his wife, a letterpress operator and stationer) and is a local favorite for brunch and dinner. The kitchen, led by chef Amalia Scatena, emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and serves everything from Tsar Nicolai caviar with fresh kettle chips to spot prawn aguachile and a root vegetable soup with browned butter and Dungeness crab; for less adventurous diners there is a well-regarded burger and spaghetti. Save room for Basque cheesecake for dessert and a coffee worth ordering even late in the day—Anthony formerly ran a coffee roasting company and buys his beans directly from growers around the world." - Marisa Churchill
