California-inflected American classics, brunch, dinner, wine
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
"A restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea known for its cleverly California-inflected takes on American classics and use of locally sourced ingredients." - 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
"Once the kids have been sufficiently tired out, head to Stationæry. The lack of a physical address might seem intimidating, but like the spelling of the restaurant’s name, this is a place that embraces being a little different. The restaurant is tucked between San Carlos and Mission Street in San Carlos Square. The name is a nod to owner Anthony Carnazzo’s wife, a letterpress operator and stationer. The restaurant is a haven for locals and tourists that’s open for brunch and dinner. The kitchen is led by chef Amalia Scatena, who focuses on locally sourced ingredients from Monterey and the farms of Santa Cruz County. The menu offers everything from Tsar Nicolai caviar with fresh kettle chips to spot prawn aguachile and root vegetable soup with browned butter and Dungeness crab. For less adventurous diners, the restaurant also serves a really good burger and delicious spaghetti. For dessert, save room for the Basque cheesecake and enjoy it with a cup of coffee. Even if you’re prone to midnight jitters with caffeine late in the day, the coffee is worth it. Anthony formerly ran a coffee roasting company and buys his beans directly from growers around the world." - Marisa Churchill
