We all really enjoyed our meals and experience. The Sea Bass special was my favorite out of everything we ordered. Also loved the calamari appetizer and Cesar salad.Food: 5/5
We love this restaurant but today they seemed a little “off.” Called one week in advance for lunch asking for outside dining and when we arrived there was plenty of outside seats available yet the hostess seated us at a table in the breezeway. We dined for 90 minutes and not once were the two or three 4-tops were occupied, which the hostess told us were reserved. Also, when I made reservations I told the person we were celebrating 33 years of marriage. No one made mention of it during our visit….NO, we didn’t expect a free dessert….how about “congratulations on your special day and thank you for dining with us.” Yes, we will return hoping for a better experience next time.
We had a really solid meal. Good atmosphere and service. Wish they had a full bar. Bear and wine only. Maybe stick with the pizza.Food: 4/5
Rustic is an apt description of this charming spot in the Carmel Valley Village. Of course, it blends in nicely with other buildings in town. The patio is as good as it gets. Pizza, pasta and a local wine. What could be better?
The sand dabs and German potatoe salad was one of the most sublime dishes I have ever eaten! This place has French charm and the food superb because there is a CHEF running a tight ship! Great fast service. No complaints and I'm very hard to please foodie.Food: 5/5
We had the calamari to start and the duck special that day; not a regular menu item and butternut squash ravioli as entrees. The ravioli was exceptional, and the other two dishes were great. We'll definitely eat here again.Food: 5/5
Amazing service by Maxime Lovely patio .. so charming The wine list is superb and the price are very raisonnable. Excellent Chablis and Sancerre! The appetizers was delicious .. very tasty salad with grilled Shrimps! The rigatoni pasta baked in oven were divine and the Pizza with Italian sausage, pepperoni tomato sauce and basilic superb! The very best PIZZA in this area We absolutely love this place Do not hesitate to book in advance A GEM Vegetarian options: They have gorgeous salad and entree options Dietary restrictions: Asked and they accommodate Parking: Easy to park plenty of suaves in front of the restaurant Kid-friendliness: Yes kids friendly Kids were happy when we were at the restaurant Wheelchair accessibility: Yes definitely accessibility to wheelchair
1st time here. 3 of us had the halibut. It was really good! Had the flourless chocolate torte for dessert. Hope to come back when we are in this area.
True jewel in Carmel Valley. Humble and honest food that is cooked with love. The staff is super friendly and the food exceeds all expectations. True wood fired pizza delivered in seconds after being taken out. Fresh clams and pasta. Will return every time I drive by Carmel.
What is wrong with the diners of Carmel Valley? All the positive ratings for a rundown restaurant with terrible service and unsanitary practices just don't make sense. First, the staff are almost entirely outfitted in dirty, dingy, worn-out white shirts that look gray from the grime on them. Our water glasses were sat down on the table by their rims, eeww! Our server, "Randy," did not greet us and just abruptly asked what we were drinking. I ordered a beer, and my significant other ordered ice tea. They were never refilled, and we were never asked if we'd like more. Our empty glasses just sat there all dinner. Next, I ordered soup as an appetizer, and it never came. The bread might as well have been a loaf of Wonder Bread. It was as plain as could be. The NY Steak I ordered came out as a Ribeye. It was ok, but not for the price. It was very small and not cooked as ordered. The sides of scalloped potatoes and green beans were very good, so there's that at least. The restaurant is very small and very noisy. This primarily due to the open kitchen 3 feet away. Outside seating is offered, but there's no ambiance. Just tables on a paved patio. It really isn't worth the drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea when there are dozens of fine dining places there with a lot more to offer. As for Rustica Cafe, just because you've been around for years doesn't make you a great restaurant... average at best with horrible service.
