Flying Fish Grill — Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea

While check in was lengthy with parties leaving late and tables not available, eventually we got seated and thats with a reservation at 7:30 PM. So be wary that walking in wont cut it. If you can get in, Christina, our server was amazing tonight, cracked a few jokes and knows the whole menus well and knows the area and makes personal recommendations to see the sunset!

The food... The Seafood Clay pot was really really good! From the salmon scallop and mushrooms and vegetables, each one presented by Christina like a jewelery box or something! All with unlimited home made chips and salsa! Tonights specials were starters either a choice between edenename or calamari. With $6 and $12 respectfully. We chose the calamari and it was really good! Perfectly crisp and the spicy sause it went with really helped! I cant say the same about the Seafood pasta... Each of the food in it, from the noodles (which is shared with the clay pot noodles by the way) to the mussel to the scallop and even the salmon all had a smoky/burnt taste. Im not sure if it was intentional or by design but it's a interesting quirk to put in an otherwise tame seafood pasta. The shrimp was fine, perfectly chewy and large enough which brings me to my next point is the portion. Im not expecting Cheesecake factory levels of quantity but i do wish for maybe 1/4 cup more pasta and maybe some more of that salmon. It didn't really fill me and probably just halfway if im being honest and im not a fat person or anything. Good thing you can top off with those chips and salsa!

Overall this place trys to hit every type of seafood dish known, from clay pots from china to seafood pastas to some baja California tacos (not to mention the salsa and chips!). From what ive tasted so far tonight, i think they can nail any dish if its got seafood in it! Lets see one day how they do seafood towers with raw oysters and shellfish in ice, and king crabs and oh so much more! But thats a different review for a different time! Thanks again to Christina for serving us tonight as well as the person who bussed and cleaned our table! Amazing service with pretty good food!

P.S they also have little cushions on the tables which makes sitting down on these benches, which, ill be honest, belong in a church, a bit bearable on...

A Culinary Catastrophe: When Seafood Pasta Goes Terribly Wrong

I feel compelled to warn others about my recent experience at this establishment. Had my energy reserves not been completely depleted, I would have certainly made a hasty exit upon the first unfortunate bite.

The seafood pasta I ordered was nothing short of a symphony of mediocrity. The angel hair pasta had been subjected to such prolonged cooking that it was on the verge of dissolving into an indistinguishable mush. The fundamental approach to this dish was fundamentally flawed, with a puzzling absence of spices, vegetables, and herbs that might have provided some semblance of flavor.

Rather than complementing the seafood with a proper sauce, the kitchen had inexplicably decided to drown the ingredients in a bland, clear broth devoid of character or culinary purpose. The garnish—if one could even call it that—consisted of no more than a measly spoonful of tomatoes and cilantro. That's it. The entire flavor profile.

With such a remarkable lack of seasoning and counterbalancing flavors, the overwhelming bitterness of the mussels completely dominated the dish. Each bite transported me not to the Mediterranean as one might hope from seafood pasta, but rather to the unfortunate memory of blue algae that washes ashore in the Caribbean—an association no diner should ever experience while attempting to enjoy a meal.

I cannot in good conscience recommend this restaurant to anyone who values their time, money, or taste buds. There are far too many worthy establishments deserving of your patronage to waste an evening on such...

A truly exceptional dining experience! If you are seeking a creative Asian Fusion experience with a seafood forward menu and you want to feel like you have dropped into a very special dining experience, Flying Fish is the place.

Immediately on arrival with no reservations, which we recommend, we were greeted by Honza, the owner/manager, who offered us three seating options; this was an indication of what was to come. The sense of customer first was exhibited throughout the evening.

Our waiter, Raymond, graciously walked is thru the creative menu. We landed on the Seafood Clay pot for two; which was one of the best ever entrees, filled with fresh local fish varieties, rich veggies, steamed rice and rice noodles and additional tasting bowls. The dish is cooked in the middle of the table: What an opportunity to create your own meal. Seriously, so much food we could not finish it. A steal for $74 for two.

While dining, selections from the menu passed us by and everything looked fresh, innovative, and delicious. Overall, the menu works for beef eaters, dessert fans, and features a superior wine list. Even pilsner from Czech. A story in itself.

Overall, you feel like you literally dropped into a special place slightly off from Ocean Ave though only steps away. The sense of customer service, exceptional food, and great attitude is clearly Flying Fish. Highly recommend.

PS You know you are at the right spot when your waiter said he ate here over 20 years ago and it was great then and...