NORA'S CARMEL — Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea

A Hidden Gem: Nora's Brings European Charm to California Comfort Food

★★★★☆

Tucked away like a secret, Nora's feels like stumbling upon a cozy bistro in a narrow Parisian alley or a Roman side street. This hidden restaurant has mastered the art of countryside comfort food with a menu that's as clever and unique as it is charming.

The Food

Appetizers The meatballs arrive as a generous portion swimming in a silky tomato sauce, crowned with a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese. But the real showstopper is the chili – a revelatory dish made with tender lamb and white kidney beans. This isn't your typical American chili; it's a Mediterranean masterpiece bursting with complex spices and just a whisper of red chili heat that warms rather than burns.

Main Course Choosing from their "signature handhelds" proved deliciously difficult, but the Turkey melt delivered on all fronts. Real chunks of turkey breast and melted Swiss cheese nestle between lightly toasted ciabatta bread. The secret weapon? Ask for their homemade ranch dip – it's absolutely divine and elevates the entire dish.

Dessert The crème brûlée waffle is pure genius – somehow managing to be both incredibly rich and delicately balanced. It's the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.

The Experience

Beyond the exceptional food, Nora's succeeds because of its heart. The owner's warmth and hospitality shine through in every interaction. His background in fine dining is evident, but his vision here is refreshingly different: creating approachable, California-style comfort food that doesn't break the bank.

The Verdict

Nora's offers something special – European ambiance meets California comfort in a package that's both sophisticated and accessible. While it may take some effort to find this hidden gem, the journey is absolutely worth it. This is the kind of neighborhood restaurant that makes you feel like you've discovered something...

‚Penne ala Vodka‘ (Creamy Spicy Rigatoni on the menu)

As discussed shortly with the lovely hostess, where she asked me to provide feedback on the food on a scale from 1 to 10: 10 for the sauce and 6 for the rigatoni‘s. I mean, literally one of the best Vodka sauce I ever had. However, and I’m ‚complaining’ on a very high level, the pasta were a bit overcooked (ie definitely not al dente), so that some rigatonis even dropped off my fork or had to be picked up twice (hence 4 rating and something to improve for Nora‘s).

Importantly to add, the waiters and hostesses were extremely forthcoming, accommodating me, even though I didnt have a reservation while the place already packed; I even saw that an additional table had to be put up (because of me?). even more so, it‘s fascinating how well composed everybody was in that rush of people‘s demands, serving and organising - chapeau! Keep it up.

Now, having said that, one downside was that the waiter did not seem to know what a shandy is. I ordered a sprite and beer separately, so I could mix it, only to notice that both were on tabs which means a shandy could have very easily be supplied me directly without me having to mix it. Just so you know: a shandy is 1/3 Sprite and the rest filled with beer - it‘s something that could have been served. I apologize if a shandy is called differently in California but Roy‘s at the Links at Spanish Bay knew what a shandy was. Anyway, I...

We had an absolutely delightful experience dining at Nora in Carmel, California! From the moment we walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere made us feel right at home. We were warmly greeted with two glasses of champagne, setting the tone for a delightful dining experience. The ambience was incredibly cozy, enhanced by the gentle sound of a fountain and lovely surroundings filled with beautiful flowers, creating a serene and charming setting.

We also brought along our two pups, who were treated to delicious grilled chicken breast, which they wholeheartedly approved!

The food was exceptionally tasty, beautifully presented, and perfectly prepared. Every dish we ordered was flavorful and fresh—each bite was truly memorable. The standout dishes included beautifully prepared salmon, delicious broccolini, and mouthwatering pasta that left us craving more.

The service was fantastic—attentive yet unobtrusive, genuinely friendly, and professional. A special shoutout to the host and his cousin 😁 their friendliness and charm made our visit extra special and personal.

If you’re looking for superb food, excellent service, and a welcoming environment, Nora should definitely be at the top of your list.

Highly...