Goodness Gracious Kitchen & Cupboard — Restaurant in Carmel

I need to share this brief story to not only say "thank you" to the owner of Goodness Gracious, but also to let the public know that I don't believe they should put much merit into some of the negative reviews this establishment has received. We've eaten here several times and have yet to be disappointed. My wife and I eat out for most of our meals and would consider ourselves foodies for sure. We have also worked in high-end restaurants when we were younger, and we understand that if there are issues, you just need to talk to someone about them to allow the restaurant to find a resolution, rather than leaving upset and taking your voice to a public forum. That's truly unfortunate in my opinion.

My daughter was married last week, and two days before the wedding, I was surprised to discover that she had invited several wedding guests to our home for brunch the morning after the wedding. 50 people! I considered handling this myself, but decided it wouldn't work. I called the owner of Goodness Gracious to see if she could help, and without a beat, she immediately said yes! We ordered the egg soufflé and a scramble, and I picked them up at 8 am the morning after the wedding. Both of them were absolutely delicious, and all of our guests mentioned how wonderful they tasted. I had also planned to bring my daughter, her sisters, my wife, and the rest of my daughter's wedding party, breakfast on the morning of the wedding so they had a great start to their day. However, again, that all seemed like it was going to be quite a lot to handle with everything else that was needed to prepare for the big day. So, about an hour after ordering the breakfast casseroles, I called the owner again and asked the impossible. "Can you prepare breakfast for 15 people tomorrow for me, so that I can pick it up at 7 am and deliver it to the wedding venue?" Again, she said "Absolutely!!". At 6:45 the next morning, I received a text that the breakfast was ready. When I got there, I was greeted with a hot, to-go cup of coffee, 15 yogurt parfaits with homemade granola, 15 slices of homemade toast, freshly made avocado spread, and two tins of spring mix greens with homemade vinaigrette, garden tomatoes, and pickled red onions. When I dropped off the food for my daughter and helped set it up on the tables, I noticed that the owner had given her a card to congratulate her on her day. How unbelievably thoughtful....I was made to look like a superstar, but it was all because of the incredible hospitality of the team at Goodness Gracious.

From the hearts of my wife and daughter....thank you so much for making her day extra...

I have tried this restaurant 3 times and have really wanted to like it. I know it is locally owned which is a plus. It has very cute girly decorating.

The first time I went I ordered a fried green tomato sandwich. I love fried green tomatoes! The sandwich came and the bread was grilled and the green tomatoes were sliced and raw. I chalked this up to being a new restaurant with possibly new cooks. I explained to the waitress how the sandwich should be cooked and she had the tomatoes fried for me.

The 2nd time I went with my husband and we were seated. It took 30 minutes for the waitress to wait on us. I had to flag her down. She was not very pleasant. I can’t remember the food order but I remember my husband had cold food and we were both underwhelmed.

I decided to give it a third try. I took my son and his girlfriend. We again had a very unfriendly waitress. We ordered the Crawls (beignets). They were totally dark brown, little flavor, and what seemed to be a powdered sugar and butter sauce which was barely mixed. It needed lemon or something to give it flavor. There was none and the Crawls were dry. I had an egg salad sandwich which had very stale bread and flavorless egg salad. I could see the dill in it but no flavor. One of us got the tuna salad sandwich - dry bread and practically throwing the tuna out of the can on bread. Not good. My son had the cheeseburger and was not impressed with it. The coffee bar should just be served at the table because it is just regular coffee, sweetener, and cream or oat milk. There’s no reason to get up and squeeze between tables to get your own coffee.

Overall, they need to step up the friendliness and serve better tasting food. We are all foodies and this has a lot to be desired. Our bill was $80 with tip for subpar food. The price did not reflect the...

Goodness Gracious Kitchen is a delightful gem that offers an unforgettable dining experience, marked by a perfect blend of amazing food, kind-hearted service, and a cozy, welcoming ambiance. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a warm, eclectic atmosphere that immediately feels like home. The space is a charming mix of vintage décor, quirky artwork, and comfortable seating that gives off an inviting vibe, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal or a special occasion.

What truly sets Goodness Gracious apart is the owner, whose warmth and genuine kindness elevate the entire experience. It's clear that they care deeply about their customers and have created a space where everyone feels welcome. Their down-to-earth nature and personal attention to detail make you feel like you're part of the family.

The service is equally exceptional, with friendly, attentive staff who are always happy to offer recommendations or engage in a friendly chat. It’s clear that the team here works together seamlessly, creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment for guests.

When it comes to the food, Goodness Gracious Kitchen truly shines. The menu is diverse and creative, featuring delicious dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every bite is a testament to the kitchen's commitment to flavor. Whether you're in the mood for something light and fresh or hearty and comforting, you'll find something to love.

In short, Goodness Gracious Kitchen is a must-visit for anyone in the area. The combination of delicious food, excellent service, and a warm, eclectic environment makes it a standout. It's the kind of place you'll want to return to...