Monterey Cuisine — Restaurant in Carmel

Stepping into Monterey Cuisine is an experience that redefines dining excellence. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that perfectly balances elegance and warmth. The décor is sophisticated, yet inviting, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings.

The culinary offerings at Monterey Cuisine are nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish on the menu is crafted with precision and passion, showcasing a remarkable blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re indulging in a succulent steak, savoring the delicate balance of a seafood platter, or exploring the vibrant vegetarian options, the quality of the food is consistently outstanding. It is evident that only the freshest and finest ingredients are used, resulting in meals that are not only visually stunning but also bursting with taste.

Complementing the exquisite cuisine is a beverage selection that caters to the most discerning palates. The drink menu features an impressive array of top-shelf choices, from classic cocktails and fine wines to unique, expertly crafted concoctions. Each drink is meticulously prepared, ensuring a perfect accompaniment to your meal.

The staff at Monterey Cuisine deserves special mention for their professionalism and courtesy. From the attentive servers to the knowledgeable bartenders, every member of the team is dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience. Their friendly demeanor and respectful service enhance the overall atmosphere, making you feel both welcome and valued as a guest.

Cleanliness is another hallmark of Monterey Cuisine. The restaurant maintains the highest standards of hygiene, which is evident in the immaculate condition of the dining area, restrooms, and kitchen. This attention to detail further elevates the dining experience, giving patrons confidence in the establishment’s commitment to excellence.

In conclusion, Monterey Cuisine is a gastronomic gem that excels in every aspect. The food is spectacular, the drinks are remarkable, the staff is superb, and the ambiance is perfect. I wholeheartedly recommend any dish on the menu, as each one is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and culinary artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, Monterey Cuisine is the...

I had previously raved about this restaurant after visiting a year ago, so I was truly looking forward to returning. Unfortunately, our most recent experience fell short of expectations — not in terms of the food, which was excellent, but due to the disappointing service.

We dined here to celebrate two birthdays. The hostesses were warm and gracious, even extending birthday wishes, which was appreciated. However, our server made no acknowledgment of the occasion and offered service that felt inattentive at best.

We began by ordering drinks and a shared appetizer. Before we had even finished our starter — and without being asked if we might like another round of drinks — our entrées were brought to the table. To make matters more confusing, the salads we had ordered did not arrive until after we had been served (and had begun eating) our main courses.

When I politely mentioned this timing issue to our server, her only response was, “Yeah, the entrées came out quick,” before walking away. There was no effort to remedy the situation or even to acknowledge the inconvenience.

Later, while some members of our party were still eating, a man — who seemed to be a manager — attempted to clear plates without asking. While I am not in the service industry myself, I do believe a basic courtesy is to wait until everyone has finished before clearing, or at the very least to ask first.

Finally, when the long-delayed salads were brought to the table, there was no space left. After juggling plates for a bit, we ultimately had them boxed to go, as we were already halfway through our entrées. Despite the poor timing (or possibly an oversight in placing the salad order altogether), the salads were still charged in full.

The overall experience left us feeling rushed and overlooked. We opted to skip dessert and end the evening early. While the food was excellent, the service this time around made the experience far less enjoyable. Regrettably, I’m not sure I will be returning next time...

Let me set the scene....We went on a perfect outdoor weather day with no wind and it was awesome sitting on the covered patio with mid 70 degree weather. We met up with another couple that had eaten here before but still didn't know about the secret food item that I will share with you toward the end of the review.

The Service: The service was great minus a few long periods of not seeing our waiter but we were totally fine with it. We came there to catch up and I think our waiter picked up on that and he had several other tables to focus on too. He kept our water glasses full and made sure we had everything we needed. He was also very personable and knew the menu well. So 5 out of 5 for service.

The Food: The food was what you would expect. It was not a knock your socks off new adventure or anything that would leave you craving to come back but it was really good. Keep in mind they do a lot of different food items and they do them all well and I know that is not an easy task so they get a 5 out of 5. The oysters were delicious and fresh. The sushi was tightly rolled with fresh fish and great combinations. The chicken dish was good but I subbed out the sides to get Brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes at the recommendation of the waiter and I was very thankful that I did. The goat cheese and beet salad was also a huge win. Then the secret menu item went to a table beside us and our curiosity was peaked due to the fact none of us saw it on the menu. It's table bread. I know it's nothing exotic but if you dont know about it and ask for it they won't bring it out. It's so fresh and paired very nicely with our marinera and whipped cheese appetizer.

The atmosphere: I have to say the interior design and atmosphere were well thought out and well curated. Great work all around.

Ps. If you are running late like we were they have valet right in front and it...