Carmel — Restaurant in Los Angeles

My wife and I recently dined at Carmel, a Mediterranean gem nestled on Melrose Ave, and it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we were enveloped by the warm, inviting ambiance that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean elegance fused with the vibrant energy of Los Angeles.

Our evening was elevated by the impeccable service provided by our waiter, Sebastian. His extensive knowledge of the menu and genuine passion for the cuisine greatly enhanced our dining experience. He guided us through the restaurant’s top recommendations, ensuring we enjoyed the best that Carmel has to offer. The manager, Joseph, also stopped by our table to check in, and his personable nature added a special touch to our night.

Carmel’s menu is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, farmer’s market produce, and sustainably sourced meats and seafood, all prepared with the global culinary influence of the Tel Aviv shuk. The in-house baked breads, especially the 72-hour fermented Moroccan frena baked in a wood-fire oven, set the stage for an unforgettable meal.

What We Ordered:

• Carmel Margarita: A refreshing start to the evening, this cocktail balanced citrus notes with a hint of sweetness, perfectly complementing the flavors of our meal. • Moroccan Frena Bread: This 72-hour fermented bread was a revelation. Warm and crusty on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, served with tahini, matbucha, and Syrian olives. It’s a must-try that embodies the heart of Mediterranean baking. • My Grandma’s Mushroom Cigar: A delightful dish featuring crispy phyllo filled with a savory mix of mushrooms, baharat spices, pine nuts, and chuma paste. The flavors were rich and aromatic, evoking the comfort of a homemade family recipe. • Peruvian Sea Scallops: Tender scallops served with a green chili and tomato seed vinaigrette. The dish was beautifully balanced, with the acidity of the vinaigrette enhancing the natural sweetness of the scallops. • Black Fig Carpaccio: A visually stunning dish with thinly sliced figs drizzled with honeycomb, paired with creamy stracciatella cheese, serrano chili, chives, and almonds. The combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements created a harmonious symphony of flavors. • Jerusalem Artichoke Tortellini: Handmade tortellini filled with earthy Jerusalem artichokes, complemented by sugar snap peas, sage butter, and Parmigiano Reggiano. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the sauce was luscious and flavorful. • Red Snapper Schnitzel: A delightful twist on a classic, the schnitzel was crispy on the outside and tender inside. Served with a dill cucumber salad and Calabrian chili aioli, it was a standout dish that showcased the chef’s creativity. • Knafeh That Will Send You Back to Jerusalem: This dessert was the perfect finale. The warm, sweet knafeh with its delicate layers of shredded phyllo and creamy cheese filling, topped with a fragrant syrup, truly transported us back to the streets of Jerusalem.

Carmel’s interior is elegantly designed, with a blend of modern aesthetics and traditional Mediterranean touches. The open kitchen concept allows guests to witness the artistry that goes into each dish. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, making it ideal for both romantic dinners and gatherings with friends.

Carmel on Melrose Ave is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey through the Mediterranean, infused with the diverse flavors of the Tel Aviv shuk. The combination of exceptional service from Sebastian and Joseph, the welcoming ambiance, and the exquisite dishes made our dining experience truly memorable.

Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or looking to embark on a new gastronomic adventure, Carmel offers an authentic and delightful experience that shouldn’t be missed. We left with our hearts full and our palates satisfied, already planning...

A Mediterranean Delight on Melrose

Carmel, located on the vibrant Melrose Ave, is a culinary gem that should not be missed. From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in an atmosphere that is both inviting and chic, perfectly setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The vibe is lively yet relaxed, making it an ideal spot for everything from a romantic date night to a fun evening out with friends.

The ambiance at Carmel is exceptional. The decor combines modern elegance with Mediterranean charm, featuring warm lighting, comfortable seating, and tasteful accents that create a welcoming and sophisticated environment. The attentive and friendly staff further enhance the overall experience, making you feel right at home.

The menu at Carmel is a celebration of Novo Mediterranean cuisine, offering a delightful array of dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Here are a few must-try items:

THE BREAD: Moroccan Frena, 72-hour fermented bread with sour cream, matbucha, and Syrian olives (VO) – $13 This bread is an absolute must-have. The 72-hour fermentation process results in a texture and flavor that is simply unparalleled. Paired with the tangy sour cream, flavorful matbucha, and briny Syrian olives, it is a taste sensation that sets the tone for the rest of the meal.

MY GRANDMA’S MUSHROOMS CIGAR: Baharat, pine nuts, and chuma pepper (VO) – $22 This dish is a tribute to traditional flavors with a contemporary twist. The mushrooms are perfectly seasoned with baharat, while the pine nuts and chuma pepper add a delightful crunch and a hint of spice. It's a dish that beautifully balances texture and flavor.

KAMPACHI CRUDO: Amba and blood orange consomè, pistachio (GF) – $24 The Kampachi Crudo is a standout dish, showcasing the chef’s expertise in balancing delicate flavors. The amba and blood orange consomè provide a zesty and refreshing backdrop to the buttery kampachi, while the pistachios add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

The CARMEL MARGARITA: Tequila, genepy, ras el hanout agave, habanero tincture, lime – $16 This margarita is a unique and delightful twist on the classic cocktail. The blend of tequila with genepy and ras el hanout agave creates a complex and aromatic flavor profile, while the habanero tincture adds just the right amount of heat. It’s a refreshing and bold drink that pairs perfectly with the diverse flavors of the menu.

The service at Carmel is top-notch. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are more than happy to provide recommendations or accommodate any dietary preferences. Their warmth and professionalism truly enhance the dining experience, making each visit feel special.

Carmel on Melrose Ave is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates great food, exceptional service, and a fantastic atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Los Angeles, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience that will leave you eager to return. Make sure to try the bread, mushrooms cigar, and kampachi crudo, and don’t miss out on the Carmel Margarita – you won’t be...

This is the restaurant LA needed. As soon as you step in, you’re treated like family and immediately feel at home. You’re met with a tidal wave of unbelievable smells coming from a kitchen helmed by well known NYC chef Asaf Maoz. The whole experience was beautifully orchestrated from the craft complementary welcome shots to the impeccable service.

Let’s side bar to the service for a moment. I always consider Hillstone Group as the pinnacle of service (think Houston’s, Honor Bar, etc) and Carmel is right there with them. What does that mean for you the customer? It means you have a staff where everyone is working together from the host to the servers to the bus boys to the managers. You’ll never hear “let me get your server” and every person that walks by your table is constantly checking if you need a glass filled or a dish taken away. It truly elevates the experience and enables an environment where you can truly take your hands off the wheel and just immerse yourself in flavor, environment and connection.

Ok onto the food. Honestly, this is one of those restaurants where everything on the menu is a winner. And that thing that sounds good but you feel like ehhh maybe I’ll get it next time, be warned, it may not be there. Like Steve Winwood said “if you see a chance take it.” Yes, that was a Winwood quote in a restaurant review and no that wasn’t on your bingo card. But to circle back to what I said earlier the menu is always changing and evolving. This isn’t Soho House, the menu actually changes here (and often). Chef Asaf is busting at the seams with creativity, which may in fact be aided by finally having access to so many fresh ingredients that he couldn’t find back in the concrete jungle at his last joint.

So no I’m not going to recommend any specific dish, this isn’t that kind of review, because honestly you should feel it out for yourself you can’t go wrong. All I recommend is you talk to everyone. Meet the staff, ask their story, go say hi to the chef and his team, immerse. Welcome...