Best Steakhouses in Carmel

Always a beautiful, delicious, perfect experience every single time. We always choose the Grotto for all our special occasions because we know we won't be disappointed. The food is the best, the service is even better! We had dinner for Valentine's Day. Like always, it was a perfect experience. Our server, Jose, was fantastic! Attentive, kind, and an absolute pleasure. Service is a big deal to us. Bad service is a deal breaker, regardless of the food quality. The Grotto has outstanding service, from the owner greeting you on your way in, to the service you get inside.We both had the calamari, it's our favorite! We also had the clam chowder because, let's be honest, it would be criminal to go to Old Fisherman's Grotto and NOT have the clam chowder. It's literally the best in the world! Even something as simple as French fries is a big deal. I don't know what makes them SOOO good, but they are! Warm sourdough bread and butter at the table is something we also look forward to and appreciate(also to dip in the chowder). The service here is top-notch. Every person who walks through the door is met with kindness by every employee they encounter during their visit. I would dine here because of the service alone, but their food is equally matched. Even when they're crowded, it's still a relaxing, lovely atmosphere. The views and ambiance are romantic. This is a perfect place to have a quiet, romantic dinner or a casual night out. I've been dining here for decades and will continue to enjoy it for years to come. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. They certainly check all the boxes, great food, service, views, ambiance, and overall experience. The lovely rose you're given at the end is the cherry on top. What a perfect Valentine's Day! I'm already looking forward to next time! If you've never been here, you're missing out! They never disappoint. There's a reason why this is my favorite restaurant.

Christina was our server. She did a great job! We had the Brussel sprouts appetizer - delicious. I had the Wedge Salad — best I have ever had! One of my friends had the sand dabs and she said they were delicious. My other friend had the Chinese Chicken Salad but it was not what she was expecting and did not care for it. She was not charged (that was nice of you).

The French onion soup was to die for. The porterhouse for two was perfectly cooked. Jose our waiter was excellent and attentive. Another perfect outing at the Whaling Station.

This restaurant is on a side street just off the main street of Carmel, in easy walking distance from anywhere downtown. The ambience was very attractive, warm and comfortable, with some great paintings on the wall, beautiful turquoise padding on the back of the bench seats. The food items we had were different from items you normally find on menus, but delicious. Service was great, very quick and responsive.

Atmosphere was great we sat outside by a fireplace….service was real good…food was delicious & the Cheesecake was a great way to end the evening