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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Carmel Valley

Food spots

A meal that feels like a genuine local find rather than just another predictable option.

Based on 764 Opinions
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01
Mizukiyama Sushi image 1
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Sushi bar features fresh fish and artful Japanese preparation with personal chef touches. Seating includes a spacious sushi bar and a lovely outdoor patio. Atmosphere shifts from family-friendly quiet to lively with sports on two TVs.

Fresh and delicious food stands out with artful Japanese preparation. The chef often offers extra dishes and explains them, adding a personal touch to the meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM with 30% off food.

2

During happy hour, there are no discounts on beers.

3

Parking can be challenging due to a busy garage.

02
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Clean, modern cafe offers peaceful herb garden and quiet atmosphere ideal for work or meet-ups. Food uses fresh ingredients with a great selection of tasty dishes and drinks. Seating fits over 50 indoors plus a large outdoor patio.

Food features fresh ingredients and is nicely prepared with a great selection of dishes and drinks. The taste is clean and delicious, though some items arrive less hot than expected.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and healthy."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and easy to find.

2

Breakfast service ends at 11:30 AM, so arrive early.

3

The cafe offers a vegan option with specific details on substitutes.

03
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Spanish-style hacienda offers cozy outdoor seating with lush greenery and a calming fountain. Food is consistently delicious with a large drink selection. Easy parking and a quiet atmosphere make it perfect for relaxing meals.

Food comes out consistently delicious with a large selection of drinks to choose from. Outdoor seating surrounded by greenery and a water feature adds to the relaxing vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the paninis and flatbreads."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy with plenty of free spaces available for cafe patrons.

2

Online ordering is available for quick and convenient service.

3

The cafe offers a large menu with many options, including gluten-free choices.

04
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Cozy spot with intimate atmosphere and relaxing music fits casual dining and takeout needs. Enjoy five-star quality sushi at local prices. Dog-friendly patio adds charm for pet owners seeking a hidden gem with a good vibe and elegant dishes.

Food offers five-star fine dining quality at prices typical for local sushi spots. Options suit both casual dining and takeout, with consistently amazing flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6pm with a special menu.

2

Parking is available in the structure right behind the restaurant.

3

Vegetarian options are limited but clearly marked on the menu.

05
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Japanese spot shines with high-quality sushi and bold flavors. Indoor and outdoor seating with fireplaces creates a lively vibe. Watch chefs craft dishes at the sushi bar, blending minimalist style with casual energy.

Incredible quality defines the food here. Every dish delivers delicious flavors that stand out clearly.

People are saying

"I experienced the best sushi in all of San Diego here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.

2

The restaurant does not accept walk-ins, so plan ahead.

3

Expect to spend around $63 per person, excluding alcohol.

06
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Multi-level food hall features open-air seating and a central bar with easy phone ordering. Enjoy high quality cocktails and diverse dishes delivered to your table. Lively atmosphere with nice views suits groups, families, and date nights.

Multiple food options come from various restaurants and get delivered right to your table. The place offers high quality cocktails and food with a convenient ordering system from your phone or any bar spot.

People are saying

"It's like an upscale food court with tons of different food options."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers reasonable prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

Food can be ordered from multiple restaurants via QR codes.

3

There is plenty of free parking available for visitors.

07
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Bright, open setting with cozy atmosphere welcomes families. Menu shines with tender kabobs and authentic Persian pizza, pleasing all ages. Limited seating and tricky parking add a small challenge to an otherwise great dining spot.

Food features tender, juicy grilled kabobs prepared with great care. The menu offers a great variety that appeals to both adults and kids, with consistently delicious flavors and excellent service.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking at Kabob Lounge can be difficult due to limited spaces.

2

The restaurant is family-friendly, making it suitable for visitors with children.

3

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

08
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Upscale steakhouse shines with stunning harbor views and exquisite ambiance perfect for special occasions. Food impresses with excellent quality and attentive service. Outdoor seating offers heaters but noise from the freeway can be high.

Food offers excellent quality and a wonderful selection. Service complements the dining with great attentiveness.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the steak."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak dinner hours.

09
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New American spot shines with fresh smashburgers and a chill patio overlooking the park. Inside, enjoy a stylish vibe with loud music that keeps energy high. Drinks like Mezcalomas add to the flavorful, lively experience.

Food stands out for being fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Smashburgers and Mezcalomas highlight the menu, which offers a fantastic variety alongside great drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect high prices, with burgers and fries costing over $25.

3

The menu lacks vegan and gluten-free options.

10
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Small sushi spot shines with fresh fish and tasty dishes. Bright interior and cozy patio offer a welcoming vibe with friendly staff. Atmosphere shifts from laid back to energetic as it fills up, sometimes with live music.

Fresh fish stands out, making the dishes taste vibrant and delicious. The food consistently comes across as tasty and well-prepared.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during busy hours.

2

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible near the restaurant.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

11
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Indoor dining offers a clean setting while outdoor seating is in a parking lot. Menu features customizable bowls with Indian-inspired flavors and options for meat eaters and vegans. Food is fresh and bursting with high-quality flavor that exceeds expectations.

Food features freshness and bursting flavor with a focus on Mediterranean style dishes. The menu consistently delivers delicious and high-quality options that exceed expectations.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes so fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 8 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

It is best to arrive by 7:30 pm to ensure you can be seated before closing.

3

Expect a line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

12
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Mixed-use center offers family-friendly dining with diverse food options and cozy coffee spots. Green outdoor spaces include fish pond and play areas, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe. Walkable layout welcomes families and dog owners with wheelchair accessibility.

A wide variety of food spots offer good food with options ranging from pastries to coffee. Restaurants provide a family-friendly atmosphere alongside diverse dining choices.

People are saying

"I found a wide variety of food options, from casual bites to sit-down meals."

Good to know

1

One Paseo is wheelchair-accessible with roll-in showers and spacious apartments.

2

The complex offers a variety of dining options, from fast casual to full service.

3

Parking can be difficult, especially on busy days, but free parking is available.

13
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Large two-level outdoor center blends upscale dining with a laid-back vibe. Seafood and cheese birrias shine among diverse eats on the Sky Deck, paired with craft beer. Active families enjoy sports courts and kid zones in a stylish, walkable setting.

Seafood and cheese birrias stand out among the diverse dining options. The Sky Deck offers a great selection of food and craft beer in an open, walkable setting.

People are saying

"You can find lots of great food and drink options here."

Good to know

1

Monarch happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Parking is free at the shopping center, making it convenient for visitors.

3

The shopping center has a variety of dining options, including upscale restaurants.

14
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Ramen shines with excellent quality and outstanding service in a lively food hall. Festive, modern design and a live DJ create a lively atmosphere that balances energy and relaxation. Tables and booths suit groups seeking both ambiance and great food.

Food stands out for its excellent quality and outstanding service. The dishes are consistently delicious and elevate the dining experience.

People are saying

"The ramen food here is so rich and flavorful."

Good to know

1

During happy hour, appetizers are available from a special menu.

2

A 4% surcharge is added to all bills to cover rising food costs.

3

There is no wait time at Marufuku Ramen.

15
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Mediterranean restaurant shines with fresh Persian flavors and generous portions. Cozy courtyard offers live music and heated outdoor seating. Warm, inviting vibe suits all party sizes for casual dining.

Food features fantastic quality and plentiful portions with a focus on Persian and Mediterranean flavors. Dishes offer great taste and generous servings in a pleasant atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Be prepared to wait at this location, especially during peak hours.

2

The average cost is about $30-35 per person, excluding alcohol.

3

Reservations are not accepted, and walk-ins may be turned away when busy.

16
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Restaurant blends lively bar energy with a casual pizza vibe and outdoor seating. Menu offers classic bar food with Happy Hour specials. Over 30 TVs create a sports-friendly atmosphere for dining and drinks.

Food here offers good quality with a wide variety of options. The menu features classic bar food that pairs well with brews and Happy Hour specials.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and really good."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Oggi’s hosts an Ohio State Alumni meet-up every Saturday at 1pm.

17
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Gorgeous patio offers golf course views and a relaxed vibe. Juicy burgers and shrimp tacos make food simple and delicious. Few crowds create an exclusive yet comfortable atmosphere perfect for casual meals.

Classic grill fare stands out with juicy burgers, perfectly seasoned shrimp tacos, and a gourmet hot dog. Food arrives hot and tastes simple yet delicious, matching well with clear menu descriptions.

People are saying

"The food here is simple yet delicious and served hot."

Good to know

1

Prices are higher than average for similar dining options.

2

The menu features a variety of dishes without being overwhelming.

3

Expect a relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds during off-peak hours.

18
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Modern interior with neon accents sets a relaxed vibe. Pho stands out as fresh and delicious, balancing quality and price well. Seating fits about 40, with a functional bar area and limited outdoor spots, keeping the space welcoming and lively.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious, especially the pho. Quality and price balance well, making the wait worthwhile.

People are saying

"The food, especially the pho and banh mi, is legit great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and accessible bathrooms.

2

Menu options include beef Pho, vegetarian tofu Pho, shrimp Pho, and chicken Pho.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to other Vietnamese restaurants in the area.

19
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Spacious dining area offers a cozy decor and a patio ambiance perfect for casual meals. Fried dishes are hot, flavorful, and free of fishy smell, with generous portions and vegetarian options. Easy parking supports a relaxed lunch experience with excellent service.

Fried dishes arrive without any fishy smell, a common issue elsewhere. Food comes hot and flavorful, with excellent service and good portion sizes in the lunch specials.

People are saying

"I found the food here really flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is available during specific hours and is a good deal.

2

Each lunch is under $15 and includes soup, salad, egg roll, and fried won-tons.

3

Portions are generous, providing good value for the quality of food.

20
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French-style bakery shines with croissant sandwiches and macarons that taste great. High ceilings and sunlit spaciousness create a posh, artsy vibe. Seating offers loungers for people-watching in a lively food hall, blending upscale design with a laid-back feel.

Food features croissant sandwiches, macarons, and cappuccinos with consistently tasty and delicious flavors. Staff help with food selection and offer many options to enjoy before hanging out.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

Good to know

1

A minimum order of $27 or 12 macarons is required for a box.

2

They close exactly at 12 noon, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Parking is available, but finding a spot can be challenging.

21
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Open glass kitchen shows chefs making handmade dumplings fresh daily. Bright, clean space offers many vegetarian options alongside pork xiao long bao and spicy wontons. Food is fresh, tasty, and served quickly with great value.

Food here is fresh and high-quality with quick service. Dishes taste amazing and offer great value for the price.

People are saying

"The food, especially the dumplings, is so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during busy hours.

2

Takeout is recommended to avoid long wait times for a table.

3

Parking is convenient nearby, making it easy to access the restaurant.

22
Bistro 39 Restaurant and Bar image 1
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Offers authentic flavors and great value in a calm, relaxed setting. Known for a notably good Old Fashioned cocktail. Perfect for casual dinners and unwinding after travel.

Food features wonderful authenticity and high quality flavors. Plates come out well presented and offer great value for the price.

People are saying

"I found the food to be wonderfully authentic and excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30 pm, so plan your arrival accordingly.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for quicker service.

23
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Outdoor seating creates a relaxed vibe for enjoying Mediterranean dishes with keto-friendly options and fresh salads. Family-run, it stays clean and inviting. Meals are filling yet light, perfect for quick, healthy dining without bloating.

Food here is healthy and Mediterranean, with dishes that feel good to the body. Greek options come out well-cooked and filling, offering clean and not overprocessed meals.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers many meaty choices with salad suitable for a keto diet.

2

The restaurant has outdoor seating.

3

A meal with a salmon and lamb combo costs around $47, including a drink.

24
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Premium burgers shine with health-conscious options clearly labeled. Staff offer thoughtful service like trays for to-go orders. Patio welcomes dogs, creating a family-friendly vibe with a chill music atmosphere.

Food here is consistently delicious with accurate orders and many health-conscious options clearly labeled. Staff provide thoughtful service like offering trays even for to-go orders.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Dogs are allowed on the patio.

2

The basic burger costs around $9 to $11.

3

Expect a 20-30% tip request during payment.

25
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Enormous deli and fresh ingredients make food here stand out. Clean, well-stocked aisles offer great produce and bakery treats. Narrow corridors and many self-checkouts create a convenient flow despite tough parking.

Fresh ingredients and an enormous deli stand out here. Food quality is consistently good with a variety of choices and decent prices.

People are saying

"I found the food and ingredients here to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Finding parking is always a challenge, regardless of the time or day.

2

Ralphs Fresh Fare has a great selection of fresh produce and bakery items.

3

The deli offers a variety of hot and cold options for quick meals.

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Restaurant inside a hotel serves fresh sushi and American-style dishes with large portions. Atmosphere is noisy and lively with live music on Wednesdays. Prices stay reasonable, making it great for a quick dinner and happy hour.

Happy hour offers good drinks and food with American-style dishes that are delicious and filling. Food orders sometimes need confirmation due to lack of acknowledgment.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers good drinks and food at Arterra.

2

Arterra is located inside a Marriott hotel, making it convenient for guests.

3

The prices at Arterra are reasonable for a hotel restaurant.

27
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Juice shop on a second floor offers a lively vibe and a cute outdoor sitting area. Health-focused smoothies and bowls feature fresh ingredients but food quality can vary. Long wait times show its popularity and strong wellness emphasis.

Health-focused options dominate with fresh ingredients and nutritious smoothies. Food quality varies, with some experiences falling short.

People are saying

"I found the food and smoothies to be particularly healthy."

Good to know

1

Expect about a 20-minute wait for smoothie bowls during busy hours.

2

Many customers may experience longer wait times due to understaffing.

3

A variety of healthy snacks, drinks, and supplements are available for purchase.

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