Reviews for La Balena in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
This place came highly recommended from many, but ultimately fell flat. We got a wine bottle recommendation from the server that... wasn?t really what I asked for, but it was fine. Anchovies and bread appetizer was okay. Entrees were the ossobuco and rigatoni,but were under salted, lacked complexity, and just okay. The ambiance was quaint, but I?ve had many Italian meals of higherquality. Read more
Very disappointing? tiny portions, oily food, and very unpleasant service. Got the wrong pasta than what we ordered, we said... nothing and they charged us $20 extra for no reason. I recommend to not come back. Read more
Delicious Italian restaurant. Highly recommended ! The dishes were all great although we would have hoped that the portions were... a little larger. Read more
My husband was really looking forward to eating at La Balena. Service was wonderful, and food was okay. The tomato sauce for the... kid?s pasta and meatballs was under seasoned?salt was needed. The warm bread was undesirably pale looking. The friedcauliflower was a favorite at the table?after salt was added. The crispy potatoes were also a nice addition although the aioliwas underwhelming. The strawberry salad was flavorful. The vegetable soup had copious amounts of fresh vegetables, after saltwas added it was delicious. I think I was shocked by the price point of most things on the menu ?the kid?s pasta was $18 anddidn?t come with a meatball. Crazy. Read more
We were in Carmel on a Saturday late afternoon looking for a restaurant for an early dinner. Most places were booked for the... entire night! After a while we found La Balena. Wow were we lucky! Not only to find a restaurant that was open, but one withthis good of food!!! For the two of us and our young granddaughter it was perfect! Most of their seating is outside but withheaters so it doesn't get too cold but with lots of fresh air. My wife had the rigatoni. She thought it was very good. I had thelamb shank. It was fantastic! Very tender and flavorful. My granddaughter had a plain rigatoni with marinara sauce. She ate itall plus a little of my lamb shank. The staff was extremely helpful, polite and friendly! The meals were served quickly. Wecouldn't have had a better experience! Read more
Had the sea bass on bed of spinach and mango salsa atop, and rigatoni. Bottle of Pertimali wine. Perfect dinner in Carmel. Great... service. Would definitely come here again. Small family owned feel and great food Read more
Cozy small restaurant that gives a bit of the feeling of an osteria in Florence. They have outdoor seating at the front, as well... as in a charming back patio (my favorite spot). They also have a few tables inside. The food was delicious from the start. Eventhe olive oil served with the table bread was remarkable. We had some grilled octopus with watermelon (unusual combination thatthey really got to work) among our starters. I really enjoyed the spaghetti neri for my main - great seafood, very vibranttaste. My wife loved her gnocchi. Good salads and desserts too. Friendly service throughout. Read more
Great service and food. The gnocchi was so light and was nicely complemented by the mushrooms. A bit of a splurge, but worth it.... Note that indoor seating is very limited. Read more