Best Restaurants for Business Meals in Carmel Valley

The service and food was top notch! I never had such a flavorful meal that was cooked and prepared to perfection! It was a beautiful experience with the waves crashing below and the warmth from the heating lamps. Our server was very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. It was a great dining experience and we will be returning many more times.

Everything was wonderful - food, wine, ambiance, and especially service. One tiny quibble was that they did not dumb the table between dinner and dessert, but maybe they were slightly understaffed that night. Our server was otherwise perfectly attentive and knowledgeable!

This fine restaurant has lost a little of its "edge," as it undergoes renovations. Much of the allure of the place was the wonderful ambience and views inside the dining room. The relocation of the dining area during renovations has eliminated much of that. It also seems to have taxed the service staff, who were slower than usual. The presence of a band, although a nice touch in some venues, seemed a little out of place in a fine dining establishment and was loud enough that it interfered with quiet dinner conversation.

Both the food and service were great, especially the sommelier, he was amazing. I loved the ambiance, except that we were seated near the server station, which was a very busy area. At least ten people bumped into my right side during dinner.

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.