Casanova Restaurant Carmel

Review summary

1. J

   Jamison

   Central Coast

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined today

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   I’ve been dining at this restaurant for over 20 years, watching it evolve through various ownerships and management teams. At its peak, it was one of Carmel’s finest—known for its impeccable service, thoughtful farm-to-table approach, and a menu that catered to a range of palates, including vegetarians. Unfortunately, those days seem to be long gone. While the setting remains charming, the experience has noticeably declined. The menu is now strikingly limited, and vegetarians, in particular, will find their options sparse. Even more disappointing is the restaurant’s firm stance against substitutions or modifications—something that feels out of touch in a time when flexibility and hospitality should go hand in hand. The food itself? Just okay. While plated nicely, the flavors were uninspired, bordering on bland. A far cry from the creative, vibrant dishes that once defined this place. Service, once a standout, is now transactional at best. The warmth and engagement that made regulars feel like family have been replaced with a detached efficiency that lacks personality. It’s disheartening to see a restaurant with such a storied reputation lose its way. Carmel has no shortage of excellent dining options, and sadly, this one no longer stands among them. Here’s hoping for a return to what once made it great.
   

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2. J

   Joe

   San Francisco

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Always enjoy a night at this establishment Food, wine and service top notch.
   

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3. C

   Christine

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We absolutely love this elegant restaurant and the delicious food and wonderful service. Every time we go with a large group or just the 2 of us it is always amazing - a favorite too special to miss if you visit Carmel ❤️
   

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4. E

   Elias

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I choose this place due to other reviews saying it’s a very romantic ambiance and they were right, we were seated outside in the back and i looks like every table had a heater which was so nice. For sure recommend the bread service, I will be coming back for sure!
   

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5. D

   David

   Austin

   66 reviews

   5.0

   66 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great meal. The stars were the bread, the short ribs and the sole
   

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6. L

   Lisa

   VIP

   San Francisco

   50 reviews

   4.0

   50 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The duck leg confit was sublime! Such a charming place and the service is fabulous.
   

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7. T

   Tamara

   VIP

   Sacramento

   44 reviews

   5.0

   44 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We liked everything about the Casanova restaurant-the French countryside decor, the amazing service and especially the unique and innovative food. One of our favorite restaurants in Carmel By The Sea !
   

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8. G

   Gregory

   VIP

   San Francisco

   47 reviews

   4.0

   47 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   First, their menu is limited i believe to assure quality. The problem is they serve the food barely warm or even cool. I have been going for over twenty years. Last night food wise it was a failure. The Cannelloni was completely different. Made like a stuffed flavorless burrito. Not like their original version which was light very flavorful. This was cold tough and should have sent it back. The sole was wonderful but not hot, barely warm. Our server was attentive. But this is no longer the icon it used to be over the twenty years I have attended. I have been through 4 chefs. None have equaled the original. Even the signature spinach gnocchi was served barely warm. Of course the prices have risen just like everyone else, but last night they failed to deliver.
   

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9. J

   Jessica

   Austin

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was amazing! Highly recommend. Must get the bread service and gnocchi.
   

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10. J

    Jenny

    VIP

    Atlanta

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Delicious and charming! The beef short rib cannelloni is my favorite dish in Carmel.
    

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