Best Brunch Restaurants in Carmel Valley

We had a great experience for our lunch. The ambiance with the art pieces and the out of this world view is inspiring. But the food left something to be desired. The ingredients were of high quality, made competently, but could have used some more creativity, introducing some new flavors. There were no moments when any of us said wow!

I've been telling people about Saltwood all day... We got there late because there was a traffic tie-up but they could still seat us at a nice table. First off I enjoyed washing my hands with the salt scrub they provide in the restroom. Then we ordered cocktails from their menu.. both were excellent. Our friends arrived and chose the $18 burger special with fries and their choice of beer. We ordered chilled oysters for $3 each but large, served with two different sauces. I ordered a bowl of clam chowder, which was super creamy and delicious, with big chunks of clam throughout. It was probably the best I can remember having, though I'll need to go back to Fisherman's Grotto to compare. The Grotto offers 6 oysters for $16, which is another reason to go back there. Overall I highly recommend Saltwood (parking is way better here than Fisherman's Wharf but requires a drive to Marina.) There's no view to speak of but the decor is fresh and uplifting. The servers are very thoughtful and we will definitely be back.

Always a favorite…whether a casual bite in the bar, a special occasion or anything in between.

Great bartender/cocktails with creativity. Treated super well by server and GM who presented a complimentary bottle of champagne to celebrate a very special occasion! Meals were wonderful from the soup to sandwiches to eggs benedict to dessert! All amazing and let me say the price is SO WORTH IT! You would pay the same for ordinary restaurants and this one is EXTRAORDINARY! Enjoy.

We enjoyed a leisurely wine tasting experience including seven different wines and delicious bread with olive oil. Great service as well!