Best Authentic Restaurants in Carmel Valley

Always enjoy going to Baja. Good place to go alone or with friends or family!!

We used to have lunch at Basil quite a bit (always excellent) but the pandemic interrupted that. Decided we needed to revisit so two neighbors joined us for dinner last night and our expectations were exceeded! Great cocktails (superb Manhattan & Old Fashioned), delicious appetizers (small pizza & Focaccia-be SURE to get the burrata w/the Focaccia!) and 4 excellent entrees. The menu is extensive, service very good and pricing is moderate but a good value. It was a bit noisy inside because of a very large table/party of a dozen plus people & children but there is heated outside seating available. If you’re fortunate to have Fredrico as your server, you’ll have an especially fun time. Basil is as good as ever - highly recommend.

The hostess was abrupt and not very friendly but everything else was perfect. Our waitress was fun, offered great selections, and provided excellent service. The atmosphere is wonderful. It has a real, subtle Italian feel in an old home. The food is amazing. I had the cannelloni. It was perfect size and perfectly cooked. The bread with the tapenade is a must. My friends’ meals were excellent too. Love this place.

Aabha is our favorite Indian restaurant in the Monterey area. Their decor is peaceful and menu variety is extensive. We enjoyed lamb korma and tandoori sea bass. We look forward to returning.