La Balena
Italian Restaurant
$$$$
4.2
(271)
La Balena is celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine and cozy atmosphere, blending local ingredients into familiar dishes that evoke traditional dining experiences. While some customers have noted inconsistency in seasoning and portion sizes, the welcoming service and enchanting environment have garnered praise, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Restaurant website: Website
Phone number: (831) 250-6295
Address: Junipero St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Opening hours
Photo gallery
Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)
**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**
" A delightful dining experience! I recently visited La Balena and absolutely fell in love with the gnocchi. The perfect amount of fluffiness and flavor! The service staff was friendly, making for an inviting atmosphere. While the outdoor patio was a treat, it did get a little chilly towards the end of our meal. I’ll definitely be returning to try other dishes; don’t miss out on this gem! " (*Curated Review*)
" I came to La Balena expecting high quality food and ended up leaving disappointed. My dish was flavorful, but others at my table had meals that were just mediocre, especially when you consider the price. While the outdoor seating setup was lovely, it didn’t quite make up for the lack of consistent quality. Service was decent, but certainly not what I’d consider fine dining. Probably won’t return unless some reviews show improvement. " (*Curated Review*)
" Our evening at La Balena was lovely, but it had its ups and downs. The star of the night was definitely the lasagna, rich and comforting with layers of flavor. However, the gnocchi seemed a bit bland to me. The restaurant had a nice vibe with a quaint outdoor seating area. Despite the slight hiccups with food flavor, the attentive service from our waiter made our experience enjoyable. We’ll probably give it another shot in the future. " (*Curated Review*)
" Very happy with our visit to La Balena! The food was accented beautifully with high-quality ingredients. My only complaint is the portion sizes which felt a bit small for the price point. The ambience was wonderful for a charming dinner; we loved it! I would recommend to anyone looking for a charming Italian restaurant with great service, just be sure to fill up on apps if you're hungry! " (*Curated Review*)
" Pleasantly surprised by La Balena! The food was great, especially the burrata appetizer and polenta fries. The setting is beautiful with a lovely ambiance, although the indoor space is quite limited. My only critique is that while some dishes came out hot and fresh, others were lukewarm. Overall, I had a nice dining experience and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to friends! " (*Curated Review*)
Archived Reviews (218)
" La Balena is a delightful little spot! The outdoor seating is a gem, perfect for enjoying the summer air while dining. All of our appetizers were fantastic; the grilled octopus left us wanting more! However, the entrée portions seemed small considering the price. Despite the portion sizes, the taste was impeccable. The staff were friendly and provided excellent service, which added to the overall experience. I’ll definitely be back with friends! " (*Curated Review*)
" We were visiting Carmel and decided on La Balena after hearing great things. The food was quite good - although I felt the portion sizes leaned on the smaller side for my taste. We ordered the famous lasagna and a seafood pasta; while they were delicious, it left me wanting more. That said, the outdoor seating was lovely and had a nice ambiance. I appreciated the attentive service but just wished for a bit more on my plate. " (*Curated Review*)
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