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
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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!**
" I’ll definitely be returning to La Balena! The ambiance is charming and really captures that Italian feel I was hoping for. While I found the appetizers delightful, the main courses were hit-or-miss; my friend's pasta dish seemed overcooked. My dish was satisfactory, though. The staff were welcoming and attentive, making us feel at home. Overall, it was a pleasurable evening, and I'm looking forward to trying more from the menu next time! " (*Curated Review*)
" After several visits, I finally feel ready to share my experience at La Balena. I loved the atmosphere; it truly feels like being in a little Italian oasis. Sadly, the food didn’t hit the same on my last visit. My pasta was bland and could have used more seasoning. Service remains quick and friendly, and I do enjoy their seasonal outdoor seating. I have high hopes for my next visit, hoping my meal will be more consistent with previous visits! " (*Curated Review*)
" I came to La Balena thinking it would be an amazing experience given the reviews, but I found the food average. The appetizers were the highlight but my main course fell flat with not much flavor. The atmosphere is charming and nice for an evening out, but when the food doesn't meet expectations, it affects the whole experience. I think this restaurant has potential, but it needs to work on consistency. " (*Curated Review*)
" On our recent trip to Carmel, we decided to celebrate my birthday at La Balena. The ambiance is quite beautiful, with a lovely outdoor patio adorned with lights. The service team was attentive; they even offered a complimentary dessert! However, my chicken was a bit dry and underwhelming compared to the rest of the meal. The appetizers were fantastic though, especially the cauliflower. I felt generally satisfied but had hoped for a bit more from the mains. " (*Curated Review*)
" La Balena exceeded my expectations! Each dish was a burst of flavor that truly reflects authentic Italian cuisine. The staff were incredibly welcoming and adding a personal touch to our meal. My only minor complaint would be the seating arrangement; it can feel a bit cramped. However, the intimate setting adds a lot of charm. I’ll definitely be recommending La Balena to friends and will return soon! " (*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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