El bistro by the sea

"Delicious food! Visited for brunch on a Friday afternoon, was seated right away. Tried the cafe mazapan and abuelita mocha (both great, the cafe mazapan was not sweet at all, which I liked). Also tried the birria omelette, green chilaquiles and tres leches French toast. All of them tasted great and came in enormous portions. Service was great as well!"

"I choose this place based on the 5 star Yelp reviews and didn't even read the description. We were pleasantly surprised to see the upscale Mexican menu with authentic dishes when we arrived. The atmosphere is very modern with just a couple of touches of decor such as succulents on the table and 2 sombreros to remind you that it's a Mexican restaurant. I found out the owners have 3 taquerias in the Central Valley and decided to open an upscale restaurant in downtown Carmel. We ordered chilaquiles ($29) with carnitas (+$5) and avocado toast ($19). Not cheap but the ingredients that they use are top notch plus the flavors and presentation are worth it. The good looking staff were also very friendly and welcoming as if we were at a home. They do have a nice patio but it was too cold to sit outside at the time. I would definitely go back to this little gem and hope they add a dinner menu in the future."

"Came here for a work meeting and sat on the side patio. Super cute and enough room for larger parties. It feels more private even tho the dining room inside is nice and airy also. We ordered a ton of food and it came out quickly. I love how big the menu is, if you can't find anything you're the problem haha. More Mexican inspired dishes that are legit, much needed for Carmel. I'm excited to come back and try different menu items, and check their socials for "secret menus" one of my new seasonal fav drinks is on it. Everyone seems nice, but busy. I like how this place is off the beaten track, but still easy to find."

"AMAZING! Best Chilaquiles I have ever had. I learned a few things so I can improve my Chilaquiles when I get home. Cannot say enough about the food, service and ambiance. So we had the Chilaquiles with red sauce and carne asada. My wife had the pancakes and the most amazing Early Grey tea with Lavender. The only complaint I have was that we ordered our hot drinks before we ordered our meal and they did not arrive until I was just finishing my last bite of my Chilaquiles. I know they are busy and this happens sometimes. Cannot wait to go back."

"My husband and I were visiting Carmel on our honeymoon and we were very excited to have a nice breakfast before heading back home. El bistro by the sea delivered the best experience we could have asked for. Their food was amazing, the flavor and portions were perfect. Their host had a great recommendation for coffee and Luis our server was so patient explaining the menu to us and making recommendations. After our meal we decided to try their micheladas and they were delicious! We couldn’t believe they’ve only been open for 3 weeks. This team was so welcoming and attentive and we wish them the best of luck in the future. We know they will be very successful."