La Balena - Carmel

Delicious Italian restaurant. Very recommended! The dishes were all great, although we hoped that the portions were a little bigger.

My husband was really looking forward to eating at La Balena. Service was wonderful, and food was okay. The tomato sauce for the kid?s pasta and meatballs was under seasoned?salt was needed. The warm bread was undesirably pale looking. The fried cauliflower was a favorite at the table?after salt was added. The crispy potatoes were also a nice addition although the aioli was underwhelming. The strawberry salad was flavorful. The vegetable soup had copious amounts of fresh vegetables, after salt was added it was delicious. I think I was shocked by the price point of most things on the menu ?the kid?s pasta was $18 and didn?t come with a meatball. Crazy.

We were in Carmel on a Saturday late afternoon looking for a restaurant for an early dinner. Most places were booked for the entire night! After a while we found La Balena. Wow were we lucky! Not only to find a restaurant that was open, but one with this good of food!!! For the two of us and our young granddaughter it was perfect! Most of their seating is outside but with heaters so it doesn't get too cold but with lots of fresh air. My wife had the rigatoni. She thought it was very good. I had the lamb shank. It was fantastic! Very tender and flavorful. My granddaughter had a plain rigatoni with marinara sauce. She ate it all plus a little of my lamb shank. The staff was extremely helpful, polite and friendly! The meals were served quickly. We couldn't have had a better experience!

Had the sea bass on bed of spinach and mango salsa atop, and rigatoni. Bottle of Pertimali wine. Perfect dinner in Carmel. Great service. Would definitely come here again. Small family owned feel and great food

Cozy small restaurant that gives a bit of the feeling of an osteria in Florence. They have outdoor seating at the front, as well as in a charming back patio (my favorite spot). They also have a few tables inside. The food was delicious from the start. Even the olive oil served with the table bread was remarkable. We had some grilled octopus with watermelon (unusual combination that they really got to work) among our starters. I really enjoyed the spaghetti neri for my main great seafood, very vibrant taste. My wife loved her gnocchi. Good salads and desserts too. Friendly service throughout.