I participated in a travel California familiarization trip including the Fandango Restaurant which we’ve named one of the top restaurants near Carmel, California. My meal was provided in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. Read more about our time at the Holman Ranch and in Carmel, CA here.
Top Restaurants Near Carmel – Fandango Restaurant
During our recent stay in Carmel, California, we took a trip to the nearby city of Pacific Grove. While there we had to opportunity to dine at Fandango Restaurant, a Mediterranean-inspired French restaurant. It easily made our list of the top restaurants in/near Carmel with the first bite.
The outside of Fandango’s is covered in flowing ivy and the window boxes are filled with blooming flowers all which combined to evoke the feelings of an old French chateau. Inside you’re greeted by some of the friendliest staff I’ve had the pleasure to meet.
We were seated in a window seat next to some attractive flowers where we poured over the menus. For our Hors D ‘Oeuvres we ordered the Spanish Tapas, which included several small bites, our favorite of which was the duck pate on toast, it was so rich and salty ($9.95).
For my entree I chose the rack of lamb. It was presented with the meat already separated from the bone which made for easy cutting. The lamb was excellent, moist and flavorful, and cooked to a nice medium-rare. My date enjoyed the 7oz petite filet mignon served with green peppercorn, cognac, and wine sauce ($29.75). Again, it was cooked to perfection and wonderfully tender; practically melting in her mouth.
We both ordered the same sides with our meals which consisted of a skinned baked potato with parmesan cheese baked on top and a medley of zucchini and yellow squash.
We followed dinner with an order of their Hot Grand Marnier Soufflé. The soufflé was served hot with a small pitcher of warm Grand Marnier sauce. I loved every bite; and I loved Fandango.
Unfortunately this was our last night in Carmel and we had to fly out early in the morning, but I would have loved to stay a few days longer. I can genuinely say that I hope to revisit Carmel and the Fandango Restaurant again very soon.
Connect with Fandango Restaurant
Contact Fandango Restaurant
Fandango Restaurant 223 17th Street, Pacific Grove, California 93950 Phone (831) 372-3456
Fandango Restaurant offers a full service bar and is open for lunch and dinner with weekend brunch.
Make a reservation for Fandango online and celebrate National Bastille weekend July 12-14th were they’ll be offering lunch specials.
I cannot imagine being able to ever go to Carmel. However, just the pics of the food makes me want to go lol.
I’ve never had lamb before but I like the idea of them cutting it off the bone for you. A filet that melts in your mouth and baked potato sound wonderful. A great treat for your tastebuds!
If I ever get to Carmel, would definitely try this restaurant!
i have never tried lamb but yours sounds wonderful
Your date is speaking my language with the filet mignon! That food looks fabulous.
Looks like a great trip with great food!
I love all types of squash………..so you had me at zucchini! I would love to visit Carmel by the Sea & check out this nearby restaurant!
This sounds like a delicious place to eat. The pictures of the food look so amazing.
I think I’d START with the Hot Grand Marnier Soufflé. And then have the rack of lamb. Life is short: eat dessert first.
The Fandango restaurant sounds like such a gourmet place to eat. I like the food that you ordered, and that it was cooked perfect! I would love to eat here and find out what other food items they serve. But the dessert sounds so delicious! You got your own Grand Marnier sauce. Yummy!
Wow, look at that food!!!! Rack of lamb, filet mignon! Will you adopt me?? LOL!
The meal would have been lost on this vegetarian, but the son and his date LOVED this restaurant. He’s still talking about how fabulous the food was. He gets all the fun trips 🙂