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,  Pacific Grove California

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.