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Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch Reviews List
Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
The Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch showcases the natural bounty of California's Central Coast; a region renowned for its seafood, vegetables, and meat & game. The menu highlights cuisine that is ingredient driven and seasonal, focusing on rustic presentations that emphasize bright flavors in harmony with the warm, beautiful setting of the valley.
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37 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 37 reviews
5 stars
(14)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(20)
- notable wine list(17)
- romantic(17)
- fit for foodies(16)
- scenic view(13)
- good for groups(11)
Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch Reviews List
Review 1 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Much improved over last visit
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was one of the nights when they were on their game. Good and timely service, well prepared food elegantly presented. They are capable of this every night; they just don't deliver this every night. This time they did, though so kudos to them"
Dined on 5/02/2013
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Review 2 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We celebrated my husband's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We celebrated my husband's birthday that evening and the entire experience was a joy. The food was terrific, the table setting good and the view from the window added to the entire evening, watching the sun go down."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 3 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Loved the big roaring fire
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved the big roaring fire and a drinks menu with awesome wine list. Food was excellent as well."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fabulous food, friendly staff,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fabulous food, friendly staff, beautiful atmosphere inside and out!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
You can always expect great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"You can always expect great food and gracious service at the Lodge."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Curtis Cramblett was the other
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Curtis Cramblett was the other name on the reservation. Please adjust my points which currently says 0"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 7 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of our favorite spots
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of our favorite spots in the area. CV ranch never disappoints! The menu is constantly changing to adapt to the seasonal selections. Don't miss their soups--some of the best I have ever had."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 8 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love love love this restaurant!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love love love this restaurant!
Superb food and service every time I dine here. The only negative is that it can be noisy as the acoustics are not so great. But the food and service more than make up for it.
Superb food and service every time I dine here. The only negative is that it can be noisy as the acoustics are not so great. But the food and service more than make up for it.
Many Carmel locals don't think to go here because it is in a resort, but they need to try it as far surpasses most of the local Carmel restaurants."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 9 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My partner and I live busy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My partner and I live busy lives so we were dying to get away and treat ourselves to a romantic night out. We couldn't have chosen a better spot. We were seated at a table overlooking Carmel Valley. I had a ribeye steak and she had a filet. Both were tender and cooked perfectly. But the show stopper was the tuna poke that came out first. Probably the best thing I've had to eat in a year. We live in San Francisco and agreed that we would make the two and a half hour drive again just to eat that dish. Our servers had that much appreciated knack for being right there whenever we were about to realize we needed something and otherwise leaving us to enjoy our food and a terrific selection of pinots. A truly special night."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 10 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We've learned to resist temptation
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As members of Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Club, get get a discount at the Lodge, so the temptation is to eat here fairly frequently. We're learning to resist the temptation. the people are nice, the servers earnest if not particularly skilled, and the food is, at best, mediocre. On this occasion, there were 4 of us. Two of us had the chicken breast, one of us had the block cut new york steak, two of us had the grilled chicken breast, and one of us had the salmon. The salmon was fine. the steak was a block of gristle and the chicken breast entrees were over cooked. The one thing I almost always had success with is the honey chile chicken wing starter. That and their wedge salad is almost always fine."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
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Review 11 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
our food was excellent but
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"our food was excellent but of course not cheap. would definitely eat there again."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent as always
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We live in the area and this is our favorite restaurant. Food, atmosphere, staff are all great. Beautiful setting. I think this is the best restaurant on the monterey peninsula."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I don't usually write a poor
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I don't usually write a poor review but this was just so poor I'm making an exception. I ordered the $40 rib-eye steak. It came to the table looking like someone had cut it in half. I sent it back. (not usual for me)Then the manager came over to explain how they cut the fat out of their rib eye and it looks that way.Given that I cook quite often, I know this. However, this wasn't what had happened to this steak. Someone had actually cut into the steak. The second steak was tough and very overpriced for the quality. The managers attitude is what really felt insulting and disrepectful. We were so impressed with the surroundings, I thought perhaps we'd stay here on our next trip. Not after this meal."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2005
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Review 14 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Will not disappoint. Specialty
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Will not disappoint. Specialty are steaks. Back carpeted room is quieter than the dining room that is open to the bar and entry/lobby area."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food in a beautiful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food in a beautiful setting."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
this is our first visit under
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"this is our first visit under the newer ownership and we found it to be as good or better than the previous Citonelle. Casual dining right next to the bar which was quite lively. We love to stay at the Carmel Valley Ranch and the restaurant is worth a visit as well."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2001
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 17 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We were staying at Carmel
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
"We were staying at Carmel Valley Ranch and it was the week of the ATT Pro-Am golf tournament. A technology company was hosting their VIP prospect and customer event from the hotel and this fact dominated our experience at the Lodge restaurant. That said, dining guests with reservations like us were seated in a lobby next to the very large horseshoe bar and in front of the fireplace. Not special except in the Carmel sort of way where spending $300 for dinner in a diner proves that you can afford to be very casual. The organic and local ingredient menu was seasonal and the kitchen produced some good food, but they totally butchered a roast chicken and that is not a good sign. Come when it's not busy."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list
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Review 18 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lucked-Out at the Lodge!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our get-away weekend stay at the Carmel Valley Ranch was punctuated by a very fine meal at the Lodge. The menu provided a perfect range of selections, allowing my carnivore companion many good choices - and some sumptuous selections for myself, an herbivore.
She began with a salad of local, organically grown (Swank Farms) herbs, greens and grilled beets (tricolored). I had a wonderful butternut squash soup. She followed with local, sustainably caught Sea Bass, while I had risotto. Huge portions both. A complimentary dessert finished off the meal. The wine list is very good, and NOT (as is so often the case) over-priced. A beautiful room, gorgeous setting, generous portions, lovely presentation, good value - great meal!"
She began with a salad of local, organically grown (Swank Farms) herbs, greens and grilled beets (tricolored). I had a wonderful butternut squash soup. She followed with local, sustainably caught Sea Bass, while I had risotto. Huge portions both. A complimentary dessert finished off the meal. The wine list is very good, and NOT (as is so often the case) over-priced. A beautiful room, gorgeous setting, generous portions, lovely presentation, good value - great meal!"
Dined on 01/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view
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Review 19 for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have eaten at the Lodge
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have eaten at the Lodge Restaurant several times and have always enjoyed the warm and congenial atmosphere. It feels local but there are also many out of town guests.This time we took a couple to thank them for a very special favor he had done for us as an attorney and we all enjoyed the evening."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Lodge Restaurant at Carmel Valley Ranch
Based on the average of (18) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate