Best Romantic Restaurants in Carmel Valley

Great garden atmosphere and ambience and service, with excellent meal! Recommend highly

Two people we met during our trip up to Sonoma and Carmel told us about this restaurant so we had high expectations. Casanova didn’t disappoint. It had a trendy vibe with how busy the place was on a Wednesday but it still maintained that charming Carmel-By-The-Sea and quaint cottage ambiance. We enjoyed our food and wine and yummy tiramisu but our conversation with Gary, the general manager, really topped our experience. He gave us the “back story” of the Van Gogh table in the private room. Very interesting and what a novelty to see. Casanova is very well run and just observing Gary’s efficiency and keen awareness, it’s obvious why.

Once again, Chef Basarov's bespoke Wednesday eve menu was imaginative and inspired. Summer melon Gazpacho? yum, butter poach scallops with gnocchi? awesome, Chocolate lovers delights for dessert.

Food was good, service was professional. Tables close together but did not feel intrusive.

My partner and I dined at Sur at the Barnyard on 6/30/25. I made reservations in advance because we were celebrating our 20th anniversary (there was a helpful spot on the reservation form to note any special occasion). Happy smiles greeted us when we arrived, and our server, Alpha, was there quickly to take drink and appetizer orders. My love, David, enjoyed the clam chowder and was kind enough to share :) and our fried artichoke app and the "don't miss" cheese bread were super delicious. David ordered the Chicken Marsala very much, moist and tender chicken with a flavorful sauce and smooth and creamy mashed potatoes. I chose the Lobster Ravioli... nice bites of lobster in beautifully cooked raviolis, in a lovely marsala sauce with bits of tomato and corn that popped freshness in each bite. Throughout, Alpha was attentive, engaging, and enjoyable to talk to. As he delivered the mains, he teased us as to our visit to "the Arctic" for the dessert course, and continued to mention each time he checked on us. Once we'd completed the amazing meal, it was time to "put on our parkas" and visit the Arctic. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but let me just say that the treat you get when you indicate a special occasion is tremendously fun, completely delicious, and more than enough for 2. We had an amazing time, food, drinks, and ambiance were pure perfection. But truly the star of the evening was Alpha. His presence, care, and sparkling personality truly propelled the evening from lovely and enjoyable to special and memorable. We will ABSOLUTELY be visiting Sur at the Barnyard any time we visit Carmel.