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The Pocket, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The Pocket

4.8
4.8
777 Reviews
$31 to $50
Californian
Top Tags:
Welcome to The Pocket, the perfect place to be.
We know, perfect is a big word! We didn’t get here overnight.

The Pocket is inspired by two lifetimes of love for great cuisine, culture, fine wine and cocktails, and the joy of discovering the perfect pairing with family and friends.

We were both born into the restaurant industry, watching our parents work hard to create beautiful experiences for their customers. From an early age, we both learned that the experience of dining out is just as important as the food itself.

When you achieve that perfect combination of people, ambience, food and drink—you are in The Pocket.

We’re so happy you found us.

Enjoy,

Kent Ipsen
Owner



Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 34 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Fusion / Eclectic, Farm-to-table
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (831) 626-8000
  • Website
    http://www.thepocketcarmel.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Mike Fischetti
  • Private party facilities
    Private event available in our gorgeous private dining room which can host an event up to 18 guests. Call us today to inquire about our special events package.
  • Location
    5 Lincoln St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
  • Neighborhood
    Carmel
  • Cross street
    Lincoln Street, Between 5th and 6th
  • Parking details
    Make extra time to find parking in Carmel it's always a bit of a challenge
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Twilight Dinner

    $55.00 per person

    Nov 1, 2023 only
    Enjoy a 3 course Menu curated by Chef Mike along with Wine Pairings by Sunny .

What 777 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Californian

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Overall

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Food

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Service

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Ambiance

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Innovative

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Hot spot

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Lively

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Californian

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Most Booked

777 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    It was delicious and perfect for a date night. Would recommend

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jimp

    Central Coast

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best of the best. The food is outstanding (great job Mike) and the service is even better (Thanks Ariana).

    Is this helpful?

  3. lindaa

    Key West

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Walked in and greeted by the most wonderful hostess! Top notch place! Wonderful service! Will for sure come back again!

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Pocket was amazing from the second we made the reservation

    Is this helpful?

  5. DiningDuo

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    Food was just okay. My halibut was over-cooked. Server wore blue latex gloves, which was weird, and was a bit impersonal. Anniversary dinner that fell flat and went un-acknowledged.

    Is this helpful?

  6. FormerManhattanite

    San Francisco

    33 reviews

    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service2ambience4
    Food was great; service only so so. That said, The Pocket is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such yummy food! The gnocchi & duck confit were excellent. Risotto was good. Loved the ambiance, heaters to keep you warm, lovely water fall fountain with fire pit, overall just an welcoming and warm experience. Host welcomed us with a smile and waitress was friendly and caring. I’m so glad this was our main dinner date for Carmel because it checked every box. We will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  8. WCKathy

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent all around experience. Food was delicious, expertly prepared and hot! Far exceeded expectations! Will return asap!

    Is this helpful?

  9. MatteoP

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first visit to The Pocket and it won’t be our last. Every aspect of our dining experience was simply outstanding! The atmosphere, food, servers and the attention to detail made this a memorable anniversary dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  10. GregP

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and staff. Would eat there again when in Carmel.

    Is this helpful?

  11. marty

    Central Coast

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    overall an excellent value and fine experience: service, food quality and setting martin rosen host of party of 5

    Is this helpful?

  12. amle29

    San Francisco

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding everything! Can’t imagine not stopping by whenever we’re in Carmel! This place is definitely a gem. My favorite is the Kanapachi! It was a special the night e we went but hope it makes its way into the regular menu! Love the duck as well and the pork belly is to die for - order two of these for a delectable app! The service is as good as the food. Waitstaff is very attentive and professional! 10 out of 5 stars overall!!

    Is this helpful?

  13. philr

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Scallops just ok and halibut dry. Disappointing. Pricing reflects excellent food, and it was not

    Is this helpful?

  14. WendyH

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service is attentive but not annoying, prices are reasonable, great cocktails and ambiance… definitely a nice place to dine in Carmel whether out with friends or date night.

    Is this helpful?

  15. foodie101

    Sacramento

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated our son's 21st birthday and our server Janette was the best server. She was so attentive and brought outa special dessert to celebrate my son's birthday. The cocktails, food and wine were outstanding. We can't wait to come back!

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    San Joaquin

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food4service3ambience4
    Great atmosphere and food! Staff was welcoming and professional and we will definitely be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  17. Fred

    Austin

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Highly recommended, great food, good wine list and a nice outdoor patio

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great place! Modern, upscale, lively ambience. Fabulous food. We had the grilled peaches w/ mozzarella, scallops, short ribs and a berry crisp dessert. Everything was outstanding, prime ingredients, expertly prepared. And in addition to the wonderful food, we could not have been more happy with the service: Gracious, well-trained staff. This is truly how you do perfect hospitality.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Mark

    New York Area

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were superb. We sat next to the kitchen—it was great fun. Never had such a pleasant time at a restaurant. Recommend it highly.

    Is this helpful?

  20. CAsweetgrass

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow, wow and WOW! Hands-down the nicest spot in Carmel. GREAT vibe! You'll notice the very cool ambiance & chic decor as soon as you arrive. The staff were warm and treated us like family. Sonny, Ari & José all took incredible care of us. The service is IMPECCABLE. The food was simply over the top. Every bite/sip was YUMMY! We had the iceberg salad, burrata, NY Strip, Curry halibut, fruit tart & port. With dinner we had Kenefick Ranch Cab as recommended by Sonny, and we loved it. Everything was fresh & delicious with inspiring presentation. I highly encourage trying this restaurant next time you are in Carmel!

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! Wonderful servers with amazing food and ambience!

    Is this helpful?

  22. marthab

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very attractive setting, the service from Colin and associates was phenomenal, it was a bit noisy. The short ribs were great as were the appetizers. The halibut was quite as moist as I preferred..Overall a very nice experience…..

    Is this helpful?

  23. PrestonN

    Naples

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience1
    Attention to detail is really lacking here. Made reservations for indoor dinning and we were taken to a outdoor table and had to ask to be seated indoors. The staff seems young, unorganized and does not seem to work together well or be trained. After being seated and ordering drinks and appetizers we asked four times if we could get bread, napkins and silverware. Still did not have silverware when the appetizers were brought out (this happened to the table next to us as well). The waiters assistant repeatedly tried to poor still water into our sparkling water. The appetizers - grilled octopus, watermelon with roasted tomatoes, shishito peppers and nana's meatballs were very good and we all enjoyed. Unfortunately dinner was terrible! Two of us had the NY Strip Alambres, the steak itself was tender but had absolutely no flavor at all extremely disappointing. One of us had the Jamaican Jerk Pork Chop, the pineapple rum glaze and grilled pineapple salsa had a very good flavor. But sadly the pork chop itself was cooked well done instead of medium/medrare (pink) and was extremely dry. Finally the last dish was a Braised Angus Beef Bone In Short Rib, this portion was nothing but FAT and very very little beef. We sent this dish back (even the waitress was shocked at how much fat there was) and asked for another dish. It took 30 minutes to get the dish replaced, by the time it came out everyone else was done with dinner. The dinning room is so loud wait staff had difficulty communicating let alone the customers being able to have a conversation. The lights in the dinning room were constantly being adjusted, bright, dimmed, turned off and then back on. Had all the customers wondering what the heck was going on. This was by far the worst dinning experience we have had in many years. We had dinner five different evenings in Carmel all at this price point level, The Pocket was not even close to the level of the other restaurants.

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  24. RHD077

    Indiana

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great apps, entrees and service. Weak mixed drinks prep

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    Rude manager or owner, good food bad service. I would go elsewhere.

    Is this helpful?

  26. JohnD

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Pork Tenderloin special was described as prepared medium rare. Unfortunately it was basically raw. Could not finish it. All dinner choices had very strong overpowering flavors. Best part of dinner was the watermelon salad.

    Is this helpful?

  27. TedW

    Houston

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding salads, shareables and cocktails. Great service and marvelous atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  28. None

    Philadelphia

    51 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great ambiance, food and service. Curried chicken was amazing. Tasty and very tender. A must in Carmel.

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious food. Highly recommend the scallops! Perfect date night with the hubby

    Is this helpful?

  30. DomenicoL

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food and location

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service was the best. Everyone so friendly! My husband had the pork chop and it looked beautiful and was amazing. I had the ricotta gnocchi with kale and peas and really loved it as well. Both portions were very generous. The grilled peach and mozzarella starter was also amazing! Great experience!

    Is this helpful?

  32. MaryAnneR

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently delicious! Had dinner here Monday night for a friend's birthday dinner and it was as delicious as usual. My friends had never been here before and they said they would definitely come back. We had our pick of tables (we arrived early) and we sat outside, the weather was perfect, the service was efficient and friendly. The food was fresh and delicious and not your typical menu- very seasonal and interesting. This is one of my favorite restaurants.

    Is this helpful?

  33. RandyB

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had the Octopus and Crab cake appetizers and they were very tasty. For an entree we had the Halibut plate and Seared Scallops plates and both were outstanding. Pretty much everything met expectations. Be aware when you make reservations to select outside or inside. Outside can be pretty windy and chilly even during the summer months and with portable heaters.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, great service and an awesome vibe. Shoutout to the hostess for being just impeccable at front-of-house! Will absolutely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  35. KathyM

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Hostess was welcoming and gracious as was the server who replaced water and dishes. Waitress was knowledgeable but not attentive. They pack in the tables and you hear your neighbors conversations which was very loud for us as the manager stood at our neighbors table facing us and chatting most of our dinner. The food was sub par for Carmel standards and the $200+ bill for two. The chicken dish was tasty but the rice was dry and sticky. The New York strip was not prime quality. The menu was limited. Definitely not what we expected for Carmel or our anniversary dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  36. foodie

    Central Coast

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Pocket has become my favorite restaurant in the Carmel area. The friendly service, the delicious food that changes frequently, and the lovely inside or dog-friendly patio makes it special. There are many places to eat in the area, but this restaurant consistently offers a varied selection of offerings to suit any dietary restrictions. The staff truly care about their diners. Last night I actually witnessed one of the staff coming in on his day off to service regulars who were in town. The Pocket is off the beaten path, and parking can be difficult at times, but it makes me feel like I have found a little gem that has yet to be found by others. I highly recommend The Pocket to anyone who is interested in a delicious meal or cocktail.

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  37. ChrisE

    Houston

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The food was pretty good. My husbands porterhouse steak which he ordered medium rare was almost well done. My fried green tomatoes were super thick with hardly any coating and zero seasoning. Kind of a disappointment.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife’s birthday dinner went perfect

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  39. sfeater

    San Francisco

    134 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    134 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    This was a great choice: the food is top notch. There are some serious skills in the kitchen. The salad was inspired , the gnochi an absolute standout, and the shiseido peppers were a delight. Our dessert of stone fruit, cobbler and icre cream was also heavenly. The pineapple margarita was a little less interesting than what I imagined (a bit strong on the alcohol and lacking in the pineapple), but overall everything was quite tasty, and the service was friendly and attentive. We sat outdoors in the perfect weather. It appears to have a generous amount of indoor space as well.

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  40. CeciliaM

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We spend a week in Carmel every year and this has been our favorite restaurant since it opened. Particularly like the specialty cocktails.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

The Pocket is rated 4.8 stars by 777 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 34 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Pocket

5 Lincoln St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Lincoln Street, Between 5th and 6th
  • Neighborhood
    Carmel
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Fusion / Eclectic, Farm-to-table
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Make extra time to find parking in Carmel it's always a bit of a challenge
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Mike Fischetti
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.thepocketcarmel.com/
  • Phone number
    (831) 626-8000
  • Private party facilities
    Private event available in our gorgeous private dining room which can host an event up to 18 guests. Call us today to inquire about our special events package.
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