Yafa

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1. DG

   DonG

   Central Coast

   5 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This place has never been better. Everything about the experience was great and we’ll be heading back for sure.

   Report
2. LL

   LauraL

   Central Coast

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall4food3service3ambience3

   Food was good, but not especially great. Very dim (almost too dim) lighting. Price was comparable to area restaurants. We had the butternut squash ravioli--tasty but had too much butter. We also had the cauliflower steak, more like a spicy "roast" of half a head of cauliflower and very dry. The watermelon salad was good, but I should have suspected that watermelon would be bland when out of season. I would try the salad again in the summertime if I went back, but I found nothing so special that I am likely to return. If you are in Carmel and hungry for Mediterranean cuisine, this restaurant is OK. But perhaps my expectations were blown out of proportion based on the recent Michelin award.

   Report
3. m

   misspectakular

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on November 26, 2022

   overall4food4service3ambience4

   Visited Yafa while touring Carmel with my partner. The food and service were very solid: we ordered their watermelon salad, Yafa pasta and Mishmish chicken. The watermelon salad was perfectly sweet and well garnished with oil and cheese. The Yafa pasta was the highlight for me, something I would definitely return to order again. The Mishmish was a bit of a miss, the sauce too sweet for my taste. We also ordered from the dessert menu, the pistachio pudding and baklava- which weren't very notable. Overall a good experience, would return if we are in the area again.

   Report
4. S

   Subu

   Las Vegas

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on November 22, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   One of the best Mediterranean food I have eaten in my life. If you are in Carmel area don’t miss this gem

   Report
5. BF

   BarryF

   Chicago

   14 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   14 reviews

   Dined on November 17, 2022

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Very nice menu, specials are worth checking out, excellent service, food was very tasty. Really enjoyed mishmish chicken dish.

   Report
6. HR

   HakimReza

   San Francisco

   45 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   45 reviews

   Dined on November 11, 2022

   overall4food5service5ambience3

   Great Mediterranean menu. Octopus fork tender, Ouzo Shrimp unique. Try the Lobster Ravioli. It's the best in the city.

   Report
7. JO

   JOELHxxxxD

   San Francisco

   69 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   69 reviews

   Dined on November 6, 2022

   overall1food1service3ambience3

   Uninteresting restaurant very poor lunch

   Report
8. RN

   ReneeN

   San Francisco

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on November 6, 2022

   overall5food5service4ambience3

   I had the almond sole - it was excellent. The food is very good, service is good. Highly recommended.

   Report
9. M

   Marie

   Central Coast

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on November 1, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   I love everything about this restaurant. The food is incredible, the service is kind, welcoming, and attentive without being too much. The atmosphere is everything you would want in a small local restaurant. Great for a romantic date or a nice outing with family and friends. You will not leave hungry. I can’t wait to go back.

   Report
10. f

    foodiegirl123

    San Diego

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We celebrated our 25th anniversary along with our friends who were celebrating their 45th and we were well taken care of! The food was amazing! We had the sole, the eggplant, and the chicken kebabs. The pita with hummus and tzatziki and zafar was unbelievable! The service was friendly and warm. I highly recommend

    Report
11. E

    Eclecticman

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Very nice people who provide great food and a relaxed ambience. Very warm and comfy environment. We will return.

    Report
12. B

    Barb

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    Very disappointed in this experience. The Lamb special was dry and over cooked. The wine list was outdated, did not have the wines listed on the wine menu. Finally the wine we were able to order which we had earlier in the day down the street at another local restaurant was $50 more expensive for the same bottle. The waiter than proceeded to drip the wine all over the table when he poured it. Very mediocre at best.

    Report
13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service and food.

    Report
14. CB

    CurtB

    Phoenix

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Food was delicious. Had the chicken and also lamb shank they were both outstanding. Fried artichoke appetizer was great as was dessert

    Report
15. I

    Itravel2

    Atlanta

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food. Service! Will go again.

    Report
16. CM

    ChristinaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    AMAZING, Just Amazing. We celebrated our Anniversary here and they took great care of us! Our glasses were never empty and the vegan butternut ravioli was probably the best meal I have ever eaten.

    Report
17. F

    Fara

    San Francisco

    110 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    110 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Cute and cozy restaurant, Good ambiance with a great choice of background music. Nice and friendly service, food was very tasty and delicious., good quality and well prepared. We tried several dishes and all were delicious. I have a suggestion for the chef, ground beef and lamb kabob needs a touch of some SOMAC (is a spice) on top of the kabob, it will make it even tastier. Overall was a great experience, we’ll definitely go back again soon.

    Report
18. G

    Ginracer

    Sacramento

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is our 2nd time here and it has been consistently good. The food is really fresh and the service is prompt and friendly. This is now one of our favorite restaurants when in Carmel.

    Report
19. JG

    JaniceG

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Great lunch … octopus and baba ghanouj were excellent, and lamb ravioli / sauce made for a nice lunch!

    Report
20. DF

    DeeF

    San Francisco

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great restaurant, food and service. My only suggestion is to check out ways to mute the noice. They can put something on the ceiling as a way to cancel noise.

    Report
21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dia is the best!!! Wonderful evening with delicious food.

    Report
22. P

    Pedro

    Edinburgh

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience3

    Good food and a nice welcome. But they seem to be very keen to get you out as quick as possible. Starter and salad almost arrived at the same time. And as soon as you don’t want anything else, even though you have a drink left, the bill arrives…

    Report
23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent all the way around. Charming inside and nicely decorated. Tables well placed - not crammed together like many places in Carmel. Service was top notch from initial contact for reservation and then accommodating a late arrival- and thought the entire meal with great recommendations and thoughtful extras. 4 of us shared the Mezze sampler platter which was very large and gave us great tastes of all their delicious apps. Then we had 4 different entrees - 2 pastas (generous portions again and delicious) and 4 different kebabs which were so tasty particularly the lamb and the kofta. Ended with sharing the recommended dessert featuring pistachio and rose water - exquisite.

    Report
24. F

    Foodie

    Tahoe

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    I had high hope but the food turned out to be ok, not outstanding as some of the reviews said. The shrimp appetizer was too sour. The seafood pasta was ok. I had better seafood pasta in the area. The owner was very friendly though.

    Report
25. WT

    WalterT

    Las Vegas

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A hidden Michelin star restaurant on the periphery of Carmel by the Sea restaurant area. It it is absolutely worth finding Yafa. I reviewed Yafa one year ago. The food was delicious unique and flavorful. I was hopeful that the pandemic short staffing would improve and that the staff would emulate the warmth and passion the owner Dia possesses. Score! They did it! We had Alex serve us this evening. He was gracious and is a great ambassador. He helped to make our evening a wonderful dining experience. I was so happy for Dia, his wife Arita and the Yafa staff that they have earned a Michelin star for 2021. Bravo! We ordered again the Mezza plate that had traditional offerings that remained distinct in flavors. This is hard to do with combination plates. I loved the hummus with a slight twist of richness and a hint of sweet. I could eat this with their warm pita for dinner by itself. The artichokes were nicely displayed and tasty. Although their lamb shank was their signature Michelin dish, I decided on the filet mignon with Gorgonzola sauce. It was medium rare as I ordered. It was delicious. But warning the sauce is rich. The mashed potatoes will warm your body. From eating here a year ago... If this is your first ding experience here, you have to order their signature lamb dish. I pick a restaurant based on the food, the service and the atmosphere that reflects the relationship of the ownership. Dia you did it. Thank you again!

    Report
26. SG

    SGBW

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was fantastic!! Service was wonderful. An incredible gem in Carmel by the Sea!

    Report
27. WG

    WilliamG

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Absolutely fabulous!!!! We enjoyed the appetizers, dinner and desert. The staff was awesome and so are the owners

    Report
28. JS

    JSmonterey

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was fresh and delicious. I live in the area and this is one of our go-to restaurants. The quality of the food preparation is consistent. I particularly enjoy the watermelon salad and the Aleppo kebab. With larger parties we enjoy the meze plate. For dessert the dates browned in butter with walnuts and the Beirut pistachio pudding do not disappoint. Of course there is baklava on the dessert menu and that is delicious too. I recommend getting a reservation especially on weekends as it does get busy. Service was great and the restaurant has a fun nice casual vibe. Having lived in the Middle East, I find the preparation of the dishes much more authentic than other restaurants touting middle eastern cuisine.

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Jacksonville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent. Great specials. Such a nice staff.

    Report
30. NB

    NicoleB

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food

    Report
31. j

    janetg

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Great service, very tasty food, pleasant and friendly environment.

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32. DK

    DianaK

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Thanks to Daniel and the chefs! Wonderful service and plates to stimulate our palate! Opa!

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33. MD

    MarinDiner

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A remarkable restaurant! The food was served beautifully and the taste was worth its Michelin award. What I liked: No foam! Just well prepared food. The watermelon salad after the artichoke appetizer was a wonderful palette cleanser before the main course. The desserts were light.

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34. m

    motherofmany

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    3.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Food was just ok. Sole, pasta and chicken kebob were our dishes. Octopus appetizer wasn’t cooked thoroughly. Service was ok-inattentive. Large selection of wine by the bottle and the glass. Not cheap for food or drink. Probably wouldn’t go back. Too many good choices in Carmel.

    Report
35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Very nice dining experience…. Food and service were excellent… not crowded at all for 7 PM dinner

    Report
36. LL

    LeslieL

    Dallas

    17 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3

    The food was underwhelming overall. I would not recommend.

    Report
37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    Food quality was very average and touristy. I was surprised that this is a micheline guide mention restaurant. Service was ok though. They charge you if you pay with credit card. That was quite odd and antiquated. This is our second time and both have been underwhelming. Not going back.

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38. PJ

    PJR1

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience2

    Went because it received mention on Michelin guide. Loud. Table wobbled. Service was crude. Generous portions. Some great items on the menu (appetizers, humus). My petrole sole was just ok. Vegetables undercooked. Not sure I’d recommend.

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food! Beautiful ambiance. Excellent wait staff.

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Food was delicious, prices reasonable and service outstanding!

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