Carmel's Hidden Gem Restaurant

We enjoyed a lovely breakfast at Carmels Hidden Gem after a suggestion from the owner while eating at Yafa ( another 5⭐️!) are we glad we did, it was one of our favorite meals so far in Carmel. Best breakfast by far. Dia, the owner, waited on us with gracious hospitality. It was hard to choose from the menu as everything sounded wonderful. I don’t think you could go wrong. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. The roasted white corn waffle and the Swedish pancakes were a hit. My husband said his eggs Benedict were the best he had ever had. We will definitely return, as this is a must while in Carmel.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict

Amazing food and even better service. A must stop for breakfast. Their lavender butter was to die for. Will definitely come again.

Thank you

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The service was mediocre just one guy serving the entire place, and the WAIT 45 minutes for a normal brunch and honestly not worth it. That was the longest I ever experienced.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 1

The Salman Egg Benedict was good and steak burrito was quite bad. But what gives this place 1 star is the absolutely terrible service. Be prepared to wait 45 mins for your food after you order.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

Food and service was fantastic

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pancakes, Huevos Rancheros

Very cute ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Charming! It is indeed a hidden gem - entrance is off Mission, north of 5th (Google Maps shows off 5th which could be confusing). We had a lovely breakfast of French toast and eggs Benedict. The eggs Benedict with smoked salmon is not listed on the menu but Owner says they have it every day. Highly recommend, it was delicious!!

*Should note on menu only take cash so can make share you’re prepared.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everyone was super friendly. Great service and great food. They let us have a table inside even with our dog because it was cold outside and we had a baby. Server was so friendly that gave water and a cushion for our dog

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We asked to eat outside on the patio as I had my small dog with. As I walked to the table, we passed a couple and their 2 dogs. Their dog was aggressive and jumped up and bit me. The server was very kind in bringing me bandages as I was bleeding everywhere. The rude couple never apologized. This is not a reflection on this restaurant, but the servers were kind. It did take over 2 hours to get my eggs Benedict. The food was delicious once we got it! They definitely need more help!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 2

Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict

This was a Hidden Gem for sure!! Very small and quaint. Went in for breakfast. I had the meat skillet and my husband had one of the specials (Frittata). My husband also had the Bloody Mary and he said it was the best he has ever had (including better than his own). If you are in Carmel-By-The-Sea be sure to stop in to Carmel's Hidden Gem.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Frittata

AND YOU NEED TO READ THIS BEFORE YOU SIT DOWN!

This place was like a circus. The poor staff was in full panic when we walked in, and it got worse by the minute!

So, 7 full tables, and no one had any food on them. First red flag, right? I noticed everyone was already nervous, but we sat down anyway.

We made a very simple order: pancakes and avocado toast. Things started to get weird when, 30 minutes in, we didn't have our black coffee and water on the table. When I asked, there were no apologies, and they tossed the coffee on our table. Then I started to pay attention to other things.

At one of the tables, a family of 6 with 4 kids, Dad got so angry he dropped some cash on the table and took off mad. At another table, another family was held hostage while the dad had to get cash to pay for breakfast. THEY ONLY TAKE CASH OR ZELLE!?!?!

This is 55 min in, and our food was not out! I asked politely, and the one man show guy got mad and told me we were 3rd in line for food. I told him I was paying for my coffee and my taking my hungry kids out of this place.

On the way out, I told a nice lady about our experience as she was sitting down with her family of 6, and she rudely said: "Why are you saying this to me?". Looking forward to her Yelp review ;)

The place was looking good in Yelp. In real life, it is halfway on a parking lot and half way in a room that looks just put up yesterday. And that bathroom experience is like no other! It's outside, and it's so dirty and disgusting that my 5-year-old son didn't want to wash his hands in there.

I hope you read that before you sit down. And sorry, guys, but I don't see your business having any returning clients or ever thriving. It's a total TRAP with those nice pictures on, yep, but we won't ever come back!

Perfect Sunday Brunch. Mimosa’s, Swedish pancakes were Devine. Frittata special with chorizo .

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pancakes

We sat outside with our pup. The server promptly brought him a dog bed and a bowl of water. Our server kept our glasses full and was very attentive. The food was good, we left happy.

Wow. Just wow.Let me break it down from the top. The parking, not the best. But I didn’t let that stop us. I knew good things always take a little work, so I was cool with that.The restaurant itself was small, but my gf is also small, and she’s great, so I assumed the same.When we ordered, Me and my gf both got the chicken and waffles. We figured, why not? Right?When it came to the table, it was a pretty big plate. Huge fluffy waffle with a couple thick pieces of chicken. I didn’t know where to start. So I panicked and just dumped the syrup over the whole thing. It was a great idea, which usually doesn’t happen for me so early in the morning. It was amazing. We really enjoyed it, but bummed that we heard it was closing down. Good stuff here

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Country Chicken and Waffles

Great morning spot with pups ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict, Pancakes