Il Tegamino

The service was fantastic no complaints there but the food was just okay. We ordered the two vegetarian options and the servings were small and the pricing did not seem worth it. Definitely a tourist trap. We were also charged for still water.
We had reservations for another place after this we enjoyed and found much more reasonable pricing wise.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 5

We had a reservation for 6:15 p.m. on a Saturday and arrived about forty-five minutes early. Although the restaurant was not full, the hostess asked us to return at our scheduled time. Since Carmel by the Sea is pleasant at this time of year, we walked back to Ocean Avenue and spent some time exploring the shops. We returned around 6:05 p.m. and were told again that our table was not ready, though we were offered seating outside this time. We chose to wait for an indoor table as noted in our reservation.

We were a party of five and ordered two appetizers, four entrees, and a side dish. The braised lamb shank was cooked beautifully, with the meat tender, though the dish was quite salty. The pasta in the linguine alla pescatora was prepared well, but the calamari and bay scallops were chewy and overcooked. The daily fish was a little overcooked but still enjoyable. The ravioli di campagna and the fried zucchini blossoms were the standout dishes. The meal had a few imperfections, and these minor missteps would have been easier to overlook if our experience with the hostess had been more welcoming. Because she did not accommodate us when we arrived, our expectations increased, and every flaw in the meal was magnified.

For context, two years ago, we were turned away from this restaurant because we did not have a reservation, so we went to Catch around the corner and had an excellent meal. This year I made a reservation so we could finally try this place. When we arrived early and the hostess was neither warm nor accommodating, I would have returned to Catch if my reservation had not required a credit card guarantee.

A dining experience begins the moment a customer makes a reservation. A credit card guarantee sets a certain expectation. Every step from checking in to the meal itself to the final checkout shapes the overall impression. At a restaurant where a typical entree averages $40 to $50, diners naturally expect a consistent, welcoming experience from start to finish. Our family did not receive that level of service, so we cannot recommend this restaurant and will not return.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

The hostess, Savanah, was very helpful and friendly in setting-up outside dining despite possible rain and also made excellent menu suggestions. The smoked mozzarella appetizer in a delicious tomato sauce was fabulous as was the fish cooked in parchment paper with carrots. We definitely recommend Il Tegamino and will be back!

The menu had too many great looking options to choose from. Seasonal dishes were excellent, great flavor combinations. Interesting appetizers that really hit the mark. There were a couple of dishes I would have like to have tried, but there were simply too many

Wonderful service and food. We were celebrating an engagement and they made the whole evening so special

Love this restaurant! Been twice. Food is excellent. Only complaint is to please replace the cool temperature led lights!!! With better lighting this place would be perfect.

This place is a total gem in Carmel and by far the best, most authentic Italian food in town. Don’t get fooled or distracted by the restaurant w another Italian name on Ocean Ave and the fact that Il Tegamino is 10 steps back. The owner is a trained chef from Naples, and the menu is not extensive but everything is done incredibly well. I love their courtyard (w heated lamps), and the inside is simple, cozy, but not crowded. The staff is very attentive and very kind. We will definitely be back and I can’t recommend this place enough if you’re looking for a great meal, especially an Italian one in Carmel by the Sea!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Absolutely love Il Tegamino. This is my 5th visit since 2019. It's a favorite in Carmel and has never disappointed! Love the gnocchi and ragu!

We are avid restaurant fans, especially Italian food and we're hoping for a nice experience. The restaurant inside is a small box with about 10 tables crowed together, when we arrived they said our reservation was delayed for 30 minutes but we could sit outside. We did and actually outside in a nice night in courtyard us a better choice. We started with fried zucchini flowers, they were terrible. The were not really fried zucchini flowers but a zucchini flower with a piece of cheese encased in a heavy floured dough. They were heavy and tasteless, an insult to what they can be when prepared properly with a light coating and delicate fried! My wife had the seafood pasta. It was in a thick over cooked red sauce with dried oregano. The clams and scallops were good but the shrimp was mushy and tasteless. I had the meat sauce, it had chunks of meat and overcooked pasta. I could not either a good couscous recommendation this restaurant!

Always great food here! This is one of Carmel's best Italian restaurants! You always get high-quality food and great service! Whether you're dying in the charming restaurant or sit outside with the heaters, you'll be plenty warm and enjoy the atmosphere! We love to eat here and we're sure to always take guests when they're in town because it's always one of their favorites! Don't miss it!

Wonderful service, atmosphere, and the food. I had the rock cod In parchment made with tomato, olives, capers and carrots. So flavorful! Wine selection was excellent. Will definitely go again

We ordered some arancinis as a starter and they were delicious, then we ordered a ragù and a lamb dish that tasted even more delicious, and the service was great. I will definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing dinner, the absolute best Italian food I’ve ever had. The lamb shank was out of this world and the risotto was cooked so well. It had intimate, comfy, and romantic vibes accompanied by amazing service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is super overpriced, dessert and salad were extremely disappointing.

For 16$ we received a store made whipped cream and tiny lava cake which was dry.
Salad costs 20$ for a couple of beef slices, some cheese and a pile of arugula.
We took the ragu, which was nice - but worth 30$ tops (costed 40$).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Love this little Italian gem. Everything always delicious (altho' I still miss the meatball bar) & servers always helpful, kind & obviously proud of the establishment where they work. Reasonably priced selection of very good Italian wines as well. Nice that expanded space makes dining outside a pleasure (inside is tiny).