A warm and welcoming restaurant a short walk from the main drag in Carmel. The menu changes each time we visit and tends to be more innovative with seasonal fish, cross cultural influences and less used cuts and types of meat. It’s a contrast from other local restaurants as while other restaurants work to emulate various European cuisines this restaurant is just itself. The exposed brick and cozy interior create an intimate experience and compliments the meal. Personally we make a point of coming to this restaurant every time we are in Carmel because during a holiday weekend in the pandemic they sat us and stayed late when no one else in town would serve us. Will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hugo Moctezuma
We went to Mission Bistro for their happy hour, which happens from 3-5 pm on weekdays. Keep in mind that they are serving their dinner menu at this time. And it seems you have to ask for the happy hour menu, they don't provide it to you upon being seated. The host was nice and we were seated immediately as it seemed less busy than usual.We ordered oysters (4.8/5.0) that had a good balance between a briny and fresh taste, and paired well with the included sauce. We had the chorizo fresco (4.5/5.0) that was salty and spicy, which we enjoyed. The crab cake (4.2/5.0) was crispy on the outside and soft inside, and very flavorful. It only comes with one during happy hour. The calamari (3.8/5.0) was good. The beef cheek pappardelle (3.6/5.0) was sweet and the beef cheek was super soft, however, I didnt think it was worth it. It only came with 1.5-2oz of meat. The tomahawk (4.3/5.0) was tasty, paired well with the sides.Overall the service was decent and their happy hour menu prices were well worth it. The restaurant was less busy than usual which helped with getting our food quickly.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Heesun
Hands down, the best food and service in Carmel. The burger, fries, and salad were all immaculate. The burger was cooked to perfection, flavorful, and hearty. The fries were crispy yet thicc and paired perfectly with the burger. For a bit of greens, we got a side of caesar salad, which was dressed beautifully. The server gave us great recs to try in the future and also provided a bowl of ice water for our dog. After trying restaurant upon restaurant of mediocre, high-priced food in Carmel, finding Mission Bistro was a godsend. ?? We will be coming back here on our next trip!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yvette Moraza
Best waffles ever!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lance Houseman
Waiter was pleasant. Service was inept:Ordered Champagne and cavier on SPECIAL.Received caviar about thirty minutes AFTER champagne! If it on special, why it not ready?Ravioli dinner was cold on one side, warm on the other;hot lamp mismanagement?Ordered wine WITH dinner; had to remind waiter to bring.Had to remove salad appetizer from tab; yup, not delivered but they billed us.Three canines of other patrons kept barking;I support taking care of animals as a member of the family but barking in restaurant seems a bit excessive.Food was tasty, though.NO full bar!?!There are far too many great restaurants nearby to suffer this site's mediocrity.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Rod Thayer
The restaurant is very nice and fairly high end. However, they sat us next to a table where the people had 2 dogs inside the restaurant!! One of the dogs was sitting in a chair and had its head on the table…really??? The servers said they were “service dogs”. Really?? I think service dogs sit on the floor and are very quiet and discrete. This was too much for us! Plus, our older father is allergic to dogs. How many other tables were allowed to have dogs on the chairs?? How unsanitary to have dogs inside a restaurant!We left and I checked my pant seat for dog hair!People…leave your dogs at home!!
Priscilla Jackson
Went here on the Carmel Food Tour. Food & wine was very good. Setting, atmosphere very nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marina S
Mission Bistro in Carmel by the Sea is truly a culinary gem that deserves every bit of praise it receives.Let's talk about the food. The waffles were a delightful combination of fluffy perfection and crispy edges, topped with just the right amount of syrup and fresh fruit.Next up, the Eggs Benedict. I've had my fair share of Eggs Benedict, but the ones at Mission Bistro elevated the dish to a whole new level. The eggs were perfectly poached, the hollandaise sauce velvety smooth, and the English muffins toasted to perfection. Served with lox and spinach unlike your traditional Canadian bacon.And then there's the Shuka. This Mediterranean-inspired dish was bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors. The eggs were nestled in a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices, creating a dish that was both comforting and exciting at the same time.You won’t be disappointed here !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aaron Duke
Hands down my French cuisine of choice when visiting Carmel by the Sea. We loved the outdoor seating with our dog. The owners are so friendly and hospitable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Monterey Bay Calamari, Wedge Salad
Jose Espinoza
Located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Mission Bistro is a culinary gem, offering a delightful fusion of casual elegance and exceptional flavors. Owned by Shaheen and Nada, who seamlessly blend friendship and client relationships, and helmed by Chef Matt, this bistro promises an unforgettable dining experience.From the moment you step into Mission Bistro, you're enveloped in a warm ambiance that exudes charm and sophistication. The casual yet inviting atmosphere sets the stage for an indulgent journey through a menu crafted with passion and creativity.Chef Matt's commitment to sourcing only the finest ingredients shines through in every dish, as he effortlessly marries flavors and textures to create culinary masterpieces that tantalize the taste buds.As a food photographer who lives and works in Carmel, I can attest that Mission Bistro stands out amongst the competition. The attention to detail, impeccable service, and unwavering dedication to quality make it a top choice for both locals and visitors alike.Whether you're craving a leisurely brunch, a romantic dinner, or simply looking to savor the best that Carmel has to offer, Mission Bistro exceeds expectations on every front. Cheers!
Very good service. Our calamari appetizer was a bit undercooked, so the coating was not crunchy. We each had the steak, which was a bit tough for a filet. I substituted Brussels sprouts for the French fries and they tasted good, but were kind of greasy. My husband loved his French fries and the bread pudding was good. We've dined here before and it was very good, so maybe this was just an “off” night.
fireneondragon
service was meh... fine but not very knowledgeable and not that attentive (had to wait 10 minutes to get our order taken). But the food was outstanding. - calamari - skip, not that interesting - pork tomohawk chop - this was delicious. We had it medium and it was amazing; not at all dry, juicy flavorful and the polenta was yummy. - the black cod was delicious as well. Well executed with a miso glaze on a bed of soba. the food was way better than the ambiance/service.
John Sovereign
Vegetarians persevere! The fennel soup is delicious!!!Vegetarian options: Fennel! Fennel! Fennel!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
CherylL
Service very good and helpful. Food not enough salt on several dishes and breading not very good on calamari. Very happy they were open using generator due to power outages from rainy weather.
Best food in Carmel the swordfish melted in your mouth with such flavor and the soba noodles where perfectly partnered. The mussels had a nice balance where you tasted the mussel not overpowered by the beautiful coconut Thai base which I soiled up with toasted breads. The owner came by and topped are Champaign !! He loves his business and employees too. Also, they worked without power just a generator because if the storm. Yet all was point on. It was a girls weekend and that was agreed best place and food !!!!
A warm and welcoming restaurant a short walk from the main drag in Carmel. The menu changes each time we visit and tends to be more innovative with seasonal fish, cross cultural influences and less used cuts and types of meat. It’s a contrast from other local restaurants as while other restaurants work to emulate various European cuisines this restaurant is just itself. The exposed brick and cozy interior create an intimate experience and compliments the meal. Personally we make a point of coming to this restaurant every time we are in Carmel because during a holiday weekend in the pandemic they sat us and stayed late when no one else in town would serve us. Will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went to Mission Bistro for their happy hour, which happens from 3-5 pm on weekdays. Keep in mind that they are serving their dinner menu at this time. And it seems you have to ask for the happy hour menu, they don't provide it to you upon being seated. The host was nice and we were seated immediately as it seemed less busy than usual.We ordered oysters (4.8/5.0) that had a good balance between a briny and fresh taste, and paired well with the included sauce. We had the chorizo fresco (4.5/5.0) that was salty and spicy, which we enjoyed. The crab cake (4.2/5.0) was crispy on the outside and soft inside, and very flavorful. It only comes with one during happy hour. The calamari (3.8/5.0) was good. The beef cheek pappardelle (3.6/5.0) was sweet and the beef cheek was super soft, however, I didnt think it was worth it. It only came with 1.5-2oz of meat. The tomahawk (4.3/5.0) was tasty, paired well with the sides.Overall the service was decent and their happy hour menu prices were well worth it. The restaurant was less busy than usual which helped with getting our food quickly.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Hands down, the best food and service in Carmel. The burger, fries, and salad were all immaculate. The burger was cooked to perfection, flavorful, and hearty. The fries were crispy yet thicc and paired perfectly with the burger. For a bit of greens, we got a side of caesar salad, which was dressed beautifully. The server gave us great recs to try in the future and also provided a bowl of ice water for our dog. After trying restaurant upon restaurant of mediocre, high-priced food in Carmel, finding Mission Bistro was a godsend. ?? We will be coming back here on our next trip!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best waffles ever!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Waiter was pleasant. Service was inept:Ordered Champagne and cavier on SPECIAL.Received caviar about thirty minutes AFTER champagne! If it on special, why it not ready?Ravioli dinner was cold on one side, warm on the other;hot lamp mismanagement?Ordered wine WITH dinner; had to remind waiter to bring.Had to remove salad appetizer from tab; yup, not delivered but they billed us.Three canines of other patrons kept barking;I support taking care of animals as a member of the family but barking in restaurant seems a bit excessive.Food was tasty, though.NO full bar!?!There are far too many great restaurants nearby to suffer this site's mediocrity.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
The restaurant is very nice and fairly high end. However, they sat us next to a table where the people had 2 dogs inside the restaurant!! One of the dogs was sitting in a chair and had its head on the table…really??? The servers said they were “service dogs”. Really?? I think service dogs sit on the floor and are very quiet and discrete. This was too much for us! Plus, our older father is allergic to dogs. How many other tables were allowed to have dogs on the chairs?? How unsanitary to have dogs inside a restaurant!We left and I checked my pant seat for dog hair!People…leave your dogs at home!!
Went here on the Carmel Food Tour. Food & wine was very good. Setting, atmosphere very nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mission Bistro in Carmel by the Sea is truly a culinary gem that deserves every bit of praise it receives.Let's talk about the food. The waffles were a delightful combination of fluffy perfection and crispy edges, topped with just the right amount of syrup and fresh fruit.Next up, the Eggs Benedict. I've had my fair share of Eggs Benedict, but the ones at Mission Bistro elevated the dish to a whole new level. The eggs were perfectly poached, the hollandaise sauce velvety smooth, and the English muffins toasted to perfection. Served with lox and spinach unlike your traditional Canadian bacon.And then there's the Shuka. This Mediterranean-inspired dish was bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors. The eggs were nestled in a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices, creating a dish that was both comforting and exciting at the same time.You won’t be disappointed here !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hands down my French cuisine of choice when visiting Carmel by the Sea. We loved the outdoor seating with our dog. The owners are so friendly and hospitable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Monterey Bay Calamari, Wedge Salad
Located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Mission Bistro is a culinary gem, offering a delightful fusion of casual elegance and exceptional flavors. Owned by Shaheen and Nada, who seamlessly blend friendship and client relationships, and helmed by Chef Matt, this bistro promises an unforgettable dining experience.From the moment you step into Mission Bistro, you're enveloped in a warm ambiance that exudes charm and sophistication. The casual yet inviting atmosphere sets the stage for an indulgent journey through a menu crafted with passion and creativity.Chef Matt's commitment to sourcing only the finest ingredients shines through in every dish, as he effortlessly marries flavors and textures to create culinary masterpieces that tantalize the taste buds.As a food photographer who lives and works in Carmel, I can attest that Mission Bistro stands out amongst the competition. The attention to detail, impeccable service, and unwavering dedication to quality make it a top choice for both locals and visitors alike.Whether you're craving a leisurely brunch, a romantic dinner, or simply looking to savor the best that Carmel has to offer, Mission Bistro exceeds expectations on every front. Cheers!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wedge Salad, Steak and Frites
Restaurantji Recommends
Very good service. Our calamari appetizer was a bit undercooked, so the coating was not crunchy. We each had the steak, which was a bit tough for a filet. I substituted Brussels sprouts for the French fries and they tasted good, but were kind of greasy. My husband loved his French fries and the bread pudding was good. We've dined here before and it was very good, so maybe this was just an “off” night.
service was meh... fine but not very knowledgeable and not that attentive (had to wait 10 minutes to get our order taken). But the food was outstanding. - calamari - skip, not that interesting - pork tomohawk chop - this was delicious. We had it medium and it was amazing; not at all dry, juicy flavorful and the polenta was yummy. - the black cod was delicious as well. Well executed with a miso glaze on a bed of soba. the food was way better than the ambiance/service.
Vegetarians persevere! The fennel soup is delicious!!!Vegetarian options: Fennel! Fennel! Fennel!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service very good and helpful. Food not enough salt on several dishes and breading not very good on calamari. Very happy they were open using generator due to power outages from rainy weather.
Best food in Carmel the swordfish melted in your mouth with such flavor and the soba noodles where perfectly partnered. The mussels had a nice balance where you tasted the mussel not overpowered by the beautiful coconut Thai base which I soiled up with toasted breads. The owner came by and topped are Champaign !! He loves his business and employees too. Also, they worked without power just a generator because if the storm. Yet all was point on. It was a girls weekend and that was agreed best place and food !!!!