Seventh Dolores - Carmel-by-the-Sea

Terrible experience. SLOW service. Husband ordered a steak (over 100.00 for just the steak, you would expect it to be excellent), ordered it medium rare, when it finally got to the table it was more than well done...leathery. We had previously NEVER sent anything back to the kitchen. But, we sent it back. They left me with my meal while fixing another steak for my husband. I waited and ate my meal cold so we could eat together. Anyway, horrific service unless you REALLY like to wait. We ended up changing our minds on deserts because it was 45 minutes between the time the waiter came by to drop off the desert menu and coming for our desert order. Meal for 2 people with our 20% automatic gratuity was almost 500.00 (I dont drink alcohol, 2 drinks for my husband). I am shocked at the number of good reviews!!! I do notice that many reviewers are local guides and really wonder about the review validity. Anyway...be forwarned, it was a learning experience. There are much better places to eat in Carmel!

Food was average, but not good enough to justify the cost. As many other reviews have stated, they over cook the steaks. Ordered mine medium, and it came medium well, center was not pink. I wasn’t going to ask for another since this one already a long time to be served. For a restaurant of this caliber that claims to be a steak place, you’d expect them to be able to cook the steak perfectly. Biggest annoyance is that they already include a 20% tip regardless of the size of your party. I absolutely believe you should tip your server with 20% being average, but it should be YOUR call, not theirs. Takes away from the sever doing their best when tip is guaranteed. The sever was good, not great. From the beginning, even the drink menu states that 20% will be added, which was fine, but the BIGGEST annoyance was that when they bring out your bill, it comes with a post card explaining that the 20% is distributed among staff and that you should tip your waiter extra. Insane, how about you pay your employees better rather than milking the customer for every dime. Especially when a bill for two people and decent at best food came to $350. I worked as a waiter/bartender during college, and I live in the area so I understand the importance and need for tips to survive in this area, but the tip culture has gotten ridiculous. Won’t be back and won’t recommend. Remove the mandatory 20%, the card explaining why we should tip even more, and cook your steaks properly and maybe the increase in business will negate the need to milk tips. We sat outside and based on the conversations of the parties around us, they were all tourist, so it is easy to milk them and and never see them again. This is definitely not a repeat place for locals.

This place was good. As someone who is not particularly motivated by meat, I found the options to be varied and good nods to California cuisine. I ordered fish and it was quite good! The halibut was cooked well and was juicy. The star of the dish was the ravioli, though. I would here constantly if they served big bowls of this Ravioli. Truly excellent. Maybe they have a future as a pasta spot? I think there could have been some restraint in the presentation of the food. A little less garnish, a little less sauce, a few less ingredients. I think if the chef were to pull back a bit and really focus on the flavors of the ingredients, it could be a truly excellent establishment. Additionally, a few of the items served in bowls came out with food dripping down the sides. At the price point, everything should be pristine. It takes only a little bit of care to ensure a seamless presentation. It's definitely something that should be addressed by the kitchen. The service was good, if a little too good at times, with very eager waiters. I figure in this area people prefer a more hands-on experience whereas I prefer a more hands-off experience. Just a personal preference. They were all very kind and great at their jobs. The atmosphere is somehow lacking, despite the beautiful building. Though I don't think I will ever eat here again personally, it's a good spot worth the stop if you're into this type of food.

Everything was amazing. The best twice baked potato I've ever had. Perfectly cooked steak. Delicious cocktails. Fantastic service. It was a little drafty inside which made the indoor dining area pretty cold. Ambience was nice but a little loud, not too bad though and after a few minutes it actually added to our sense of privacy.

I’m going to write this review because I care about this place as an institution because among my circles here in town, that’s how it’s regarded. First, the actual restaurant floor. Too loud, the music is too loud and steals away from the experience. I’m at a restaurant not a disco, please make that experience come to life. The food was decent but it was not special, specially considering the price. Our medium well done ribeye was well done. Unacceptable to be honest. The wine list is extensive and I appreciate that. However, for the price and prestige that this place holds an updated list is the bare minimum. If a bottle isn’t available, print a new menu for the night. Overall, disappointing. This was a place I had looked forward to and it failed. There are better options in Carmel and in Monterey. I won’t list places out of respect for the staff and the owners but as a customer you’ll find them. For $500, I expected more — a lot more.