Il Tegamino - Carmel-By-The-Sea (CA)

5 /5 Jason Van Camp: If it werent for the terrible meal my wife attempted, but did not finish, at another restaurant earlier in the evening, we might never have stopped in to Il Tegamino. However, since she was still hungry and very unsatisfied, and knowing how she can get when she is HANGRY (just kidding, babe!), I knew this was a problem that needed to be solved. With no reservation, and a double-stroller in tow, finding a table at a restaurant during peak dinner hours in Carmel-by-the-Sea on a weekend started seeming like an impossibility, but we happened to luck into a patio table here at Il Tegamino. Having already dined myself, I sat this one out, content to keep the kiddos busy while my wife enjoyed her bruschetta and a glass of wine. Although we didnt get the "full experience", in the short time we were there, we conversed with two different couples who were seated around us, both of which claimed that this was their favorite restaurant in Carmel, and favorite Italian restaurant in general. In fact, one of the men, a self-professed former "regular" here (before he moved away for school), had made a special detour during his road trip specifically to dine here again that night. The owner definitely recognized him, and they had a familiar rapport that validated his story, and his enthusiasm. That sort of devotion says far more good things about this place than any review I could ever write. Stellar service, incredible food, romantic décor, and a quiet, beautiful location tucked away from the crowds of Carmel; Il Tegamino is a hidden gem that is worth seeking out, and comes about as close to replicating the vibe of Tuscany as you can get here in the states. Very, very recommended...and not just by my wife and I: those other two couples would assuredly back me up on this!

5 /5 Sofia Barandela: We got there early for our reservation and the staff was just amazing. Food fresh and delicious. The bread and zucchini in oil is a must. Fresh made pastas perfectly done! We are so happy we chose this restaurant for our visit . Don’t miss out on the seafood linguine!! Perfect finish with the tiramisu!

5 /5 Abhinav Modugula: 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

5 /5 Clark Rebecca (Becca): Fig ravioli was phenomenal, the ragu was rich and tangy. The eggplant ravioli was unique and flavorful. The seafood pasta was good as well but I would certainly recommend the ravioli instead. The place is cute and intimate. The staff is friendly but take your time as the staff is small - dinner takes a bit here. Nice outdoor seating. Very fresh shrimp!

2 /5 H Tran: 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.