We loved the old Seventh and Delores. Something has changed. The service was meh, nothing special and the food was fine. There is something special that they have lost??? There so many restaurants in Carmel so based on our average experience tonight we most likely won’t be going back.
Not sure what happened to the toast of the town, but others have stated it accurately. This is not the same place it once was. So, take note. It is not rare to find the staff huddled together early, looking like they're going to swallow their own tongues in freight over whatever it is they're talking about. What they are probably talking about is how this place has slid down so very far after the pandemic and trying to get back to what it once was, which was pretty nice. Happy, nice, cozy, sweet, professional (Before) has transformed into Laconic, Glazed Stares, Inattentive, somber. This place for all practical purposes looks like someone told the staff they're going to close if they dont shape up. And that is the experience. It feels like they're trying to take themselves out of quicksand, while trying to also play the part of fine dining. Something is definitely OFF at 7th + D. For sure !
The lamb chops and bone in ribeye steaks are very good. Very tender and flavorful. I give them five star just for that. The onion soup is in a bitters side, and the crab cake I didn’t care for it.
We enjoyed everything we ordered and the drinks were amazing as well!
Arrived early for our reservation on 20220425 and were promptly seated. Waitstaff was courteous and attentive. Onion soup was excellent, the filet mignons a perfect medium rare, and bread pudding was incredible. Definitely at the top of our dining list when in Carmel.
Food was great and waiter was very nice. I recommend that you don’t make a late reservation. Tonight, we were a party of 6 and had to make reservations for 9pm (had an event prior to dinner). There were still other parties eating and we were enjoying our dessert when they blasted the bright lights on and turned off the music. Suddenly my delicious warm bread pudding a gorgeous Cabernet didn’t taste the same. It felt like we were in a college pub, it’s last call and they want to clear everyone out.. The ambiance you expect when you pay $1,000 for dinner and cocktails, is totally obliterated. Eat there early and you should be fine. Otherwise, expect a total buzz kill during your dinner.
If you are looking for the most classless place in Carmel, Seventh and Dolores is for you. The concept, management, and menu reflect this, as do the clientele.The wait staff, while attentive, know nothing about the menu. They aren’t able to help you make good choices as an informed diner / food and wine enthusiast, and the menu itself is about as mainstream and classless as its clientele. I will say, some dishes I had (octopus and endive bleu cheese salad) were much better executed than others (looking at you, tuna tartare, smothered in god-knows-what). Regarding the wait staff, management would benefit from allowing their wait staff to sample their food more and educate them on wine and liqueurs so that they can educate diners.The prices are almost criminal — Seventh and Dolores has clearly found a population they are ready and willing to exploit. The average entree price is in the $50+ range, which is criminal given that higher quality restaurants nearby with much better food are charging $10-$15 less for similar dishes.Atmosphere-wise, it has the vibe of the “no brainer” night club the town — you know, the one with the ‘reputation’ but not the one where the locals / actual cool people go? Over your classy steak dinner, you’ll get to listen to mainstream EDM hits from the last decade, just a few decibels too high. Without fail, my last few visits, I’ve also found a gaggle of straight cisgender bros getting just a little too belligerent for 6:30 pm and fighting with their girlfriends at the bar (probably a signature part of their buddies™ golf weekend at Pebble). If younger bros aren’t your thing, you’ll still find plenty of old geezers partaking in similar activities with their trophy wives.Real food and wine enthusiasts should save their time and dollars and seek out better quality and better priced restaurants in Carmel that are absolutely the real deal. Think: La Bicyclette, Il Tegamino, Cantinetta Luca. Leave Seventh and Dolores for the suckers.
The atmosphere was beautiful! The service was great and our steak and appetizers were delicious. My only complaint is the desserts. We had the bread pudding and pear tart. Both were very bland and dry and did not match the quality of the rest of the meal.
Amazing restaurant. Never disappoints. Great for dates and special occasions as it is definitely pricey. We love the outside seating. Inside is nice and beautifully decorated but it gets loud.Wine list is good but pricey.
Really wonderful service, everyone smiles and helpful. Warm atmosphere. Steaks were very good:) Thank you ….and will definitely come back.