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Flying Fish GrillAMust Try

Name: Flying Fish Grill
Address: 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, Carmel-By-The-Sea, United States
Rating: 4.6

7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921 · Seafood restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (527 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Cozy, below-street seafood spot with Japanese-fusion flair, standout service, and several signature dishes; pricier than casual Carmel options and a few consistency misses on pastas and clay pots.

Why it gets an A for overall quality

Flying Fish Grill exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional seafood quality—particularly standout sea bass, halibut, and crab tower—paired with outstanding service attentiveness that makes diners feel genuinely welcomed. Consistency shows occasional variation in pasta and clay pot execution, and the intimate downstairs setting, while charming, doesn't elevate to destination-defining ambiance, preventing a higher grade. Strong local reputation and loyal following reinforce its standing as one of Carmel's most respected seafood destinations.

Restaurant Summary

Down a set of stone steps, the room feels warm and intimate with dark wood and an inviting glow. Service draws raves for being friendly and attentive, with staff explaining dishes and adding small touches that make guests feel like regulars. One diner put it simply: "We felt like family from the first call to the last bite." The cooking leans Japanese-influenced seafood with a creative fusion hand—think almond-crusted sea bass, black bean halibut, miso and shoyu accents, and interactive clay pots. Highlights like the crab tower and sea bass consistently impress, while a minority report the seafood pasta or hot pots as underseasoned or underheated. Prices are on the higher side for Carmel, but many feel the quality and care justify the spend. Families do well here: staff are kind to kids, and the kitchen is flexible with simple pasta or grilled chicken. While there is no formal kids menu, tempura prawns, grilled salmon, and accommodating sides (rice, vegetables, potatoes) give cautious eaters options. Stairs at the entrance may be tricky for strollers, so plan accordingly.

At a Glance

Standout sea bass, halibut, ahi, and crab tower
Exceptionally warm, attentive service in a cozy downstairs space
Seafood pasta and clay pots can be inconsistent or bland for some
Pricing is premium and a 3.5% card surcharge applies
Small room; reservations strongly recommended

What Sets It Apart

downstairs_hideaway_setting
japanese_influenced_seafood
interactive_clay_pots
warm_family_like_service

What People Love

Feeling welcomed like regulars
Crisp, delicate tempura and fresh sashimi
Signature almond-crusted sea bass
Crab tower layered with sweet Dungeness crab
Hidden, cozy atmosphere below street level

Points of Concern

Seafood pasta and some clay pots reported as bland or underheated by a minority
Premium pricing; expect mains around $30-$46 and a credit card surcharge
Small, downstairs space with stairs may be challenging for strollers or mobility needs
Occasional slow checkout or uneven server attention during busy nights

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$62-82 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Pair a lighter starter (Sashimi or Artichoke) with the Almond Sea Bass for balance.
Seafood-forward diners: Black Bean Halibut or Rare Ahi over pasta-based mains.
Gluten-avoiding guests: focus on grilled fish, salads, steamed vegetables and rice.

Perfect For

Date night with seafood focus
Celebrations in an intimate setting
Travelers seeking Japanese-influenced fish dishes
Regulars returning for signature favorites

Location Insights

Area: Charming village center with boutiques and galleries; strong leisure and special-occasion traffic.

Safety: Well-lit, tourist-friendly, generally very safe with steady evening foot traffic.

Nearby: Near Ocean Ave shops, tasting rooms, and hotels; parking via nearby public lots and garages.

Carmel-By-The-SeaCarmel-By-The-Sea is a charming, walkable village famous for its fairy-tale cottages, art galleries, boutique shops, and a vibrant dining scene that ranges from casual eateries to fine dining. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, attracting visitors seeking a quaint coastal experience with high-quality food and wine.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–21:00 Tuesday17:00–21:00 Wednesday17:00–21:00 Thursday17:00–21:00 Friday17:00–21:00 Saturday17:00–21:00 Sunday17:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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