Cantinetta Luca
Welcome to Cantinetta Luca, a hidden gem in the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. This restaurant offers a range of amenities including reservations, takeout, delivery, vegan options, and more. Located on Dolores St, Cantinetta Luca prides itself on providing a classy and inviting atmosphere for diners.
Although some customers have shared mixed reviews, highlighting both positive and negative experiences, Cantinetta Luca continues to draw in guests with its diverse menu offerings. From the disappointing Margarita pizza to the comforting minestrone soup and braised lamb, each dish presents a unique blend of flavors and textures.
For those seeking a memorable dining experience in Carmel, Cantinetta Luca offers a range of options to cater to different tastes. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a date night or a casual dinner with friends, this Italian restaurant aims to please with its carefully crafted dishes.
Step into Cantinetta Luca and immerse yourself in the essence of Italian cuisine, where each bite tells a story of tradition and innovation. Explore the menu, savor the flavors, and experience the warmth of hospitality that defines this culinary destination in Carmel.
Cantinetta Luca Menu
Location
Address: Dolores St Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Phone: (831) 625-6500
Business info
- Takes ReservationsYes
- Offers TakeoutYes
- DeliveryNo
- Vegan OptionsYes
- Limited Vegetarian OptionsYes
- Wheelchair accessibleYes
- Accepts Credit CardsYes
- Accepts Apple PayNo
- ClassyYes
- Moderate NoiseYes
- Casual DressYes
- Offers CateringYes
- Good for GroupsYes
- Good For KidsYes
- Good for DinnerYes
- Street ParkingYes
- Waiter ServiceYes
- Free Wi-FiYes
- Full BarYes
- Private DiningYes
- Gender-neutral restroomsYes
- Outdoor SeatingNo
- Happy HourNo
- Drive-ThruNo
- Dogs Not AllowedNo
- TVNo
- Heated Outdoor SeatingNo
- Covered Outdoor SeatingNo
- Bike ParkingYes
- Bring your own container allowedYes
- Compostable containers availableYes
- Plastic-free packagingYes
- Provides reusable tablewareYes
Last Reviews
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Author: Anton E.
Cantinetta Luca, tucked away in the quaint allure of Carmel by the Sea, presents itself as a haven of Italian authenticity. Yet, my visit was marked not by culinary satisfaction, but by a series of bitter disappointments. The Margarita pizza--a dish so foundational it ought to be flawless--arrived scorched. The crust, more akin to charcoal than bread, infused the entire pizza with the taste of ash, obliterating the delicate harmony of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. What should have been a celebration of simple ingredients was instead a grim reminder of what happens when basic execution goes terribly awry. The Carbonara pasta did nothing to redeem the meal. Bland, uninspired, and devoid of any richness, it was an exercise in banality. For a dish that should sing with the flavors of egg, pancetta, and Parmesan, this was nothing more than a whisper--a lukewarm murmur that left me questioning the very purpose of my visit. And for the price? One would expect a symphony, not silence. And then there was the herb focaccia. Good, yes--by default, anything fresh from the oven tends to be. But it was bereft of the very thing that should have elevated it: herbs. It was, in essence, a misnomer. The bread, though warm and inviting in texture, was incomplete without the Burrata, for which I was charged extra. Without that creamy addition, the focaccia would have been just another hollow promise, a decent bread with no identity of its own. The service was...fine. Neither remarkable nor offensive, it was simply there--a mechanical delivery of food to table, devoid of warmth or genuine engagement. It served as a fitting companion to the rest of the experience: adequate, but nothing that left an impression. In a town where charm and excellence are expected, Cantinetta Luca offers only surface-level appeal. Beneath its polished exterior lies a void--a place where flavors falter, and where I, unfortunately, found myself yearning for substance that never came. As I left the restaurant, I couldn't help but think of Chef Gusteau's famous motto: "Anyone can cook." But after my meal at Cantinetta Luca, I'm afraid that perhaps not everyone should.
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Author: Chloe Y.
The sizing of the plates was kind of confusing as some plates were way so big and some plates were so small for the price. The comforting food included a delicious minestrone soup. The shared appetizer featured must-try grilled shrimp and broccolini, but the eggplant parm was disappointing. The main courses we ordered were braised lamb, and carbonara pasta which we thoroughly enjoyed. Despite the disappointment with the eggplant parm, the overall dining experience was very good, earning it a four-star rating from us.
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Author: Kaley N.
Great Italian food in Carmel! Started with the Focaccia and Warm Olives. These were a nice complement to each other. I wish the bread had some olive oil and balsamic on the side because it was just a little bland, but it was delicious once we dipped in some oil that we asked for. My mom got the Baked Eggplant for her main and it was small but really good. I split the Tagliatelle Bolognese and Pumpkin Tortelli with my dad. Both of these were so good - wow. I recommend sharing these because the pumpkin tortelli was very rich, delicious but it would have been a little too rich for me by myself. Definitely will be coming back when I'm in the area
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Author: Jacob B.
Over the years I've been to Carmel dozens of times. I've found my "go to" spots and stuck with them. Tonight however I decided to try something new and Cantinetta Luca was an absolute home run. From the beginning, talk to Rose, who made me feel comfortable not knowing what to expect. Her suggestion to sit at the pizza bar was the best choice! Watching they symphony of the kitchen while chatting with some of the guys making it all happen made the experience that much better. My server Mario was phenomenal. Make great suggestions, very informative and guiding my evening along. The food was nothing short of incredible. Every single item from the salad, to house made meats, house made bread and more. I don't say it lightly when I say make sure you come here, expect a great time, say hello to Rose and ask for Mario. I'll be back, and tomorrow won't be soon enough!