Flying Fish Grill

We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Flying Fish Grill. It was delicious from start to finish. The fish (Yin-Yan Salmon & Almond Seabass) was perfectly prepared and dressed so well. The ginger salsa is incredible! We were supposed to go home with some but forgot. On our drive back to LA, we received a voicemail from the server saying that he realized he didn't send us with the salsa and hoped we would be able to stop in before heading out. We will definitely return!

This place is spectacular! Beats all expectations. Thank you for the food, service and atmosphere.

Great food and amazing service. We were in a rush and Joey and the kitchen were very accommodating getting the food out quickly. Some of the best seafood I’ve had since moving to the bay

Had the seafood nabe hot pot and the portion was definitely generous enough for 2 if not 3. Super fresh seafood. Great service - we called on the same day and they were able to squeeze us in. Very friendly waitstaff. Be sure to ask for their daily specials

+6

Best for an Occasional Indulgence. Great ambience when you head in with a cosy fireplace and ornaments that really complement its name. We started off with the complimentary starter. Though the waiter introduced the sauce as ginger sauce, it doesn't really taste like it. Nevertheless, it tastes awesome. The restaurant boasts of food with Asian touches to them and that's true indeed. We had green tea which tasted truly authentically like those I had when I was in Japan. For the Almond Seabass, all I have to say is that I don't even eat almonds and yet I managed to gobble down the entire seabass together with the almonds because they taste so awesome together. The Seafood Pasta is really full of seafood that keeps to its promise of sake infused sauce. Really wanted to try their dessert but my stomach ran out of space. Slightly on the pricey side. But it's worthwhile for that occasional indulgence. Definitely a full plus for their service. (= Enjoy!

+2

The meal was really good. I had the Yin Yan Salmon, the fish was well seasoned and cooked and the sauce was amazing. Staff were very friendly

Probably one of the best service Ive experienced recently. Everyone is extremely warm and pleasant. The food tasted incredible as well. The only thing that could be improved is the credit card fee, which was a bit of a surprise. But everything else was just perfect and would definitely back. Its a gem in Carmel.

The Flying Fish Grill was recommended by my GP. I have to say I'm glad he did. The staff is very friendly and professional. The food is fresh and delicious. We will be back.

+1

Flying Fish is hard to find so it's very much a locals spot. Been coming for over 20 years and eat here 2-3 times during our month long stay in Carmel. Food is consistent and fantastic. The menu never changes because there is no reson to change it. I've had everything on the menu (except the abalone....I dislike Abalone). Staff are great.

Wish we could give more than 5 Stars. We've been visiting this area for decades and have missed coming here. Too bad for us. What an amazing first visit. Through good and bad times, this place has remained. You have to visit to experience why. What a great experience. Thank you all ;-) Seafood Clay Pot for 2...is what's pictured.

My friend and I walked here from our hotel. I had my dog in a stroller and it was a bit difficult getting him down the stairs inside restaurant. The gentleman (host?) was awesome and generously offered to carry my furbaby upstairs when we were finished with our dinner. The staff are so very kind, friendly and accommodate every request. We had the tempera battered prawns and vegetables. I also had their appetizer special of breaded fish cakes. Yummy! They served with the best dipping sauce ever! They were kind and placed us at a table where my dog would be comfortable. Extremely wonderful staff and food! If in Carmel you need to try the Flying Fish Grill.

Wow just WOW. Everything from the chips and ginger salsa, seafood tower, abalone, tartare, and hot pot just amazing! By the way get the Hot pot and abalone!!! From the time you walk in until the time you leave you have the experience and food of your life. Hands down will be coming back and as my wife said we regret not coming here sooner... Thank you for one of the best date nights in years and for an experience we will never forget. As someone who has been to a lot of great places across the US this might top the list. I'm forever grateful 😁

+1

This place was incredible from the ambiance to the service to the food. They were very accommodating to have us fit in an extra person at the last minute because it is a very small place. Everything about this place is impressive, and we will definitely be back. I would highly recommend getting reservations.

+3

Every time I’m in Carmel, Flying Fish Grill is a non-negotiable stop. I absolutely love this place. The food is consistently incredible, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service is top-notch. It’s the kind of spot that sticks with you long after the meal is over. I always recommend Flying Fish to friends, family, and anyone heading to Carmel. It’s just that good. If you haven’t been, do yourself a favor and make a reservation. You won’t be disappointed!

We had a phenomenal date night here. The ambiance was great, the food was outrageously good - especially the wontons & salsa, both salmon dishes, and the tempura banana dessert, and the entire staff was super friendly, professional, and personable. We will absolutely look forward to coming back again.

We celebrated a birthday and enjoyed the experience. We did Clay Pots and some other food. It’s the staff that gets the shoutout. We had a 2 year old with us and they interacted with him. They seem like family and a team and were very attentive you our needs.

I got the Shrimp Tempura entree and loved it. The rest is the group got the Yin-Yan Salmon and and Grilled Salmon. I only got photos of the appetizers but everything was amazing. The Shrimp Curry soup is my favorite item on the menu so far. Such a unique recipe. The Nikumaki beef roll was also very unique and delicious. The Artichoke with wasabi aioli was also very unique and delicious. The Hot fudge sundae for desert was a hit.

Update. Added a pic of my well behaved baby after the dinner. --- Cannot believe I didn't review this amazing restaurant yet! Everyone loved their food but what was most amazing was the service and how dog friendly this restaurant was. Our very well behaved newly adopted mini poodle loved our server Ramsay. I'll take a photo next time of her sitting at the table. Standouts are the chips and salsa, scallops, and the tower. Worth every penny and will very happily visit this amazing establishment again.

This was an outstanding Asian Fusion restaurant. The tastes were delicious. Highly recommend

This place is so charming. The staff all had warm smiles, and great service! The food was so delicious and flavorful. I loved the lighting and the detailed decoration. This is one of those restaurants you can feel the love that goes into what they do.

Had a wonderful dinner with my daughter last night. The food was fantastic. Daily special of calamari fried to perfection, yummy California tower, fettuccini with scallops and shrimp and their signature sea bass. Very attentive and friendly staff completed a perfect dining experience.

We had Flying Fish Grill for dinner. The calamari was (4.7/5.0) super soft and not chewy at all. It paired well with the provided sauce and was super flavorful. Top three from all the calamari we've had. The artichoke (4.5/5.0) was plain and meaty, and came with two dipping sauces. The chips and salsa were homemade. The chips were thin and crunchy. The salsa 4.0/5.0) was a little sweet, which was unique but didn't really mesh with our tastebuds. The seafood clay pot (4.7/5.0) was delicous, well worth it for two people. It's a little hard knowing when things are cooked but everything cooks within minutes given that the slices are thin. The scallops and squid were sooo soft and melted as I ate them. The server was extremely welcoming and told us stories of the restaurant and it's original owners. Our water cups were always refilled and we were offered additional veggies/tofu for our seafood clay pot. The restaurant was located downstairs with no apparent natural light. It was dimly lit and completely made of wood, which helped create a more unique experience.

Bill Dallas

We celebrated a birthday and enjoyed the experience. We did Clay Pots and some other food. It’s the staff that gets the shoutout. We had a 2 year old with us and they interacted with him. They seem like family and a team and were very attentive you our needs.

David Sampson

I got the Shrimp Tempura entree and loved it. The rest is the group got the Yin-Yan Salmon and and Grilled Salmon. I only got photos of the appetizers but everything was amazing. The Shrimp Curry soup is my favorite item on the menu so far. Such a unique recipe. The Nikumaki beef roll was also very unique and delicious. The Artichoke with wasabi aioli was also very unique and delicious. The Hot fudge sundae for desert was a hit.

M W (PikaPika)

Update. Added a pic of my well behaved baby after the dinner. --- Cannot believe I didn't review this amazing restaurant yet! Everyone loved their food but what was most amazing was the service and how dog friendly this restaurant was. Our very well behaved newly adopted mini poodle loved our server Ramsay. I'll take a photo next time of her sitting at the table. Standouts are the chips and salsa, scallops, and the tower. Worth every penny and will very happily visit this amazing establishment again.

Zoe Edgar

This place is so charming. The staff all had warm smiles, and great service! The food was so delicious and flavorful. I loved the lighting and the detailed decoration. This is one of those restaurants you can feel the love that goes into what they do.

Martin Janousek

Had a wonderful dinner with my daughter last night. The food was fantastic. Daily special of calamari fried to perfection, yummy California tower, fettuccini with scallops and shrimp and their signature sea bass. Very attentive and friendly staff completed a perfect dining experience.

Hugo Moctezuma

We had Flying Fish Grill for dinner. The calamari was (4.7/5.0) super soft and not chewy at all. It paired well with the provided sauce and was super flavorful. Top three from all the calamari we've had. The artichoke (4.5/5.0) was plain and meaty, and came with two dipping sauces. The chips and salsa were homemade. The chips were thin and crunchy. The salsa 4.0/5.0) was a little sweet, which was unique but didn't really mesh with our tastebuds. The seafood clay pot (4.7/5.0) was delicous, well worth it for two people. It's a little hard knowing when things are cooked but everything cooks within minutes given that the slices are thin. The scallops and squid were sooo soft and melted as I ate them. The server was extremely welcoming and told us stories of the restaurant and it's original owners. Our water cups were always refilled and we were offered additional veggies/tofu for our seafood clay pot. The restaurant was located downstairs with no apparent natural light. It was dimly lit and completely made of wood, which helped create a more unique experience.

Laura V

My friend and I walked here from our hotel. I had my dog in a stroller and it was a bit difficult getting him down the stairs inside restaurant. The gentleman (host?) was awesome and generously offered to carry my furbaby upstairs when we were finished with our dinner. The staff are so very kind, friendly and accommodate every request. We had the tempera battered prawns and vegetables. I also had their appetizer special of breaded fish cakes. Yummy! They served with the best dipping sauce ever! They were kind and placed us at a table where my dog would be comfortable. Extremely wonderful staff and food! If in Carmel you need to try the Flying Fish Grill.

I knew I was in for an experience from the moment I walked downstairs. The nikumaki instantly got my taste buds at attention and the pan fried oysters did not disappoint. Abalone was tender and the sauce flavorful, however the almond crusted sea bass was the Star! The banana tempura was the perfectly light desert to finish. The crew was so friendly, everyone stopped to talk to us and made us feel like family. I can't wait to go back and try more!

This establishment is a hidden gem. My girlfriend and I stumbled into this quaint, unassuming little joint down some stone stairs. We were immediately embraced by the warm atmosphere, dark wood, and charming host. The host quickly shifted reservations to give us a table and make us feel comfortable. The booths were cozy and the sashimi is fresh and tender. Our waitress was welcoming and I felt like I had known her for years. although we only had the opportunity to stay for appetizers, I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to come back for a full meal and experience it in all its glory. P.S. the “the chips and salsa” is delicious, you won’t regret it.

Flying Fish totally lives up to its reputation as a longtime local favorite. The food was absolutely delicious from start to finish. We ordered the local Abalone to share and wow - everyone at the table agreed it was the best abalone we've had in ages. Perfectly prepared and so tender. The service was wonderful - personable and friendly, which made the whole experience even better. And whatever you do, don't skip Marianne's sorbet for dessert! This place has been around for a reason... they know what they're doing and they do it well. Definitely a must-visit when you're in Carmel!

The service was 10 stars. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was perfect. The owner was so kind and even ended our night with a complimentary ice cream dessert and said if we’re truly full we will not touch it! ;) We laughed a lot and enjoyed our dinner.

Flying Fish Grill is one of our regular spots to visit when in Carmel. Their Asian infused seafood dishes cannot be beat. The small restaraunt offers an intimate environment. The staff are friendly and make a point to engage with each guest. The peppered crusted ahi, the halibut and sea bass are dishes that keep us coming back. Their dishes are flavorful and well prepared. Be sure to call and reserve your table during your next stay in Carmel.

The wonton chips and salsa are the BEST These appetizers just keep me coming. The main entrees are amazing too, with the fish being excellently cooked to taste. I have tried several different things on the menu and have not been disappointed. The atmosphere is also appealing, with a very peaceful vibe that I enjoy.

The service takes the top spot. Great folks over there. The food, such a the bass, was flavorful w/o being fishy, lovely classic plating. The chips were unique. Wondered about them, so ordered them for fun. Did not disappoint.

Five stars isn’t enough to rate the quality of the food, the delightfulness of the staff, or the ambiance at the Flying Fish Grill. We’re visiting the area primarily for golf, and our caddie told us that the Flying Fish Grill is his favorite restaurant in the area. We completely understand why! SO many “WOWs” in this meal from start to finish. We had the chips and ginger salsa, Calamari, Crab Tower, Salad, Sea Bass, and hot fudge sundae. Every. Single. Bite was amazing. And the service was the best we’ve experienced in the Monterey area. That’s saying a lot as we’re staying at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. From the very first contact on the phone, to the last bite of dessert we felt like family. Absolutely fantastic experience in every possible way!

Fabian Jimenez

I knew I was in for an experience from the moment I walked downstairs. The nikumaki instantly got my taste buds at attention and the pan fried oysters did not disappoint. Abalone was tender and the sauce flavorful, however the almond crusted sea bass was the Star! The banana tempura was the perfectly light desert to finish. The crew was so friendly, everyone stopped to talk to us and made us feel like family. I can't wait to go back and try more!

Brandie Layrisson

Flying Fish Grill is one of our regular spots to visit when in Carmel. Their Asian infused seafood dishes cannot be beat. The small restaraunt offers an intimate environment. The staff are friendly and make a point to engage with each guest. The peppered crusted ahi, the halibut and sea bass are dishes that keep us coming back. Their dishes are flavorful and well prepared. Be sure to call and reserve your table during your next stay in Carmel.

Lanita Pesh

The service takes the top spot. Great folks over there. The food, such a the bass, was flavorful w/o being fishy, lovely classic plating. The chips were unique. Wondered about them, so ordered them for fun. Did not disappoint.

Jack Zemke

This establishment is a hidden gem. My girlfriend and I stumbled into this quaint, unassuming little joint down some stone stairs. We were immediately embraced by the warm atmosphere, dark wood, and charming host. The host quickly shifted reservations to give us a table and make us feel comfortable. The booths were cozy and the sashimi is fresh and tender. Our waitress was welcoming and I felt like I had known her for years. although we only had the opportunity to stay for appetizers, I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to come back for a full meal and experience it in all its glory. P.S. the “the chips and salsa” is delicious, you won’t regret it.

Kris Hopkins

The wonton chips and salsa are the BEST These appetizers just keep me coming. The main entrees are amazing too, with the fish being excellently cooked to taste. I have tried several different things on the menu and have not been disappointed. The atmosphere is also appealing, with a very peaceful vibe that I enjoy.

Jacquelyn Lee

Flying Fish totally lives up to its reputation as a longtime local favorite. The food was absolutely delicious from start to finish. We ordered the local Abalone to share and wow - everyone at the table agreed it was the best abalone we've had in ages. Perfectly prepared and so tender. The service was wonderful - personable and friendly, which made the whole experience even better. And whatever you do, don't skip Marianne's sorbet for dessert! This place has been around for a reason... they know what they're doing and they do it well. Definitely a must-visit when you're in Carmel!

Wendy Norton

Five stars isn’t enough to rate the quality of the food, the delightfulness of the staff, or the ambiance at the Flying Fish Grill. We’re visiting the area primarily for golf, and our caddie told us that the Flying Fish Grill is his favorite restaurant in the area. We completely understand why! SO many “WOWs” in this meal from start to finish. We had the chips and ginger salsa, Calamari, Crab Tower, Salad, Sea Bass, and hot fudge sundae. Every. Single. Bite was amazing. And the service was the best we’ve experienced in the Monterey area. That’s saying a lot as we’re staying at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. From the very first contact on the phone, to the last bite of dessert we felt like family. Absolutely fantastic experience in every possible way!

Tyler Ryska

Every time I’m in Carmel, Flying Fish Grill is a non-negotiable stop. I absolutely love this place. The food is consistently incredible, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service is top-notch. It’s the kind of spot that sticks with you long after the meal is over. I always recommend Flying Fish to friends, family, and anyone heading to Carmel. It’s just that good. If you haven’t been, do yourself a favor and make a reservation. You won’t be disappointed!

Went here for my girlfriend’s birthday and had a very nice time with some pros and cons: Pros: - really nice environment with authentic looking Japanese wood, dimly lit, romantic environment - super nice host - tasty food for the most part - appetizers very tasty Cons: - against the waitress’s guidance, we ordered the clay pot. It was fine, but a little bland. We read a review about this going into it but assumed it would be fine. In the future, would not order this again - waitress disappeared towards the end of dinner - all of the sauces are fairly mayonnaise heavy or stereotypical “white” versions of Asian sauces. Not very authentic

Interesting Japanese fusion with innovative mixture of east vs west. We ordered appetizers, entrees and dessert. Everything tasted refreshing without seasoning overwhelming the flavor of the ingredients Staff were attentive and courteous. They explained what they brought and set each dish on the table carefully The restaurant is below ground level with a small sign that's easily missed. Look for a set of stairs going down when you get close

Went for date night and split 3 apps and a stone pot with seafood and veggies. Ordered the pan fried oysters which were unfortunately not my favorite item because I found them to be a bit bland. We also ordered the shrimp tempura with veggies which was delicious. The last app was the coconut curry soup (not pictured) which was my favorite of the 3 apps. It was slightly spicy and very tasty. The stone pot was delicious and we ate the whole thing. The clams and mussels were just a bit overcooked. Service was very good.

Stopped for dinner - The starter was great which was a fried seafood cake. Crisp on the outside with plenty of shrimp etc on the inside. (we were hungry so no photo). Complimentary wonton chips with a tomato ginger "salsa." Grilled salmon dinner was good, nice char on the outside but well done. I asked not to kill my fish but... it still has a nice flavor in what appeared to be a teriyaki glaze. I added mashed potatoes that came very whipped. They were real potatoes unlike a previous review that said otherwise. The vegetables were great. My wife enjoyed the Alaskan Black Cod. Prepared as she liked, cooked through but not overboard. The included sides were good as well. I enjoyed a couple glasses the the wine pictured. Good body wine selection. I really like the underground atmosphere, lots of wood and no windows:). Note: there's extra fees including 3.5% added to use a credit card.

The highlight of the our visit was the service. The food was fine. My daughter enjoyed her grilled salmon and my son had pasta with grilled chicken and parmesan that he enjoyed - custom made just for him. Sea bass with mashed potatoes and Chinese cabbage came with sauce that was too salty. The crab tower appetizer did not impress us either. Fried calamari were great. We enjoyed our experience overall.

Opinion Worth a Thought

Interesting Japanese fusion with innovative mixture of east vs west. We ordered appetizers, entrees and dessert. Everything tasted refreshing without seasoning overwhelming the flavor of the ingredients Staff were attentive and courteous. They explained what they brought and set each dish on the table carefully The restaurant is below ground level with a small sign that's easily missed. Look for a set of stairs going down when you get close

Chise K

Went for date night and split 3 apps and a stone pot with seafood and veggies. Ordered the pan fried oysters which were unfortunately not my favorite item because I found them to be a bit bland. We also ordered the shrimp tempura with veggies which was delicious. The last app was the coconut curry soup (not pictured) which was my favorite of the 3 apps. It was slightly spicy and very tasty. The stone pot was delicious and we ate the whole thing. The clams and mussels were just a bit overcooked. Service was very good.

WT

Stopped for dinner - The starter was great which was a fried seafood cake. Crisp on the outside with plenty of shrimp etc on the inside. (we were hungry so no photo). Complimentary wonton chips with a tomato ginger "salsa." Grilled salmon dinner was good, nice char on the outside but well done. I asked not to kill my fish but... it still has a nice flavor in what appeared to be a teriyaki glaze. I added mashed potatoes that came very whipped. They were real potatoes unlike a previous review that said otherwise. The vegetables were great. My wife enjoyed the Alaskan Black Cod. Prepared as she liked, cooked through but not overboard. The included sides were good as well. I enjoyed a couple glasses the the wine pictured. Good body wine selection. I really like the underground atmosphere, lots of wood and no windows:). Note: there's extra fees including 3.5% added to use a credit card.

Tamara Ouspenskaia

The highlight of the our visit was the service. The food was fine. My daughter enjoyed her grilled salmon and my son had pasta with grilled chicken and parmesan that he enjoyed - custom made just for him. Sea bass with mashed potatoes and Chinese cabbage came with sauce that was too salty. The crab tower appetizer did not impress us either. Fried calamari were great. We enjoyed our experience overall.

Food: My Sea Bass was an absolute blast. My parents had the clay pot and the sauces for it was truly unique. Service: Although the food was great we waited a long time for service. It took over thirty minutes for our apps to come out. That brought the rating down for me a lot.

I did have high hopes for this place and it was a mediocre in my opinion which some can argue. I ordered Salmon dish and it was a bad idea. it came with extra pasta as a server mentioned which I did not care for at all and didn’t ordered that way, overall dish was Ok. Service was just fine also, nothing outstanding or personable. Host seemed overwhelmed and seating was somewhat chaotic, mind you this isn’t a big restaurant at all. Overall wasn’t impressed at all and most likely won’t be back. Still 3 stars because restaurant was executed in style..

the worst shabu-shabu clay pot I've ever had; the authenticity of its flavor was questionable. The sauces, mayonnaise, and soy ginger sauce were utterly bland. Apparently, the recipe is from 1975...something, making me question their parameters for "tasty." This experience has definitely set a new low bar for shabu-shabu. Customer service was fine; the food was not.

Service is okay, but the food is below average for the high price. Especially the seafood pasta, the mussels in it were already spoiled, which ruined the entire dish. I expected the quality of the seafood would be at least better than the combo seafood package sold at Costco. I was wrong unfortunately.

First of all, the blonde lady server was nice to our party. However, the food was AWFUL. Specifically the seafood pasta and the scallop and prawn fettuccine. Both dishes were very FISHY and severely lacked seasoning. We took the food to-go with the intention of seasoning at home. But some pasta sauce leaked inside my car. It made my car smell nauseatingly fishy. Terrible experience. We expected a lot more given that this place has great reviews. Definitely not worth the $35+ price tag per dish.

Job Kim

First of all, the blonde lady server was nice to our party. However, the food was AWFUL. Specifically the seafood pasta and the scallop and prawn fettuccine. Both dishes were very FISHY and severely lacked seasoning. We took the food to-go with the intention of seasoning at home. But some pasta sauce leaked inside my car. It made my car smell nauseatingly fishy. Terrible experience. We expected a lot more given that this place has great reviews. Definitely not worth the $35+ price tag per dish.