French Influence Runs Deep at the Revamped Portabella in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Oozing with charm and hospitality, Portabella is quintessentially Carmel-by-the-Sea. The European eatery is one of Carmel’s most photographed spots, just up from the Cottage of Sweets and front and center on lively Ocean Avenue.

The best part about Portabella is that you will find all of the sophistication of fine French dining without the pretention. While the atmosphere and cuisine are refined the hospitality is wonderfully courteous and modest.

The Mediterranean styled garden patio is perfect for people (and dog) watching while the quaint dining room and enclosed back patio are ideal for those looking for a more private and intimate setting. Insider tip, if you get a chance be sure to snag the dining table near the cozy fireplace and candlelit stairway.

The full bar is an absolute showpiece with gorgeous stonework and up-lighting which can magically change colors as the night and mood evolves. You will want to start off with one of their craft cocktails like the fruity hibiscus martini or a stellar glass of Pinot Noir from their extensive wine selection.

The menu is chock-full of flavors with French, Italian and Spanish roots and with a chef named Jacques Zagouri you know you are in for and authentically French treat! The French and Californian fusion menu is crafted with ingredients of the highest caliber and cooked with taste and satisfaction in mind.

As with any scrumptious meal, the French dining experience begins with warm French bread and fresh pesto sauce; be sure not to overindulge since their appetizer menu is pretty remarkable. Tantalize your taste buds with exotic dishes like pan seared foie gras served with a huckleberry port reduction, beef tenderloin carpaccio with shaved Parmesan or the ahi tuna and salmon tartar served with wasabi mayo.

Salivating yet? Entrées are sure to spark your interest with options like the grilled dry aged ribeye steak, fresh black seabass and oven braised short ribs. Be sure to ask the friendly wait staff (or better yet, the chef himself) for their recommendations, they are more than happy to pass along their favorite dishes.

Recommendations from the Chef

• Appetizers- Grilled octopus served with pearl pasta tabouli and roasted bell peeper almond coulis
• Entrée- Grilled ribeye served with beef au jus, seasonal vegetables and golden mashed potatoes
• Dessert- Profiteroles with homemade foie gras ice cream

Bon Appetit!

4 Reasons Why You Need to Eat at the Mediterranean Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Just down the street from its sister eatery Dametra, the Mediterranean Restaurant is one of Carmel’s newest dining hot spots. The fresh space (previously Merlot restaurant) is a must for lunch or dinner when trekking around Monterey County.

1.    Out of this world cuisine

You simply will not find more authentic fare than at the Mediterranean Restaurant. As its name implies, the cozy eatery serves unique and hard to find dishes originating from Greece, Italy and the Middle East. Dolmas with tzaziki sauce, hummus with warm pita bread and grilled jumbo prawns scatter the appetizer menu while hearty kebabs, Greek Moussaka, and fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks are the stars of the entrée options.

2.    Amazing location

Ocean Avenue is some of the most prime real estate in Monterey County and the Mediterranean Restaurant is dead center in the middle of the exciting hustle and bustle. The central location is perfect for resting your feet after some serious window shopping along the Ave. Once inside, the cozy Mediterranean décor and humble hospitality is sure to put you at ease.

3.    FREE live entertainment

On any given night it is very possible that you might just find yourself in the middle of a dance party. The owners and staff are not only talented in the kitchen but have some amazing musical talents. Every now and then (more often than not) they are known to bust out their unique instruments including an oud (a Mediterranean mandolin) for a jam sesh getting everyone on their feet.

For something a little different, order the fried feta cheese. The flaming preparation and presentation is entertaining in itself (not to mention delicious)!

Are you gutsy enough to try this fiery appetizer at Mediterranean Restaurant? This fried feta dish is truly a flaming treat! #flames #fire #pyromania #carmel #carmelbythesea #restaurant #dining #feta #cheese #appetizer #nomnomnom #Monterey #food #foodie #mediterraneanfood #californiadreameater @dametracafe @visitcarmel @californiadreameater

A video posted by @seemonterey on Mar 10, 2016 at 2:26pm PST

4.    Family focused

Kids, no problem! The Mediterranean Restaurant was built with strong family values in place which percolates through the restaurant’s overall atmosphere. The kickback setting allows guests to keep their inside voices at the door and simply enjoy one another’s company at any decibel level.