la Balena
Junipero Street between Fifth and Sixth, Carmel
250-6295
This elegant establishment wins for newness, but what really makes la Balena sparkle is its Old World Italian charm. Owners Emanuele and Anna Bartolini are believers in fresh, local ingredients, and this eatery is similarly understated in design, focusing on the simplicity of high-quality Italian food. Don’t mistake the emphasis on simple things for a lack of attention to detail, or exploration of unusual tastes; Chef Brad Briske’s interest is in highlighting the flavor of each ingredient, rather than masking it with sauce. Fava leaves are the newest addition to the menu, plucked from immature plants before the beans are ready to harvest. Food is like a multimedia art form here, with Briske’s favorite mild leaves making appearances as both pesto and gnocchi—which, like all the pasta, is made by hand daily.