Flying Fish Grill

Carmel Plaza

Simple in appearance yet bold with its flavors, this Japanese–California seafood restaurant is one of Carmel's most inventive eateries. Among the best entrées is the almond-crusted sea bass served with Chinese cabbage and rock shrimp stir-fry. The warm, wood-lined dining room is broken up into very private booths.

I feel more confident when a restaurant's owner runs the kitchen -- and dinner here confirms that chef/proprietor Kenny Fukumoto is in the house. Dark, romantic, and Asian influenced, the 40-seat dining room has an intimate atmosphere with redwood booths (built by Kenny) and fish hanging from the ceiling. The cuisine features fresh seafood with exquisite Japanese accents. Start with...