Forge in the Forest

5 ratings
$$ • Restaurant, Steakhouse
Reported NOT to have a gluten-free menu, but gluten-free options are available
Reported GF menu options: Cocktails, Dessert
Safety Rating
4 ratings

As rated by the community

5th Ave & Junipero St
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

Most Recent Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The server told us that only 1 dish was safe, despite what I had read in a variety of reviews.

The "paella" was greasy and disgusting. The server told us that nothing else could be made gluten free. I was still hungry because the paella was inedible, so I asked if there was dessert. The server said that only the creme brulee was gluten free. It was frozen to the point that the spoon couldn't break through, and the top was still just white granulated sugar. Really, this place was an overpriced expensive dump with disaffected staff. UNTRUSTWORTHY, UNSAFE.

This place basically treats customers as shooting fish in a barrel. They barely tolerate your presence for your money. Staff burnout usually means a poorly managed establishment, which translates to unsafe dining for celiac and food allergy clients. The staff was surly and hostile, and who wants to eat where only one single dish that was subpar is gluten free?

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I was visiting town with a friend and we needed to eat lunch. So, I checked the local restaurants and I found this one. I called ahead and asked if they have GF options and I was told there are a few selections. I asked about the Cobb Salad and the woman confirmed that was safe and there are a few GF dressings available. Sounded great, because I wanted a nice salad.

We get there and at first our waiter seemed nice, but when I told him I need to eat GF because I have Celiac disease, his demeanor changed. I order my food and asked him which dressings were GF, he had to go ask, which is fine with me. He came back and said it should be ok. We eventually receive our order and I wanted to confirm that the dressing was safe and he looked at me like I was crazy. He never one time checked in and asked how we were doing or if we wanted anymore water; he was a terrible waiter. I really do hope that he was having a bad day and isn't like this all of the time.

Moreover, we waited patiently for our separate checks so we could pay. We had to flag him down and his response was, "I've been too busy to get your check, but if you want to give me your credit cards I will go ahead and run them". WHAT?? We didn't even receive a bill, we had no clue what amount of money was due. I do not recommend this place based on service and their lack of knowledge regarding Celiac disease. The only reason I gave it two stars was because I didn't get glutened.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable! Very accommodating to gluten and dairy allergies! The beef short ribs were very tender, and the Dover sole was made gluten free by the chef by special order. The atmosphere of this place is phenomenal! Adorable outdoor dining!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Reported to have dedicated kitchen space
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert

Categories

  • Dinner
  • Locally Sourced
  • Lunch
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restaurant
  • Seafood
  • Steakhouse

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More Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


We had a great experience eating here. My son has Celiac and gets sick if he gets any gluten. He ordered a GF cheeseburger w/GF bun and loved it. The staff was knowledgeable about GF items and cross contamination. He did not order fries bc they are cooked in the same fryer with everything else. He got French onion soup instead (they made it GF for him) which was delicious. The rest of us who are not GF also loved our meals. They have a beautiful outdoor patio w/ fireplaces.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Even though they didn’t have a gluten free menu they were able to change their recipes to make it gluten free. I got the salmon which typically has a teriyaki glaze and they made it with a tomato/olive compote. It was amazing. And I had not reaction afterwards. Also had steaks that were gluten free.

Updated 5 years ago read full review

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