From Scratch Restaurant Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, means experiencing some of the finest independent dining on the West Coast. At the top of many travelers' lists is From Scratch, a beloved, family-owned restaurant located in The Barnyard Shopping Village. Famous for its appearance on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this casual dining gem has earned a stellar reputation for serving comforting, home-style American breakfast, brunch, and lunch classics made entirely-as the name suggests-from scratch.
This comprehensive guide covers the From Scratch restaurant menu, estimated local prices, popular signature dishes, dietary options, and practical tips to make your next visit seamless. Because From Scratch is an independent, single-location eatery rather than a national chain, its menu adjusts to reflect high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Please note that prices and availability can vary by season, and checking the physical menu or official website when visiting is always recommended.
If you frequently search for specialty dining menus, you might also be interested in comparing unique offerings like The Original Soup Kitchen Menu or exploring creative concepts such as the Wonderland Kitchen and Cocktails Menu.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
From Scratch is an independent restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea famous for its house-cured Corned Beef Hash, fresh Biscuits & Gravy, and dog-friendly patio. Official calorie counts are not published, but they prioritize organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Official Source Verification
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest From Scratch Menu Prices
The following prices are estimates based on the official Carmel-by-the-Sea menu data for 2026. Because From Scratch prepares its food daily using fresh, seasonal ingredients, specific prices and availability are subject to change.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Barnyard Special | Breakfast | $17.50 | Not published | A classic hearty breakfast | 2 organic eggs, potatoes, toast, choice of meat. |
| Huevos Rancheros | Breakfast | $18.50 | Not published | Savory cravings | House-made salsa and fresh avocado. |
| Corned Beef Hash | Breakfast | $19.50 | Not published | First-time visitors | House-roasted brisket, locally famous. |
| Biscuits & Gravy (Full) | Breakfast | $17.00 | Not published | Comfort food lovers | House-made buttermilk biscuits. |
| Biscuits & Gravy (Half) | Breakfast | $14.00 | Not published | Lighter appetites / Value | Generous smaller portion. |
| Scratch Benedict | Breakfast | $19.50 | Not published | Brunch dates | Features scratch Hollandaise sauce. |
| Chilaquiles | Breakfast | $18.00 | Not published | Spicy breakfast fans | Tossed in house tomatillo salsa. |
| Buttermilk Pancakes | Griddle | $14.50 | Not published | Kids and sweet tooths | Add fruit for an extra charge. |
| Brioche French Toast | Griddle | $16.00 | Not published | Sharing | Thick-sliced brioche with vanilla batter. |
| Lemon Ricotta Pancakes | Griddle | $17.00 | Not published | Signature dish seekers | Whipped with ricotta and lemon zest. |
| The Scratch Burger | Lunch | $18.50 | Not published | Big appetites | Half-pound grass-fed beef patty. |
| Carmel Valley Club | Lunch | $18.00 | Not published | Classic lunch fare | Smoked turkey and garlic aioli. |
| Reuben Sandwich | Lunch | $19.00 | Not published | Corned beef fans | House-cured corned beef on grilled rye. |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich | Lunch | $18.00 | Not published | Southern comfort | Buttermilk-fried with spicy slaw. |
| Scratch Cobb Salad | Lunch | $18.50 | Not published | Lighter lunch | Packed with bacon, egg, and blue cheese. |
Popular Menu Items
If you are visiting From Scratch for the first time, these signature dishes are the most highly recommended by locals, tourists, and food critics alike.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corned Beef Hash | Featured on TV; brisket is slow-roasted in-house rather than canned. | Est. $19.50 | Not published |
| Biscuits & Gravy | Flaky biscuits baked fresh daily and smothered in rich country sausage gravy. | Est. $17.00 | Not published |
| Lemon Ricotta Pancakes | The ricotta cheese makes the texture incredibly creamy and light. | Est. $17.00 | Not published |
| The Carmel Valley Club | A perfect premium lunch staple featuring thick-cut applewood bacon and avocado. | Est. $18.00 | Not published |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Corned Beef Hash
This is the ultimate representation of a true "scratch" kitchen. The time taken to cure and roast the brisket elevates this far above standard diner fare.
Half-Order Biscuits & Gravy
A half-order is significantly cheaper but still offers a robust, highly filling breakfast that easily satisfies moderate appetites.
Buttermilk Pancakes
Large, fluffy, and familiar, these pancakes are easy to split among children or share as a table side dish.
Scratch Cobb Salad
A protein-packed salad that allows you to request the dressing on the side for better nutritional control.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
A widely celebrated dish that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors without being overly heavy.
The Barnyard Special
This meal lets you build a classic breakfast plate with your exact choice of premium meats, organic eggs, and toast.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Dining in upscale coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea can be expensive, but you can still find excellent value at From Scratch by ordering strategically.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Order Biscuits & Gravy | Saves you $3.00 off the full size while still providing a heavy, satisfying comfort meal. | May not be enough for a very large appetite. | Pair it with a side of organic eggs ($3.00) for cheap extra protein. |
| The Barnyard Special | Offers a complete, balanced meal (eggs, meat, potatoes, toast) for one flat price. | Premium meat additions might carry an upcharge. | Great baseline breakfast that avoids ordering expensive sides a la carte. |
| Split Griddle Plates | Pancakes and French toast portions are large enough for two light eaters. | Splitting may not leave you full if very hungry. | Split a pancake plate and order one side of Applewood smoked bacon ($6.00). |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
As a small, independent restaurant, From Scratch does not officially calculate or publish caloric data for its menu items. However, there are ways to order mindfully.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs & Meats | Eggs are organic and locally sourced; meats are high-quality, avoiding many processed chain-restaurant additives. | Clean eating priorities | High |
| Sides Substitution | You can substitute heavy starches (potatoes/fries) for a fresh fruit cup or simple mixed greens. | Lower carb/calorie diets | High |
| Sauces & Dressings | Hollandaise, sausage gravy, and garlic aioli are rich and high in calories. | Calorie management | High |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
While the restaurant prepares meals from scratch, they do not operate a certified allergen-free kitchen. Always communicate severe allergies directly to your server.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Needs | Ask for the Gluten-Free Bread substitution (est. $2.50 upcharge). | GF bread is available for toast, sandwiches, and Benedicts, but cross-contact in the kitchen is possible. |
| Vegetarian Options | Griddle favorites, Huevos Rancheros, and Chilaquiles. | Verify with your server that the salsas or beans are not prepared with meat broths or fats. |
| Severe Allergies | The kitchen handles wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, and tree nuts daily. | Inform staff immediately so extra sanitation precautions can be taken during food prep. |
Special Menu Sections
Breakfast Menu & Griddle
The breakfast and griddle menus are served all day long. If you want pancakes at 2:00 PM, you are in luck. All griddle favorites are served with real maple syrup, which elevates the meal far above diner-style synthetic syrups.
Lunch Specialties
Lunch items generally become available starting at 11:00 AM. Lunch specialties include half-pound grass-fed burgers and hearty sandwiches, all served with a choice of standard french fries, sweet potato fries, or a side salad.
Kids Menu Availability
While there is not an extensive, separate printed kids menu, the kitchen is highly accommodating. Child-friendly portions of classic buttermilk pancakes or simple scrambled eggs can easily be prepared upon request.
For readers who also enjoy experimental dining, menus with similar creative flair can be found by viewing the Pym Test Kitchen Menu.
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This menu guide is designed to help:
- Travelers in Carmel-by-the-Sea looking for highly-rated local breakfast spots.
- Fans of Food Network who want to try the dishes featured on TV before visiting.
- Budget-conscious diners checking estimated local prices to plan their meal budget.
- People with dietary preferences seeking information on gluten-free bread substitutions or organic ingredient sourcing.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Make the most of your visit to From Scratch with these practical dining strategies.
- Expect a weekend wait time. Because of its local popularity, weekend brunch hours (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) can see wait times of 30 to 60 minutes. Arrive early to be seated quickly.
- Ask about the pet-friendly patio. The restaurant features a beautiful outdoor patio in the Barnyard Shopping Village that welcomes well-behaved dogs.
- Check online ordering for takeout limits. You can order takeout through their official website, but during peak weekend rushes, online ordering is sometimes paused to serve in-house diners first.
- Communicate dietary needs clearly. Because everything is made from scratch, the kitchen is flexible, but cross-contact with allergens is a risk in a busy environment.
- Check the official app or local restaurant for exact prices. Menu prices are estimates and fluctuate with local supplier costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is From Scratch in Carmel really featured on television?
Yes. From Scratch was featured on the Food Network's hit show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, hosted by Guy Fieri. The episode specifically highlighted their famous house-cured corned beef hash and homemade biscuits and gravy.
What are the prices like at From Scratch?
Prices generally range from $14.00 to $20.00 for breakfast entrees and lunch sandwiches. This pricing is standard for high-quality, sit-down dining in the upscale Carmel-by-the-Sea region.
Does From Scratch offer a menu with prices online?
Yes, estimated prices are featured on their official website, but because ingredients are sourced seasonally, prices may change slightly when you view the physical menu at the restaurant.
Are there gluten-free options on the From Scratch menu?
Yes. While they do not operate a strict gluten-free kitchen, they offer gluten-free bread substitutions for a small upcharge. This bread can be used for breakfast toasts, sandwiches, and Benedicts.
Where can I find calories for From Scratch?
As an independent, single-location restaurant, From Scratch is exempt from national chain nutrition publishing laws and does not officially list calorie counts.
What are the hours of operation for From Scratch?
From Scratch typically operates as a breakfast, brunch, and lunch destination, open from early morning until mid-afternoon. It is recommended to check their official Google Business listing for 2026 holiday hours or weekly changes.
Can I make a reservation at From Scratch?
The restaurant operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis. They generally do not accept standard reservations for weekend brunch, so arriving before 8:30 AM is the best way to secure a table quickly.
Where exactly is From Scratch located?
The restaurant is located inside The Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The shopping center offers convenient local parking.
Does From Scratch offer delivery?
They prioritize the dine-in and local pickup experience. While third-party delivery apps may occasionally list them, ordering pickup directly through their official website is the most reliable way to get your food hot and support the business.
Is From Scratch the same as Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen?
No. While many people search for "scratch kitchen menu" when looking for the national chain Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, this article specifically covers the independent restaurant named "From Scratch" located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
Conclusion
From Scratch in Carmel-by-the-Sea delivers an exceptional comfort food experience that truly lives up to its name. By utilizing fresh, organic ingredients and cooking every dish-from their slow-roasted corned beef to their flaky buttermilk biscuits-in-house daily, they offer a breakfast and lunch menu that sets a high standard for casual dining.
For the smoothest experience, aim to visit on a weekday or early in the morning on weekends to beat the crowds, and don't forget to enjoy their dog-friendly patio if the weather permits.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
