written by Lauren Kramer
photography by James Zamory/Carnal 

Next time you’re in the mood for a high-end dinner that defies the fine dining category with its casual ambience, head to Carnal in Bellingham. Here, marrow bones are arranged artistically on the wall framing the open kitchen, and a wood-burning fireplace crackles on cold winter nights, warming a restaurant that’s spacious but still feels cozy.

We sat down for rye sourdough served with sea lettuce butter ($5), and king salmon crudo with charred date, bay leaf and sweet potato vinaigrette ($16). Those unusual flavor combinations are precisely what makes Carnal unique and extraordinary, pairings that are carefully thought-out and utterly delicious. They’re ubiquitous throughout the menu, from the cocktail selection through to the dessert.

Carnal is known for its live fire cooking and prepares its signature dish, slow-cooked beef short rib ($36), on an open flame. The result is an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth, 9-ounce serving of meat that lives long in memory. We added a serving of carrots also cooked on the flame ($18), topped with leeks, roasted walnut butter and chicken jus. There were just five carrots, but they were the best carrots I’ve ever tasted.

The menu is small but has all the necessities: fish, meat, chicken and veggies, with some neat cocktail items you won’t find anywhere else. Leave space for the wood-fired figs ($8), prepared with bacon fat, hibiscus and urfa honey.

1234 N. STATE ST.
BELLINGHAM
www.eatcarnal.com