Chefs head platter "gifts from the sea" carried the entire Valentine's Day experience for us. Caviar on eggs two ways and souffléd potatoes was probably the most outstanding dish (out of 6) after that head platter...prime rib is the best you'll get as the final entree of a $1000 experience for two, they'll even try to up-charge you mid meal for wagyu! Overall I don't recommend. You can easily attend a matching 1 star Michelin restaurant for half the price and better ingredients. Sad that you pay so much more for the Valentine's Day experience and the best meat they provide is prime rib!
John Holtzinger
Aubergine is the best fine dining experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The food, presentation, ambience, and service are all of the highest caliber and well-deserving of the recognition earned by this restaurant. Aubergine was more than accommodating of my personal request for plant-based options in lieu of their traditional prix fixe menu, and they exceeded my expectations. I would have to travel to New York to another world-renowned restaurant to receive the same level of consideration and experience a similar level of culinary excellence. My wife was able to enjoy the traditional prix fixe menu options while I was thrilled by the creativity of the kitchen. She informed me later that this was the first time Aubergine had catered to a complete plant-based course for dinner. Absolutely magnifique. We were also introduced to a terrific Sauternes by the sommelier, a novelty we hadn't explored before, but now embrace. Thank you to Chef Cogley and the entire staff for making our visit so memorable. We will return. John and Rhona
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Monterey Bay Abalone
John Modzelewski
Aubergine is a fine dining gem. Its intimate dining room ensures that your table will receive plenty of attention from the staff. The wine and drinks list is ample. The sommelier is deliberate about the wine choices and has good information to share. The bartenders work far in advance of the meal to prepare bases for delicious cocktails and “mocktails.” The food itself is an inventive journey through local fare, vegetable-forward dishes, seafood, and meat. Desserts are beautifully crafted and help close out the meal. (My son had performed well in a chess tournament, and they made him a beautiful and delicious dessert that incorporated chess into the theme!) Our family has dined here now 3 years in a row and we already are looking forward to our next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Roy S.
We enjoyed a FABULOUS meal prepared by Chef Justin Cogley and his team. The beauty, skill and care in every dish made for a VERY special evening. A million thanks and congratulations to Chef Cogley and his team. As you can see from the attached photos, this was an incredibly special meal. Deserving of MORE Michelin Stars. The service was perfect (thank you Cyrus) and the wines outstanding (thank you Jahn Haffey - Sommelier)
Squirrel Friend
This is definitely one of the best one-Michelin star experiences that I have been to. The food is delicious and creative. I really enjoy sea food dishes. A couple of the seafood items remind me of those at Le Bernadine. Menu is seasonal. Wines are amazing. Service was top notch and of course includes that Michelin star bread crumb service. Ambience is classy. The restaurant is located in a very cute part of Carmel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer Granito
Dined in December 2022Wine pairing price 250 USD (300 w/ default included tip)Retail value 54Markup 4.7x (Closer to 4x w/out errors, see below)This is in the lower 20th percentile of value compared to the 34 pairings I've documented.There are two pairing offerings, the basic for 175 and a reserve for 250 which was pitched as offering some older vintages.Overall the wine offered was unique with offerings from Austria, Greece, France, California, and sake from Japan. Avg (retail) price per bottle served was 80. The pours were definitely on the smaller side, I took 2 sips before the amadai fish was served and almost ran out of wine. It wasn't clear that the last wine was to go over 2 dessert dishes and my partner ran out of wine before the 2nd was served. The oldest vintages served were 2012, 2013, and 2014, which pales in comparison to similarly priced tastings at 3-michelin star spots like Quince (275 in 2019) which offered pours from 1985, 1989, 1996, and 2006.According to the menu that we asked for at the end, we realized that they didn't bring us the first pairing w/ the amuse bouche which was a pour from a $120 small bottle of sake and would have made the markup for the pairing to a 4x markup which is more reasonable, but still on the higher side in the bottom third of value.The food was really nice. I loved the explanations from the sous chefs Tiffany and Diane. Diane even came out when we had a questions about the jus served alongside the ribeye and gave an excellent description of the 2+ day process which we really appreciated.The first dessert was nice (sweet, creamy and pretty). The 2nd was disappointing. Generally both lacked a strong texture. The ending dessert bites were elegant and delicious!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Terry F.
Ah, Aubergine in Carmel - a gem nestled in the cozy confines of a smaller restaurant attached to a charming hotel. Patience was the key to securing a table for my wife's birthday; waitlisted on Tock, but the stars aligned, and we found ourselves enveloped in an evening of culinary splendor. The atmosphere at Aubergine is an intimate dance of colors and creativity, a testament to the culinary artistry that lies within. The courses, each a canvas of flavor, were presented with a finesse that echoed the passion of Chef Justin and the chef de cuisine. It's not just a meal; it's a symphony of tastes, a celebration of culinary ingenuity. The service, a crucial companion to the dining experience, was nothing short of exceptional. Attentive without being intrusive, the staff at Aubergine ensured that every moment was savored. The timing of courses was impeccable - a delicate orchestration that allowed us to relish each dish without feeling rushed. Opting for the Sommelier wine pairing was a stroke of genius. The curated selection complemented the dishes flawlessly, enhancing the overall experience. It was a journey through vineyards, a perfect marriage of flavors that elevated the evening to a delightful crescendo. Aubergine, despite its size, resonates with a culinary prowess that transcends expectations. It's not just a restaurant; it's a destination for those who seek a sensory adventure. The wait for reservations, the anticipation - all fade into insignificance once the first course graces your palate. Aubergine is a culinary voyage worth embarking on, a testament to the gastronomic treasures that await the discerning palate. If you're seeking an evening of gastronomic wonder and a celebration of the finest in culinary arts, Aubergine is an experience that lingers in memory long after the plates are cleared. Five stars for a dining escapade that transcends the ordinary, leaving you with a taste of pure excellence.
Hailey Kieu
Not gonna lie, I spent an arm and a leg here, but it was worth it to treat my partner and I out on a weekend getaway! I would say expect to spend around $400-$500 for two (without any extras like wine, etc etc.). Everything was solid, but MAN the brioche bread stole the show (trust me, it’s the most amazing bread that I’ve tasted and felt in my mouth. The softness, butteriness, lightness, melt-in-your-mouth-ness is unreal.). My partner and I have been craving the bread ever since! They also gave us a complimentary aubergine/eggplant chocolate to bring home!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dave Jukich
The cuisine and wine pairings were absolutely outstanding. The staff did an excellent job with each course presentation were very informative. The sommelier staff did an excellent job with their wine selections for both the standard and premium tastings and they were also the catalyst that created a wonderful energy in between the courses. We would definitely recommend the wagyu "add on". The wagyu blew us away! Thanks Aubergine Carmel for a magnificent night and a birthday my wife will remember forever!!
AMAZING! Every bite was tasty, every dish was thoughtful and perfectly composed. The service was impeccable, the ambiance was unmatched. As someone that has eaten at all of the 3 star Michelin restaurants in New York (working on the ones in Cali!), I have to say that this eclipses all of them and stands as one of the best meals I have had!
AMAZING! Every bite was tasty, every dish was thoughtful and perfectly composed. The service was impeccable, the ambiance was unmatched. As someone that has eaten at all of the 3 star Michelin restaurants in New York (working on the ones in Cali!), I have to say that this eclipses all of them and stands as one of the best meals I have had!
Terribleexperience23
$1000 worth of snob appeal. Not worthy of a Michelin star - and we have eaten at scores of Michelin restaurants in Europe. Nothing measured up. The decor is simple and dull. The amuse bouche was the highlight of the meal. The service was rushed. The food was bland. Just nothing special at all. Our fellow dinners seemed to be from Asia or Silicon Valley millennials who are feel great because of the size of the bill.
Chris
The food is way above & beyond my expectations. The food is a very great combination between Japanese & French flavoring to me. Many seasoning surprises happen across different dishes, even on the one I thought I suppose to know before. Very impressed by how the chef can create so many layers of flavors in a small dish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarina L
Over the weekend, my family of three visited my favorite restaurant in Monterey Bay, L'Auberge Carmel. The restaurant's head chef, Justin Cogley, is a fun-loving multi-talented individual. He was born in Chicago and previously served as the Executive Sous Chef at the renowned Elysian Hotel, where he was responsible for opening a new kitchen. Additionally, he is a well-known figure skater. During his time residing in Japan, he became deeply fascinated by Asian culture and learned the techniques and essence of Japanese cuisine. His innovative dishes combine French creativity with the fusion of Japanese influences into modern American cooking. He has received multiple Michelin star ratings and, after joining Aubergine, led the restaurant to receive the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence and Forbes Travel Guide's top five-star rating. Food & Wine magazine has also named him California's outstanding chef.Our dinner began with fresh oysters accompanied by yuzu sauce and cucumber jelly, which awakened our taste buds with their exquisite flavors. Next, we enjoyed an artful cake filled with blue mussels, honeycomb, and mint, creating a perfect combination. We also tasted sea urchin paired with sweet soy sauce and potatoes, offering a truly unique flavor. In addition to these dishes, we indulged in fresh tomatoes with lemon thyme and caviar, as well as sardines with a lemon-infused taste and trout roe. The dining experience lasted for a total of 2.5 hours, during which we immersed ourselves in the presentation of Japanese sushi served in a jewelry box, as well as lobster infused with creative soup. A few glasses of wine accompanied the meal, and time flew by.The restaurant is also known for its extensive wine cellar, housing over 3,500 bottles of top-quality wines from around the world. We opted for the Reserve Wine Pairing, which offered unique and lesser-known boutique wines that perfectly complemented each dish. It's worth noting that the tasting consisted of 8 rounds, with the first round featuring Japanese sake, followed by 7 rounds of various wines, including mixed drinks. The portions were quite generous, so those with lower alcohol tolerance should proceed with caution.As for the cost of the meal, the Tasting Menu for two adults was priced at $265 per person, and the Reserve Wine Pairing was an additional $250 per person. Additionally, my husband and I chose to upgrade to 2 ounces of HOKKAIDO WAGYU | A5 Japanese snowflake beef, which incurred an extra $200. Our child ordered desserts, grilled salmon, noodles, and milk. The total bill came out to less than $1,700. If you exclude the wine and HOKKAIDO WAGYU | A5, the price would be significantly lower.Although the restaurant currently holds only one Michelin star, I believe it is even better than many two-star establishments. So let's conclude today's sharing by providing the address of this restaurant: Monte Verde at 7th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921, USA.
Chefs head platter "gifts from the sea" carried the entire Valentine's Day experience for us. Caviar on eggs two ways and souffléd potatoes was probably the most outstanding dish (out of 6) after that head platter...prime rib is the best you'll get as the final entree of a $1000 experience for two, they'll even try to up-charge you mid meal for wagyu! Overall I don't recommend. You can easily attend a matching 1 star Michelin restaurant for half the price and better ingredients. Sad that you pay so much more for the Valentine's Day experience and the best meat they provide is prime rib!
Aubergine is the best fine dining experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The food, presentation, ambience, and service are all of the highest caliber and well-deserving of the recognition earned by this restaurant. Aubergine was more than accommodating of my personal request for plant-based options in lieu of their traditional prix fixe menu, and they exceeded my expectations. I would have to travel to New York to another world-renowned restaurant to receive the same level of consideration and experience a similar level of culinary excellence. My wife was able to enjoy the traditional prix fixe menu options while I was thrilled by the creativity of the kitchen. She informed me later that this was the first time Aubergine had catered to a complete plant-based course for dinner. Absolutely magnifique. We were also introduced to a terrific Sauternes by the sommelier, a novelty we hadn't explored before, but now embrace. Thank you to Chef Cogley and the entire staff for making our visit so memorable. We will return. John and Rhona
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Monterey Bay Abalone
Aubergine is a fine dining gem. Its intimate dining room ensures that your table will receive plenty of attention from the staff. The wine and drinks list is ample. The sommelier is deliberate about the wine choices and has good information to share. The bartenders work far in advance of the meal to prepare bases for delicious cocktails and “mocktails.” The food itself is an inventive journey through local fare, vegetable-forward dishes, seafood, and meat. Desserts are beautifully crafted and help close out the meal. (My son had performed well in a chess tournament, and they made him a beautiful and delicious dessert that incorporated chess into the theme!) Our family has dined here now 3 years in a row and we already are looking forward to our next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We enjoyed a FABULOUS meal prepared by Chef Justin Cogley and his team. The beauty, skill and care in every dish made for a VERY special evening. A million thanks and congratulations to Chef Cogley and his team. As you can see from the attached photos, this was an incredibly special meal. Deserving of MORE Michelin Stars. The service was perfect (thank you Cyrus) and the wines outstanding (thank you Jahn Haffey - Sommelier)
This is definitely one of the best one-Michelin star experiences that I have been to. The food is delicious and creative. I really enjoy sea food dishes. A couple of the seafood items remind me of those at Le Bernadine. Menu is seasonal. Wines are amazing. Service was top notch and of course includes that Michelin star bread crumb service. Ambience is classy. The restaurant is located in a very cute part of Carmel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dined in December 2022Wine pairing price 250 USD (300 w/ default included tip)Retail value 54Markup 4.7x (Closer to 4x w/out errors, see below)This is in the lower 20th percentile of value compared to the 34 pairings I've documented.There are two pairing offerings, the basic for 175 and a reserve for 250 which was pitched as offering some older vintages.Overall the wine offered was unique with offerings from Austria, Greece, France, California, and sake from Japan. Avg (retail) price per bottle served was 80. The pours were definitely on the smaller side, I took 2 sips before the amadai fish was served and almost ran out of wine. It wasn't clear that the last wine was to go over 2 dessert dishes and my partner ran out of wine before the 2nd was served. The oldest vintages served were 2012, 2013, and 2014, which pales in comparison to similarly priced tastings at 3-michelin star spots like Quince (275 in 2019) which offered pours from 1985, 1989, 1996, and 2006.According to the menu that we asked for at the end, we realized that they didn't bring us the first pairing w/ the amuse bouche which was a pour from a $120 small bottle of sake and would have made the markup for the pairing to a 4x markup which is more reasonable, but still on the higher side in the bottom third of value.The food was really nice. I loved the explanations from the sous chefs Tiffany and Diane. Diane even came out when we had a questions about the jus served alongside the ribeye and gave an excellent description of the 2+ day process which we really appreciated.The first dessert was nice (sweet, creamy and pretty). The 2nd was disappointing. Generally both lacked a strong texture. The ending dessert bites were elegant and delicious!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Ah, Aubergine in Carmel - a gem nestled in the cozy confines of a smaller restaurant attached to a charming hotel. Patience was the key to securing a table for my wife's birthday; waitlisted on Tock, but the stars aligned, and we found ourselves enveloped in an evening of culinary splendor. The atmosphere at Aubergine is an intimate dance of colors and creativity, a testament to the culinary artistry that lies within. The courses, each a canvas of flavor, were presented with a finesse that echoed the passion of Chef Justin and the chef de cuisine. It's not just a meal; it's a symphony of tastes, a celebration of culinary ingenuity. The service, a crucial companion to the dining experience, was nothing short of exceptional. Attentive without being intrusive, the staff at Aubergine ensured that every moment was savored. The timing of courses was impeccable - a delicate orchestration that allowed us to relish each dish without feeling rushed. Opting for the Sommelier wine pairing was a stroke of genius. The curated selection complemented the dishes flawlessly, enhancing the overall experience. It was a journey through vineyards, a perfect marriage of flavors that elevated the evening to a delightful crescendo. Aubergine, despite its size, resonates with a culinary prowess that transcends expectations. It's not just a restaurant; it's a destination for those who seek a sensory adventure. The wait for reservations, the anticipation - all fade into insignificance once the first course graces your palate. Aubergine is a culinary voyage worth embarking on, a testament to the gastronomic treasures that await the discerning palate. If you're seeking an evening of gastronomic wonder and a celebration of the finest in culinary arts, Aubergine is an experience that lingers in memory long after the plates are cleared. Five stars for a dining escapade that transcends the ordinary, leaving you with a taste of pure excellence.
Not gonna lie, I spent an arm and a leg here, but it was worth it to treat my partner and I out on a weekend getaway! I would say expect to spend around $400-$500 for two (without any extras like wine, etc etc.). Everything was solid, but MAN the brioche bread stole the show (trust me, it’s the most amazing bread that I’ve tasted and felt in my mouth. The softness, butteriness, lightness, melt-in-your-mouth-ness is unreal.). My partner and I have been craving the bread ever since! They also gave us a complimentary aubergine/eggplant chocolate to bring home!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The cuisine and wine pairings were absolutely outstanding. The staff did an excellent job with each course presentation were very informative. The sommelier staff did an excellent job with their wine selections for both the standard and premium tastings and they were also the catalyst that created a wonderful energy in between the courses. We would definitely recommend the wagyu "add on". The wagyu blew us away! Thanks Aubergine Carmel for a magnificent night and a birthday my wife will remember forever!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A fantastic restaurant well worth a
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
AMAZING! Every bite was tasty, every dish was thoughtful and perfectly composed. The service was impeccable, the ambiance was unmatched. As someone that has eaten at all of the 3 star Michelin restaurants in New York (working on the ones in Cali!), I have to say that this eclipses all of them and stands as one of the best meals I have had!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kumamoto Oysters, Kaluga Queen Caviar Corn Chicken Skin
AMAZING! Every bite was tasty, every dish was thoughtful and perfectly composed. The service was impeccable, the ambiance was unmatched. As someone that has eaten at all of the 3 star Michelin restaurants in New York (working on the ones in Cali!), I have to say that this eclipses all of them and stands as one of the best meals I have had!
$1000 worth of snob appeal. Not worthy of a Michelin star - and we have eaten at scores of Michelin restaurants in Europe. Nothing measured up. The decor is simple and dull. The amuse bouche was the highlight of the meal. The service was rushed. The food was bland. Just nothing special at all. Our fellow dinners seemed to be from Asia or Silicon Valley millennials who are feel great because of the size of the bill.
The food is way above & beyond my expectations. The food is a very great combination between Japanese & French flavoring to me. Many seasoning surprises happen across different dishes, even on the one I thought I suppose to know before. Very impressed by how the chef can create so many layers of flavors in a small dish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Over the weekend, my family of three visited my favorite restaurant in Monterey Bay, L'Auberge Carmel. The restaurant's head chef, Justin Cogley, is a fun-loving multi-talented individual. He was born in Chicago and previously served as the Executive Sous Chef at the renowned Elysian Hotel, where he was responsible for opening a new kitchen. Additionally, he is a well-known figure skater. During his time residing in Japan, he became deeply fascinated by Asian culture and learned the techniques and essence of Japanese cuisine. His innovative dishes combine French creativity with the fusion of Japanese influences into modern American cooking. He has received multiple Michelin star ratings and, after joining Aubergine, led the restaurant to receive the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence and Forbes Travel Guide's top five-star rating. Food & Wine magazine has also named him California's outstanding chef.Our dinner began with fresh oysters accompanied by yuzu sauce and cucumber jelly, which awakened our taste buds with their exquisite flavors. Next, we enjoyed an artful cake filled with blue mussels, honeycomb, and mint, creating a perfect combination. We also tasted sea urchin paired with sweet soy sauce and potatoes, offering a truly unique flavor. In addition to these dishes, we indulged in fresh tomatoes with lemon thyme and caviar, as well as sardines with a lemon-infused taste and trout roe. The dining experience lasted for a total of 2.5 hours, during which we immersed ourselves in the presentation of Japanese sushi served in a jewelry box, as well as lobster infused with creative soup. A few glasses of wine accompanied the meal, and time flew by.The restaurant is also known for its extensive wine cellar, housing over 3,500 bottles of top-quality wines from around the world. We opted for the Reserve Wine Pairing, which offered unique and lesser-known boutique wines that perfectly complemented each dish. It's worth noting that the tasting consisted of 8 rounds, with the first round featuring Japanese sake, followed by 7 rounds of various wines, including mixed drinks. The portions were quite generous, so those with lower alcohol tolerance should proceed with caution.As for the cost of the meal, the Tasting Menu for two adults was priced at $265 per person, and the Reserve Wine Pairing was an additional $250 per person. Additionally, my husband and I chose to upgrade to 2 ounces of HOKKAIDO WAGYU | A5 Japanese snowflake beef, which incurred an extra $200. Our child ordered desserts, grilled salmon, noodles, and milk. The total bill came out to less than $1,700. If you exclude the wine and HOKKAIDO WAGYU | A5, the price would be significantly lower.Although the restaurant currently holds only one Michelin star, I believe it is even better than many two-star establishments. So let's conclude today's sharing by providing the address of this restaurant: Monte Verde at 7th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921, USA.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5