Chez Noir

We ate one of the best meals of our lives here a year ago on our honeymoon. So remarkable I’m leaving this review a year later! I remember being greeted so warmly by the woman I believe is the owner. We were given complementary dessert and a champagne toast, too. This is a restaurant that lives up to its Michelin star(s)?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Exceptional food and service. The food is beautifully presented. It is a treat for you senses to dine at Chez Noir

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Not sure the hype here. Service at the bar was meh. Food was below average. They charge 20% auto in the bill on top of another 20 % gratuity. Staff seemed unhappy, accept for the hostess. Hostess was the only nice quality here. Super disappointed and we were a group of 5.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 2

We really enjoyed our meal with the California wine pairing. Each dish was as delicious as it was beautiful.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We went here for our anniversary. Firstly we started off with the beans in a batter. They were delicious and the sauce that came with it was very flavorful. They gave us a small appetizer on the house (abalone and a mini eggplant toast which were both beautiful).
The second course we got was the salmon. My husband loved it, I personally wasn’t a fan of the salmon. I’ve tasted super fresh salmon that really melts in your mouth. I found their salmon having a slight fishy taste, for it to be raw I have tasted higher quality ones before.

The second course we got (and I forgot to take a picture of) was the sweet corn pasta. This dish was sweet yet held a spice at the very end. I see why they give everyone that pasta: it’s a crowd pleaser.

The third one we got was the lamb. The lamb was beautiful. The sauce, peas, and pistachios that was paired with it was delightful.
We ended the course with two different desserts- we ended up preferring the mille feuille

The staff is very attentive. I will say that the table next to us got offered tea at the very end, and we were given the check right away. We were sad we didn’t get offered the opportunity to try the tea, but it’s okay as our bill was high enough. For two people 3 drinks total (not the wine pairing) it ended up being 600+.
For my husband this was his first experience and he loved it. I’ve been to multiple Michelin star restaurants and I would say this one didn’t blow me away, but it is a good experience for those who want an experience. Lastly, they will leave you with a chocolate chip cookie, it was mid nothing special but a small treat to eat in the car.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Amazing service, amazing food! Highly recommend for drinks and all food. Can’t go wrong!

Disappointing inSALTing experience. The food was ordinary, yet the prices were extraordinary. The duck liver terrine was decent, though it was just a tiny bite—barely enough to appreciate. The cabbage pie turned out to be an over-salted fried pancake, decorated with tough vegetables. It looked much better than it tasted. The red wine by the glass was of low quality, with high acidity. Overall, quite a pretentious place.

We visit Carmel regularly and had been recommended this restaurant multiple times, we were finally able to get a reservation and were really looking forward to the experience. Overall, we felt this was over hyped - we paid $800 for 2 people meal with wine pairing, it was good but not memorable. If you’re visiting Carmel and you’re disappointed you weren’t able to get a reservation here, don’t worry there are many great options in town!The food was good, ingredients are top quality and well executed, however there was nothing that stood out to us. The service was polite, but we felt rushed throughout the meal - we ordered an aperitif to start and we were brought our first glass of the wine pairing at the same time, I’ve never had that happened to me before, I was also asked to remove my plate when it was not finished at every serving. Overall we were out after 1.5h, it felt intentional that they wanted to turn our table quickly. The setting and ambiance is beautiful, it’s a very small restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Chez Noir in Carmel delivers an experience that feels both elevated and deeply comforting - a rare feat that speaks to the restaurant’s clear vision and confident execution.

The meal was full of standout moments, but the corn pasta was unforgettable. Sweet, buttery, and impossibly light, it captured the essence of summer in each bite. Equally memorable was the bread service - so good it could warrant its own course. Warm, crusty, and served with a rich, cultured butter, it set the tone for a meal rooted in thoughtful, tactile pleasures.

Cocktails here are not an afterthought, they’re a true part of the culinary narrative. Each drink was well-balanced, creative, and complementary to the food. They had range, nuance, and a clear sense of fun without ever being gimmicky.

Service was polished and warm, and the room has a relaxed elegance that fits perfectly with Carmel’s quiet charm. Chez Noir hits that sweet spot of being both a destination and a local’s favorite—refined without pretension, indulgent without excess.

A must-visit on the Central Coast.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Every dish was a masterpiece. The staff was absolutely lovely and the ambience was perfect.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Chez Noir exceeded my expectations! The food was outstanding (especially the rock fish with their own, unique curry sauce), the wine parings spot on, and the service attentive. They deserve another Michelin Star for their unique take on a Sazerac alone!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Had to sit outdoors but they made it as comfortable as possible with large fuzzy blankets. The food was amazing.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Every time I visit this restaurant it just feels like home! Each employee working here is a MVP. elegant and sophisticated, they completely went above and beyond. From the cookies, bread and everything in between Chez Noir is killin the competition with flavor. Everything on the menu is Chefs 👨‍🍳 kiss 🤌

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was average. While some of the dishes such as the Salmon and the bread were tasty, most lacked flavors. The deserts both strawberry and lemon one were disappointing. The other restaurants and cafes I went to in Carmel served far better food and desserts. The ambience and the server made the experience amiable. Overall, this is not deserving of a meal and neither the money.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

The food, service, and wine pairing was absolutely phenomenal. I don’t think I’ve ever had a meal like it and the servers were so knowledgeable about the food! Apparently every Friday is an education day for them

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5