La Bicyclette Restaurant

I really wanted to love La Bicyclette, but the experience fell short in several ways. The atmosphere is undeniably charming, but the space is very cramped. Throughout the meal, servers repeatedly bumped the back of my chair, and not once did anyone say “excuse me” or apologize. It made the experience feel rushed and inconsiderate.

We had a reservation for 7:15 and arrived early at 7:00. We were told we’d be seated exactly at our reservation time. When we checked in again at 7:15, they said it would be just 5 more minutes. In the end, we waited an additional 20 minutes before we were seated—and even longer before our server came to the table.

Unfortunately, service didn’t improve from there. Our server seemed disengaged and noticeably more attentive to his other tables. We ordered an appetizer and three entrées. The food was good, but not memorable enough to justify the rest of the experience.

With so many wonderful restaurants in Carmel Valley, it’s hard to recommend this one. Choose a spot where the food is great and you’re treated with care—you’ll leave much happier.

Pros: the food is top notch.
Cons: there's a peep hole in the bathroom, the hosts are really snooty, and the waitstaff served us a disgusting bottle of wine, and after we expressed our disgust did not offer to replace it. For pizza that good though, I'd be willing to let someone watch me use the restroom through the ceiling.

Delicious.

From the host to the server nothing was pleasant, very unfriendly and not mannered.
Pizza was okay but a bit too greasy for me so as the pasta.

Dinner to Remember at La Bicyclette – Carmel’s Cozy Culinary Escape

Dining at La Bicyclette felt like stepping into a rustic European village tucked away in the heart of Carmel. Our group of six was seated comfortably in their charming, candlelit space, where the open kitchen and wood-fired oven added a warm, inviting buzz to the evening.

We shared a variety of dishes, starting with their Pain du Jour—freshly baked, wood-fired bread that disappeared quickly. The Escargot, a fragrant and garlicy delicacy, was deeply flavorful and perfectly matched with the bread. The Stone Fruit Salad was bright, seasonal, and beautifully composed.

For the table, we ordered two pizzas: the Champignone, loaded with mushrooms and deep, earthy notes; and the Margherita, classic and comforting with a crisp, bubbly crust and tangy sauce. The standout, though, was the Gnocchis Parisiens—delicate, almost cloud-like, and finished with a sauce we were tempted to lick off the plate.

Main dishes like the Poisson Syracruse wowed with both presentation and flavor—a true showpiece—while the Steak au Poivre delivered on richness, balance, and depth. Every bite was satisfying, and no plate went back with a scrap left.

And then came dessert: the Passionfruit Crème Brûlée was vibrant with a tropical twist; the Pot de Mousse au Chocolat, rich and shareable; and the Chocolate Nougatine Pie, a dessert lover’s dream. The Trio of Gelato and Sorbet offered the perfect finish, especially the intriguing fromage gelato, which was surprisingly addictive.

The service was polished but relaxed—knowledgeable staff who made excellent pairing suggestions and ensured we were well cared for throughout the evening.

La Bicyclette is more than just a meal—it’s an experience you want to return to, especially knowing the menu shifts with the seasons. We’re already planning our next visit to see what’s new on the board. A solid five stars from all six of us.

We spent over $125 for a bottle of wine, the pate and the Gilda skewers.
The pate was disappointing and the skewers were sparse and cheap looking.
We gave our waitress a 20% tip. It wasn't her fault the food left a lot to be desired.

Probably the signature restaurant in the Carmel shopping district. Lives up to its reputation for food, friendliness and a fun atmosphere. Plenty of other good options in this town but worth a visit for a memorable meal and dining experience.

Ashton you are the best!!! It was amazing experience because of you 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
The food very good

Did late lunch twice and enjoyed the cheerful and pleasant atmosphere. Good Italian/French fair with a twist. Liked my spaghetti with shrimps in particular.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

I went there because I heard it was a good gnocchi restaurant, and it was really delicious! However, the fish dish covered in curry sauce was surprisingly delicious!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

French Bistro atmosphere in Monterey.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic, honestly one of my favorite places in the area.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious tulip and bacon soup, fish curry and lobster tortellini with a thoughtful combination of ingredients and well decorated . The german beer served with cheese makes it special. The waitress is endearing. We had a great time and recommend it to everyone who visits the area.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Soup

One of the best gnocchi plates I ever had. Great friendly service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Parisian Gnocchi

La Bicyclette is a gem in Carmel! The food is consistently solid and full of flavor. I highly recommend starting with the oysters—they’re fresh and delicious. The gnocchi is perfectly crafted, and the pizza is a standout with its wood-fired charm.

Their wine selection is also a fantastic touch— excellent pairings that elevate the meal. The cozy ambiance and friendly service make it a must-visit spot. If you’re in Carmel, don’t miss this place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5