We came here to celebrate my birthday. It's a prefix 3 courses meal. Great food and friendly service!
Genevieve S.
It's uncomfortable to post this review, but here it is.... Food was reasonable, but 93$ for 2 soufflés and a small salad seems a bit steep. Also, the soufflé's were good, but a bit undercooked and still 'eggy'. The two issues I'd like to point out is that the seats are SO incredibly uncomfortable, you are hoping the meal ends so you can leave. Also, for a fine dining experience, the ramekin should be seated in a fitted plate, so when you attempt to move your spoon inside the soufflé, the ramekin is unable to move. Probably don't need to visit again, but would give this a 3 out of 5 stars
Emma C.
The most amazing restaurant in Carmel! My husband and I were celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary and he made reservations at Le Soufflé. I had no idea where we were going. I loved the pre-set menu. You get to pick a starter, a main course and a dessert! Everything was amazing! Taste wise and ambiance wise! Our server was very knowledgeable on the menu and gave us great recommendations. I had the salad with pears and hazelnuts, the mushroom soufflé and the passion fruit and mango dessert! Everything was excellent!
Tom M
In all our years of going to Carmel we had never tried Le Souffle and finally remedied that this week. We went with a friend so tried a bunch of different menu items and all were great. It’s such a cute, tiny spot and the service was very friendly (and gave recommendations when asked which I love versus when servers are wishy washy). The wine list is very small but very well curated. Definitely fun dinner for a change of pace
Art T
The atmosphere, the food, the service was absolutely amazing. Soufflé is not an easy dish to make and the chef absolutely mastered it. Thank you! We will be back.
Hector F.
We've loved this little place since it opened. But we only go once every 2 months or so because we consider it a "splutge." Your Main and desert courses will be souffles. Opener/appetizer can be a soup or perhaps a salad -- always delish. It's prix fixe. Wine pairings are French wines that will go well with appetizer, main and desert. Wines by the glass are an option, or BYOB. Carmel has outrageous corkage fees now -- about $35. But at least you can drink what you really like that way. Seating is very limited -- it's a tiny place and staffed minimally. But that guarantees a quiet, cozy, special night out. Reservations are a must -- we call or use OpenTable -- usually finding only fairly early time slots. Wish the antique furniture would get re-stuffed, as it's a bit lumpy/uncomfortable. But that's the only negative we can come up with.
golfer7
Servers were wonderful. Space is tight but nicely appointed. App & Main Course soufflés were perfect. Fruit dessert soufflés also perfect, but dark chocolate dessert soufflés were a bid bland and dry (although ice cream was terrific). Other than that, a perfect experience. We'll be back.
Carmen C.
Made a reservation for dinner on a weekend. We found parking a street over. Was greeted by friendly staff. Ordered Frisee Salad with Caramelized Pear & Hazelnuts Bouillabaisse Served with Ficelle Toast & Rouille 2 Chef Ivan's Seasonal Fall Entrée of the Day Chocolate Soufflé with house made Vanilla Ice Cream Seasonal Apple soufflé with caramel ice cream Inside was clean. The food was delicious. I loved the soufflés! Staff were excellent.
rfogsndego
As part time residents, this is our very favorite restaurant in Carmel by the Sea. The food is fantastic, service amazing and just a wonderful experience each and every visit. Love the seasonal changes and the Roquefort dessert soufflé is my go to! Soufflés, Champagne and amazing time, what could be better!
This place is a five star in every category except the volume of the waitress voice. This is a very elegant restaurant, quaint, cozy, six tables. Outstanding dining experience. If only the waitress could speak softly. Also, I noted it was my partners birthday in my reservation as it was one of the options to choose. Although was not recognized by the staff. One candle in dessert? Nothing. I would still highly recommend this place such a cute story of origin, and I certainly wish them continued success. The table for two is exceptional as my partner, and I typically sit side-by-side, wherever we go.and it's in the corner and quiet.
My husband and I came here for our first wedding anniversary and were very excited after reading the review's. We are foodies and have been fortunate enough to eat at many immaculate restaurants. After giving this dining experience much thought, we felt it deserved a 3 star rating for a few reasons. 1. The special of the evening was a second vegetarian option (lasagna) on an already very limited menu which was somewhat surprising for a fine dining restaurant. 2. The chicken soufflé was extremely salty and made my husband question on whether or not to return it (he didn't because he didn't want to be difficult). 3. As mentioned, we came here for our anniversary which was communicated when I made the reservation but it seemed as though it was forgotten. On a positive note the 3 dishes we enjoyed were the borscht, crab soufflé and the grand mariner soufflé, which were memorable.
Outstanding food-never really had soufflé as a main course so did not know what to expect. The ingredients were fresh and the sauces delicious. Very intimate and quaint experience as only six tables in the restaurant but this lent itself as a perfect special occasion dinner. Service is outstanding. And really given a three course prix fixe soufflés meal the price was quite reasonable for a French restaurant in the middle of Carmel(under $100).
RoyM
One of the most pleasant dining experiences I've ever had. Food was phenomenal, service was great, atmosphere was intimate. Wine was boutique from France. Surpassed my expectations. Very unique restaurant. Will definitely return again as the menu changes every 3 months.
DarynS
Le Souffle is a gem. The friendliness of the staff, the intimate environment, the fabulous food, all come together and make it a joyful and very satisfying experience to have in Carmel. I was unable to get a reservation when I was last year so planning ahead is a good idea.
happytummy
Delicious food and friendly service. The dark chocolate soufflé was amazing. The best I've ever had. Make sure you save room for dessert as you will not be disappointed. Wish they offered a dessert flight. Would definitely drive from San Francisco for that!
We came here to celebrate my birthday. It's a prefix 3 courses meal. Great food and friendly service!
It's uncomfortable to post this review, but here it is.... Food was reasonable, but 93$ for 2 soufflés and a small salad seems a bit steep. Also, the soufflé's were good, but a bit undercooked and still 'eggy'. The two issues I'd like to point out is that the seats are SO incredibly uncomfortable, you are hoping the meal ends so you can leave. Also, for a fine dining experience, the ramekin should be seated in a fitted plate, so when you attempt to move your spoon inside the soufflé, the ramekin is unable to move. Probably don't need to visit again, but would give this a 3 out of 5 stars
The most amazing restaurant in Carmel! My husband and I were celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary and he made reservations at Le Soufflé. I had no idea where we were going. I loved the pre-set menu. You get to pick a starter, a main course and a dessert! Everything was amazing! Taste wise and ambiance wise! Our server was very knowledgeable on the menu and gave us great recommendations. I had the salad with pears and hazelnuts, the mushroom soufflé and the passion fruit and mango dessert! Everything was excellent!
In all our years of going to Carmel we had never tried Le Souffle and finally remedied that this week. We went with a friend so tried a bunch of different menu items and all were great. It’s such a cute, tiny spot and the service was very friendly (and gave recommendations when asked which I love versus when servers are wishy washy). The wine list is very small but very well curated. Definitely fun dinner for a change of pace
The atmosphere, the food, the service was absolutely amazing. Soufflé is not an easy dish to make and the chef absolutely mastered it. Thank you! We will be back.
We've loved this little place since it opened. But we only go once every 2 months or so because we consider it a "splutge." Your Main and desert courses will be souffles. Opener/appetizer can be a soup or perhaps a salad -- always delish. It's prix fixe. Wine pairings are French wines that will go well with appetizer, main and desert. Wines by the glass are an option, or BYOB. Carmel has outrageous corkage fees now -- about $35. But at least you can drink what you really like that way. Seating is very limited -- it's a tiny place and staffed minimally. But that guarantees a quiet, cozy, special night out. Reservations are a must -- we call or use OpenTable -- usually finding only fairly early time slots. Wish the antique furniture would get re-stuffed, as it's a bit lumpy/uncomfortable. But that's the only negative we can come up with.
Servers were wonderful. Space is tight but nicely appointed. App & Main Course soufflés were perfect. Fruit dessert soufflés also perfect, but dark chocolate dessert soufflés were a bid bland and dry (although ice cream was terrific). Other than that, a perfect experience. We'll be back.
Made a reservation for dinner on a weekend. We found parking a street over. Was greeted by friendly staff. Ordered Frisee Salad with Caramelized Pear & Hazelnuts Bouillabaisse Served with Ficelle Toast & Rouille 2 Chef Ivan's Seasonal Fall Entrée of the Day Chocolate Soufflé with house made Vanilla Ice Cream Seasonal Apple soufflé with caramel ice cream Inside was clean. The food was delicious. I loved the soufflés! Staff were excellent.
As part time residents, this is our very favorite restaurant in Carmel by the Sea. The food is fantastic, service amazing and just a wonderful experience each and every visit. Love the seasonal changes and the Roquefort dessert soufflé is my go to! Soufflés, Champagne and amazing time, what could be better!
This place is a five star in every category except the volume of the waitress voice. This is a very elegant restaurant, quaint, cozy, six tables. Outstanding dining experience. If only the waitress could speak softly. Also, I noted it was my partners birthday in my reservation as it was one of the options to choose. Although was not recognized by the staff. One candle in dessert? Nothing. I would still highly recommend this place such a cute story of origin, and I certainly wish them continued success. The table for two is exceptional as my partner, and I typically sit side-by-side, wherever we go.and it's in the corner and quiet.
Restaurantji Recommends
My husband and I came here for our first wedding anniversary and were very excited after reading the review's. We are foodies and have been fortunate enough to eat at many immaculate restaurants. After giving this dining experience much thought, we felt it deserved a 3 star rating for a few reasons. 1. The special of the evening was a second vegetarian option (lasagna) on an already very limited menu which was somewhat surprising for a fine dining restaurant. 2. The chicken soufflé was extremely salty and made my husband question on whether or not to return it (he didn't because he didn't want to be difficult). 3. As mentioned, we came here for our anniversary which was communicated when I made the reservation but it seemed as though it was forgotten. On a positive note the 3 dishes we enjoyed were the borscht, crab soufflé and the grand mariner soufflé, which were memorable.
Outstanding food-never really had soufflé as a main course so did not know what to expect. The ingredients were fresh and the sauces delicious. Very intimate and quaint experience as only six tables in the restaurant but this lent itself as a perfect special occasion dinner. Service is outstanding. And really given a three course prix fixe soufflés meal the price was quite reasonable for a French restaurant in the middle of Carmel(under $100).
One of the most pleasant dining experiences I've ever had. Food was phenomenal, service was great, atmosphere was intimate. Wine was boutique from France. Surpassed my expectations. Very unique restaurant. Will definitely return again as the menu changes every 3 months.
Le Souffle is a gem. The friendliness of the staff, the intimate environment, the fabulous food, all come together and make it a joyful and very satisfying experience to have in Carmel. I was unable to get a reservation when I was last year so planning ahead is a good idea.
Delicious food and friendly service. The dark chocolate soufflé was amazing. The best I've ever had. Make sure you save room for dessert as you will not be disappointed. Wish they offered a dessert flight. Would definitely drive from San Francisco for that!