“Wonderful Rack of Lamb and top notch Paella. The only suggestion is that the wait staff be more tuned in to whether the Paella can be shared. We asked if the dish was enough for two, and he said it was only for one . It was actually enough for three.“
“The menu items look fantastic, though I am concerned it there are non-options for dessert. I applaud them for saying they cannot accommodate vegans right away. I look forward to an enjoyable time. However, the fixed menu: $150.00 per person with tax and gratis brings it shy of $200.00 a person and all the comments stated $100. I prefer ala carte when dining, sometimes the bill can even exceed the above prices. Hope to see you soon.“
“The food here is incredible. The warm bread and olive appetizers were amazing. Pizza was delicious too. The excellent food was marred by not so friendly service. The two hostesses were snooty (my pet peeve; why are some restaurant hostesses so snooty? They’re not curing cancer). The waitress seemed mildly peeved at seemingly small requests (refill iced tea). This seemed more like an understaffing problem but the place is small and there seemed to be a lot of staff so maybe she just doesn’t like her job. For much of the meal, we watched food being efficiently prepared by the young gentlemen at the pizza oven area, just to sit waiting to be served. The gentlemen had to quietly ring several times for the food to be picked up and served. Other than the lackluster service, it’s a great place.“
“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!“
“The food was good, and so was the White Chocolate Mochas, but there seemed to be a lot going on in the prep area, but not so much as in the dining (interior/exterior) area.Also pretty pricey for breakfast, two crepes & two White Chocolate Mochas was over $50.“
“Nestled in the heart Carmel-By-The-Bay in a residential area (meaning parking can be challenging), "L'Escargot" transports diners on a culinary voyage of French cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an ambiance that evokes the romance and sophistication of the French capital, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.The moment we were seated, we were greeted warmly by the staff, who exuded the elegance and hospitality synonymous with French culture. The restaurant's intimate setting, adorned with subtle decorations, created an atmosphere that was both inviting and refined.For the apps, one standout was the escargot, served in a garlic and herb butter sauce. The snails were tender and succulent, with each bite offering a burst of flavor that lingered on the palate. The Duck Leg and Foie Gras was equally impressive, although we would've preferred more bread than just two small corner pieces. The French Onion soup is a must try. The caramelized onions, lovingly sautéed to perfection, impart a depth of flavor that is both sweet and savory, setting the stage for a culinary journey like no other.For the main course, our favorite (in order) was their Beef Wellington, Duck two way, Seared Scallop Risotto and the shredded rabbit pasta. I've had Gordon Ramsay version of Beef Wellington, but what's different about this one is the golden pastry shell that enrobes it, providing a crisp, flaky exterior that gives way to tender perfection with each bite that's not too salty. The Seared Scallop Risotto was a bit of a miss with the Risotto as it was missing the crunch, but the Scallop was seared to perfection that melts in your mouth.No French meal would be complete without a decadent dessert. Our favorite was the Lemon Tart, follow by the warm Apple Crisp with a scoop of ice cream, and a home made cheesecake.The service was, with attentive waitstaff ensuring that our sparkling water glasses were never empty and our needs were always met with a smile.“
French • $$
“Visiting from Michigan. One of the best French meals we have had in a very long time. Great atmosphere, friendly staff ... it is always nice to be greeted by the owner. Wine list is smaller, but incredibly well curated. If I lived in Carmel, I would be 20 lbs heavier.“
“Everything was simply fantastic! Our high standards were exceeded. This has got to be the best restaurant in Monterey. From the service to the food to the ambiance - there is nothing that left us wanting more. You can truly feel the love the owners and staff put into their work.“
“My wife and I celebrated our anniversary here and we had a marvelous time. The food was superb and the wine list is incredible. The ambiance is cozy and relaxed, but lively and fun. The highlight of the evening was the service, however. Our server made the evening truly memorable--very engaging, helpful, patient, not to mention hilarious! The table was guaranteed for two hours but we were there for almost four! We couldn't recommend a better place in Carmel to enjoy a fabulous meal.“
“This is one of my favorite places to get coffee with friends of a date. Service is quick. The dining room is super chill and cozy and it feels like a greenhouse. Their coffee selection is simple but well done. Their pastries are pretty good too-- I've yet to try much, but I'm excited to try more.“