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Aubergine the restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel Carmel-by-the-Sea Reviews
Chefs head platter "gifts from the sea" carried the entire
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!
Amaizing food and service
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)
We enjoyed a FABULOUS meal prepared by Chef Justin Cogley
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) https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g32172-d1367785-r942797504-Aubergine_at_L_Auberge_Carmel-Carmel_Monterey_County_California.html#
Ah, Aubergine in Carmel - a gem nestled in the cozy
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.
AMAZING! Every bite was tasty, every dish was thoughtful
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!
A ripoff
$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.
We savored every aspect of the 8-course dinner.
The service was exceptional, creating a relaxed ambiance. This restaurant consistently delights; my husband and I have cherished it since before it earned its Michelin star
One of the top 5 restaurants I've ever eaten at, Aubergine
One of the top 5 restaurants I've ever eaten at, Aubergine combined expertly crafted dishes, excellent service, and a delightful wine pairing into an intimate dining experience for for the best celebrations in your life. The theme of the menu when we visited was "surprise" and we found the menu to be entirely that. The thrice seared A5 miyazaki wagyu took the show for my wife and I, followed closely by the duck breast and confit. Aubergine is delightfully appointed, comfortable, quiet and intimate. If you have a chance to enjoy a meal here odds of disappointment are very low.
Imagine stepping into a hidden gem nestled in the heart of
Imagine stepping into a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Carmel by the Sea. The moment you enter, the ambiance greets you like an old friend, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. It's not just a restaurant; it's an experience, a voyage through the captivating worlds of land and sea. As you walk in, you're greeted by a visual feast - seashells and succulents artfully arranged on rocks, as if Mother Nature herself curated the decor. It's like walking into a cozy living room of a dear friend, where every detail is chosen with care and affection. The small bites was a love letter to the sea and the earth, a storybook filled with tales of abalone, caviar, and Wagyu. Each dish is a character in this gastronomic narrative, with the sea bass stealing the show, daring to keep its skin unskinned, giving you that extra crunch that surprises and delights. The squid waltzes in, draped in a buttery, creamy sauce that's practically a dance on your taste buds. And the bread? It's not just a side, it's the perfect partner in this flavorful tango. The main courses are the heroes of this culinary tale. The duck, lean and tender, strikes the perfect balance, while the rib eye, with its onion sidekick, forms a carnivorous duo that leaves you wanting more. Dessert arrives like the grand finale, and you're treated to a spectacle. Opt for green tea, served in a kettle that could easily win an award for aesthetics. Each dessert takes a bow, creating a sweet harmony that feels like the perfect ending to a wonderful story. This Carmel by the Sea gem is more than just a place to eat; it's a comforting embrace that envelops you. The ambiance is set by the soft lighting, which creates a cozy atmosphere. The staff are passionate food experts who are eager to share their knowledge with you. This restaurant is more than just a meal; it's an adventure that you'll never forget. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Amazing.
Had a memorable anniversary dinner there. Beautiful, insane food. Excellent service. We will be back!
Amazing food. Will blow your taste buds!
This was a spectacular dinner in the heart of beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. The restaurant has 10 tables, 5 indoor and 5 outdoor. We ate in the indoor dining room which was lovely. The staff was incredibly attentive and explained every course very well. In fact, with each course a member of the kitchen team comes out to describe it in detail and serve, which makes it extra special. The experience was about 2 hours, and we loved every dish, which was a surprise until they brought it out. In other words, no menu. I would highly recommend this dinner to anyone celebrating a special occasion, because it is such a lovely setting and delicious food. We did not have wine, but the wine list was extensive.
We dined at Aubergine for our wedding anniversary, and it
We dined at Aubergine for our wedding anniversary, and it was just as special as we had hoped. The car show was going on in Carmel that weekend, so there were Italian Super Cars parked out front, so thank goodness for their valet service! Each course was perfectly presented by the chef who made it, with a description of everything on the plate. I think I heard that there were 15 chefs in the kitchen! We even got to chat with Chef Justin. Each dish was timed so well, the whole meal had a beautiful rhythm. It was truly magical. We even got a little box of sweets to take the experience home. You certainly don't need a special occasion to dine at Aubergine, just know that the restaurant will make any occasion a special one. They really deserve a second Michelin star!
The best tasting course I've ever been to, all food was on
The best tasting course I've ever been to, all food was on point, left full and wine pairing & service was on point. We sat in the courtyard which added to the ambiance.
Just look most everyone who has reviewed Aubergine, I give
Just look most everyone who has reviewed Aubergine, I give it 5 shining stars! We came here for our wedding night dinner (we eloped) and it was the most magical experience. From the moment we pulled up, our car doors were opened, we were escorted up and met with the friendliest experience ever. The staff truly anticipated every need we had. The ambiance is amazing--a little courtyard adorned with romantic lighting and heaters for the cold. As for the food--I have no words. We went with the sommelier pairing and I thought it was super worth it! The tasting menu was incredible and we truly enjoyed every single thing. My favorite part of all was that the chefs would come out and explain each dish--this was something I hadn't experienced at other Michelin star restaurants before. I would 100% go back and would absolutely recommend!
A journey of flavors in a magnificent place
I had an incredible gastronomic experience in this magnificent restaurant in the heart of Carmel. The chef took us on a taste journey of very high quality. The wine list is also first class!
Positive surprise, true fine dining in a small setting
Excellent fine dining place ! Service, atmosphere, food, wine list - all worth the price. My biggest concern with dining in the US, even fine dining, are the big portion sizes. This was not the case here, great, tasty, small portions in line with degustation menu. Not stuffy, just a nice atmosphere, great, unobtrusive service. Would def, come again.
My husband and I enjoyed the tasting menu last Sunday.
Everything was incredible, and for those who are less adventurous, there wasn't a single "unusual" thing on the menu. No sweet meats, no squid ink, nothing that would cause you to hesitate before taking a bite.The presentation was wonderful. Every bite was a little piece of heaven, and the staff was wonderful. My husband thought it was a nice touch that the chef and the sous chefs came to the table to serve a few of the dishes.Even in the cold and outdoors, this was an incredible experience. I would definitely take friends and family here.
I guess I either won out in the husband department or am
I guess I either won out in the husband department or am just a really lucky girl because my husband spoiled me with an amazing dinner at Aubergine for my birthday weekend in Monterey/Carmel. Every course was beautifully served and the flavors were memorable. We did the wine pairing, and their somm is genius at complimenting some really unique dishes. Service is of course, outstanding. As mentioned in previous reviews, the price was expectedly high. Because of that, I'd say for most of us, this is definitely a special occasion restaurant, but an excellent one at that.
Came here for a Sunday night dinner date with my partner.
The tasting menu was delicious but we were mostly impressed with their top notch service and wine pairings! So good!
Spent a weekend in carmel and found this very cozy Inn with
Spent a weekend in carmel and found this very cozy Inn with a very great restaurant. Food was very scrumptious! Service was superb. Everything in the tasting menu tasted divine and wine pairings recommended by our wine connoisseur was just perfect! Don't miss out on visiting this place whenever you're in carmel by the sea.
Incredible food, service, and elevated without being
Incredible food, service, and elevated without being pretentious. They kept the tasting menu exhilarating for my pregnant wife without missing a beat.
Tried to make reservations for 5 people.
Was told the main finding room only accommodated parties of four or less otherwise I needed to make arrangements for the wine cellar which has a minimum $2400 spend. Pairing and food is $400/pp. So I asked if they were explicitly turning away a $2100 table and the guy said "ooooooh, yeaaaah... chef is pretty strict." Needless to say I'll take my money elsewhere unless this is corrected.
Service and food were excellent
The multicourse meal was absolutely delicious. This was our second visit, and it equaled the first. Wine pairings were spot-on.
Delicious tasting menu & wine pairing
We celebrated our anniversary here. The tasting menu and wine pairing were what you'd expect - delicious. I'm a vegetarian and they accommodated / adjusted the menu very well. Service was wonderful, and their inside dining area is very comfortable.
We celebrated our anniversary here several months ago.
The tasting menu and wine pairing were what you'd expect - delicious. I'm a vegetarian and they accommodated / adjusted the menu very well. Service was wonderful, and their inside dining area is very comfortable.
This is an amazing experience.
Aubergine is a one Michelin star restaurant located in L'Auberge Hotel in the heart of Carmel. We enjoyed the eight course menu with the wine pairing. Each serving was a work of art and delicious. I have food allergies and still had a fabulous experience being able to try each course presented. We were treated wonderfully by the wait service, sommeliers and the sous chiefs would come and share how they created the food. The menu is changed daily for the freshest and in season items available.Recommend sitting in the intimate courtyard under the twinkling lights for a romantic experience. The hotel is also beautiful with antiques and lots of history in true Carmel style
Great experience at Aubergine.
The staff was incredibly welcoming and personable. My husband made a reservation for my birthday, and each staff member greeted me when first coming to our table. Highly recommend the wine pairing if within your budget. The executive chef came out to serve/finish plating two of our courses, which we thought was really cool.
Don't book here for a special occasion unless you don't
Don't book here for a special occasion unless you don't mind the risk of Aubergine calling to say you have to give up your spot the night before your big day, as just happened to me.My wife and I got married in the middle of Covid. This year, we were excited to celebrate our first anniversary with everything open and back to normal again. We chose Aubergine because it is small and intimate, and had rave reviews. I booked the table months in advance, and agreed to pay $290 if I cancelled at the last minute.The night before our dinner, Aubergine called me to say something had come up and 4 (of 9) tables had to be bumped. They told me since I only lived a couple hours away, and other guests were traveling from further, that I should just come another time. I explained that it was my first anniversary with my wife and that the date itself was important. They suggested I was being selfish and denying more worthy dinners the opportunity to experience Aubergine on their vacations. He said he would call others, but if they weren't willing to give up their seats he would call me back to inform me I wouldn't be able to join them tomorrow evening.I spent the next two hours furiously googling and calling and thankfully found a last minute spot open at Birdsong (two Michelin stars and only $25pp more than Aubergine, perhaps the cancellation was a blessing in disguise). Rather than risk making the trip to Carmel and checking into our hotel only to get the dreaded call back from Aubergine that no other diners were willing to give up their table and our reservation was gone, I jumped on the spot at Birdsong. Aubergine wasn't able to explain why they had to bump us (when I asked, he said he didn't know, he guessed it might be staffing). If I had to guess, I'd say some VIPs wanted to go on a Saturday night and Aubergine thought it would be fine to just pressure some plebians to give up their long-standing reservations to accommodate them. Even an airline that bumps people offers some form of compensation, but Aubergine didn't even offer to use their relationships in the industry to find us another table for our anniversary, let alone offer a discount or apology. Just a quick thanks when I called back to tell them I'd found another place on my own. I think a huge part of the fine dining experience is the service and, on that measure, I'd say Aubergine missed the mark by a mile. (As a side note, if you find yourself in the area, instead of Aubergine, I'd highly recommend Birdsong, Lazy Bear, SingleThread, Saison, the French Laundry, and Manresa. We've had incredible meals and wonderful experiences at each, and all are well worth it.)
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Let's say Peter has a great morning and decides to take his three friends to Aubergine the restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel Carmel-by-the-Sea at 6 PM the same day.
He checks the restaurant's website and sees that no reservations are available. He then looks at the Aubergine the restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel Carmel-by-the-Sea page on AppointmentTrader, but finds that there are no user postings either.
That's where the community-driven bid process comes in.
Peter can place a bid on AppointmentTrader, which serves as a reward for any community member who chooses to work on securing the reservation. AT then notifies experienced users who may be able to help.
Step-by-Step Process
1.) Setting a Reward (Bid)
* AppointmentTrader uses historical data to recommend a reasonable reward amount for securing a reservation - let's say $100.
* Peter really wants to go, so he increases the bid (or reward) to $200.
* At this stage, the reservation does not exist yet.
2.) A Community User Picks Up the Bid
* ImmortalStep65, an experienced AT user, has a strong track record of successfully securing reservations and low refund requests, they receive a notification about Peter's bid.
* ImmortalStep65 picks up the bid, meaning they will now work on securing the reservation.
* Peter can now talk to ImmortalStep65 for any questions Peter may have as ImmortalStep65 user fills the bid.
3.) Finding the Reservation
* ImmortalStep65 now uses their connections at Aubergine the restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel Carmel-by-the-Sea to secure the table.
* If they successfully get the 6 PM table for four, Peter receives a confirmation that the reservation has been secured.
* If ImmortalStep65 fails to secure the reservation, the bid is returned to the pool so another user can try.
4.) Payment & Protection
* Once the reservation is secured, ImmortalStep65 receives the $200 reward which is credited to ImmortalStep65's AT balance, where users manage their own funds and can withdraw via available payout options such as bank transfer, PayPal, or Zelle.
* Peter can now enjoy the dinner with his friends at Aubergine the restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel Carmel-by-the-Sea!
* As with all transactions on AT, disputes and no-show fees are handled through the platform's community-driven resolution system. Users with a strong track record are incentivized to fulfill bids successfully, and community members can report issues to maintain trust in the marketplace.
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Ranked #7 in Carmel-by-the-Sea's Best Restaurants.
