Aubergine at L'Auberge CarmelFantastic MealAubergine has a very small dining room (I believe it seats 18 over 8 tables) but this place proves that good things come in small packages. We were greeted by name at the door. The service is 5-Star all the way. The Sommelier discretely tastes every bottle of wine before serving it and the food is over the top. Extremely creative presentations and perfectly prepared and compared to other high end restaurants that offer 4-course meals, the pricing is quite reasonable. Definitely worth a visit for a special occaision (ours was an anniversary). We were even offered a chance to speak to the chef (in the kitchen) afterwards. This has to be the best restaurant in Carmel-by-the-sea.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMSuch a beautiful experienceSuch a beautiful experience and a great way to celebrate any special event. Did the tasting menu for $125. Highlights included abalone in a chicken & umeboshi broth with sea grapes and kelp, scallop and scallop roe steamed in its shell in a lemony broth. Each dish looked like a work of art and was so incredibly innovative...not to mention delicious. Great use of fresh local ingredients in both the food and decoration of each plate. Service was proper and attentive, but not stuffy or hovering. Larger parties are in a separate room from couples/small groups, making for an intimate atmosphere. Loved everything about this place!6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMAdventurous Wine PairingWe opted for the chef's tasting menu and the sommelier wine pairing. I was pleasantly surprised with things that are uncommon but familiar to me like Pinot Meunier in red wine form. I was welcomed into new territory with ingredients like sea urchin, osau iraty, hato mugi and Viura. I loved 90% of what crossed my lips and remain perplexed by 10% of it. I consider this more of a success than if I'd loved 100%. I commend both the chef and sommelier for their exceptional, adventurous choices.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMPleased but less than expected...A non-alcoholic beverage was ordered along with a glass of wine, and not brought to the table until the glass of wine had been consumed. When asked if we wanted coffee with our dessert we stated yes, but the coffee was not brought until the dessert had been finished. Japanese beef priced at $32.00 per ounce was not any tastier or less grainy than one would would normally expect at a restaurant of this quality. Overall the food was excellent!! Servers were pleasant, very personable, and explained each course very well.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful!The creativity of the chef is matched only by the charm and expertise of the sommelier. The chef's tasting menu is a fantastic experience; it's expensive but this was one of the most memorable meals we have ever had.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWell worth the experience
TheWell worth the experience
The wine pairing for dinner was a hit and as miss but well worth the try
The table staff was incredible friendly professional and quite knowledgeable of
what they were serving. just ask. you will be impressed5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMTruly Outstanding!I spend a lot of time in Japan and quickly saw the influences on this talented chef. The experience was as excellent as, maybe even better, than French Laundry. The service is impeccable. The ambiance perfect. What a special spot! We had the tasting menu with the wine pairings. Knowledgeable sommelier, extensive wine list.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was exquisite, andThe food was exquisite, and that comment comes 48 hours after eating at The French Laundry! The sommelier was fantastic and his wine pairing recommendations were perfect. The restaurant staff could not have been better. We will definitely have dinner (and stay) here during our next trip to Carmel-by-the-sea!4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMHospitality at it's finest. ChefHospitality at it's finest.
Chef Justin Cogley recent winner of Food & Wine's Best Chefs in America is doing some brilliant work. This is a MUST TRY place.
HUGE TALENTS here.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMA romantic anniversary dinnerFor a special occasion. Service impeccable food outstanding.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMThe tasting menu is an absoluteThe tasting menu is an absolute must! Every course was so pleasing & presented beautifully. Makes u crave for more.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding. Pricey, butOutstanding. Pricey, but will worth it for a special occasion. Restaurant is small, so reservations on weekends a must.
Impeccable dining experience.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMI have eaten all over theI have eaten all over the world, and this was unquestionably the most amazing experience ever. My husband and I had the eight course tasting menu. Words cannot describe both the food and attention to detail. This is an unforgettable restaurant.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMInspired food deliverd withInspired food deliverd with top qiality service. Sommelier provided exceptional wine pairings . Don’t miss the cheese cellar/course.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMOur waiter was very professional,Our waiter was very professional, Food was exquisite, presentation is creative, especially loved little edible flowers and a plate of stone arrangements. If you like an elegant and fine dining, this place is for you.3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome!I can't say enough about the food and service. True fine dining, worth every penny! Tips chef and staff are very talented. Stick with the wine pairing as well!3/7/2013 12:00:00 AM