Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel

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Address:
Monte Verde & 7th Ave.
Carmel, CA 93921

Neighborhood:
Carmel

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Cuisine:
Californian

Price: $50 and over

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Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel Details

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Website: http://www.auberginecarmel.com
Phone: (831) 624-8578
Hours of Operation: Dinner served daily from 6:00pm to 9:30pm.

Private parties in the Wine Cellar or al fresco dining in the flower-filled courtyard can be arranged upon request. Contact events@laubergecarmel.com.
Payment Options: AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Californian, Seafood, Contemporary American
Executive Chef: Justin Cogley
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Fireplace, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Smoking Area, Smoking Area (patio only), Wheelchair Access, Wine
Catering: For weddings, private dining and special events please call our Events Coordinator at 831-622-5907 or email: events@laubergecarmel.com.
Private Party Facilities: Restaurant buy-outs are possible at L'Auberge Carmel. L'Auberge Carmel's private Wine Cellar can seat parties up to ten people.
Private Party Contact: Reservations (831) 624-8578

Getting there

Cross Street: 7th
Parking: Valet
Parking Details: Valet parking is offered; street parking is optional.

A word from Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel

Executive Chef Justin Cogley and Executive Pastry Chef Ron Mendoza prepare sophisticated modern California cuisine. With access to an array of outstanding local products as well as ingredients and artisan purveyors from around the world, Cogley and Mendoza focus on incorporating these elements into… their ever-changing menus.The intimate 12-table Aubergine restaurant features an underground wine cellar that was constructed beneath the inn's courtyard to house the restaurant's 4,500 bottle collection. The wine list features great wines from around the world but especially wines from Monterey County.

Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time.
Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per person Cancelling.

Dining Room Attire: Smart Casual. Jackets for gentlemen are encouraged. Ties are optional. No t-shirts, shorts, or tennis shoes please.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food

Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel - Best Restaurants in Carmel

Diner Reviews

"We thoroughly enjoyed dining at Aubergine in Carmel, California. We purchased the wine pairing and the wines chosen complemented the food perfectly. The courses were beautifully presented as well as delicious and we left feeling satisfied but not overly full. Each touch, like the homemade rolls and the cookies to take with us, as well as the opportunity to step into the kitchen and meet the chef, was special and memorable. We definitely will try and return."
Dined on 7/26/2014
"Jamie from Coi in San Francisco recommended this place. She said Michelin hasn't been down to review the restaurant yet. But...they will. The food was delicious...Dan...our server, was terrific. The $55.00 corking fee is to much. The wagyu filet from the Hokkaido region of Japan was like nothing ever before...incredible and worth it!"
Dined on 7/21/2014
"Aubergine was a once of a lifetime dining experience. The food was impeccable and the sommelier was unrivalled. They even had an awesome mix of music."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"Very intimate with fantastic food. One of the best restaurants I have been to in the world"
Dined on 7/18/2014
"My wife and I celebrated our anniversary and was very pleased that we got to experience the outstanding food and service. This is a small but exquisite venue. The Executive Chief is Justin Cogley who previously worked at Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago. He has created a very unique and wonderful menu. In my opinion there are only 2 concerns. They are the small size of the portions on the Tasting Menu and the cost of the meal. But, to our surprise we were full at the end and totally enjoyed each course with the paired wine. It is a meal we will never forget."
Dined on 7/16/2014
"an amazing meal - food, ambiance, presentation couldn't have been better. Wish we lived closer so we could make a return visit. Worth a journey"
Dined on 7/15/2014
"My husband and I were looking for a very nice place to celebrate our anniversary, and Aubergine did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in, we were treated like royalty. The service is impeccable. The food, outstanding. Each course was beautifully prepared and presented. We even got to go meet the chef and rest of the kitchen after our meal (and we received a very nice gift in the way of an autographed menu from Chef Justin Cogley! We will be back."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"Dinner at Aubergine was impeccable. From the first to the last course everything was amazing. My husband and I could not pick a favorite course because each one out did the previous. Small, quaint, romantic dining room. Service was friendly, professional and spot on. After dinner we were invited to meet the chef. Executive Chef Justin Cogley was very humble and definitely deserves 2 Michelin Stars."
Dined on 6/27/2014
"Very good service but Disappointing,strange food and extremely pricy."
Dined on 6/19/2014
"We enjoyed the chef's tasting menu and wine pairing, but it was very expensive and just a bit over the top. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience so now that we have been there and done that, doubt we will be back."
Dined on 6/19/2014
"Brilliant imaginative food with perfect wine matching. Totally professional service."
Dined on 6/8/2014
"The chef's tasting menu was delicious save the first three courses which were nothing too special. Portions were a bit on the scarce side, however, and made the overall price--already pretty steep--feel a bit over the top. It was also a bit annoying to have additional up selling of special versions of some of the dishes (eg, special Japanese steak that was $32/oz with a minimum portion of 4 oz!) when the meal was already quite expensive. The wine list was extensive and excellent."
Dined on 5/24/2014
"Aubergine is perfect. The food, the wine and the service are excellent and consistent. We live on the Monterey Peninsula and go to Aubergine a few times each year and it never disappoints. Yes it is expensive and the serving are small, but each one has incredible mix of flavor, texture and taste. The wine pairings are always right on. We have never left disappointed or feeling we had paid to much. Go and enjoy a unique dining experience."
Dined on 5/24/2014
"Everything, from the moment we entered until we left the restaurant we were welcomed and treated with great touch! There was no waiting time. The food was outstanding! The presentation was marvelous! This was our second theme dinner, and we made our reservation for next month Korean theme dinner already. We are so lucky to live in the area and enjoy Aubergine's any time we want. "
Dined on 5/20/2014
"We treated ourselves to a fabulous meal at Aubergine. The entire evening was terrific!"
Dined on 5/15/2014
"It was lovely and most of the menu was exceptional. The salad with asparagus, duck egg and challah bread was memorable. "
Dined on 5/11/2014
"This is an elegant restaurant. There were 9 tables set our evening, a mix of couples and a few family groups. We ordered the special prix fix, and were completely satisfied, with the same level of positive memory we have for Charlie Trotter and Per Se. We would not come here often, but for a special evening, top tier."
Dined on 5/10/2014
"My friends and I are foodies, often dining at the best of SF, NYC, or Paris. I had read the Aubergine reviews on Yelp and OpenTable, but was not expecting the seriously creative and high quality we found in the tasting menu. Excellent amuse bouche, seafood courses, two meat courses, and a series of sweets. We collectively gave Aubergine and A+. "
Dined on 5/3/2014
"This was our first time at L'Auberge and we experienced some phenomenal food, coupled with excellent service. We had the tasting menu and found that the food was elevated to a new level that many similar places fail to reach. The presentation was very tasteful and made the meal feel like an experience. Service was just right, without being overbearing. We appreciated the wine list recommendations and thought they were spot on. "
Dined on 5/2/2014
"Whenever in the area, we usually only dine here - last time a year ago. Since then something must have changed in the kitchen. Just wasn't the same. Also, generally very reserved atmosphere - but tonight two gentlemen from a local wine club dominated the room - which is small. But the biggest problem was the food. Stupid expensive for what we received and each course had us shaking our heads - why did he make vinegar the dominant flavor for a starter featuring peas, why put caviar on a custard featuring local milk, and then again caviar - this time overwhelming an asparagus salad, then another bizarre flavor profile for ribeye slices. And so much smoked flavor - almost everywhere. Bizarre! We cancelled the next two reservations."
Dined on 5/1/2014
"This restaurant should definitely be included in The Michelin San Francisco guide! It's quite a dinning experience."
Dined on 4/24/2014
"My wife and I had a really enjoyable night at Aubergine. The food was excellent and service was sublime. There were just enough surprises to keep me wanting more and the Kobe beef was sumptuous. I've eaten in plenty of Michelin starred places and this comfortably hovers between an 1 and an 2 star place. Well worth a trip."
Dined on 4/19/2014
"Altho we are not tasting menu fans, this is one of the better bargains, cheaper than their SF peers. Far better than the vaunted Commis/Oakland: service is better, DR is gorgeous, food is much more interesting and presentation is excellent. Choice of 8 course Chef Choice or 4 course Tasting. Extra courses from Chef's tasting can be added to regular Tasting for surcharge. We did one of each and enjoyed both. Oysters, asparagus, scallop, steak, lamb, and chocolate courses were the best of a great variety and interplay of flavors. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 4/17/2014
"Had an absolutely heavenly meal at Aubergine. Chef Cogley's food is inventive, yet respectful of the unique ingredients that go into every mind-blowing dish. The masterful cuisine, perceptive wine pairing, impeccably attentive service, and welcoming setting all add up to a stellar dining experience. Où sont les étoiles Michelin?"
Dined on 4/16/2014
"As one who seeks out top restaurants all over the world, I am confident this is one of the best. It isn't inexpensive, but if you're willing and able, the tasting menu with the wine pairing is outstanding. You can save some money by not doing the premium tasting. I've tried them both, and the regular pairing is really good for substantially less expense."
Dined on 4/11/2014
"My husband and I drove two hours each way just to eat here at the recommendation of a friend. It was worth every minute of the drive!"
Dined on 4/6/2014
"The chef's selection 7+ course menu was outstanding. Such creativity with each unique item. Elegant, graceful and very special. Thank you for the invitation to visit the kitchen, and for signing the evening's menu"
Dined on 4/4/2014
"This place is over the moon. I came here from Chicago -- originator of American "small plates" thanks to Charlie Trotter; As well as molecular gastronomy thanks to Alinea's Grant Achatz. I assume Chef Justin Cogley doesn't want to hear any of those allusions, but worthy! Even if you choose "The Menu" over "The Tasting Menu" you will get more than you expect. Get in there and enjoy (an expensive) but amazing culinary journey."
Dined on 4/3/2014
"During our recent two week vacation to the California coast, we had to good fortune to dine at Aubergine one evening. Once we returned home, we realized that the level of delight, satisfaction, and contentment with the food, service, and experience that we encountered at Aubergine was by far the best of our trip, easily far surpassing our rocky dining experiences that we suffered at several other more famous and expensive locations in San Francisco and the Napa Valley. Everything from start to finish at Aubergine was just right, just awesome. While other places try hard to bewilder and confuse the diner with ever-more exotic and hard-to-stomach ingredients, Aubergine keeps everything smooth, honest, clear, and supremely delicious."
Dined on 3/21/2014
"Without a doubt the finest dining experience we have ever had. My wife's birthday was made very special by a HIGHLY skilled staff and a remarkable kitchen. Could not have had a finer dining experience. Exceptional food, highly original, beautifully plated. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 3/13/2014
"This was our first experience and one of the best ever. It was a 3 hour meal and every minute was very enjoyable. I think I am spoiled forever and will never forget our wonderful meal and delightful staff. A jewel in Carmel."
Dined on 3/11/2014
"Small and very intimate, perfect place for romantic if budget doesn't matter. We had the tasting menu and it was hands down one of the best meals I have had, only place I know has topped it on one occasion is Manresa in Los Gatos and Le Bernardin in New York. Wait staff were amazing and really I don't see how the chef could have prepared a much better meal! We will definitely be back and hats off to everyone at Aubergine, they are definitely right up there with the best restaurants in the world!"
Dined on 3/8/2014
"We stopped by here on our honeymoon and were overjoyed to find a restaurant capable of holding its own with the best of San Francisco or Napa. Very friendly service and some amazing dishes on the tasting menu."
Dined on 2/17/2014
"I found this place on Yelp & was unbelievably impressed with the quality of food, wine & extraordinary service. Darling neighborhood gem and so much more. A bit pricey but worth every$. So accommodating wrt dietary needs-gf, low sodium, anything."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"$110 per person for a 3 course pris fixe menu without wine should be an unforgettable meal. The only thing that was unforgettable was the portion size. So small, it was almost comical. The beef course consisted of 2 small slices; and the chocolate brownie dessert was literally one bite. The amuse were wonderfully inventive, and delicious, but the main meal was very disappointing. And $30 for a glass of mediocre champagne added insult to injury. There are several good restaurants in the area (try Christopher's) that offer great service and wonderful food for much better value."
Dined on 2/1/2014
"Dining here is quite an experience. The food is amazing and the service impeccable."
Dined on 1/27/2014
"Interesting menu, but very difficult to follow even thought the waitstaff attempted to explain it. Selected additions for Four Course dinner were extra and highly priced. It was a fun experience in a historic hotel setting. We got to meet the Chef in the kitchen and he was very gratious (nice touch)."
Dined on 1/2/2014
"We selected the regular menu with two added cheese courses for the four of us. The food was delicious, with very elegant presentations. The Sommelier selected a great wine and the entire staff was friendly and comfortably attentive. We left feeling very satisfied on all accounts."
Dined on 1/2/2014
"We chose the prix fix menu rather than the Chef's Tasting Menu this time but we are now encouraged to try the tasting menu next time. Each course was a feast for the eyes and taste buds. We had the abalone for the "main" and it was fork tender, followed by sharing the cheese board. These choices add $100 to the meal but worth every bite. The service was extremely professional and practically invisible (best kind, if you ask me). How lovely to find a dining experience of this caliber right in our own backyard."
Dined on 12/27/2013
"Auberge is one of those rare balances of remarkable and innovative cookery in a truly warm and inviting ambience. Every detail is minutely addressed from the property, personnel, food, and wine list ensuring that the guest has a noteworthy experience. We celebrated a special occasion enjoying the overall evening in a relaxed and decadent manner. The food was exquisite with each new course elevating and enticing your palate. There is no doubt that Auberge has become one of our favorites! Thank you for an exceptional evening."
Dined on 12/26/2013

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